bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The efficacy of percutaneous vertebroplasty for palliation of pain in vertebral metastases associated with solid malignancies
Authors: Lee B. , Franklin I. , Coombes C. , Leonard R. , Gishen P. , Stebbing J. 
Published: August 2020

e20670 Background: Painful vertebral metastases are a debilitating and common complication of a number of solid malignancies. Percutaneous vertebroplasty appears beneficial for patients with acute compression fractures of multiple aetiologies including myeloma, and osteoporosis. There are few reports on its use in the setting of metastatic solid malignancy. Methods: We identified all individuals who had undergone percutaneous vertebroplasty at our institution since 2004 and focused on those with metastatic solid malignancies. Their clinical characteristics and outcomes were investigated. Results: From 136 cases that underwent percutaneous vertebroplasties, 19 were performed mainly in breast, prostate, lung, and renal cancers. Of these 19 cases, ten patients (53%) were treated for solitary lesions, 3 (16%) were injected at two levels and the remaining 6 cases (31%) underwent cement injection at three levels. The majority of patients (84%) reported short (within 48 hours) and longer term symptomatic improvements. At a median follow up of one year, 6 patients have died. Conclusions: This study illustrates that percutaneous vertebroplasty can be a safe and beneficial palliative procedure for patients with pain related to metastatic vertebral disease. Up to three vertebral levels maybe injected at one sitting with good results. Its use can be successfully combined with other treatment modalities (radiotherapy and chemotherapy). For optimal results its use before radiotherapy has been recommended. Although it does not improve the survival outcome, palliation is a reasonable goal when life expectancy is short. Cost benefits from this procedure will come from reduced analgesic requirements and avoided complications of long-term bed rest, with significant potential savings from reduced in-patient admissions for pain control, home care costs, community nursing, and out-of ours access to clinical services. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Comorbidity and survival in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) veteran patients
Authors: Chang V. T. , Hoover D. R. , Cogswell J. , Cholankeril M. , Badin S. , Yang W. , Yan H. , Gonzalez M. L. , Einhorn J. , Kasimis B. S. 
Published: August 2020

e20675 Background: Prognostic value of comorbidity at diagnosis has received increasing attention. We studied whether the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CMI), Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (CIRS), Kaplan Feinstein Index (KFI), and/or VA Comorbidity Scale (VA) independently predicted survival for NSCLC patients Methods: In an IRB approved protocol, the charts of 101 patients with Stage IIIA, IIIB or IV Non small cell lung cancer seen from 2004 through 2006 at a VA medical center were reviewed of whom 94 have already died. Comorbidity scores ECOG performance status (PS), stage, number of treatments, serum LDH, and albumin levels were obtained or coded from medical records. Survival analyses were performed using proportional hazards models. Results: Median (M) patient age was 69 years (range 51–88), the M ECOG PS was 1 (range 0–4); 13 (13%) had stage IIIA, 27 (26%) IIB and 62 (61%) IV. The M number of treatments was 1 (range 0–6). Histologies were adenocarcinoma in 48 (48%) pts, squamous cell in 37 (37%) pts, and other 17 (15%) pts. The M survival was 207 days (range 4–1785 days). The Median (and ranges) were: 4.2 (1.2–12.8) for CMI, 3 (0–6) for CIRS15, 5(0–11) for CIRS16, 1.8 (0–4) for CIRS17, 0(0–1) for CIRS18, 2 (0–3) for KFI, and 4 (0–8) for VA. The M albumin was 3.7 (range 1.9–5.3) and LDH 201 (range 104–1036). In univariate survival analyses, the stage (p<0.001), ECOG PS (p<0.001), albumin (p<0.003), and the CIRS 17 (p <0.052) were predictive of survival; when, however, bisected by median values, the VA scale (p<0.027), ECOG PS (p<0.052) and albumin (p<.0017) were significantly related to survival but age, LDH, CMI, KFI and subscales of the CIRS (CIRS 16, CIRS 17, CIRS18) were not related to survival. In multivariate proportional hazards analyses that included stage and a comorbidity index, the CIRS16 (p<.032) was an independent predictor of survival; the combinations of stage (p<0.008), ECOG PS (p<.004), stage (p<.006) and albumin (p<.002) were independent predictors of survival. Conclusions: In this small sample, current comorbidity indices did not add to determinations of survival of veterans with advanced NSCLC. Further research is needed in a larger sample. Supported in part by the New Jersey Commission for Cancer Research 09–1133-CCR-EO and VA HSRD IIR 02–103. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Therapy of palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia after continual fluoropyrimidin administration with 10% uridin ointment
Authors: Netikova I. , Sedlackova E. , Konopasek B. , Petruzelka L. 
Published: August 2020

e20690 Background: Palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia, so called hand -foot syndrom (HFS), is a common side effect and in many cases the limiting factor of chemotherapy with continual fluoropyrimidine administration. The exact mechanism of keratinocyte damage by fluoropyrimidins is as yet unknown, as well as effective therapy. Uridin was one of several chemicals that could influence cell metabolism of pyrimidins and is effective in case of HFS skin toxicity. The detailed pharmacological explanation of selective effect of uridin rescue has been missing. The local skin administration of uridin is proved to be efficient in patients with HFS; however, it works well only after 5-FU or capecitabine administration, but not as a prevention. This phenomenon is so far explained by displacing 5-FU from intracellular metabolic pathways due to the increased offer of uridine. Usage of an uridin ointment in spite of encouraging practical experiences has not been so far supported by any prospective randomized study. In many countries, including the Czech Republic, uridin is not registered for routine medical treatment. Methods: During the 2 years period 84 patients were treated with a fluoropyrimidin based chemotherapy (mainly capecitabin) with the 10% uridin ointment, 2–3 times daily and were followed. Number of chemotherapy cycles, a grade of HFS and it´s site, time of uridin local administration and a grade of HFS after treatment, were evaluted. Results: 16 patients have finished uridin treatment after first unit pack (100g). The reason was a change of therapy after tumor progresion or change of hospital. Next we evaluated a group of 68 patients. In 23 patients (34 %) we havent´t seen any effect. In 45 patients (66 %) decreasing of HFS intensity after 2 - 4 weeks of local administration about 1- 2 grades.1 pacient with alergic anamneses has developed atypical small white skin papulas. Other local or systemic allergic reactions were not observed. Conclusions: The 10% uridin ointment seems to be suitable as a supportive treatment for HFS. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
The frequency of febrile neutropenia in oncology patients receiving chemotherapy
Authors: Chohan K. , Lai D. , McNamara M. , Grogan L. , Breathnach O. S. 
Published: August 2020

e20691 Background:Febrile neutropenia (F/N) is a relatively common and serious side effect for oncology patients undergoing chemotherapy. Due to varying dosages and frequency of cytotoxic agents administered to oncology patients, the incidence and grade of neutropenia varies. The purpose of this study was to establish the frequency of febrile neutropenia in different chemotherapy regimens. Methods: Data was collected on 343 patients who underwent chemotherapy over a 9 month period. Regimens that caused at least one episode of febrile neutropenia in patients within that period were assessed in the study. A list of the patients on identified chemotherapy regimens during the time period was generated by the pharmacy department. Data on patients who had febrile neutropenia was obtained from their clinical notes. Clinical data was then obtained on all those patients. This information was then used to compare the frequency of febrile neutropenia in the included chemotherapy regimens. Results: 343 patients were included in this study. Of those, 41 patients developed febrile neutropenia within the 9 month period (11%); there were 49 cases of febrile neutropenia (14%) in total as some patients had more than one episode. Conclusions: Febrile neutropenia (FN) is a known potential side-effect from treatment with chemotherapy. This study highlights the rates of FN in patients treated within one centre. In patients being treated with specific chemotherapy regimens this study may guide the increased use of G-CSF and better outline the risk profile of such therapy to patients. [Table: see text] No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Perspective evaluation of emotional state of oncological patients in the waiting rooms
Authors: La Verde N. M. , Resega R. , Lurati C. , Garassino M. C. , Torri V. , Cinquini M. , Buffa G. , Landi Mrs J. , Riva M. , Borgonovo K. , Farina G. 
Published: August 2020

e20693 Background: The waiting room is one of the most emotional place in oncological divisions; indeed, it's presumed that the waiting moment makes increase thoughts most related to the experience of disease and its treatment, making them sometimes unbearable. At present, any evaluation of the emotional states in the waiting room doesn't exist, therefore we analyzed the most prevailing emotions and feelings for patients in this context. The identification of them should address also ways to improve patients well being in these moments. Primary objective was to prospectively evaluate the prevailing emotional state patients and feelings in oncological waiting rooms; secondary endpoint is to develop a questionnaire to be further validated and useful to quantify how changes in the environment, as people and furnishings, could reduce prevailing emotional intensity. Methods: A committee of psychoncologists, oncologists, psychiatrists, volunteers, nurses, past patients, and statisticians identified the emotional states considered most important (relationship with environment, surrounding people and treatment, recurrent thoughts about disease and life, fears and things that could ease the wait and prevailing emotions) and developed a questionnaire. In May 2008 for two consecutive weeks this questionnaire was administered by the same dedicated nurse to all the outpatients afferred to our Oncology Department. The compilation of questionnaire was spontaneous and anonymous and it collected also age, sex, whether the patient was under treatment or in follow up and whether was accompanied. Results: In two consecutive weeks 300 questionnaires have been collected in the waiting rooms. Statistical analysis showed that the most prevailing emotions are sadness (51%), fear (29%), anger (17%) and joy (7%). A positive disposition (Cronbach alpha 0.60) and anxiety (Cronbach alpha 0.64) were also assessed. No differences in answers were revealed among patients waiting for follow up and patients waiting for chemotherapy and among different ages. Conclusions: The level of negative feelings seems higher than in other conditions and suggests that active intervention to improve the waiting in waiting rooms is warranted. A further validated questionnaire is ongoing also to evaluate emotions intensity. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Assessment of quality of life using FACT-G survey in a phase I trial in cancer patients
Authors: Jung G. , Knight D. , Moadel A. , Desai K. , Chaudhary I. , Gajavelli S. , Ghalib M. H. , Mani S. , Goel S. 
Published: August 2020

e20709 Background: Quality of life (QoL) assessment in clinical trials has been gaining more attention. FACT-G surveys have been validated to assess QoL in clinical trials involving oncology patient (Cella DF et al, J Clin Oncol 11:570–579, 1993). However, there is paucity of evaluation of QoL in patients with advanced cancer participating in Phase I clinical trials. Methods: FACT-G surveys were conducted within the context of a Phase I trial to identify a safe dose and potential drug-drug interations of capecitabine and irinotecan combination (Goel, S et al, Invest New Drugs 25:237–245, 2007). The FACT-G survey consists of 28 questions in 5 sections, namely, physical well-being, social/family well-being, emotional well-being, relationship with doctor, and functional well-being). Patients were requested to complete the FACT-G surveys at baseline and every two cycles thereafter (each cycle of 3 weeks duration). Results: Forty-one of 47 patients with advanced solid tumors who participated in the clinical trial completed FACT-G surveys. Mean scores were calculated for each time point. The mean QoL scores at baseline and post cycle 2 were 53 and 58, respectively (p = 0.1). Post cycle 4, the mean QoL score was 62 [p = 0.01, (vs. baseline)]. Following cycle 4, the number of respondents decreased to the extent where we were unable to ascertain any further changes in the QoL scores. Conclusions: It is feasible to use FACT-G survey as a tool to assess QoL in patients participating in an oncology phase I clinical trial. Although the sample size of the patient population was not powered for any statistical significance, there was a trend toward improving QoL based on FACT-G survey scores. This suggests that phase I clinical trials may provide improvement of QoL for some patients. FACT-G is a useful tool in assessing QoL in oncology phase I trial study population. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Evaluation of side effects in cancer patients during oncological care: A project of the supportive care group of the tumor center Berlin
Authors: Feyer P. C. , Steiner U. , Bangemann N. , Kurz S. , Rudolph C. , Schelenz C. , Jagota A. 
Published: August 2020

e20715 Background: The therapeutic options in tumour treatment protocols include a maximum of tumour cell reduction and at the same time a minimum of side effects in order to secure a good quality of life for the cancer patient. Temporary side effects have been accepted in relation to the benefit risk calculation. A questionnaire for cancer patients was developed to improve the management of side effects of the cancer treatment, to optimize the patient-doctor communication and to register individual problems of the patient. Methods: Cancer patients received a questionnaire with 25 items and were asked for their problems during or after the last tumour specific treatment before having the consultation with the doctor. Gender, age, Karnofsky-index and treatment protocol were additional registered. During September 2007 until December 2007 a total of 272 questionnaires could be collected. The qualitative items have been evaluated with the contigens table method and the parameter free x2 test (Chi-Square-Test). Results: More than 50% of the patients documented additional important points influencing their well being. Nearly all of the evaluated patients had some tumour therapy specific side effects. The most pronounced problem was the physical exhaustion in 71% of the evaluated patients. More than 50% were influenced in their quality of life by more than normal fatigue since the start of their tumour specific therapy. Significant differences could be evaluated in relation to the age, diagnosis and tumour therapy with respect to the symptoms. Conclusions: The questionnaire was be found to be a good method to improve the communication between the patient and the doctor. It was easier to point out individual problems for the patient. The care givers can focus more precisely on important side effects of the tumour specific therapy in order to improve the quality of life of the treated patient. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Assessment of efficacy, safety, and tolerability of aprepitant in adult patients with chemotherapy-induced vomiting
Authors: Sharma A. D. , Julka P. K. , Rastogi A. , Suri T. , Rath G. K. , Sharma B. N. , Baliga V. P. 
Published: August 2020

e20729 Background: Approximately 70 to 80% of all cancer patients receiving chemotherapy experience emesis and 10 to 44% experience anticipatory emesis. Aprepitant a neurokinin 1 (NK 1) receptor antagonist is used in chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting. The present study was undertaken to assess efficacy, safety, and tolerability of Aprepitant in adult patients with chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting. Methods: The study was conducted as a prospective, multicenter, randomized, open label, single group, phase III study in adult patients with chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting and patients admitted to hospital for any type of cancer. The final protocol was approved by the Institutional ethics committee before the initiation of the study. Informed consent was obtained from all the patients before enrollment in the study. Aprepitant capsules were given in the dose of 125mg orally one hour prior to chemotherapy on day 1 followed by 80 mg orally in the morning on days 2 & 3.Aprepitant was combined with oral Dexamethasone 12mg oral 30 minutes prior to chemotherapy on day one and 8mg on the following two days. Efficacy of aprepitant was evaluated through number of emetic episodes within 24 hours or requirement for the rescue medication. Self assessment of nausea was done by patients using a 100 mm visual analog scale. Safety and tolerability was assessed through monitoring of adverse events and physical examination. Results: A total 30 patients (13 males) (mean age 40.45 years) were enrolled in the study. Significant (p<0.05)changes in emetic episodes were seen after treatment with aprepitant. Overall global assessment of vomiting indicated that 19 patients (82.6 %) had very good improvement, 3 patients (13%) had good improvement and one patient (4.4%) showed fair improvement after treatment with aprepitant. The most common adverse events included fever, headache, diarrhoea skin rash, constipation, and blisters. Severity of adverse events was mild to moderate and the adverse events disappeared with continued therapy. Conclusions: Treatment with aprepitant is a useful therapeutic option for the management of chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting. [Table: see text]
Cognitive disfunctions in women with breast cancer treated with adjuvant chemotherapy: A preliminary report
Authors: Gercovich D. , Hirsch H. , Lopez P. , Gercovich N. , Vázquez L. , Gil Deza E. , Martin Reina G. , Margiolakis P. , Morgenfeld E. , Gercovich F. G. 
Published: August 2020

e20742 Background: Recent studies suggest that women diagnosed with breast cancer and treated with adjuvant chemotherapy may suffer cognitive deterioration. These studies, however, present a number of limitations including a small sample of patients, retrospective evaluation of cognitive skills, lack of cognitive-function measurements previous to the chemotherapy and a lack of evaluation of psycho-pathological factors that could potentially influence on the cognitive function of the subjects. The aim of this study is to present the preliminary results of a prospective study about the impact of conventional adjuvant chemotherapy on a series of cognitive domains in adult women diagnosed with breast carcinoma, monitoring frequent psycho-pathological variables such as anxiety and depression. Methods: The present is a cohort, observational study. It includes patients with a diagnosis of stage I and II breast carcinoma, treated with standard chemotherapy and able to give their consent. The protocol has 3 stages of evaluation. First evaluation: a basal measurement between diagnosis and the first chemotherapy course. The second and third evaluations are done at 8 and 14 months respectively after the first one. Each patient has been studied using a neuro-psychological battery of 17 different tests which evaluate the following cognitive domains: global cognitive functioning, intelligence, memory, language and executive functions. The levels of anxiety and depression were studied simultaneously. Further tests will be done for related samples, so as to compare changes within a group. Results: Up to date 14, patients have completed the basal battery of tests. We expect to find differences in the cognitive functions of the patients treated with adjuvant chemotherapy. The aforementioned differences will be controlled with psycho-pathological measurements. Conclusions: The present study will allow us to evaluate in a prospective and exhaustive way cognitive deficiencies in women with breast carcinoma treated with adjuvant chemotherapy. In addition, the use of psycho-pathological instruments will allow monitoring and understanding the neuro-psychological results in a more reliable way. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Amplification of RUNX1 gene in two new cases of childhood B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A case report
Authors: Fauzdar A. , Mahajan A. , Jain D. , Mishra M. , Raina V. 
Published: August 2020

e21000 Background: Chromosome abnormalities of leukemia cells have important prognostic significance in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL) ETV6/RUNX1 (alias TEL/AML1) is most frequent i.e. 15 - 35% in the children with 2 - 18 age group. We report two new cases with Pre B- cell ALL without ETV6/RUNX1 rearrangement, showing amplification of AML1 gene detected by FISH analysis. Methods: Bone marrow samples were analyzed for chromosomal abnormalities with conventional G-banding techniques and interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using probes to detect BCR/ABL t(9;22)(q34-q11) fusion, cryptic TEL/AML1 t(12:21)(p13-q22) and MLL rearrangement for del 11q23. Results: In first case a 3-year girl with four copies of AML (RUNX1) gene were observed in 95% of the cell with normal two copies of TEL (ETV6) gene in both interphase and metaphase FISH. We observed BCR-ABL negative translocation and no MLL gene rearrangement in all the interphase cells after doing FISH. We got a normal 46XX karyotype from bone marrow with conventional cytogenetics (CC) in the same patient. In second case, a 4-year male we observed four copies of AML and two copies of TEL gene in more than 80% of cells. In this patient, we got BCR-ABL negative translocation and three copies of MLL gene without any rearrangement through FISH. We got normal 46XY karyotype in the same patient through CC. Conclusions: In both the patients, we observed hyperdiploidy detected with four copies of RUNX1 gene showing tetrasomy of chromosome 21 detected with metaphase FISH analysis whereas G-banding shows normal diploidy. Bone marrow karyotype in combination with molecular cytogenetic techniques like FISH should be done for improvement in sensitivity and accurate cytogenetic analysis in childhood ALL patients for proper identification of prognostic group for optimum treatment. This is one of the few reported studies worldwide for amplification of RUNX1 gene from Indian subcontinent in childhood BCP-ALL. No significant financial relationships to disclose.