bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of complementary and alternative medicine and spiritual practices among women with ovarian carcinoma in the southeastern United States
Authors: Spannuth W. A. , Estes J. M. , Powell L. , Straughn. J. M. , Partridge E. E. , Parham G. P. 
Published: March 2020

15048 Background: The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among women with gynecologic malignancies has been described in a number of studies from the Midwestern and Western United States. There is limited data on the use of CAM in women with gynecologic malignancies in the Southeastern United States. Therefore, we sought to evaluate the use of CAM and spiritual practices among women with ovarian carcinoma in the Southeastern United States. Methods: Women with the diagnosis of ovarian carcinoma undergoing chemotherapy were recruited from the gynecologic oncology clinic. Patients underwent a face-to-face interview by a research assistant regarding their use of CAM as well as their spiritual practices. Results: 39 women participated in the interview. 26 patients (67%) had used CAM since being diagnosed with cancer. CAM use was not affected by age, annual income, or number of treatments. The majority of women who used CAM had a college education or higher (69%). The most frequently used CAM therapies included mind-body techniques (44%), herbal therapy (38%), and dietary supplements (28%). The most common mind-body technique was music therapy (28%) followed by meditation (21%). The most common dietary supplement used was fish oil, and the most common herbal therapy was green tea (77%). 28% of patients had used an alternative health care provider, most commonly a chiropractor (13%). The most common reason for using CAM was relief of side-effects from treatment (28%). All patients reported some use of spiritual practices. 95% of patients pray with 90% having asked others to pray for their health. 82% had spoken to a religious figure and 26% had a religious sacrament performed for their health. 87% of patients would like their physician to pray with them. Conclusion: Patients with ovarian cancer in the Southeastern United States frequently use CAM including mind-body techniques, herbal therapy, and dietary supplements. The majority of patients believe that spirituality is an important aspect of their cancer therapy. Physicians should be aware of the number of patients who incorporate CAM and spirituality into their standard therapy. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Feasibility study comparing docetaxel-cisplatin versus docetaxel-carboplatin as first-line chemotherapy for ovarian cancer
Authors: Kigawa J. , Shimada M. , Minagawa Y. , Kanamori Y. , Itamochi H. , Kitada F. , Okada M. , Terakawa N. 
Published: March 2020

15055 Background: The carboplatin-paclitaxel combination therapy is a gold standard regimen for patients with ovarian cancer. However, combination chemotherapy continues to produce significant neurotoxicity, a serious adverse effect. We conducted the present study to determine the feasibility of docetaxel-cisplatin combination therapy compared with docetaxel-carboplatin combination therapy as first-line chemotherapy for patients with ovarian cancer. Methods: Fifty patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage Ic-IV ovarian cancer who underwent primary surgery were randomly assigned to receive treatment with docetaxel-cisplatin (n = 23) or docetaxel-carboplatin (n = 27). Docetaxel 70 mg/m2 and cisplatin 60 mg/m2 or carboplatin to an area under the curve = of 5 were administered consecutively on Day 1 of a 3-week cycle, for 3 cycles in patients with stage Ic-II cancer and for over 5 cycles in patients with stage III-IV cancer. Patients were evaluated for treatment-related toxicity in each cycle using the National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria version 2.0. Results: Five patients (2 in the docetaxel-cisplatin arm and 3 in the docetaxel-carboplatin arm) discontinued the treatment at the end of the second course of chemotherapy because of apparent disease progression; however, no patients came off the protocol therapy because of treatment-related toxicity. Overall, 103 cycles of docetaxel-cisplatin treatment and 130 cycles of docetaxel-carboplatin treatment were delivered. The major toxicity was neutropenia in both regimens. The total incidence of grades 3 and 4 neutropenia was 83% (19/23) in the docetaxel-cisplatin arm and 96% (26/27) in the docetaxel-carboplatin arm. The incidence of grade 4 neutropenia was significantly lower in the docetaxel-cisplatin arm [39% (9/23) vs. 74% (20/27)]. Conclusions: Docetaxel-cisplatin combination therapy may be feasible as first-line chemotherapy for patients with ovarian cancer. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Feasibility of ovarian preservation in patients with early stage endometrial carcinoma: A retrospective study
Authors: Lee T. , Jung J. , Kim J. , Kim J. , Park N. , Song Y. , Kang S. , Lee H. 
Published: March 2020

15064 Background: The treatment of endometrial cancer involves surgical removal of the ovary; this elimination induces an abrupt menopause and may deteriorate the qualities of life. Therefore, ovarian preservation may be a consideration for premenopausal women. Our main objectives are to examine the occurrence of ovarian metastasis or synchronous malignancy and to evaluate the feasibility of ovarian preservation in patients with early stage endometrial carcinoma. Methods: We reviewed the medical records of 259 patients undergoing surgical treatment for endometrial cancer at a single institute from 1992 to 2004. Results: Among the 224 patients with endometrial adenocarcinoma who had undergone ovarian removal, cancer in ovarian tissue was detected in 21 cases (9.4%, 14 ovarian metastasis, 7 synchronous cancer). Synchronous ovarian cancer showed abnormal gross finding in all 7 cases. Thirteen cases of ovarian metastasis were high grade lesion in preoperative evaluation, or showed intraoperative peritoneal seeding or abnormal gross lesion around adnexa. In 35 patients, grossly normal ovary was saved selectively in compliance with patients’ need (19 bilateral, 16 unilateral). Thirty-one of 35 (89%) were under 45 years and mostly showed early stage (Ia, 24; Ib, 7; Ic, 1; IIa, 1; IIb, 2). Pre-operative MRI was available in 30 cases, and none of them showed findings suggesting tumor extension outside of uterus. In 2 cases of IIb, postoperative radiation therapy was done. There was no recurrence or death in all cases of ovarian preservation except one in which a patient died of sepsis caused by postoperative bowel perforation (median duration of follow-up, 76 mon.; range 3∼121). Conclusions: Ovarian preservation can be cautiously performed, preceded by a thorough preoperative and intraoperative assessment of the adnexa in young women with endometrial carcinoma. The patients who desire ovarian preservation should be counseled regarding the rate of ovarian metastasis or synchronous malignancy. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Analysis of paired glioma tissues from initial diagnosis and recurrence in patients enrolled on NCCTG clinical trials: De-differentiation and association with survival
Authors: Jaeckle K. A. , Decker P. A. , Ballman K. V. , Flynn P. J. , Giannini C. , Scheithauer B. W. , Jenkins R. B. , Buckner J. C. 
Published: March 2020

1521 Background: Gliomas are known to progress from low to high grade at relapse, but the frequency is not well understood. It is unclear whether survival of these pts differ as a function of histologic subtype, and as measured from initial diagnosis and from relapse; yet such pts are frequently combined in clinical trials. Methods: Central review of paired glioma tissues obtained at initial diagnosis (DX) and recurrence was performed in 208 pts enrolled in prospective NCCTG trials (recurrence ≤ 90 d excluded). Kaplan-Meier, log rank, ANOVA, and chi-square tests were utilized. Results: Relapse from low (1–2) to high grade (3–4) occurred in 18/42 (43%) oligodendrogliomas (oligo), 28/41 (68%) oligoastrocytomas (OA), and 14/20 (70%) astrocytomas (astro); p=0.031. There were differences in median OS (in yrs; 95% CI) from initial DX: oligo-7.5 (5.0, 12.6); OA-4.5 (3.8, 5.6); and astro-3.3(1.8, 5.1), p=0.002; and OS from high grade recurrence: oligo-2.1 (0.9,3.0); OA-1.0 (0.8,1.3); and astro-0.7 (1.8, 5.1); p=0.02. Median OS from initial DX (yrs, 95% CI) also differed between primary (initial DX) GBM-1.7 (1.5–2.2); secondary (at recurrence) GBM-3.7 (2.8, 4.2) and non-GBM (initial+recurrence)- 5.5, (4.9–7.0) respectively, p < 0.001. Mean time to recurrence (TTR), (yrs ± S.D.) also differed: 1.1±1.1; 2.9±1.8; and 4.0±2.9, respectively, p < 0.001; as did median OS from recurrence (yrs, 95% CI) [0.7 (0.5, 1.1); 0.6, (0.5, 1.0); and 1.6 (1.1, 2.1), respectively], p <0.001. OS differed between primary vs. secondary GBM from time of initial DX (p=0.041) and also from recurrence (p=0.017). Conclusions: Low grade astro and OA progressed to grade 3–4 more frequently than did pure oligo; these groups had significant differences in OS from initial diagnosis and from recurrence. There were significant differences in OS between pts with primary and secondary GBM from initial diagnosis and recurrence. These data have important implications in design of clinical trials. [Table: see text] No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Phase II study of POLY-ICLC in recurrent anaplastic glioma–A North American Brain Tumor Consortium study
Authors: Chang S. M. , Lamborn K. , Wen P. , Deangelis L. , Fink K. , Lieberman F. , Yung A. , Robins I. , Cloughesy T. , Junck L. , Prados M. 
Published: March 2020

1550 Background: The goals of this study were to determine the 6-month progression free survival (PFS) for patients with recurrent anaplastic glioma (AG) treated with the immune-modulatory agent POLY-ICLC, and to evaluate toxicity. Low dose Poly-ICLC has a direct immune enhancing action which includes an increased antibody response to antigen and activation of NK-cells, T-cells, macrophages and cytokines. Previously documented side effects include transient flu-like symptoms, which responds to acetaminophen and pain related to the intramuscular administration. Methods: Eligibility included age >18 years, recurrent AG, no more than 2 prior relapses, normal laboratory parameters and informed consent. Poly-ICLC was administered at 20mcg/kg 3x/week by intramuscular injection in 4 week cycles continuously. Dose reductions were allowed for toxicities. Patients were assessed for tumor response every 2 months. Treatment continued until tumor progression, unacceptable toxicity or patient withdrawal. The study had a 2 stage design with the initial assessment of 6 month PFS for the first 22 patients with possible expansion to a total of 46 patients, if more than 7 patients of the 22 had a 6 month PFS. Results: As of 12/05, 46 patients were treated (49% males). Median age was 42 years (range 21–70 years) and median KPS was 90. The agent was well tolerated and the toxicity profile was as previously reported. The response rate and 6 month PFS of the 22 patients in the first stage of the study was 9% and 23% respectively. Based on these findings the cohort was expanded to 46 patients. Of the 15 patients in the second cohort with at least 1 post treatment response assessment available, there is 1PR and 7 SD (47%). Conclusions: 6 month PFS for the entire cohort continues to be assessed but preliminary results suggest antitumor activity of this agent in recurrent anaplastic glioma. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Pattern of local failure after primary 2-dimensional radiotherapy (2DRT) in non-metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients: Predominance of within-field failure and hints on dose escalation effect
Authors: Kam M. K. , Leung S. F. , Kwan W. H. , Chau R. M. , Cheung K. Y. , Yu K. H. , Chiu S. K. , Chan A. T. 
Published: March 2020

15506 Background: To investigate the pattern of local failure and explore any dose-response effect in locally recurred NPC patients treated by 2DRT. Methods: Based on a retrospective review on 2DRT-planned, non-metastatic NPC patients treated between 1996–99, 50 patients had local recurrence (LR). Computer tomography (CT) images at primary treatment and at LR were co-registered for each patient. The pre-treatment gross tumor volumes (GTV) and LR volumes were mapped, and 3-dimensional (3D)dosimetric reconstruction were performed. 20 patients were excluded due to insufficient data. All patients (n = 30) were treated with 2DRT (median dose 66 Gy), and 15 received additional external boost (median dose 20 Gy). The 66 Gy isodose level (IL) was taken as prescription reference. Patterns of LR were classified according to the table below. Comparisons of mean dose (D mean) between LR volume and non-recurrent GTV (GTV-LR) were performed using Wilcoxon signed ranks test. Results: The proportion of within-field (IF) failure, marginal failure, and outside-field failure for the entire cohort were 83.3% (25/30), 13.3% (4/30), and 3.3% (1/30), respectively. Elements of sub-optimal target coverage and radiographic miss were identified in 13.3% (4/30) and 16.6% (5/30) of patients, respectively. The D mean within the non-recurrent GTV was statistically higher than that in the LR volume (73.3 Gy v.s. 69.9 Gy, p = 0.037). Conclusions: Improvement in target localization or dose distribution alone can only avoid less than 20% of local failure that is attributable to radiographic miss or sub-optimal target coverage. Within-field failure was the predominant mode of local recurrence. The dose-response effect observed in this study is hypothesis-generating and forms the background for future randomized trials to verify the dose-escalation benefit using modern radiotherapy technique with high conformal capacity. [Table: see text] No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Methotrexate (MTX), procarbazine and CCNU for primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) in patients younger than 60: Can radiotherapy (RT) be deferred?
Authors: Omuro A. M. , Taillandier L. , Chinot O. , Carnin C. , Barrie M. , Soussain C. , Leblond V. , Hoang-Xuan K. 
Published: March 2020

1551 Background: Deferring RT following MTX based chemotherapy has been an acceptable initial approach for elderly PCNSL pts because of a high risk of neurotoxicity (NT). However, given the lower NT risk, such an approach is more controversial in younger pts . In this study we report outcomes of an innovative MTX-based regimen for PCNSL pts younger than 60 and seek to investigate whether withholding RT is an acceptable option in selected pts. Methods: We reviewed records of all patients <60y with confirmed PCNSL seen in 3 institutions from 1994 to 2003. Through prior agreement among institutions, pts were offered a standardized treatment consisting of an induction chemotherapy with MTX (3g/m2- days 1, 10, and 20), CCNU (40 mg/m2- day 1), procarbazine (60 mg/m2- days 1–7), methylprednisolone (120 mg/m2- days 1–20) and IT MTX (15mg), cytarabine (40 mg) and methylprednisolone (40mg)- days 1, 5, 10 and 15. Pts with a complete response (CR) proceeded to a maintenance chemotherapy consisting of 5 monthly cycles with same doses of MTX- day 1, CCNU- day 1, procarbazine- days 1–7, and same IT chemotherapy on day 1; those patients received no further treatment. Pts with less than a CR to induction were treated on an individual basis, and typically received consolidation with RT or high-dose chemotherapy (HDC) with stem cell rescue. Results: Among the 64 identified pts, median age was 47 (19–60), median KPS was 70 (20–100), and 41 (64%) were men. For the entire population, median progression-free survival (PFS) was 13m and median overall survival (OS) has not been reached (median follow-up: 54m). 90% of patients responded to induction treatment (CR: 52%; PR: 38%). Consolidation or salvage treatment with RT has been given to a total of 27 pts, and HDC to 23. For the 26 pts who completed maintenance chemotherapy and received no further treatment, median PFS was 36m. Grades 3/4 hematotoxicity developed in 18 pts, nephrotoxicity in 2 pts, and NT in 6 patients (none in the chemotherapy-only treated patients). Two toxic deaths occurred. Conclusions: Deferring RT in chemosensitive patients seems to compromise PFS but not OS, with minimal NT. HDC and RT are effective salvage treatments. Further studies on the role of RT versus HDC in younger patients are warranted. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Phase II study of gemcitabine concurrent with radiation in locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck: Trial of the Cancer Research Group Pakistan
Authors: Javed A. A. , Shaharyar A. , Shah I. H. , Shah M. A. , Ansari T. N. , Faheem M. , Mehmood H. , Khan M. S. , Afridi M. A. , Rasool S. 
Published: March 2020

15520 Background: The optimum radiosensitizing dose and schedule of gemcitabine for squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck are not known. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of weekly gemcitabine as a radiosensitizer concurrent with radical radiotherapy in locally advanced head and neck cancer. Method: Thirty-nine patients with stage III or IV B inoperable carcinoma of head and neck were enrolled. Eligible patients had histopathologically confirmed squamous cell carcinoma with age between 18–70 years. Patients had a KPS >70 with an adequate marrow, hepatic and renal function. No prior chemotherapy or radiotherapy was allowed. Patients with nasopharyngeal, glottic or sub-glottic cancer were excluded. Gemcitabine 150 mg/m2 or a total dose not exceeding 200 mg was given on day 1,8,15,22,29, and 36 during radiation treatment. Gemcitabine was infused in 200 ml of normal saline in 2 hours and radiation was delivered two hours after the completion of gemcitabine infusion. Conventional fractionation was used to deliver a total dose of 66 Gy. CTC version 2.0 of NCI and RTOG/EORTC Late Radiation Morbidity Scoring Scheme were used for evaluation of toxicity and RECIST was used for response evaluation. Results: Only 35 patients were considered evaluable for response. Complete response was seen in 8 (22.9%) (95% CI; 10.4–40.1%), partial response in 25 (71.4%), with an overall response rate of 94.3% (95% CI; 80.8–99.3%). All the thirty-nine patients were evaluable for toxicity. Grade 3 and 4 mucositis was seen in 28 (71.8%) and 2 (5.1%) patients respectively. Grade 3 pharyngeal toxicity was seen in 6 (15.4%). One patient developed pharyngo-cutaneous fistula. Despite vigorous symptomatic and supportive care acute toxicities led to treatment interruption in 16 (41%) of patients. Conclusion: Weekly gemcitabine at a dose of 150mg/m2 concurrent with radiation therapy gives a high overall response rate and a high rate of acute toxicity. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Phase II study of hydroxyurea and gemcitabine in recurrent or persistent squamous cell cancer of the head and neck
Authors: Shibata S. , Lim D. , Yen Y. , Koczywas M. , Morgan R. , Leong L. , Somlo G. , Margolin K. , Ruel C. , Doroshow J. 
Published: March 2020

15524 Background: Preclinical studies demonstrate increased activity when hydroxyurea (HU) is given prior to gemcitabine (G). Clinical feasibility was demonstrated in a phase I trial (Yen, et. al. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol. 2002 ). We performed a phase II trial treating patients (pts) with squamous cell head and neck cancers (SCCHN). Methods: Pts had metastatic or incurable locally recurrent SCCHN. Prior chemotherapy was allowed, but not required. Serum creatinine ≤2.0 mg/dl, bilirubin <3.0 gm/dl, AST/ALT <5× ULN and KPS ≥60% were required. HU 500 mg orally every 6 hours for 4 doses was given on day 1 of a 21-day cycle. On day 2, 6 hours after HU, G 750 mg/m2 was given over 30 minutes. This sequence was repeated on day 8 and 9. After 8 pts, G was given at 500 mg/m2. G-CSF was given on day 10 and until the WBC count was >10k/μl. The primary endpoint was response rate (RR), with an early stopping rule for <3 objective responders among the first 18 pts. Results: 22 pts (17 M) were accrued, 16 with prior chemotherapy and 19 with prior radiation. The first 8 pts received G 750 mg/m2. Two pts died of neutropenic fever (NF) during course 1. Subsequently 14 pts received G 500 mg/m2. 18 pts were evaluable for response, with 1 still in follow-up. Partial response was seen in 1 pt, stable disease in 9, and progressive disease in 8. The overall median survival of the 22 pts was 6 months and the median progression free survival (PFS) was 2 months. The primary toxicity was hematologic. Grade 4 neutropenia was seen in 7/22 pts during the 1st cycle (5 at G 750 mg/m2) with 5 cases of NF. Grade 4 thrombocytopenia occurred in 1 pt at G 750 mg/m2. Conclusions: The RR and PFS of treated pts treated were not promising and further accrual is not planned. Analysis of biopsy materials is planned to see if responsive pts can be selected. (Supported by NCI Grant CA33572). No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Treatment outcome in patients undergoing surgery for carcinoma larynx and hypopharynx: A follow-up study
Authors: Varghese B. T. , Sebastian P. 
Published: March 2020

15545 Background: In the Regional Cancer Centre (RCC) Trivandrum, India, carcinoma of the larynx account for approximately 5% of all new registries and carcinoma of the hypopharynx for another 3%. It is estimated that the division of surgical oncology RCC has performed about 200 laryngectomies since it’s beginning (1989). Currently i.e. after the year 2000,about 30–40 laryngectomies are estimated to be performed a year thus forming about 3–4% of overall major head and neck surgeries performed which is around 1000 cases per year. 80% of these surgeries are salvage procedures for failed radical radiation/chemoradiation. Aim: (1) To evaluate the role of surgery in disease free and overall survival. (2) To evaluate the prognostic significance of factors that generally affect the surgical outcome in laryngectomies. (3) To evaluate the morbidity associated with salvage surgeries and laryngectomies involving complex reconstructions. (4) To follow up all the patients and evaluate quality of life. (5) To evolve a protocol for selecting cases for primary and salvage laryngectomy. (6) To evolve a protocol for reconstructing the pharynx after laryngectomies. Methods: All patients who have undergone laryngectomy at the Division of Surgical Oncology RCC from June 1995 to Dec 2005 are included in the study which retrospectively records the age and sex distribution initial TNM staging and staging of recurrence/ residual disease at the time of surgical salvage, the indications and types of laryngectomy, and reconstructive options used and analyze the therapeutic outcome, disease free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), voice preservation, post operative voice rehabilitation and quality of life. Major outcome measures Complications and factors contributing to it, DFS, OS, Voice Preservation, Postoperative rehabilitation and Quality of life. Results and Conclusions: An update of the results as on 31/12/05 the final conclusions and recommendations will be presented.( The study is currently on going with the Institutional Review Board (IRB) and the local Ethical committee (EC) clearance already obtained.and final document is expected to to be prepared by March 2006). No significant financial relationships to disclose.