bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the MyLifeLine.org Cancer Foundation user database: Does a cancer patient website for internet communication between cancer patients and their wellwisher community assist in cancer patient support?
Authors: Fisher R. E. , Donziger M. , Lahr L. 
Published: August 2020

e20700 Background: The MyLifeLine.org Cancer Foundation established a website (MyLifeLine.org) in 2007 to provide a dedicated home base for communication between a cancer patient and his/her support circle. The premise of this program is the assumption that internet messaging fosters support and communication between patients and wellwishers in a more convenient format than use of standard communication, such as telephone use. Methods: In October, 2008, an email survey was conducted among the 250 individuals that made use of this home base for communication. Survey respondents were informed that the information tallied would be used anonymously for analysis of pattern use, and for publication. All data was collected anonymously. Results: Thirty-three percent of users submitted survey answers. Users were in all phases of cancer treatment. By age and gender, 64% of users were female, and 80% of users were between the ages of 30 and 70. Forty-one percent of respondents used this communication tool at least once a week. Seventy-one percent of users reported an improved sense of communication through use of this web-based tool. Forty-four percent of users felt this tool limited the number of phone calls they received. Sixty-six percent of users felt that their supporting community were better informed of their health status by mutual use of this home base internet site. Conclusions: This survey demonstrates that internet communication through a dedicated cancer patient home page for two-way messaging provides a number of benefits for support and communication. This tool limited the number of phone calls that would burden a patient receiving cancer care, and improved the sense of connectedness between a cancer patient and his/her support community . Demographics of this web tool user base demonstrate that the majority of users are female, and that its users span the ages of 30–70, which shows the acceptance of internet use by younger and older populations. The survey confirms the premise that initiated the website's inception. Use of this web based tool can be a valuable form of communication for cancer patients and their supporting community. [Table: see text]
Evaluation of nausea and vomiting in melanoma patients treated with consecutive days of cisplatin
Authors: Sato T. , Laudadio M. , Pequignot E. , Chervoneva I. , Chan K. R. , Mastrangelo M. J. 
Published: August 2020

e20702 Background: Chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting (N/V) continue to be significant problems for cancer patients. In order to properly design a study leading to control of N/V in patients receiving consecutive days of cisplatin, stage IV melanoma patients who received three consecutive days of a cisplatin-containing chemotherapy were assessed. Methods: Patients were treated with cisplatin (25mg/m2, days 1–3), DTIC (220mg/m2, days 1–3), BCNU (150mg/m2, day 1) and tamoxifen (20mg twice a day, consecutively). The second cycle was given in 4 weeks without BCNU. Appropriate antiemetics were given during chemotherapy and then as needed for symptom control. N/V were assessed with the Functional Living Index-Emesis (FLIE) questionnaire for seven days (days 1–7). The median intensity of N/V during the early phase (days 1–3) and the late phase (days 4–7) was analyzed using the linear mixed effects model, adjusting for the subject random effects. The rates of intractable N/V (total FLIE score equal or less than 108) were analyzed in the random-effects logistic regression model. Results: A total of 14 patients answered the FLIE questionnaire. For nausea in cycle 1, the means of the median FLIE scores were similar in the early (52.7, 95%CI: 44.5, 60.8) and late (50.2, 95%CI: 42.0, 58.3) phases. In cycle 2, lower scores were observed in the late phase (45.2, 95%CI: 36.4, 54.0) than in the early phase (54.1, 95%CI: 45.6, 62.7) with a significant difference of 8.9 points (95%CI: 0.1, 17.7, p=0.049). For vomiting, the means of the median FLIE scores were similar in the early and late phases of either cycle. For the rates of intractable N/V, the differences between cycles and late vs. early phases were borderline significant. Higher odds of intractable N/V were estimated for cycle 2 vs. cycle 1 [OR=2.44 (95%CI: 0.945, 6.29; p=0.065)] and for late vs. early phases [odds ratio OR=2.39 (95%CI: 0.970, 5.870; p=0.058)]. Conclusions: The FLIE questionnaire is useful for objective assessment of N/V in patients who receive consecutive days of emetogenic chemotherapy. The data obtained from this study will form the basis for a future interventional study in which anti-emetics that are effective for late-phase N/V will be tested. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Survivorship care planning needs in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL)
Authors: Friedman D. R. , Dupont A. H. , Coan A. D. , Herndon J. E. , Rowe K. L. , Abernethy A. P. 
Published: August 2020

e20703 Background: Cancer survivorship care plans inform and direct care in the survivorship setting. These care plans should be tailored to individual medical information, needs, and circumstances, as providing excess information can be overwhelming. According to survivors of DLBCL, what are important components of care plans? Methods: We developed a 22-question survey to define and rate important survivorship health and psychosocial concerns; items were developed based upon literature review and experience in survivorship clinics. Through the tumor registry, 178 patients were identified who had been treated with curative intent (including stem cell transplant) without evidence of recurrence since 1/2006 and who continue to receive care at Duke University Medical Center. Results: Sixty-five survivors consented and returned a completed IRB approved survey (response rate 37%). Responders: 58% female, 88% white, and 75% from North Carolina, with mean age at diagnosis of 59.7 years; 42% had stage four disease at diagnosis and 12% had had a transplant. The majority of survey participants (62%) indicated that they preferred their oncologist and primary care provider to jointly manage their survivorship care. On a 1–10 scale, the top scoring issue (mean 9.67) was “A plan to screen for possible return of your cancer.” Other top scoring issues (mean 8.81 - 9.48) related to cancer history (treatment, complications, stage or late effects) and non-cancer health monitoring. The lowest scoring needs related to social support, sexuality, financial/legal issues, alternative medicine, and mental health services (mean 5.45 - 7.12). There was greater agreement among responders on the importance ratings of the higher scoring issues than the lower scoring ones (standard deviation 1.01 - 2.34 vs. 3.18 - 3.56). Conclusions: DLBCL survivors prefer care plans focused on medical issues, and health care coordinated jointly by oncologists and primary care physicians. The lower importance of psychosocial issues and alternative medicine in this population differs from survivors of other cancers, underscoring the importance of tailoring care plans by cancer subgroup. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
The prevalance of chronic autoimmune urtiker and angioedema among lung and breast carcinoma cases
Authors: Yalcin D. , Kargi A. , Savas B. , Bisgin A. , Ozdogan M. , Coskun S. , Terzioglu E. 
Published: August 2020

e20707 Background: Although the risk of allergy and atopy in cancer patients has been studied in various prospective studies previously, no significant association was found between leukemia, breast, colorectal, lung cancers and allergic disorders or atopy. Our purpose in this study was to investigate the prevalance of chronic urticeria and angioedema in breast and lung carcinoma of adults in Mediterrianean Coast of Turkey, Antalya. Methods: 86 breast and 62 lung carcinoma patients that had diagnosed and underwent chemotherapy in Akdeniz University Oncology Clinic were studied. Blood eosinophil, total IgE, ANA, C3, C4, hepatitis markers and autologous skin test were examined in the cases with probable chronic autoimmune urticeria, angioedema. The data were statistically assessed with SPSS version 13.00. Results: Overall 148 patients were included. Median age was 62.4±14.6 years, 60.1% of the patients were women (47.2% of which is not working). 55.6% of the patients are living in apartments. In general, 5.4% (8 case) of the investigated population were diagnosed as autoimmun urticeria; Seven of the 8 of these were breast carcinoma cases (7 out of 86 breast Ca). In contrast, only one of them was lung carcinoma (1 out of 62 lung Ca). Total IgE level was 122 ± 21.4. None of the cases with positive autologous skin test has ANA positivity. Similarly, these cases were also HBV and HCV seronegative. Accompanying angioedema was present 3 cases (with no drug or food history). One case has a hashimato tiroiditis who underwent LT4 replacement. Another patient with autoimmun urticeria has allergical asthma together with 5 cases of allergical rhinitis and conjunctivitis. Conclusions: In this study the frequency of autoimmune urticeria is much higher in breast carcinoma cases compared to patients with lung carcinoma. Further researchs are needed to verify these results and to determine why such association exist. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Adjuvant systemic therapy in elderly patients with breast cancer: A Brazilian single center experience
Authors: Ismael G. , Coradazzi A. L. , Beato C. A. , Milhomem P. , Oliveira J. , Manzoni C. , Segalla G. 
Published: August 2020

e20711 Background: Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer in women in Brazil and in the western world. Despite the high incidence of breast cancer in elderly women, there is no solid information regarding the real impact of the adjuvant systemic therapy in this population, considering the underrepresentation of patients with 65 years of age or older in cancer-treatment trials. Moreover, elderly patients may face some difficulties to receive adequate adjuvant systemic treatment in the routine clinical practice. Methods: Two hundred fifty eight patients with 65 years of age or older at the time of diagnosis of operable breast cancer and treated in our Institution from February 2000 to December 2005 were retrospectively studied. Clinical and pathological data were recorded as well as the type of adjuvant systemic therapy: hormonal therapy (HT), chemotherapy (CT) or both. We evaluated the disease free survival and overall survival and compared the results between the group of patients treated with HT only and the group of patients treated with both HT and CT. Results: Ninety five (37.5%) patients were stage I, 150 (58.1%) were stage II and 6 (2.3%) were stage III, while 5 (1.9%) patients were diagnosed with DCIS. Ductal carcinoma was the most frequent histological type (81%) and grade II were reported in the majority of patients (47.3%). Mostly of patients were hormonal sensible (74.4% were ER+ and 64% were PR+) and HER 2 negative (81.8%). One hundred seventy eight (69%) patients received any kind of adjuvant HT while 91 (35.3%) received any kind of adjuvant CT. There was no statistical difference between patients treated with HT when compared with the group of patients treat with HT and CT, regarding disease free survival and overall survival. However, a higher rate of high risk patients were observed in the group treated with both HT and CT. Conclusions: Despite the age, a considerable part of this elderly breast cancer patient's population has received adjuvant systemic treatment. Benefits from HT and/or CT may be considered in this group of patients. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Anemia evaluation in oncologic patients in the emergency room
Authors: Tobeña M. , Serrano S. , Ferrer A. , Vidal M. , Pajares I. , Lopez D. , Millastre E. , Ruiz-Echarri M. , Lambea J. , Tres A. 
Published: August 2020

e20714 Background: Anemia is a very common diagnosis in oncologic patients and it can be produced by different causes. The aim of this study is to describe the prevalence and causes of anemia in oncologic patients who consults in the emergency room. Methods: From October 2007 to October 2008, all oncologic patiens who consulted in the emergency room were collected. We analyze the prevalence of anemia and its causes. Tumor location is described too. Results: Of the 560 patients collected, 223 (39.82%) were diagnosed of anemia. 64 of them (28.7%) had lung cancer, 33 (14.8%) breast cancer, 32 (14.3%) colon cancer, 15 (6.7%) bladder cancer, 15 (6.7%) prostate cancer, 13 (5.8%) head and neck cancer, and 51 (22.5%) other malignancies. Median haemoglobin level was 10 (range 4.2–11.9). As etiology was identified chemotherapy toxicity in 113 patients (50.7%), anemia of chronic disease in 65 (29.1%), tumoral bleeding in 41 (18.4%), and non-tumoral upper gastrointestinal bleeding in 4 (1.8%). Conclusions: Anemia is a very common diagnosis in oncologic patients, mainly in lung and breast cancer. The most frequent causes of anemia are chemotherapy toxicity and chronic disease. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Frequency of co-morbid illnesses in cancer patients in Turkey
Authors: Abali H. , Ata A. , Turhal S. , Ozdogan M. , Seyrek E. , Erman M. , Celik I. 
Published: August 2020

e20717 Background: Co-morbidities in cancer patients can adversely affect the management of their primary illnesses at multiple levels from diagnosis to therapy. We saught to examine co-morbid conditions in cancer patients treated at 3 university hospitals in Turkey representing three different geographic locations. Methods: A total of 622 consecutive cancer patients presenting to outpatient clinics were recruited to the study from November 2007 to May 2008. Each patient answered a questionnaire consisting of questions on co-morbidities and drugs taken. Based on the questionnaire, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) was calculated. Results: Their median age was 55 years (minimum-maximum: 21–87) and 376 (62%) were female. Breast cancer (39%), colon and rectum (19%) and lung cancer (14%) were the 3 most frequent cancers. Of the patients, 60% had at least 1 co-morbid disease and 49% were using at least one medication daily. The most frequent comorbid diseases were hypertension (25%), other cardiovascular disorders (15%) and diabetes mellitus (13%). Incidence of comorbid diseases were increasing by age; 65% in patients between 60–69 years and 76% in patients older than 70 (r=0.25, p<0.001). Similarly, of those over 70 years, 65% was on at least 1 medication (r=0.29, p<0,001). CCI scores were calculated as 0 in (71%), 1 (23%) and 2 (5%) and it also worsened by increasing age (r=0.15, p<0.001). Conclusions: It is crucial to remember that co-morbid illnesses are not infrequent and many patients take medications for conditions unrelated to their cancer, which potentially may affect multiple stages of clinical management. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
A phase II study of early up-front red blood cell transfusion followed by maintenance epoetin-alpha subcutaneously support during chemotherapy
Authors: Nortier J. W. , Ogilvie A. 
Published: August 2020

e20719 Background: To determine in patients with cancer related anaemia (Hb<11,3 g/d) starting with their chemotherapy the efficacy and safety of up-front red blood cell transfusion and subsequently maintenance epoetin-alpha (Epo) administration. The study target was the range of low-normal Hb levels of 11,3 to 12,9 g/dL aiming at improving tumor oxygenation. Methods: A multicenter, open label, single-arm phase II study. All eligible patients with metastatic solid cancers received around their first or second chemotherapy cycle a transfusion of 1–3 units of erythrocytes depending on their Hb level. This was followed by Epo subcutaneously weekly at an initial dose of 40,000 IU during the chemotherapy period. Epo was only administered when the Hb level was below the lower margin of the target Hb range. All patients started with pre-emptive oral iron suppletion. Primary objectives were: correction of anemia to the Hb level target range and safety. Secondary objectives were: Quality of Life, Length of Treatment Duration and Time to Treatment Failure. Safety included: blood pressure, thrombo-embolic events, adverse events and serious adverse event. Results: 18 Patients enrolled in this study from March 30, 2006 to November 11, 2008. An intention-to-treatment analysis was performed for the primary objectives in 16 patients (8 with breast-, 4 with colorectal-, 1 with ovarian- and 1 with pancreatic cancer) and reported here. Patients were during a median of 12 weeks (range 1 to 32 weeks) on study. Median Hb increased from 10,2 g/dL to 11,2 g/dL after transfusion and stayed at that level during the first 19 weeks of Epo administration; Hb levels were between 10,0 and 11,5 g/dL. In the following period until the final 32nd studyweek, Hb levels increased slightly, ranging from 10,3 to 11,8 g/dL. Two patients remained during the study in the Hb level target range. The safety of Epo was good. Grade 3/4 adverse events and serious adverse events that occurred were found to be all chemotherapy or progressive disease related. Conclusions: Although this up-front treatment increased Hb to stable levels during chemotherapy, the target Hb levels were not reached in most patients. This was presumably related to the lesser than projected yield of the red blood cell transfusion. [Table: see text]
Chemotherapy-associated steroid use and its effect on blood glucose, nephro-, and other toxicity of chemotherapy for non-diabetic oncological patients
Authors: Yan X. , Wong P. , DelPriore G. , Bottino J. 
Published: August 2020

e20721 Background: Gynecologic cancer chemotherapy regimen include prechemotherapy, intrachemotherapy, and postchemotherapy administration of glucocorticoid steroids, which introduce the risk of hyperglycemia. Some studies have suggested that hyperglycemia is associated with increased chemotherapy toxicity. We evaluated the effects of dexamethasone as part of ovarian cancer and cervical cancer chemotherapy on blood glucose and its subsequent effect on nephrotoxicity in non-diabetic patients. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer and cervical cancer and received steroids as part of their chemotherapy during 2006–2008. Subjects who had elevated glucose detected at any time during treatment were compared with controls who had normal glucose levels. Pre- and post treatment serum BUN, creatinine, and blood glucose level were obtained. Results: 17 non-diabetic patients who received cisplatin or paclitaxel or both were studied (median age 50 years; range 42–60); All of the patients received 10 -20 mg of DEX intravenously before cisplatin/taxol. Glucose was only mildly elevated in 4 patients (110–200 mg/dl). None of the four cases with elevated glucose levels had any toxicity. One of the eight controls (12.5%) had elevation of creatinine. In all of the 17 patients, only one had evidence of mild nephrotoxicity, however her median blood glucose was not elevated while on therapy. Conclusions: This preliminary study did not show that current steroid regimens prescribed with chemotherapy have a significant overall effect on glucose elevation and subsequent increased nephrotoxicity of chemotherapy. Additional patients will be presented. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Species distribution and antimicrobial susceptibility profile of gram-negative bacteria in hospitalized cancer patients
Authors: Ashour H. M. , El-Sharif A. 
Published: August 2020

e20730 Background: Nosocomial infections pose significant threats to hospitalized patients, especially the immunocompromised ones, such as cancer patients. Methods: This study examined the microbial spectrum of gram-negative bacteria in various infection sites in patients with leukemia and solid tumors. The antimicrobial resistance patterns of the isolated bacteria were studied. Results: The most frequently isolated gram-negative bacteria were Klebsiella pneumonia (31.2%) followed by Escherichia coli (22.2%). We report the first-time isolation and identification of a number of less-frequent gram negative bacteria (Chromobacterium violacum, Burkholderia cepacia, Kluyvera ascorbata, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, and Salmonella arizona). Most of the gram-negative isolates from RTI, GITI, UTI, and BSI were obtained from leukemic patients. All gram-negative isolates from SI were obtained from solid-tumor patients. In both leukemic and solid-tumor patients, gram-negative bacteria causing UTI were mainly Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, while gram-negative bacteria causing RTI were mainly Klebsiella pneumoniae. Escherichia coli was the main gram-negative pathogen causing BSI in solid-tumor patients and GITI in leukemic patients. Isolates of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Pseudomonas, and Acinetobacter species were resistant to most antibiotics tested. There was significant imipenem-resistance in Acinetobacter (40.9%), Pseudomonas (40%), and Enterobacter (22.2%) species, and noticeable imipinem-resistance in Klebsiella (13.9%) and Escherichia coli (8%). Conclusions: This is the first study to report the evolution of imipenem-resistant gram-negative strains in Egypt. Mortality rates were higher in cancer patients with nosocomial Pseudomonas infections than any other bacterial infections. Policies restricting antibiotic consumption should be implemented to avoid the evolution of newer generations of antibiotic resistant-pathogens. No significant financial relationships to disclose.