bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study on the correlation between the expression of basic transcription factor 3 (BTF3) and the efficacy and prognosis of patients with malignant melanoma (MM).
Authors: Niu Ning Ning , Li Yong Qi , Guo Liang , Liu Qiong Yang , Zhang Yi Qun , Guo Zhen , Lan Shi Jie , Wu Di 
Published: June 2021

e21554 Background: BTF3 is an RNA polymerase II transcription factor, studies have confirmed that BTF3 is abnormally expressed in several types of tumors and closely related to the proliferation and prognosis of gastrointestinal tumors. However, the function of BTF3 in MM remains unknown. The present study aim to detect the expression and proliferation of BTF3，to explore the correlation between the BTF3 expression and the efficacy and prognosis of MM patients. Methods: We explored the effect of BTF3 through silencing BTF3 expression by siRNA transfection with lentivirus in human melanoma cell lines. The cell proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis were determined by methyl-thaizolyl-tetrazolium assay, flow cytometry and western blot, respectively. Then we investigated the effect of BTF3 in nude mice by tumor formation experiment. The expression of BTF3 was determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) from 32 patients with different subtypes of MM during October 2014 to October 2020. Among them, 28 cases could be resected (stage I-III), 4 cases could not be resected (stage III-IV). Cutaneous MM 7 cases, Acral MM 14 cases, mucosal MM 9 cases, unknown primary MM 2 cases. The correlation of BTF3 expression and RFS (recurrence-free survival) /OS (overall survival) in 28 patients with resected MM was explored by Student’s t test. Results: The increased viability of negative control virus infection group was 4.706 times than that of BTF3-siRNA group. Compared with the former, BTF3-siRNA group had more cells in G1 and S phase (P< 0.05) and more apoptotic cells (P< 0.05). BTF3-siRNA reduced tumor formation in the nude mice (P<0.01). The relative IHC scores of BTF3 was 5.50±3.19 in tumor tissues (the higher the score, the higher the expression of BTF3), 6.52±4.13 in adjacent noncancerous tissues. The expression of BTF3 in different subtypes of MM tissues are shown in the table. In the median follow-up time of 27 months (6-68 months), 13 cases survived without recurrence or metastasis, 10 cases survived with recurrence or metastasis, 8 cases died. In 28 resectable MM patients, the median RFS/OS of high BTF3 expression (IHC score>5) and low expression (IHC score:0-4) were 18.57 / 24.62 months and 20.42 / 22.78 months. The corresponding RFS/OS P values of patients with high and low expression were 0.323 and 0.607. Conclusions: The study suggests that BTF3 play a role in the proliferation, cell cycle regulation, apoptosis and tumorigenicity of MM. Preliminary small-sample retrospective clinical study did not suggest that BTF3 was related to the efficacy and prognosis of patients, which needs to be further verified by large-sample prospective studies.[Table: see text]
Association of pre-existing autoimmune diseases in melanoma patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibition with improved survival and increased toxicity.
Authors: Gulati Nicholas , Celen Arda , Johannet Paul , Sawyers Amelia , Kim Min Jae , Mehnert Janice M. , Weber Jeffrey S. , Krogsgaard Michelle , Osman Iman , Zhong Judy 
Published: June 2021

e21586 Background: Immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) improves progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) for patients with metastatic melanoma (MM), but induces immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Pre-existing autoimmune disease (pre-AI) is considered a relative contraindication due to concerns of inciting autoimmune flare. We here tested the impact of pre-AI on both the survival and irAEs in MM patients treated with ICI. Methods: We examined MM patients treated with ICI who were enrolled in a clinicopathological database at NYULH with protocol-driven prospective follow up. We compiled a comprehensive list of 23 autoimmune diseases and examined the presence of these diseases prior to ICI treatment. We tested the associations between pre-AI and PFS, OS, and irAEs both in univariate and multivariate models. Results: 74/485 (15.3%) patients, who received 718 lines of ICI treatment as either standard of care or in clinical trials, had pre-AI, most commonly asthma (n=42), inflammatory bowel disease (n=9), psoriasis (n=9), rheumatoid arthritis (n=7), and eczema (n=6). In patients receiving ICI as standard of care (n=535), pre-AI was associated with irAEs (P=0.05) as well as with significantly improved PFS (P=0.024) and OS (P=0.007), controlling for patients’ sex, age, stage, ECOG status, and treatment line (1st line versus 2nd or 3rd line). However, no associations were observed between pre-AI and PFS (P=0.2) or irAEs (P=0.54) in the clinical trial group. Conclusions: Our data demonstrate the disparate impact of pre-AI on response and irAEs in standard of care versus the highly controlled clinical trial settings, and underscore the importance of examining the complex interaction between autoimmune disease before and after initiation of ICI. Our data also challenge the notion that clinicians should avoid use of ICI in pre-AI patients. More mechanistic research is needed to understand how to uncouple ICI response from toxicity.
The prognostic significance of lymphovascular tumor invasion in localized high-grade osteosarcoma: Outcomes of a single institution over ten years.
Authors: Gusho Charles , Miller Ira , Clayton Bishir , Colman Matthew W. , Gitelis Steven , Blank Alan T. 
Published: June 2021

e22013 Background: Lymphovascular tumor invasion (LVI) has shown evidence of an association with worse survival in high-grade osteosarcoma. The purpose of this investigation was to prognosticate LVI as a predictor of survival in these patients. Methods: This study was a retrospective review of high-grade, localized osteosarcoma patients diagnosed over a consecutive ten-year period. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to assess the prognostic significance of LVI on overall survival (OS). Results: A total of 42 cases met inclusion criteria with a median follow-up of 64 months (range, 6-158 months). LVI was present in 21.4% (n = 9) cases. The five and ten-year probabilities of OS in LVI (+) were 40% and 20%, respectively, compared to LVI (-) with five and ten-year estimates of 93% and 81%, respectively (p < 0.001). After controlling for confounding variables, advanced age at diagnosis (HR, 1.134; 95% CI, 1-1.2; p = 0.01) and LVI (HR, 21.768; 95% CI, 3-135; p = 0.001) were found to be significantly negative predictors of OS. Using a competing risk analysis and Gray's test of equality, LVI (+) and LVI (-) were not statistically different with respect to cumulative incidence of recurrence (p = 0.8118), though were highly significant for cumulative incidence of mortality over time (p = 0.0029). Conclusions: The presence of LVI in the setting of high-grade, localized osteosarcoma is associated with greater rates of mortality and tumor recurrence and portends a dismal prognosis.
Cancer beliefs and screening across three NYC neighborhoods.
Authors: Layne Tracy M. , Agarwal Parul , Jandorf Lina , Rapkin Bruce , Bickell Nina A. 
Published: June 2021

e22512 Background: Differences in breast cancer screening exist between the NYC neighborhoods of East Harlem (EH) and Central Harlem (CH), and the Upper East Side (UES). Here we assess the relationship between six cancer beliefs and breast cancer screening among women in these neighborhoods. Methods: We include women aged ≥40 who responded to the Community Cancer Needs Survey between 2018-2019 and were eligible to undergo screening mammography within 2 years (“recommended screening”). All estimates use weighted data generated using raking techniques. We compared categorical variables using Chi-square tests & estimated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) from logistic regression model associating beliefs and reported mammography receipt (results and covariates listed in Table). For each belief, we compared women who reported “agree” (combined strongly or somewhat agree) to those who “disagree” (combined strongly or somewhat disagree). Results: Of the weighted sample of 76,610 (41.3% CH, 34.4% EH, and 24.3% UES) women eligible to undergo screening mammography, 75.1%, 81.2%, and 90.3% of women in CH, EH, and UES, respectively reported recommended screening. There was no difference by neighborhood in prolonged (>2 years ago) screening intervals: 10.6% in CH, 7.9% in EH, and 9.8% in the UES, while never use was reported by 11.3% in CH, 7.6% in EH, and none in the UES (p=<0.0001). The table summarizes agreement between cancer beliefs and timely receipt of mammography. Conclusions: In this study, cancer beliefs are inconsistently associated with use of breast cancer screening across three NYC neighborhoods. Assessment of beliefs reveal important opportunities for breast cancer (and other cancer) prevention by promoting awareness of risk factors and screening in these communities.[Table: see text]
An unmatched case-control study evaluating the relationship between cancer diagnosis and drinking water source on the lower Eastern Shore of Maryland.
Authors: DeRidder Angela Marie , Masood Adeel 
Published: June 2021

e22514 Background: The lower Eastern Shore of Maryland is an agricultural and rural region with high cancer rates. Prior research has suggested that cancer patients on the lower Eastern Shore of Maryland rely on residential private well water more than municipal water, and that cancer patients rely on residential private well water more than individuals in the general county population. The purpose of this unmatched case-control study was to further clarify the relationship between cancer diagnosis and residential private well water use. Methods: A water consumption survey was provided to new hematology/oncology clinic patients seen at a regional hospital on the lower Eastern Shore from October 2020 through February 2021. Participants were asked their age, county of residence, residential water source, daily tap water consumption, presence of a water filtration system, and current or prior cancer history. A case was defined as an individual using residential private well water, and a control was defined as an individual using municipal water. Fisher’s exact test and binominal logistic regression were used to evaluate the relationship between residential water source and cancer history. Results: 334 patients were surveyed and 270 were included in analysis, with 133 cases and 137 controls. Median age of cases was 64 years (SD ± 16.6) and median age of controls was 62 years (SD ± 16.87). Our study found that compared to individuals utilizing municipal water, individuals utilizing residential private well water were more likely to live in their homes for > 5 years (61% vs. 46%, p = 0.015), drink tap water (61% vs. 41%, p = 0.015), and utilize a water filtration system (31% vs. 16%, p = 0.006). Controlling for age, subjects who reported drinking at least two glasses of unfiltered private well water per day were more likely to have a current or prior cancer diagnosis compared to individuals relying on municipal water (OR = 2.57; 95% CI: 1.07-6.12, p = 0.03). Among subjects who drank less than 2 glasses of tap water per day or utilized a water filtration system, there was no difference in cancer history between individuals utilizing private well water versus municipal water. There were no relationships between county of residency, length of home residency, and cancer diagnosis. Conclusions: Individuals on the lower Eastern Shore of Maryland who consume at least 2 glasses of private well water without a water filtration system were more likely to indicate a current or prior cancer history compared to individuals consuming at least 2 glasses of municipal water. Interpretation is limited by small sample size and lack of causality, however, the results signal a need for additional studies evaluating well water use and cancer risk in this region.
Psychosocial impacts of COVID-19 upon a diverse Australian oncology workforce: From doctors to ancillary staff.
Authors: Ahern Elizabeth Stephanie , Roberts Natasha Anne , Chan Bryan Anthony , Gasper Harry Michael , Pelecanos Anita , Kennedy Glen , Wyld David , Lwin Zarnie 
Published: June 2021

e23016 Background: Potential moral hazards from COVID-19 for patient-facing oncology staff include rationalizing treatment, but prior research into staff distress has not included ancillary/administrative staff or compared geographic settings. We sought to document measures of distress and perceived preparedness from diverse oncology staff during the COVID-19 pandemic response, and correlate these with unfolding events. Methods: We utilised a mixed-methods approach comprising weekly diarising of executive communications and events-by investigators, and prospective self-administered online surveys-by staff. Survey domains included perceived institutional preparedness, personal wellbeing, and perceived stress using a distress thermometer (0-10, no-extreme distress). Responses were Likert-scaled or free-text. Quantitative responses were aggregated by role/site and analysed using R. These were correlated with emergent qualitative themes using the Framework Method. The study was conducted at a metropolitan and a regional hospital in Queensland, Australia. Results: 12 surveys across 18 weeks commencing April 3, 2020 (encompassing 1st lockdown, lockdown easing, and 2nd lockdown) had 993 individual responses. 40% respondents were located regionally. Role categories included: nursing (50%), allied health (18%), medical (16%), administrative (15%), ancillary (e.g. cleaner, food service) (1%). Emergent themes were: S trategies for protection- at work and home. Up to 27% respondents reported being able to attend to critical personal needs only sometimes or less, although patients were perceived to be well supported most/all of the time (>90% responses). Navigating rules and keeping up-high levels of perceived institutional preparedness in >75% responders coexisted alongside fluctuating levels of self-reported distress, from median 5 (IQR 3-7) at 1st lockdown outset to 1 (IQR 1-4) after lockdown restriction easing. Tempered optimism-pride in one’s place was reported both as reflecting healthcare worker identity and as Australians in the context of low local infection rates. No significant differences in distress or preparedness perceptions were evident comparing geographic sites. Framing the new normal-although respondents longitudinally reported increasing familiarity with pandemic directives, distress levels increased concurrently with the announcement of 2nd lockdown. Conclusions: In the context of low local COVID-19 infection rates, oncology staff regardless of role and geographic setting reported high perceptions of institutional preparedness. Distress levels increased concurrently with lockdown phases and reports of distress and psychosocial workload fatigue were made by various workers including administrative and ancillary. These should be considered frontline staff for the purpose of workplace psychosocial support in pandemic responses.
Dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma: A report of the clinicopathologic features and outcomes of 16 cases treated at a single institution.
Authors: Gusho Charles , Gitelis Steven , Blank Alan T. 
Published: June 2021

e23500 Background: Dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma (DCS) is a rare and aggressive malignancy with a poor prognosis. The purpose of this investigation was to assess the clinicopathological features and outcomes of DCS patients treated at a single institution. Methods: This study was a retrospective review over a consecutive twenty-year period. Data including treatment details and outcomes were recorded. Results: A total of 16 cases from 2000 to 2018 were reviewed. The median age was 62 years (IQR, 52-69 years) and the majority of DCS arose in the femur (50%, n = 8) and pelvis (25%, n = 4). Fourteen (88%) cases received limb salvage/wide margin resection (n = 13) or intralesional surgery (n = 1). For all DCS, the median estimated overall survival (OS) was 46 months (95% CI, 1-90 months) with both a five and ten-year survival probability of 32%. On Kaplan-Meier analysis there was no difference between operative versus nonoperative management (p = 0.747), surgery alone versus surgery/chemotherapy (p = 0.265), nor surgery alone versus surgery/chemotherapy/radiation (p = 0.698). Conclusions: Our findings confirm the poor prognosis of DCS patients, though with a five-year estimate of 32%, higher than previous literature. Together with existing literature, our data may enable future strategic recommendation of DCS patients.
Clinical behavior of advanced giant cell tumor: 15 years observation study in N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology.
Authors: Tararykova Anastasia Alekseevna , Fedenko Alexander A. , Musaev Elmar R. 
Published: June 2021

e23501 Background: Giant cell tumor of bone (GCT) is a relatively rare, benign but locally aggressive osteolytic skeletal neoplasm of young adults, most frequently occurs at the epiphysis of long bones. Distant metastases occur approximately 2-6% of cases most often to the lungs. However, pulmonary metastases do not carry the same connotation as metastases associated with malignant tumors, such as lung cancer or sarcoma. Rarely, GCT undergoes true malignant transformation. The aim of this study is to analyze the clinical behavior of advanced GCT during long-term observer in N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology. Methods: We observed 51 advanced cases among 298 GCT from 2005 till 2020 in N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology. Disease was histologically confirmed by a sarcoma pathologist. Patients underwent CT/MRI every 2 or 3 months of treatment and every 3, 6 or 12 months of follow up period. Treatment options were included atypical pulmonary resection, palliative surgery, chemotherapy with CAP or AI combination, interferon alfa or observation until progression. After 2013 prefer treatment option for advanced GCT was denosumab with once in 3 month’s regimen after 2 years monthly therapy. All patients received daily calcium and vitamin D supplement. Logistic regression was using for statistic analyzes. Results: Median follow-up was 45 months. The average age of patients was 34,8 years, and the women and men ratio was about 1,8:1. The most commonly affected sites were tibia (23,5%, 12/21), sacrum (17,6%), radius (13,7%) and femur (9,8%). According Campanacci classification G3 was the most commonly grade (90%). 46 (56%) cases were anatomically compounded due to tumor localization and 19 (37%) cases were primary disease. 18/298 (6%) cases were with pulmonary metastases. Surgery in history (p < 0,001) and tumor localization in extremity (p < 0,001) were significant for metastasis development. The primary malignant GCT observed in 1% (3/298) cases and 1 % cases of malignant transformation GCT into sarcoma. Only 1/51 (1,9%) death was observed in advanced GCT group. Complications ≥3 grade were observed only in pre-denosumab era. Conclusions: In this study we showed long-term observation of advanced GCT and evaluated significant factors for metastasis development. Surgeries in history and tumor localization were associated with higher risk of metastasis. Denosumab for advanced GCT is a choice of treatment, we wasn’t observed any cases of GCT malignant transformation during denosumab treatment. Quality of live was better in compare with pre-denosumab era. Further investigation of long term denosumab complications is awaited.
Efficacy of sorafenib in heavily pretreated adult patients with metastatic osteosarcoma.
Authors: Paksoy Nail , Dogan Izzet , Ekenel Meltem , Basaran Mert 
Published: June 2021

e23511 Background: Osteosarcoma is a rare tumor and is commonly seen in young people. It arises from bone and rarely from soft tissue. Surgery is the primary treatment option for osteosarcoma. Osteosarcoma is radioresistant, except for rare variants. The choices of chemotherapy are limited in the treatment of metastatic osteosarcoma. The efficiency data of targetted therapies in metastatic osteosarcoma is limited. This study aimed to evaluate sorafenib's efficacy in adult patients with heavily pretreated metastatic osteosarcoma. Methods: We evaluated the patients aged over 18 years with metastatic osteosarcoma retrospectively. The clinical, pathological, and treatment data of the patients were recorded. We used SPSS 25. version for statistical analysis. Kaplan-Meier and Cox-regression analysis were used for survival analysis. Results: Fifteen patients were included in the study. Ten (66.7%) of the patients were male, and the median age was 25 (range,19-64). The primary localization of the tumor was the lower extremity (53.4%), head and neck (20%), upper extremity (13.3%), and other sites (13.3%), respectively. The most common metastatic sites were lung (93.3%), bone (46.7%,) and other (33.3%), respectively. Before sorafenib, fourteen (93.3%) patients had received at least two different cytotoxic chemotherapy regimens, six (40%) patients palliative radiotherapy. In addition, metastasectomy had performed on eight (53.3%) patients. The median progression-free survival was 5.5 (95% CI, 1.3-9.7) months with sorafenib. The stable response was observed in 8 (50%) patients and progressive disease 8 (50%) patients. Grade 1-2 toxicities were observed in 50% of the patients, and grade 3-4 toxicities in 14.3% of the patients. Conclusions: In the study, we showed real-life outcomes of sorafenib for disease control in heavily pretreated adult patients with metastatic osteosarcoma. Sorafenib was effective and well-tolerated in the patients. Sorafenib may be considered as a treatment option after chemotherapy in patients with metastatic osteosarcoma.