bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Racial/ethnic differences in knowledge and attitudes towards clinical trials among adults in the United States: An analysis of the 2020 U.S. HINTS.
Authors: Islam Jessica Yasmine , Vidot Denise Christina , Islam Imran K , Rivera Argelis , Camacho-Rivera Marlene 
Published: June 2021

e18573 Background: Despite the use of clinical trials to provide gold-standard evidence of treatment and intervention effectiveness, racial/ethnic minorities are frequently underrepresented participants. Our objective was to evaluate racial/ethnic differences in knowledge and attitudes towards clinical trials among adults in the U.S. Methods: We leveraged Health Informational National Trends Survey (HINTS) data, which is a weighted, nationally representative survey of 3865 adults (≥18 years). Data were collected between February-June 2020, and included age, race/ethnicity, sex, cancer history, and comorbidities. Participants were asked questions focused on clinical trials, including their knowledge, influential factors to participate, trusted sources of information, and if they were ever invited or participated in a clinical trial. Among adults who self-reported to have heard of clinical trials (n = 2366), we used multivariable logistic regression to evaluate racial/ethnic differences in self-reported invitation and participation in clinical trials after adjustment for cancer history, age, sex, comorbidities, and insurance status. Results: Overall, the sample included 64% non-Hispanic (NH) White, 11% NH-Black, 17% Hispanic, and 5% NH-Asian respondents. Nine percent were cancer survivors. Almost 60% self-reported to at least have some knowledge about clinical trials. When asked about factors that would influence their decision to participate in clinical trials “A lot”, participants across racial groups most frequently chose “I would want to get better” and “If the standard care was not covered by my insurance.” Cancer survivors also frequently reported their decision would be influenced “A lot” or “Somewhat” if “My doctor encouraged me to participate.” NH-White (76%), NH-Black (78%), and Hispanic (77%) cancer survivors reported their trusted source of information about clinical trials was their health care provider; NH-Asian cancer survivors reported their health care provider (51%) as well as government health agencies (30%). Compared to NH-White adults, NH-Black adults were more likely to be invited to participate in a clinical trial (OR: 2.60, 95% CI: 1.53-4.43). However, compared to NH-White adults, our data suggest NH-Black adults were less likely to participate in the clinical trial (OR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.39-1.49) although not statistically significant. Compared to NH-White adults, NH-Asian adults were less likely to participate in clinical trials (OR: 0.10, 95% CI: 0.06-0.18). Conclusions: Health care providers are a trusted source of clinical trial information. Although NH-Black adults are more likely to be invited, they are less likely to participate in a clinical trial; as well as Asian adults. Efforts to leverage insights gained on factors of influence and sources of trusted information on clinical trials should be prioritized.
Differences in clinicopathological characteristics, treatment, and survival outcomes between older and younger breast cancer patients: A regional perspective.
Authors: Abdel-Razeq Hikmat , Iweir Sereen , Abdel-Razeq Rashid , Abdel Rahman Fadwa , Almasri Hanan , Bater Rayan , Taqash Ayat 
Published: June 2021

e18604 Background: In developing countries, breast cancer treatment outcomes may be uniquely affected by the tendency of breast cancer patients to develop the disease at a much younger age than the worldwide average. Contrarily, older patients tend to present with multiple comorbidities that complicate their outcomes and influence their treatment options and decisions. This study will be the first to investigate the dichotomies between older and young breast cancer patients in our region. Methods: The study was based on data collected from the cancer registry of our institution for breast cancer patients 65 years or older (n = 553), and patients 40 years or younger (n = 417) at time of diagnosis. Statistical models were used to investigate the associations between age groups, clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes. Results: A total of 970 patients were included in the final analysis. Compared to younger patients, older ones were more frequently diagnosed with distal metastasis; 20.6% compared to 15.1%, p =0.028. However, among patients with non-metastatic disease, younger ones tended to have more aggressive pathological features, including positive axillary lymph nodes (73.2% vs. 55.6%, p< 0.001), T-3/4 (28.2% vs. 13.8%, p< 0.001) and HER2-positive disease (29.3% vs. 16.3%, p< 0.001). A higher percentage of patients from the young cohort underwent surgery (85.4%) when compared to the older group (74.9%), p< 0.001. More patients in the older group had mastectomy than did younger patients (67.5% versus 40.2%, p< 0.001), while breast conserving surgery (BCS) was performed on almost a third in each cohort, p= 0.245. Skin-sparing, with or without, nipple-sparing mastectomies (SSMs) along with breast reconstruction surgery were more frequently performed on younger patients than they were on the older patients. After a median follow-up of 59 months for the younger patients and 45 months for the older ones, the 5-year OS rate of the older patients was 67.6% compared to 72.1% for the younger patients, p= 0.035. However, the 5-year DFS rates of the two cohorts were not statistically different at 63.9% for the older group and 60.7% for the young patients, p= 0.31. The survival of patients with non-metastatic disease was also compared among both groups; the 5-year OS among the younger patients was significantly higher (83.6% compared to 78.8% among the older patients, p= 0.046). Survival was better among the younger patients across many clinical and pathological characteristics. Conclusions: Younger patients with breast cancer present with worse clinical and pathological features, albeit a better OS rate. The difference in DFS between the two groups was insignificant, suggesting that older women were more likely to die from non-cancer related causes.
Health-related quality of life in the treatment and survivorship phases of breast cancer.
Authors: Kaur Manraj , Klassen Anne , Xie Feng , Rae Charlene , Pusic Andrea 
Published: June 2021

e18621 Background: Understanding the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of breast cancer during treatment and survivorship is important; however, little data are available - particularly for long-term ( > 5 year) survivors. Health utility scores anchored between 0 (death) and 1 (perfect/best possible health) have been shown to be a good proxy index score of the overall HRQOL. The aim of this study was to estimate the utilities in the treatment and survivorship of breast cancer using validated preference-based measures(PBMs). Methods: Women (18 years or older) with history of breast cancer (on/off treatment) were recruited via Love Research Army (LRA), an online community of women engaged in breast cancer research. Members of the LRA were invited to participate via email and women who self-selected to be eligible were asked to complete clinical and demographics form and two generic PBMs - EQ-5D and Short Form-12 (SF-12), and one cancer-specific PBM-European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer-8D (EORTC-8D). Descriptive statistics and non-parametric analysis of variance tests were used to examine differences between the survivorship groups. Results: 1,636 women aged 46 ± 10 years were included in the analysis. Mean age at primary diagnosis was 35 ± 10 years and most patients were diagnosed with breast cancer stage 0-2 (n = 1362, 83.25%). For women currently on treatments, mean utility values were: chemotherapy (EQ-5D = 0.61, SF-6D = 0.67,EORTC-8D = 0.69), radiation(EQ-5D = 0.71, SF-6D = 0.67, EORTC-8D = 0.66), hormone replacement therapy (EQ-5D = 0.82,SF-6D = 0.76,EORTC-8D = 0.85), targeted therapy (EQ-5D = 0.77, SF-6D = 0.74, EORTC-8D = 0.82), and surgery (EQ-5D = 0.81,SF-6D = 0.69, EORTC-8D = 0.78). For women diagnosed with arm lymphedema (n = 182,11%), utility values were EQ-5D = 0.79,SF-6D = 0.74, EORTC-8D = 0.82. Women who were ≤ 5 years post-primary diagnosis reported slightly lower utility values (EQ-5D = 0.82,SF-6D = 0.76,EORTC-8D = 0.84) than women who were 6-10 years (EQ-5D = 0.83,SF-6D = 0.76,EORTC-8D = 0.85; p = 0.117) post-primary diagnosis. However, when utilities for women who were ≤ 5 years post-primary diagnosis were compared to women who were 11 to 15 years (EQ-5D = 0.86,SF-6D = 0.79,EORTC-8D = 0.88) and over 15 years (EQ-5D = 0.86,SF-6D = 0.81,EORTC-8D = 0.89) post-primary diagnosis, the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.000). Women who belonged to non-White ethnic groups, had lower levels of education (Bachelors or less) and reported less than USD 50,000 annual income in the previous year reported lower utility values across all time points, after adjusting for age and cancer stage. Conclusions: This study shows that the HRQOL decline in the first five years post-primary breast cancer diagnosis persists for several years into survivorship. Further, women from ethnic minority groups and lower socioeconomic background have lower HRQOL, irrespective of their age and cancer stage.
Association of HIV infection with survival and cancer-specific death in cancer patients in Louisiana.
Authors: Subbiah Suki , Meckstroth Shelby , Yi Yong , Maniscalco Lauren , Wu Xiao-Cheng , Plaisance-Bonstaff Karlie , Parsons Christopher 
Published: June 2021

e18630 Background: Studies have reported elevated mortality in HIV patients (pts), including cancer-specific mortality, compared to non-HIV pts. However, many of these studies did not include data from Louisiana. Louisiana has among the highest HIV and AIDS case rates in the country, but there is no available large-scale data regarding cancer outcomes in HIV pts in the state. We compared our data in Louisiana to the largest known study to date over an expanded time period to evaluate for disparities. Methods: Following linkage of Louisiana Tumor Registry data from 1995-2016 and Louisiana Office of Public Health, STD/HIV Program database, we identified a total of 435,478 cancer cases, of which 2,949 were HIV-positive (0.67%). Analyses of categorical variables were performed using Pearson’s chi-squared test. Cause of death was extracted from death certificate or autopsy report. Survival analyses were performed utilizing SEER*Stat. Results: Despite the higher proportion of HIV in cancer pts in Louisiana, demographics are similar to previously published data in that cancer pts with HIV tended to be male, black, and younger than their HIV-negative counterparts (p<0.001). However, although 5-year survival was substantially decreased in HIV-cancer pts in congruence with other studies, cancer-specific mortality was lower than non-HIV pts in all cohorts, including both AIDS-defining cancers (ADC) and non-AIDS-defining cancers (non-ADC). Conclusions: HIV infection in cancer pts in Louisiana is associated with lower survival but not increased cancer-specific death, independent of race, gender, age, ADC vs non-ADC, and viral vs non-viral etiology. HIV-related deaths still comprise a substantial cause of death in this population.[Table: see text]
Outcomes and applicability of a deep learning virtual tumor board (DLVTB) in community-dwelling colorectal cancer (CRC) patients.
Authors: Desai Aakash , Loaiza-Bonilla Arturo , Culcuoglu Cagatay , Johnston Kristin , Kurnaz Selin 
Published: June 2021

e18635 Background: With almost 85% of patients treated outside NCI-designated cancer centers, providing comprehensive, state-of-the-art cancer care to millions of patients in the U.S. remains a significant challenge. We aimed to combine cutting edge AI based technology of DLVTB with high value-added services to provide evidence-based care management recommendations and implementation support to the patients and physicians in the community. To further demonstrate the feasibility, reproducibility, scalability, and benefits of DLVTB, we evaluated key outcomes from incorporating DLVTB in a cohort of 35 patients with advanced colorectal adenocarcinoma (CRC). Methods: Our core-enabling technology is a deep learning based Natural Language Understanding Engine that employs (1) natural language processing for medical text digestion and structuring, (2) decision trees and multilayer perception models to produce evidence-based treatment protocols, and (3) natural language based report generation. The technology platform is combined with human support from oncology sub-specialists to deliver a comprehensive Interpretive Report with a prioritized list of recommendations for each patient. These recommendations are operationalized by a case management team to ensure care implementation and monitoring of outcomes. Results: Thirty-five patients with CRC were referred for incorporation of DLVTB into clinical practice. Median age of patients was 57 years with 68.6% males. About 88.6% of the patients were Stage IV and 82.9% were treated by community practice oncologists. Median time since diagnosis was 17 months (1-73 months). Overall, DLVTB-cohort demonstrated an increase in median Overall Survival of 12 months per patient in comparison with historical cohorts. More specifically, DLVTB recommended initial and/or additional biomarker testing for 71% of the patients with further precision oncology-guided treatment recommendation (e.g. an EGFR inhibitor) for 80% of the patients. 63% of the patients were eligible for at least one clinical trial. 58% of the trials identified were within proximity (≤50 miles) of the patient’s primary residence. Thus, DLVTB was able to identify a trial that did not require extensive travel, provided eligibility and actionability closer to the point-of-care. 14% of the DLVTB evaluated patients subsequently enrolled in the recommended clinical trial, far surpassing the national average (3%). Moreover, DLVTB recommended treatments achieved on average savings of $39,194 per patient which is 35% of the average drug cost per patient. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of incorporating DLVTB into clinical practice. The utilization of DLVTB as a clinical trial enrollment tool and an engine for development of pathways resulting in improved clinical outcomes, in a cost-effective, and innovative care delivery model.
Hospital variation in cancer treatments and survival outcomes of advanced melanoma patients: Nationwide quality assurance in the Netherlands.
Authors: van Breeschoten Jesper , van den Eertwegh Alfonsus Johannes Maria , De Wreede Liesbeth , van Zwet Erik W. , Hilarius Doranne , Haanen John B. A. G. , Blank Christian U. , Aarts Maureen J.B. , Van Den Berkmortel Franchette , de Groot Jan Willem , Hospers Geke , Kapiteijn Ellen , Piersma Djura , Van Rijn Rozemarijn , Van Der Veldt Astrid Aplonia Maria , Vreugdenhil Gerard , Stevense Marion , Boers-Sonderen Marye , Suijkerbuijk Karijn , Wouters Michel W.J.M. 
Published: June 2021

e18641 Background: The introduction of new systemic treatments for advanced melanoma has markedly changed the outcome of patients with metastatic melanoma. To assure high quality of care for patients treated in Dutch melanoma centers, hospital variation in treatment patterns and outcomes are evaluated in the Dutch Melanoma Treatment Registry. The aim of this study was to assess center variation in treatments and 2-year survival probabilities of patients diagnosed between 2013-2017 in the Netherlands. Methods: We selected patients diagnosed between 2013-2017 with unresectable stage IIIC or IV melanoma, registered in the Dutch Melanoma Treatment Registry. Centers’ performance on 2-year survival was compared by means of a multivariable Cox proportional hazards model with a random effect for center ID. Variation between centers was expressed by median hazard ratios. Therapy with BRAF/MEK inhibitors, anti-PD-1 antibodies or ipilimumab plus nivolumab was added to the Cox proportional hazards model as a time dependent covariate to assess the influence of new systemic therapies on center variation. Results: Between 2013-2017, 3820 patients were diagnosed with unresectable stage IIIC or IV melanoma. For patients diagnosed between 2013-2015, significant center variation in 2-year survival probabilities was observed. Median hazard ratio was 1.17 (95%CI: 1.09-1.31) for patients diagnosed between 2013-2015 after correcting for case-mix and treatment with BRAF/MEK inhibitors, anti-PD-1 antibodies or ipilimumab plus nivolumab. Use of new systemic therapies had a significant effect on up to 2-year survival (hazard ratio = 0.83, 95%CI (0.73-0.94)) with no use of the new systemic therapies as a reference. From 2016 onwards, no significant difference in 2-years survival was observed between centers. Conclusions: The different use of new cancer treatment of metastatic melanoma had an effect on survival outcomes in the Netherlands. A platform such as the Dutch Melanoma Treatment Registry, in which melanoma centers collaborate and have insight in variation in treatment patterns and outcomes between centers, results in fast implementation of new clinical developments across all Dutch melanoma centers.
An optimized mathematical model for cancer patient care planning in the COVID-19 era.
Authors: Blancas Isabel , Martínez-Rodríguez David , Rodríguez-Serrano Fernando , Villanueva Rafael Jacinto , Garrido Jose Manuel 
Published: June 2021

e18663 Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has threatened to collapse hospital and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) services, and it seems to limit the care of oncologic patients. The objective was to develop a mathematical model designed to predict the hospitalization and ICU admission demands due to COVID-19 to forecast the availability of hospital resources for the scheduling of oncological surgery and medical treatment that require hospitalitation or possible use of ICU services. Methods: We have implemented a SEIR model designed to predict the number of patients requiring hospitalization and ICU admissions for COVID-19. We evaluated the model using the number of cases registered in the hospitals of the province of Granada (Spain), that altogether cover 914,678 inhabitants. Calibration was performed using data recorded between March 15 and September 22, 2020. After that, the model was validated by comparing the predictions with data registered between September 23 and November 7, 2020. Besides, we performed a predictive analysis of scenarios regarding different possible sanitary measures. Results: Using patient registered data we developed a mathematical model that reflects the flow among the different sub-groups related to COVID-19 pandemics (Table). The best algorithm that fitted the disease dynamics was Particle Swarm Optimization, that minimized the difference between model output and real data used to calibrate the model. The validation phase showed the accuracy of the predictions, especially concerning trends in hospitalizations and ICU admissions. The different scenarios modelled on November 10, 2020 allowed us to predict the evolution of the pandemic until July 1, 2021, and to detect the peaks and valleys of disease prevalence. Conclusions: The mathematical model presented provides predictions on the evolution of COVID-19, the prevalence and hospital or ICU care demands. The predictions can be used to detect periods of greater availability of hospital resources that make it possible to schedule the oncologic surgery and intensify the care for oncologic patients. Furthermore, our model can be adapted to other population by recalibrating the model according to demographic data, the local evolution of the pandemic and the health policies. [Table: see text]
Effect of activity monitoring on quality of life in patients with gastrointestinal cancer undergoing chemoradiation.
Authors: Kim Kristine N , Shah Nishant , Grewal Amardeep S. , Klinger Elissa , Ben-Josef Edgar , Plastaras John P , Metz James M. , Wojcieszynski Andrzej 
Published: June 2021

e18671 Background: Patients undergoing concurrent radiation therapy and systemic therapy often experience significant toxicities, which can adversely affect their quality of life. We sought to determine if activity monitoring and early outpatient intervention could lead to improved quality of life (QoL) in patients with gastrointestinal malignancies undergoing chemoradiotherapy. Methods: In this prospective randomized trial, patients with gastrointestinal malignancies undergoing concurrent chemoradiotherapy were randomized to activity monitoring versus standard of care (observation). Each group was provided a commercially available fitness tracker but only the intervention group was actively monitored. If a patient in the intervention arm had a 20% decrease in step count or 20% increase in heart rate from their baseline, a triage visit was triggered to further evaluate and manage symptoms. In the observation group, step count and heart rate were recorded but no triage visit was triggered. All patients had weekly on treatment visits and access to standard communication methods for symptom management during and after-hour business hours. The primary endpoint was the rate of completed triage visits. QoL was a secondary endpoint and was collected from both arms at radiation simulation (baseline) and weekly during treatment using the EORTC QLQ-C30 (v.3). The mixed model for repeated measures was used for longitudinal analysis of global health status (GHS) and overall QoL scores (range 1-7) to determine the impact of intervention and time on QoL. Results: A total of 40 patients were evaluable in this study: 22 in the intervention group and 18 in the observation group. The primary endpoint was met with an increased rate of triage visits in the active monitoring group compared to the observation group (86.4% vs 39.9%, OR 9.95, 95% CI 2.12 -46.56, p = 0.015). EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaires were completed by 97.5% of patients. The baseline QoL scores were similar in both arms (mean GHS 5.06 vs 5.50, p = 0.28 and mean QoL 4.98 vs 5.73, p = 0.09 in observation vs intervention group, respectively). There was a trend towards improved mean GHS, and QoL scores in the intervention group at all timepoints, although it did not reach statistical significance. Overall, GHS and QoL scores deteriorated from week 1 to week 6 during treatment in both groups (mean QoL 5.06 to 4.46, p = 0.16 in observation; mean QoL 5.55 to 5.03, p = 0.16 in intervention group). Conclusions: This study supports the feasibility of using activity monitor to actively track step count and heart rate to successfully trigger triage visits for patients at high risk for toxicity. Early outpatient intervention with the use of activity monitoring may improve quality of life in patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy.