bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Real-world treatment patterns, adherence, costs, and healthcare resource utilization associated with Waldenström macroglobulinemia in the United States.
Authors: Yang Keri , Castillo Jorge J. , Ratiu Anna , Delinger Rachel , Zimmerman Todd , Tang Boxiong 
Published: June 2021

e18766 Background: Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) is a rare, incurable non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Given limited real-world data on WM treatment utilization, this study evaluates real-world treatment patterns and associated outcomes in the US commercially insured population. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted using the IBM MarketScan commercial claims and Medicare supplement database. Adults with ≥2 WM diagnoses and ≥1 WM treatment between 2014 and 2019 were identified. Patients included were newly diagnosed, initiating treatment, and enrolled continuously for 6 months before and ≥60 days following the index date, defined as the first date of WM treatment. Treatment regimens were categorized as: rituximab monotherapy, chemotherapy-based (alone or in combination), proteasome inhibitor-based (alone or in combination with rituximab), ibrutinib (alone or in combination with rituximab), and other regimens. Treatment patterns were evaluated by frequency and duration of treatment regimen. Adherence is measured by discontinuation and switching rates. Healthcare resource utilization examined included inpatient, outpatient, and pharmacy visits. Total costs were calculated as sum of inpatient, outpatient and pharmacy costs per-patient-per-month (PPPM). Treatment regimens, costs, and hospitalizations were examined overall, and by line of therapy. Results: A total of 453 patients (mean age: 67 years, 51% male) received 1st-line therapy (mean duration: 246 days); 143 (32%) patients received 2nd-line therapy (mean duration: 231 days), and 24 (5%) received 3rd-line therapy (mean duration: 212 days). The most commonly used treatment regimens by line of therapy are shown in the treatment pattern table. Discontinuation rates were 43.3%, 50.4%, and 45.8%, and the switching rates were 25.4%, 10.5%, 20.8% during 1st, 2nd, and 3rd line of therapy, respectively. The overall hospitalization rate was 20% with an average length of stay (LOS) of 2.3 days. Approximately 17% (LOS: 1.4 days), 20% (LOS: 1.8 days), and 25% (LOS: 7.0 days) of patients had a hospitalization, during 1st, 2nd, and 3rd line of therapy, respectively. Mean total PPPM costs were $26,688 in overall population, and increased by line of therapy (1st: $18,682; 2nd: $19,171; and 3rd: $36,878). Conclusions: There remains a significant clinical and economic burden with suboptimal treatment adherence in US commercially-insured patients with WM. Future studies are needed to further understand factors associated with treatment selection. [Table: see text]
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic in hospitalizations due to brain tumors from the epicenter of Latin America.
Authors: Portugal Isabella Batista Martins , Werneck De Carvalho Luis Eduardo , Schoueri Jean Henri , Rezende Leandro Fórnias Machado , Fonseca Fernando Luiz Affonso , Ferrari Gerson , de Abreu Luiz Carlos , Adami Fernando 
Published: June 2021

e18785 Background: The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has disrupted health care systems worldwide. In Brazil, the disease had its first case in the city of São Paulo, thus being the starting point and epicenter of this disease in Latin America. Neurological features are currently well recognized in COVID-19 indicating the neurotropic nature of the virus and include anosmia, myalgia, myositis, encephalitis, meningitis, cerebrovascular disease, Guillain–Barré syndrome, and post-infectious myelitis. CNS tumors though relatively rare (> 2% of all cancers) are a relevant source of cancer-related morbi-mortality worldwide. Although studies have reported higher COVID-19 severity in cancer patients, the consequences of the pandemic on health care for CNS tumors remain inconclusive and will probably be felt for decades. This study aimed to determine the impact of pandemic on the hospital admissions (HA) due to CNS tumors in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of the HAs due to CNS tumors in the city of São Paulo comparing the outbreak period (January-June 2020) and a pre-pandemic corresponding period of the years 2017-2019. Data were obtained from the Brazilian Unified Health System - Hospital Information System database according to the chapter II of the International Classification of Diseases - 10th revision (ICD-10). Linear regression was used to analyze the relationship between the incidence of HAs and time (months). Results: A significant reduction in HAs due to CNS tumors was observed during the outbreak period (January-June 2020). Benign neoplasm of brain and other parts of CNS (-2, CI -2 to -1) and malignant neoplasm of brain (-5, CI -7 to -3) showed to be remarkably affected (see table). To our knowledge, this is the first scientific report of significant reduction of HAs due to CNS tumors during COVID-19 era. Conclusions: Our findings seem to be associated to delayed oncological diagnose and care to CNS tumor patients during the lockdown and health system collapse. A rebound help-seeking effect as well as more severe complications may present in the post‐pandemic. Further studies are needed to evaluate the impact of the ongoing pandemic in CNS neoplasms in order to strategically corroborate public health actions for short- and long-term implications of COVID-19 pandemic. [Table: see text]
Thromboprophylaxis in active cancer patients: Is it a controversial clinical issue or not? Preliminary results of ACT4CAT study.
Authors: Tsoukalas Nikolaos , Christopoulou Athina , Papandreou Christos N. , Koumarianou Anna , Athanasiadis Ilias , Peroukidis Stavros , Samelis Georgios , Psyrri Amanda , Kapodistrias Nikolaos , Nikolakopoulos Achilleas , Andreadis Charalampos , Ardavanis Alexandros , Samantas Epaminondas , Bokas Alexandros , Vassilios Barbounis , Kentepozidis Nikolaos K. , Mavroudis Dimitrios , Athanasiadis Athanasios , Papakotoulas Pavlos , Boukovinas Ioannis 
Published: June 2021

e18803 Background: Cancer Associated Thrombosis (CAT) is an increasing challenge for oncology patients since oncologists sometimes are reluctant to mitigate the risk with thromboprophylaxis. Active cancer patients while receiving chemotherapy have a 7fold risk of thrombosis compared with no cancer patients. Anticoagulation holds a prominent place in prevention of CAT usually with Low Molecular Weight Heparins (LMWHs). Methods: ACT4CAT is prospective observational study conducted by HeSMO across Greece, aiming to record the clinical practice of CAT prophylaxis in patients with solid tumors. Ambulatory, high thrombotic risk, active cancer patients who received thromboprophylaxis enrolled after signing informed consent. Results: Preliminary results collected from 18 oncology departments. From 431 enrolled patients 322 (65.4%) had completed the study. Tumor types included: lung 28.8%, gastrointestinal 39.8%, gynecological 7.0%, breast 4.4%, urological 7.0% and others 20%. Majority of patients (88.2%) received High-Risk for Thrombosis Chemotherapy Agents (HRTCAs) such as platinum agents (55.9%), antimetabolites (44.7%) and immunotherapy (12.6%). In 1st line were 62.1%, 2nd line 18.4%, adjuvant 8.9% and neoadjuvant 2.4%. The following table depicts: age, gender, metastatic disease, Khorana score ≥2 and HRTCAs. All patients received thromboprophylaxis for 5.3±3.6 months with: tinzaparin 90.8%, fondaparinux 5.5%, bemiparin 1.5%, enoxaparin 1.2%, apixaban 0.5% and rivaroxaban 0.5%. Intermediate doses received 70.9% of patients regardless clinical setting (1st, 2nd, adjuvant & neoadjuvant: 70.2%, 79.2%, 51.3% and 70.0% respectively, p = 0.0254), although intermediate doses were used more in metastatic stages (OR:2.4 95%CI: 1.4-4.2, p = 0.0028). Nine thrombotic events reported (2.1%, 95%CI: 1.1-3.9%), irrespective of clinical setting but with a trend towards prophylactic doses. Eleven grade 1 bleedings reported (2.6%, 95%CI: 1.4-4.5%), despite clinical setting or dose used. Conclusions: Thromboprophylaxis in ambulatory active cancer patients with high thrombotic risk is safe and effective. Oncologists are alerted about CAT negative influences in cancer patients’ prognosis. Apart from Khorana score, factors such as metastases, use of HRTCAs and drug-drug interactions influence the clinical decision of thromboprophylaxis in active cancer patients mainly with LMWHs and quite often with intermediate doses regardless clinical setting. Clinical trial information: NCT03909399. [Table: see text]
Reduction in prostate cancer hospitalizations in the COVID-19 pandemic epicenter of Latin America.
Authors: Portugal Isabella Batista Martins , Adami Fernando , Schoueri Jean Henri , Rezende Leandro Fórnias Machado , Fonseca Fernando Luiz Affonso , Ferrari Gerson , de Abreu Luiz Carlos , Werneck De Carvalho Luis Eduardo 
Published: June 2021

e18814 Background: The novel SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has disrupted health care systems worldwide since December 2019 causing atypical pneumonia and affecting multiple body organs. In Latin America, COVID-19 had its first case in the megacity of São Paulo, Brazil, thus being the starting point and epicenter of this disease. In this context, prostate cancer (PC) is the most common non-skin cancer among men and its preventive healthcare is substantial to public health surveillance. Additionally, PC raises particular interest during COVID-19 outbreak as PC androgen-deprivation therapies have shown to mitigate SARS-CoV-2 infection, which suggests an association between SARS-CoV-2 and PC cells. Thus, the consequences of the COVID-19 outbreak on male genital cancers care remain inconclusive and will probably be felt for decades. This study aimed to determine the impact of pandemic on the incidence of hospital admissions (HA) due to malignant neoplasms of male genital organs in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of the HAs due to malignant neoplasms of male genital organs in the city of São Paulo comparing the outbreak period (January-June 2020) and a pre-pandemic corresponding period of the years 2017-2019. Data were obtained from the Brazilian Unified Health System - Hospital Information System database according to the chapter II of the International Classification of Diseases - 10th revision (ICD-10). Linear regression was used to analyze the relationship between the incidence of HAs and time (months). Results: A significant reduction in HAs due to malignant neoplasms of male genital organs was observed in PC, but not other malignant neoplasms of male genital organs during the outbreak period (January-June 2020). PC (-19, CI -36 to -1) showed to be remarkably affected while other male genital cancers (-1, CI -5 to 3) did not (Table). Conclusions: Our findings seem to be associated to delayed oncological care delivery to PC during the lockdown and health system disruption. Further studies are required to evaluate the impact of the ongoing pandemic in malignant neoplasm of male genital organs, particularly PC, in order to strategically corroborate public health actions for implications of COVID-19 pandemic. Linear regression of hospital admissions for the years 2017-2020 (January until June) due to malignant neoplasms of male genital organs (chapter II of the ICD-10). Municipality of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.[Table: see text]
The association between myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD): Analysis of Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database.
Authors: Barbi Mali , Gurunathan Sakteesh , Pradhan Kith , Halmos Balazs , Gritsman Kira , Verma Amit K. 
Published: June 2021

e19033 Background: The co-occurrence of MDS and IBD has been gradually recognized in the literature. Yet, large-scale national studies are required to investigate this observed association further. We aimed to delineate the clinical features, outcomes between the concurrent of MDS with IBD and MDS or IBD alone in a nationally representative database. Methods: Data were obtained from the NIS 2010-2014, using appropriate ICD-9 codes to identify patients who were admitted with a principal diagnosis of MDS with IBD as secondary (MDS-1/IBD) and MDS without IBD and patients who were admitted with a principal diagnosis of IBD with MDS (IBD-1/MDS) and without MDS. We assessed the mortality rate as the primary outcome, mean length of stay (LOS), and rate of blood transfusion as secondary outcomes by Pearson χ2 -test and univariate regression (logistic regression). Results: We identified 190 hospitalizations for MDS-1/IBD and 4895 hospitalizations for IBD-1/MDS. The mean LOS was higher for MDS-1/IBD group than for IBD or MDS only (11.7 vs. 6.1 and 7 days). However, the mortality rate in the MDS-1/IBD group was lower than in patients with IBD or MDS only (2.6% vs. 3.8% and 4.4%). While the rate of blood transfusion was higher among males in the MDS group, it was significantly higher among females when there is a concurrent MDS-1/IBD. However, the differences were not significant when MDS is not the primary diagnosis i.e IBD-1/MDS. In univariate analysis, age and Charlson comorbidity index were significantly associated with an increased mortality rate when there are IBD and MDS than MDS or IBD alone. Conclusions: While unable to assess appropriateness, NIS data indicate that there are significant differences in outcomes such as mean LOS, rate of blood transfusion and mortality rate when there is a concurrence of MDS and IBD than MDS or IBD alone. The underlying pathogenicity remains unclear and warrants additional study.[Table: see text]
Cachexia is an independent factor for negative clinical and functional outcomes in lymphoma patients receiving CART therapy.
Authors: Roy Ishan , Smilnak Gordon John , Burkart Madelyn , Williams Corinne , Hamilton Elizabeth , Miyata Sarah , Thorp Katherine , Ma Shuo , Winter Jane N. , Pro Barbara , Gordon Leo I. , Karmali Reem 
Published: June 2021

e19504 Background: Cachexia is a known independent factor for negative outcomes in several cancer populations at early and late stages, but has not been in investigated in cancer patients receiving Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell therapy (CART). Our objective was to evaluate the relationship between cachexia and clinical and functional outcomes in patients with lymphoma receiving CART. Methods: Design: Retrospective cohort study including 70 adult patients with aggressive B-cell lymphomas (Diffuse Large B-cell or Mantle Cell Lymphoma) who received CART. Cachexia markers: body weight loss (BWL), BMI, albumin, creatinine, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) – each captured at diagnosis, pre-collection, CART initiation, and through day 360 post-CART. Outcome measures: Primary outcomes: Disease relapse after CART and 90-day mortality. Secondary outcome: Need for rehabilitation services post-acute care (inpatient rehabilitation or home physical therapy). Statistical analyses: Linear regression modeling, area under the curve analysis, and multivariate modeling (any univariates with p < 0.25). Co-variates: age, ECOG PS, IPI, cell of origin, MYC status, number of prior cancer therapies, time from diagnosis to CART, and need for bridging / steroid pre-CART. Results: In longitudinal modeling from diagnosis to day 360, CART patients who relapsed had linear associations over time with BWL since diagnosis (p < 0.01), NLR (p < 0.0001), creatinine (p = 0.045), and albumin (p < 0.001). In univariate analyses (see table): at pre-collection, high NLR and BWL increased odds of relapse; at treatment, high NLR and CRP increased odds of mortality; and at D30, and BWL and high NLR increased odds of relapse and mortality, respectively. In multivariate analyses (see table, # = independent association), BWL and high NLR independently associated with relapse and mortality, respectively. Significant covariates included need for bridging (p = 0.02), steroid therapy pre-CART (p < 0.01), and time from diagnosis to CART (p = 0.02). Secondarily, BWL and low albumin pre-CART increased odds of needing rehabilitation services, with BWL independently associating in multivariate models (OR = infinity, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Cachexia markers, such as BWL from diagnosis and NLR, are candidate predictors of relapse and mortality after CART. Specific markers could also assign patients to neo/adjuvant rehabilitative and medical therapies targeted towards cachexia. Overall, this study suggests that cachexia may alter the clinical and functional trajectory of lymphoma patients receiving CART.[Table: see text]
Clinical characteristics and outcomes of adult lymphoma-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH).
Authors: Lee Christina Y. , Wills Beatriz , Vardhana Santosha Adipudi , Moskowitz Alison J. 
Published: June 2021

e19526 Background: Lymphoma is a major cause of secondary HLH, a life-threatening hyperinflammatory syndrome due to immune dysregulation. This study examines the clinical and biological characteristics, management, and outcomes of patients with lymphoma and HLH. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 44 adult patients with combined diagnoses of lymphoma and HLH at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center between June 2012 and September 2020. Overall survival (OS) was measured from the date of HLH diagnosis to the date of death or last follow-up. We evaluated the association of demographic, clinical, laboratory, and treatment variables on survival using log-rank tests and Cox proportional hazards model. Results: Of the 44 patients, 30 (68%) had T and NK-cell lymphoma, 12 (27%) had B-cell lymphoma, and 2 (5%) had Hodgkin lymphoma. All but one patient received HLH therapy including corticosteroids (95%), etoposide (68%), and intravenous immunoglobulin (18%), which was initiated within 1 day of diagnosis in 84% of cases. Twenty-five patients (57%) received lymphoma-directed therapy with etoposide (n = 17) or without etoposide (n = 8). Five of the 15 patients who underwent targeted tumor-sequencing of 400 genes harbored a TP53 mutation and all were refractory to frontline therapy, while 7 of 10 patients without TP53 mutation demonstrated initial treatment response ( p= 0.03). The median OS (mOS) of the entire cohort was 1.4 months, with a 30-day cumulative mortality incidence of 36.4%. Most deaths were attributed to relapsed or refractory HLH (n = 25/36, 69%) and lymphoma progression (n = 6/36, 17%). Patients with T/NK-cell lymphoma-associated HLH had a mOS of 1.4 months compared to 9.2 months in B-cell lymphomas ( p= 0.09). Ten patients (23%) were diagnosed with HLH within 60 days of their initial lymphoma diagnosis and had an improved prognosis (mOS 12.8 vs 1.3 months, p= 0.006). Treatment with etoposide, either alone or as part of a lymphoma-directed regimen, was associated with significantly improved survival (HR 0.48, 95% CI 0.24-0.96) whereas lymphoma-directed therapy with or without etoposide was not (HR 0.66, 95% CI 0.34-1.29). Significant predictors of mortality included age ≥60 years, non-white race, and concurrent infection during the hospitalization. Conclusions: In this large cohort from a single U.S. institution, there was a wide range of lymphoma subtypes associated with HLH. Despite increased disease recognition and prompt initiation of standard HLH and lymphoma-directed therapies, the prognosis remains very poor. Patients treated with etoposide had improved survival, highlighting the importance of controlling hyperinflammation during initial management. Notably, TP53 mutation was associated with primary refractory HLH. Future studies will aim to elucidate the pathophysiology of lymphoma-associated HLH in order to inform novel therapeutic approaches.
Practice patterns in children, adolescents, and young adults with mycosis fungoides: Single institution study.
Authors: Hooper Madeline , Zhang Yumeng , Taylor Eric , Seminario-Vidal Lucia , Sokol Lubomir 
Published: June 2021

e19553 Background: Mycosis fungoides (MF) is the most common type of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, but management remains heterogenous. MF management is based on disease stage, comorbidities, availability, and physician preference. Few studies have assessed treatment in children, adolescents, and young adults because prognosis in these groups is generally favorable; however, optimizing therapeutic protocols for these patients will improve clinical care and reduce adverse effect incidence. Here, we retrospectively describe the practice patterns and disease response for the child, adolescent, and young adult with MF. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed clinical data on 46 patients younger than 40 years with MF treated at Moffitt Cancer Center between 2009 and 2019. Mean time to next therapy (mTTNT) was used as a surrogate marker for the duration of clinical benefit. Group differences in mTTNT for patients with early-stage MF was assessed using Kaplan-Meier analysis. P-values were calculated using the log-rank test. Results: Overall, mean age was 29.2 years (range: 6.6-39.8). Topical steroids (47.8%) and narrowband-UVB (nbUVB) (19.6%) were the most utilized first line treatments regardless of disease stage. Forty patients had early-stage MF (stage IA-IIA). Among them, mean age was 27.8 years (6.6-36.6); 55% received topical steroids and 22.5% received nbUVB first line. These patients received a mean of three (1-7) unique therapies throughout their treatment course. Other reported topicals were retinoids, nitrogen mustard and pimecrolimus. Systemic retinoids were used in one early-stage case. Used first line in early-stage disease, topical therapy resulted in a mTTNT of 25 months ( p= 0.015); mTTNT after combination and systemic therapy was 12 and 5.5 months. As second line treatment, phototherapy resulted in a mTTNT of 58 months, but this finding was not statistically significant ( p= 0.11). Topical and systemic agents used second line resulted in mTTNT of 34 and 33 months. Six patients had advanced-stage MF (stage IIB-IVB) with a mean age of 27.6 years (19.9-35.8), two of which died from the disease. Each patient received a different first line therapy: topical nitrogen mustard, systemic steroids, systemic retinoids, radiation, psoralen and UVA light, or CHOP chemotherapy. Mean number of therapies administered to this cohort was five (2-9). Conclusions: In children, adolescents, and young adults with MF, topical and phototherapies were used more frequently than systemic therapies or radiation. In early-stage disease, the longest clinical response was achieved with topical treatments. Used second line, phototherapy demonstrated promising disease response trends compared to those of other modalities. Systemic therapy does not produce durable disease response in the first line setting; however, its utility in advanced-stage disease and as a second line agent requires further research.