bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Abstract LB238: Multiplex immunohistochemistry profiling with UltraPlex IHC on FFPE lung cancer provides a fast and robust staining platform compatible with clinical laboratory workflows
Authors: Tighe-Snyder Helen , Levin Matt , Akhananaghdam Zohreh , Jiang Yanfei , Schwartz David 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
A wide range of technologies are now available to perform multiplex immunofluorescence(mxIF) to examine the tumor immune microenvironment in FFPE tissue sections, offering the potentialto reveal signatures of anti-tumor immune response. However, mxIF assay performance is often limitedby autofluorescence and other artifacts, particularly in lung and prostate cancer samples. These artifactscan frustrate detection even using dedicated instrumentation to obtain images and advanced softwareto identify and measure the different biomarkers. Compared to immunofluorescence,immunohistochemistry (IHC) displays far less background and uses tools readily available in anypathology lab, but IHC has been traditionally difficult to multiplex especially regarding co-localization oncells. Recently, Cell IDx has overcome this barrier by developing UltraPlex™ multiplex IHC (mxIHC),where we leverage Cell IDx's antibody hapten-tagging technology to enable independent detection of 3-4 primary antibodies from any species on a single tissue section, using different chromogen colors todistinguish each biomarker. In this study of various NSCLC tumors, we display how mxIHC can define theTME while maintaining staining integrity. Using UltraPlex™ mxIHC, we demonstrate a useful clinicalchromogenic triple stain of CD8, PD-L1, and panCK with the ability to produce accurate quantitation forphenotype subsets. Our result show that UltraPlex™ mxIHC on FFPE tissue sections can provideincreased confidence for multiplexing on challenging tissues while requiring only conventionallaboratory methods and apparatus.
Citation Format: Helen Tighe-Snyder, Matt Levin, Zohreh Akhananaghdam, Yanfei Jiang, David Schwartz. Multiplex immunohistochemistry profiling with UltraPlex IHC on FFPE lung cancer provides a fast and robust staining platform compatible with clinical laboratory workflows [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr LB238.
Abstract ND03: PD1-IL2v: A next generation, PD-1-targeted cytokine
Authors: Umana Pablo 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
High dose interleukin-2 (IL-2) has been the first effective cancer immunotherapy to treat metastatic melanoma and renal cell carcinoma, but its clinical use is limited due to toxicity and the detrimental expansion of regulatory T cells (Tregs). As both of these issues are compounded by binding to IL-2Ra (CD25), second generation IL-2 and IL-15 molecules ("IL2Rbg-biased agonists"), engineered to bind preferentially or exclusively to the intermediate-affinity IL-2R but not to CD25, are currently in clinical trials. However, reduced CD25 binding limits the ability of these 2nd generation cytokines for expansion of tumor antigen-specific T-cells. We have now generated a novel PD-1-targeted IL-2 variant (IL2v), by fusing a high-affinity anti-PD-1 antibody to an IL2v with abolished binding to CD25. High-affinity PD-1 binding allows IL2v to effectively expand tumor-antigen specific T-cells, and to differentiate those cells towards better, non-dysfunctional immune effectors, to much higher levels vs. anti-PD-1/-L1 antibodies alone or in combination with either tolerable doses of standard IL-2 or with a non-PD-1-targeted 2nd generation IL-2Rbg agonist currently in clinical development, and thus mediate significantly superior anti-tumor efficacy at well tolerated drug doses. PD1-IL2v is currently being tested in a Ph1 clinical trial.
Citation Format: Pablo Umana. PD1-IL2v: A next generation, PD-1-targeted cytokine [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr ND03.
Abstract ND07: HER2-TTC: A Targeted thorium conjugate to treat HER2 expressing cancers with potent alpha radiation
Authors: Karlsson Jenny 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
HER2-TTC (BAY 2701439) is a new representative of the Targeted Thorium Conjugates (TTCs), a novel class of radiotherapeutics for the treatment of cancer. It is comprised of the α-particle emitter thorium-227 complexed to a 3,2-HOPO chelator and conjugated to a human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) targeted monoclonal antibody derived from trastuzumab. The targeted binding of HER2-TTC exposes tumor cells that express HER2 to a cytotoxic dose of alpha radiation. The high energy alpha-particles induce clustered double-strand DNA damage in targeted and adjacent tumor cells, which have a high likelihood to result in cell death in a cell cycle-independent fashion. Alpha particles have a short range of &lt; 100 μm (less than 10 cell diameters), which minimizes damage to surrounding healthy tissue. The mechanism of action for TTCs is not dependent on any specific tumor type or affected by known resistance mechanisms provided that the target tumor epitope continues to be expressed. Potential combinations with inhibitors of DNA damage response (DDR) pathways may lead to synergistic anti-tumor activity. Preclinically, HER2-TTC has demonstrated substantial and selective anti-tumor activity in different models including breast, gastric, lung, bladder, colorectal cancer, with a range of HER2 expressions (IHC scores of 1+ to 3+). These included trastuzumab and T-DM1 resistant models, and models with low HER2 expression (IHC2+/ISH- or IHC1+). HER2-TTC has also demonstrated synergistic efficacy in combination with olaparib in a BRCAmut model. Preclinical data also support potential combinations with immune oncology agents, likely due to immunogenic cell death induced by alpha radiation. HER2-TTC has recently entered a First in Human study (NCT04147819) in patients with advanced tumors that express HER2. These include HER2 high expressing (IHC3+ or ISH+) breast and gastric/gastroesophageal carcinoma relapsed/refractory to trastuzumab/T-DM1, cancers with low HER2 expression, and other tumors that express HER2 such as colorectal cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, salivary, bladder and endometrial tumors.
Citation Format: Jenny Karlsson. HER2-TTC: A Targeted thorium conjugate to treat HER2 expressing cancers with potent alpha radiation [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr ND07.
Abstract 10: The Evolution of Parents' Beliefs about Childhood Cancer: A Qualitative Study in Guatemala
Authors: Graetz Dylan , Rivas Silvia , Fuentes Lucia , Caceres-Serrano Annie , Ferrara Gia , Antillon-Klussmann  , Metzger Monika , Rodriguez-Galindo Carlos , Mack Jennifer 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Purpose: Ninety percent of children with cancer live in low- and middle-income countries, and fewer than 40% survive. In these countries, rates of treatment abandonment can be up to 50-60%, contributing to the mortality gap. Fatalistic cancer beliefs may lead to delayed diagnosis and poor outcomes, including treatment abandonment. This study explored the evolution of Guatemalan parents' cancer beliefs during initial pediatric cancer communication, and the sociocultural and contextual factors that influence these beliefs.
Methods: Twenty families of children with cancer were included in this study. We audio-recorded initial psychosocial and diagnostic conversations between parents, psychologists, and oncologists, then conducted semi-structured interviews with parents. Audio-recordings were transcribed and translated from Spanish into English and thematically analyzed.
Results: Guatemalan parents' beliefs evolve as they learn about cancer through various sources. Sources of information external to the cancer center, including prior experiences with cancer, media exposure, community discussion, and clinical encounters, contribute to pre-existing beliefs, many of which are fatalistic and influenced by Mayan spirituality. Sources internal to the cancer center include psychologists and oncologists, other providers, other patients and families. Psychologists acknowledge pre-existing beliefs and deliver cancer education using verbal explanations and hand-drawings. Oncologists provide diagnostic information and outline treatment plans. Both support hope by providing a path toward cure. Parents' lived experience is a culmination of sources and simultaneously independent. Ultimately most parents arrive at an understanding of cancer that is consistent with an allopathic medical model and offers optimism about outcomes.
Conclusion: An interdisciplinary communication process that includes multimedia education, is attentive to pre-existing beliefs, and supports hope may encourage acceptance of the allopathic model and need for treatment. Providers in settings of all resource levels may be able to use these techniques to support cross-cultural cancer communication, reduce treatment abandonment, and improve therapy adherence.
Citation Format: Dylan Graetz, Silvia Rivas, Lucia Fuentes, Annie Caceres-Serrano, Gia Ferrara, Antillon-Klussmann, Monika Metzger, Carlos Rodriguez-Galindo, Jennifer Mack. The Evolution of Parents' Beliefs about Childhood Cancer: A Qualitative Study in Guatemala [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 9th Annual Symposium on Global Cancer Research; Global Cancer Research and Control: Looking Back and Charting a Path Forward; 2021 Mar 10-11. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2021;30(7 Suppl):Abstract nr 10.
Abstract 102: Breakpoints in Protocol Compliance and Their Influence on Outcomes for Children with Wilms Tumor in Northern Tanzania
Authors: Wesevich Austin , George Mocha , Kiwara Frank , Chao Colin , Shabani Idd , Igenge John , Schroeder Kristin 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Purpose: Standardized treatment protocols for Wilms tumor have been developed for use in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), but equivalent outcomes as high-income countries are not achieved outside of clinical trials. To identify critical breakpoints in protocol adherence contributing to reduced outcomes, we evaluated treatment compliance and impact of the completion of each stage of therapy on outcomes for Wilms tumor patients at a regional cancer referral hospital in northern Tanzania.
Methods: This is a retrospective single-center cohort study for children diagnosed with Wilms tumor from 2016-2019 in Tanzania, treated per the International Society of Pediatric Oncology (SIOP) Africa adapted (2016-17) or standard (2018-19) therapy protocols. Treatment compliance was evaluated for both timing of chemotherapy initiation, and completion of risk-adapted therapy duration per protocol.
Results: A total of 72 patients were evaluated. The two-year overall survival and event-free survival rates were 44% and 27%, respectively. Only 22% of patients completed recommended chemotherapy per protocol. There were delays at each stage of treatment, especially time to surgery (74 days), pathology report (32 days), and initiation of postoperative chemotherapy (39 days). A total of 38% of patients abandoned care, with 44% of abandonment occurring prior to surgery, 30% immediately after surgery, and 26% during post-operative chemotherapy. Compliance with surgical resection (p=0.05) and postoperative chemotherapy (p=0.04) were predictive of two-year overall survival.
Conclusion: Standardized Wilms tumor treatment protocol compliance outside of clinical trials is low in many LMICs. In the current study, noncompliance with recommended chemotherapy correlated to reduced overall survival rates, with several identified key health system delays contributing to poor compliance. Future interventions targeting health system delays are critical to improve protocol compliance, increasing overall survival for pediatric Wilms tumor patients in LMICs.
Citation Format: Austin Wesevich, Mocha George, Frank Kiwara, Colin Chao, Idd Shabani, John Igenge, Kristin Schroeder. Breakpoints in Protocol Compliance and Their Influence on Outcomes for Children with Wilms Tumor in Northern Tanzania [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 9th Annual Symposium on Global Cancer Research; Global Cancer Research and Control: Looking Back and Charting a Path Forward; 2021 Mar 10-11. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2021;30(7 Suppl):Abstract nr 102.
Abstract 107: Self-Reported Physical Activity Patterns among Colorectal Cancer Survivors in Egypt
Authors: Aly Salma Mohamed , Genena Doaa , Shikany James , Bateman Lori Brand , Fouad Mona , Arafat Waleed , Abdelmoneim Salah-Eldin , Bae Sejong , Scarinci Isabel , Hussein Marwa , Zaki Miriam A. , Khamess Somaia , Rogers Laura Q. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Purpose: Compared to the U.S., colorectal cancer (CRC) in Egypt is more prevalent among younger individuals (under age 40) and diagnosed at an advanced stage leading to higher mortality rates. Given these higher mortality rates, focusing on tertiary prevention strategies, such as physical activity, is warranted. Our study purpose was to assess physical activity behavior in colorectal cancer survivors living in Egypt.
Methods: Egyptian study staff recruited 86 participants from the Alexandria University Oncology Department. Eligible participants were post-primary or currently undergoing treatment for CRC. Study staff administered the World Health Organization physical activity questionnaire (GPAQ; www.who.int/chp/steps/GPAQ/en/) and Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ). Both assessments were translated into Arabic.
Results: The median age of study participants was 52 years old with 43% being male, 64% reporting early stage cancer, 77% reporting one or more years of school, and 79% living in an urban location. Most participants (76%) had a normal or overweight BMI. According to the GPAQ, the median total MET mins/wk for participants was 1440 with interquartile range of 225 to 6720; 63% of participants met the GPAQ WHO recommendations of ≥600 MET mins/wk. Occupational and transportation contributed to the majority of total MET mins/wk. According to the GLTEQ, the median for weekly minutes of ≥moderate intensity physical activity was 0 with interquartile range of 0 to 23 minutes per week. Only 14% were meeting physical activity recommendations of ≥150 weekly minutes of ≥moderate intensity physical activity based on the GLTEQ.
Conclusion: The prevalence of meeting physical activity recommendations varies depending on measurement tool used. Considering sources of physical activity beyond recreational alone is important for more fully understanding physical activity behavior. The low levels of recreational or leisure exercise provides an opportunity for increasing the prevalence of sufficient physical activity in CRC survivors in Egypt.
Citation Format: Salma Mohamed Aly, Doaa Genena, James Shikany, Lori Brand Bateman, Mona Fouad, Waleed Arafat, Salah-Eldin Abdelmoneim, Sejong Bae, Isabel Scarinci, Marwa Hussein, Miriam A. Zaki, Somaia Khamess, Laura Q. Rogers. Self-Reported Physical Activity Patterns among Colorectal Cancer Survivors in Egypt [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 9th Annual Symposium on Global Cancer Research; Global Cancer Research and Control: Looking Back and Charting a Path Forward; 2021 Mar 10-11. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2021;30(7 Suppl):Abstract nr 107.
Abstract 109: A Longitudinal Telehealth Curriculum for Radiation Oncology Centers in Low and Middle-Income Countries Transitioning from 2D to 3D External Beam Radiation Therapy
Authors: Yang Fei , Carter Raymond , Ahmed Soha , Plautz Tia , Dubrowski Piotr , Wadi-Ramahi Shada , Ashmeg Sarah , Ascoli Frank , Wakefield Daniel , Adamson Justus , Li Benjamin 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Purpose: The transition from 2-dimensional (2D) to 3-dimensional (3D) external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) can dramatically improve the quality of radiotherapy in low and middle-income countries (LMICs); however, many cancer centers in LMICs lack training support to effectively make this transition. Remote training is a low-cost, accessible option to bridge this gap, and we sought to evaluate the efficacy of such a program.
Methods: The nonprofit Rayos Contra Cancer identified 9 LMIC operational cancer centers in the Middle East and Northern Africa that had recently acquired technology to transition from 2D to 3D EBRT. Baseline information for each center was collected electronically, then a team of EBRT content experts developed a 12-week, 25-session continuing medical education curriculum. Each session invited live participation using Zoom video communications and lasted 1 - 2 hours. Participants were administered a Likert scale (1-5) confidence evaluation on 13 foundational topics in 3D EBRT and a 49-point knowledge-based multiple-choice examination pre- and post- curriculum. Anonymous feedback with 1-5 satisfaction scores for each session was solicited midway and at the conclusion of the curriculum. Training was provided for free.
Results: Among centers, 260 participants enrolled in training, including 39 medical physicists, 36 radiation oncologists, 54 radiation therapists, 15 dosimetrists, and 116 in training or other roles. Pre- and post-curriculum average examination scores were 22.95/49 (53.4%, N = 171) and 30.76/49 (62.8%, N=87), respectively. Pre- and post-curriculum confidence evaluation showed an average of 1.4/5 (27.7%, N=260) and 3.86 (77.2%, N=74) confidence among 13 topics. Satisfaction surveys (halfway N=51, end N=48) showed high satisfaction with helpfulness (4.3/5) enjoyableness (4.2/5), and well-preparedness (4.4/5) of sessions.
Conclusion: Satisfaction, confidence, and knowledge domains were all measured with favorable results. This innovative low-cost telehealth model for EBRT training is a promising vehicle for advancing cancer care in LMICs by providing educational support.
Citation Format: Fei Yang, Raymond Carter, Soha Ahmed, Tia Plautz, Piotr Dubrowski, Shada Wadi-Ramahi, Sarah Ashmeg, Frank Ascoli, Daniel Wakefield, Justus Adamson, Benjamin Li. A Longitudinal Telehealth Curriculum for Radiation Oncology Centers in Low and Middle-Income Countries Transitioning from 2D to 3D External Beam Radiation Therapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 9th Annual Symposium on Global Cancer Research; Global Cancer Research and Control: Looking Back and Charting a Path Forward; 2021 Mar 10-11. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2021;30(7 Suppl):Abstract nr 109.
Abstract 11: Neglected Elements of Cancer Control During The COVID-19 Pandemic in Africa: Call for Action from 2019-2020 African Cancer Research and Control ECHO Programme
Authors: Nakaganda Annet , Lasebikan Nwamaka , Garton Elise M. , Kithaka Benda , Cira Mishka K. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Purpose: As the world is learning to live with the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, there is a shift in cancer control priorities and focus, with innovations to ensure continuity of cancer treatment and patient support during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, cancer control requires a comprehensive approach to minimize cancer incidence, mortality and improve the quality of life of those living with cancer. Hence, this analysis aimed to identify areas of cancer control affected by the COVID-19 pandemic that would equally affect cancer incidence, morbidity and mortality in Africa.
Methods: The Africa Cancer Research and Control ECHO® Programme (Africa Cancer ECHO) is a community of practice that meets in an online platform to discuss cancer control challenges and solutions in the Africa region. The Africa Cancer ECHO conducted eleven sessions from April to August 2020 about the emerging COVID-19 pandemic, its impact on cancer control in Africa, and country-level practices as presented through case and didactic presentations. Sessions were analysed thematically to identify elements of cancer control that are adversely affected as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and how they have been addressed.
Results: HPV vaccination, cancer screening and early detection services, palliative care (PC) services, and cancer registration were particularly adversely affected, and in many cases have not yet resumed in some African countries. Recommendations included: use of affordable point of care HPV tests with immediate results; introducing COVID-19 testing along with HPV-testing; transitioning PC services from hospice to home care; and embracing Information Technology to enhance cancer registration.
Conclusion: Cancer prevention, screening, supportive care, and surveillance services need to be urgently revitalised in Africa. The Africa Cancer ECHO platform highlights the need for generation of locally-relevant, evidence-based strategies that will safeguard past gains and continue to maximize the reduction of cancer incidence, morbidity and mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Citation Format: Annet Nakaganda, Nwamaka Lasebikan, Elise M. Garton, Benda Kithaka, Mishka K. Cira. Neglected Elements of Cancer Control During The COVID-19 Pandemic in Africa: Call for Action from 2019-2020 African Cancer Research and Control ECHO Programme [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 9th Annual Symposium on Global Cancer Research; Global Cancer Research and Control: Looking Back and Charting a Path Forward; 2021 Mar 10-11. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2021;30(7 Suppl):Abstract nr 11.