bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Performing combined breast and gynecologic surgery does not increase the rate of surgical site infections: A NSQIP database analysis.
Authors: Mayor Paul , Etter John , Szender James Brian , Zsiros Emese , Frederick Peter Jonathan , Lele Shashikant B. 
Published: September 2018

e18093 Background: The purpose of this study is to determine and compare the overall rates of surgical site infections (SSI) in patients undergoing breast surgery, hysterectomy and combined breast surgery and hysterectomy. Methods: We inspected the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) Participant Use Files from 2005-2014 for subjects undergoing breast surgery (CPT codes 19300-19307, 19340, 19342, 19350, 19357, 19361, 19364, 19366-19369, 19380, 19396), Gynecologic surgery ( CPT Codes 58150, 58152, 58180, 58200, 58210, 58240, 58260, 58262, 58263, 58267, 58270, 58275, 58280, 58285, 58290-58294, 58541-58544, 58548, 58550, 58552-58554, 58570-58573), or a combined surgery (the NSQIP databased was queried for encounters that contained both a breast surgery code and hysterectomy procedure code). We then queried the database for SSI rates within 30 days of surgery. SSI rates were compared using a χ2 test with a nominal value of p < 0.05 as a test for significance. Results: We identified a total of 174,605 patients who underwent a breast surgery and found a SSI rate of 2.59%. We identified a total of 137,121 patients who underwent hysterectomy and found a SSI rate of 2.58%. We identified 383 patients who underwent a combined breast surgery and hysterectomy and found a SSI rate of 2.87%. When comparing SSI rates of combined breast surgery and hysterectomy, to breast surgery or hysterectomy alone, we found no significant difference in the rates of SSI between these groups (p = .7304). We analyzed SSI rates in patients by different surgical approaches including combined breast surgery and open hysterectomy and found an SSI rate of 4.35% (p = .357), combined breast surgery and laparoscopic hysterectomy and found an SSI rate of 2.38% (p = .931), and combined breast surgery and laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy and found an SSI rate of 2.75% (p = .916). Conclusions: The rates of SSI in patients undergoing combined breast surgery and hysterectomy is not significantly different from breast surgery or hysterectomy alone. Gynecologic oncologist should coordinate with breast surgeons to perform a combined procedure in patients who require both breast surgery and hysterectomy.
Immunotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer and the abscopal effect.
Authors: Jafri Syed Imran Mustafa , Malik Faizan , Ali Naveed , Naglak Mary , Sundermeyer Mark L. 
Published: September 2018

e18104 Background: Advanced research and better understanding of the human immune system has led to the development of targeted immunotherapy such as PD-1 inhibitors. We studied patients with both squamous and non-squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer in a community setting who are being treated with Nivolumab. Our primary objective was to determine response to therapy (overall response rate-ORR). Our secondary objective was to study the abscopal response of our population and if the tumor response was better in those patients who received radiotherapy in the preceding 6 months of the start of immunotherapy Methods: Data were summarized using descriptive statistics including means, standard deviations, medians, frequencies and percentages. Chi square analyses were used to make comparisons between response and categorical variables. Overall response rate was calculated by combining people with partial and complete response. All p-values were two tailed and a level of ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Out of 21 patients, eight (38%) did not show any disease progression. Five out of these eight patients (23% of total study population) had stable disease. Three remaining patients had partial response to the treatment. The ORR was 14% which is comparable to 20% and 19% ORR in the CheckMate trials for nivolumab. Thirteen (62%) patients had progressive disease. Our study showed no significant effect of radiotherapy on disease response to nivolumab. There was one incidence of treatment discontinuation permanently due to the side effects of Nivolumab. Conclusions: Immunotherapy is a promising new option in lung cancer treatment. Fewer side effects and improved survival compared to traditional second line chemotherapy makes it more appealing. In our study group, nivolumab has shown ORR of 14% and stable disease in an additional 23% of the patients resulting in a disease control rate of 37%.
Genome-wide association study (GWAS) of chemotherapy-induced Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) to reveal shared pathways with cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Authors: El Charif Omar , Wheeler Heather E. , Trendowski Matthew , Gamazon Eric R , Ardeshirrouhanifard Shirin , Feldman Darren R. , Hamilton Robert James , Vaughn David J. , Beard Clair , Fung Chunkit , Kim Jeri , Fossa Sophie D. , Abu Zaid Mohammad Issam , Mushiroda Taisei , Kubo Michiaki , Einhorn Lawrence H. , Cox Nancy , Travis Lois B. , Dolan M. Eileen ,   The Platinum Study Group
Published: September 2018

e18162 Background: RP is an adverse drug reaction characterized by reduced blood flow to the extremities causing pain and sensations of cold. Few studies have examined the genetic basis for RP, although family studies suggest a heritable component to primary RP. Methods: Eligible testicular cancer survivors (TCS) were < 55 y at diagnosis, treated with first line cisplatin-based chemotherapy, and completed questionnaires. Genotyping with standard quality control and imputation were performed. A case-control RP phenotype was derived from patient-reported outcomes and associations were computed by logistic regression. GWAS used cumulative bleomycin dose and 10 genetic principal components as covariates. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) utilized genes ranked by the most significant GWAS SNP in/within 20 kilobases. A polygenic risk score for CVD derived from four prior independent GWAS (Khera et al. NEJM 2016) was assessed for association with RP. Results: Of 749 patients (median age 38 y, median time since chemotherapy 5 y), 38% reported RP. Bleomycin dose was the most significant predictor of RP (OR100 mg/m2 = 1.25, p < 0.0001). Number of years smoking also correlated with RP (ORyear = 1.05, p = 0.002). Age and hypertension showed no significant correlation with RP. GSEA revealed several significant pathways (FDR q < 0.1), including “ cellular response to VEGF stimulus” (q = 0.05) and “ cardiac muscle cell action potential” (q = 0.09). We hypothesized that RP may share genetic architecture with CVD. Deriving a polygenic risk score from genome-wide significant SNPs in prior CVD GWAS (n = 4260-22,389), we showed nearly significant case-control differences in CVD polygenic risk score (two-tailed t-test, p = 0.053). RP frequency significantly increased with polygenic risk score quartile (OR = 1.19, p = 0.008). Conclusions: Over one third of TCS report RP, with greater frequency among bleomycin-treated patients and smokers. Implicated genetic pathways include ones established in CVD. Although shared genetic risk between chemotherapy-induced RP and CVD may be possible, further investigation is required. Primary RP has been inconsistently linked with CVD.
Primary care vs. oncology-driven surveillance following adjuvant chemotherapy in resected pancreas cancer.
Authors: Samawi Haider , Yin Yaling , Lim Howard John , Renouf Daniel John , Cheung Winson Y. 
Published: September 2018

e18163 Background: No standard surveillance strategy exists following resection of pancreas cancer. Our aims were to describe patterns of surveillance and to evaluate their impact on outcomes. Methods: Patients who received at least one cycle of adjuvant gemcitabine or 5-fluorouracil monotherapy at any 1 of 5 cancer centers in British Columbia from 2004 to 2015 were included. Surveillance was divided into two groups: discharged to primary care physicians (PCP) or follow up with oncologists (ONC) that included regular clinical assessments, laboratory testing and/or imaging. Results: We identified 147 patients. Median age at diagnosis was 64 (range 38-85) years and 48% were men. More patients were followed by ONC than PCP (66% vs. 44%). ONC were more likely to follow patients with T3/4 (78% vs. 62%, P = 0.03), while all other prognostic factors were balanced between the two groups. At the time of analysis, 68% of patients had a documented recurrence and 59% died. The median overall survival (OS) was 2.82 (95% CI 2.17-3.32) years in the ONC group and 3.35 (95% CI 2.85-5.06) years in the PCP group while the median relapse free survival (RFS) was 1.4 (95% CI 1.37-1.77) and 2.4 (95% CI 2.07-4.59) years, respectively. On multivariate analysis, there was no significant difference in OS between ONC and PCP-driven surveillance (HR 1.23; 95% CI 0.74-2.04, P = 0.4); however, RFS favored the PCP group (HR 1.62; 95% CI 1.01-2.56, P = 0.04, for oncology). On recurrence, 51% of patients received chemotherapy where the most common first line regimens were FOLFIRINOX (21%) and Gemcitabine/Nab-paclitaxel (20%). Patients followed by ONC were more likely to receive chemotherapy on recurrence than those followed by PCP (58% vs. 34%, respectively, P = 0.03), however, there was no difference in survival after recurrence between PCP & ONC (recurrence to death, 5.7 vs 8.9 months, respectively (P = 0.21). Conclusions: Surveillance tests and imaging performed by ONC detected recurrences earlier and correlated with a higher likelihood of aggressive therapy when compared to follow up by PCPs, but this did not result in OS differences. PCPs may have a larger role in the follow up care of selected patients with resected pancreas cancer.
A survey on social media use and expectations in cancer patients.
Authors: Ali Shamsher , Knestrick Mark W. , Aciavatti Lori , Wen Sijin , Shah Nilay Arvind 
Published: September 2018

e18183 Background: Social media encompasses a wide variety of web based and mobile technologies. It has become increasingly popular, allowing for rapid communication and dissemination of information. Many believe that social media can be used as a platform for patient education and knowledge sharing. This survey intended to assess patient use of social media and patient expectations for its role at our cancer center. Methods: The study took place at West Virginia University (WVU) Hospital/Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center, a tertiary care center. This IRB-approved, anonymous, and voluntary survey included twenty-five questions that abstracted patient data which included: age, gender, cancer type, level of education, internet use, information sources for given cancer, use of social media, and the use of WVU cancer website and social media. The survey was distributed by nursing staff to patients who were at least 18 years of age Results: 370 surveys were collected in total. 87.6 % of patients reported using social media, with Facebook as the most commonly used platform at 85.6 %. 70% reported to view or update social media sites daily. All patients reported at least monthly internet use with 61.1 % of patients reported using the internet daily. 32.7% of patients interact with WVU Cancer Centeron social media daily. When asked how patients search for background information or reviews about their provider, 57.8% of patients reported they used our institution’s website. 55.7% of patients believe it would beneficial to contact their cancer provider through social media. Only 22% of patients reported they use social media for medical information. Conclusions: With the increasing use of social media for medical information over the past several years, it is crucial for academic centers and providers to keep up with the growing demand to provide accurate and practical information for patients. Our data suggests our patient population would like to see an increased use of social media from the cancer center and its providers. The information can be used to update our cancer website and social media sites to provide patient-centered cancer information in hopes that patients will have one reliable source for all of their disease related questions and concerns.
Libro Blu as a mobile app to improve cancer care.
Authors: Rapposelli Ilario Giovanni , Fusco Ornella , Deligiannis Panagiotis , Pastorini Alessandro , Fiumanò Mario Saverio , Menatti Elisabetta , Viaggi Valentina , Stiglich Francesco , Palazzolo Roberto , Soccodato Andrea Maria , Volpi Maurizio , Antoniazzi Francesca , Pedrotti Claudia , Malugani Fabio , De Filippi Francesco , Libera Eros , Songini Cristina , Tavasci Emanuela , Dell'Agostino Katia , Bertolini Alessandro Stefano 
Published: September 2018

e18190 Background: When ASCO published Top Five List to improve cancer care in 2012, we applied the same principles to build local guidelines, resulting in first edition of our “Libro Blu” (Blue Book), named after a similar tool previously adopted by the Swiss institution IOSI. In 2015 a reform of Lombardy public health, with the establishment of ASST-VAL, covering a huge area with 5 hospitals, brought a further need for harmonization of our work; moreover, the increasing appearance of high cost drugs and the simultaneous restrictions in public health budget required a more rational expense. Methods: After first edition in 2012, Libro Blu underwent periodic updates. In 2015 a major revision took place; besides up-to-date guidelines in the management of specific cancers, edited by Oncology, Hematology and Radiation Therapy specialists, attention was paid to supportive care, with consultants from many other fields. All recommendations in Libro Blu derive from Italian and international guidelines, adapted to our local reality after multidisciplinary discussion, and have been approved after a final joint review. Results: The implementation of Libro Blu resulted in a more consistent application of treatment protocols in ASST-VAL, ensuring all patients the same standard of care, and allowed to raise the level of both specific cancer treatment and supportive care. Furthermore, guidelines for a rational use of drugs allowed to reduce costs in our institution. After one year, 2015 edition of Libro Blu was submitted for review by a number of Italian oncologists from other institutions. Following this review, we used the updated version of Libro Blu to build, with unconditional support from Eli Lilly, a mobile app that will soon be available for download. Conclusions: Libro Blu established a common standard of care in a broad area and allowed a cost reduction that is particularly relevant at this moment, with cancer care facing the appearance of many high cost drugs along with a spending review that involves the Italian health system. The review from other Italian oncologists ensured the adherence of Libro Blu to national guidelines and to state-of-the-art clinical practice. Finally, the mobile app will make consultation easier and will allow to share this tool across all Italian institutions.
Utilization of an electronic medical record trigger to promote palliative care consultation in ambulatory oncology.
Authors: Rauenzahn Sherri L. , Schmidt Susanne , Ali Nazneen , Tenner Laura LaNiel 
Published: September 2018

e18201 Background: Research insupportive care demonstrates improvements in overall survival, quality of life, symptom management, and reductions in the cost of care. Despite the American Society of Clinical Oncology recommendation for early concurrent supportive care in patients with advanced cancer and high symptom burden, integrating supportive services is challenging. Our aims were to 1) implement an electronic medical record (EMR) provider alert of high symptom burden based on Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS) criteria and 2) determine the impact an alert has on supportive service referrals. Methods: ESAS scores were implemented in medical ambulatory oncology clinics to quantitatively assess symptom burden. An EMR alert was programmed for a total ESAS score > 30 and any single response of ≥9 to capture approximately 15% of our high symptom burden patient population. The provider could elect to accept the alert placing an order for palliative consultation or decline the prompt. Referral rates and symptom assessment scores were followed as metrics for EMR alert efficiency. Results: Over 10 months, 9,710 patient visits used the ESAS system resulting in 7,707 fully completed ESAS scores (79.4% completion rate). There were 78 total consults to palliative care, a referral rate of less than 1% of the population, which was unchanged from prior to trigger implementation. Of the total completed ESAS forms, the trigger alerted 686 times (8.9% of patient visits) with only 55 of those triggers leading to a supportive care referral (8.0%). Conclusions: This project highlights the challenges of an EMR based alert system and the need for continued efforts to improve supportive care referrals through provider education and tool implementation. [Table: see text]
Use of a cognitive computing system for treatment of colon and gastric cancer in South Korea.
Authors: Baek Jeong-Heum , Ahn Sung-Min , Urman Alexandra , Kim Young Saing , Ahn Hee Kyung , Won Park Sung , Lee Won-Suk , Sym Sun Jin , Park Heun Kyu , Chun Yong-Soon , Cho Eun Kyung , Lee Woon-Kee , Shin Dongbok , Kim Young-Bo , Dankwa-Mullan Irene , Norden Andrew D , Rhee Kyu , Lee Uhn 
Published: September 2018

e18204 Background: IBM Watson for Oncology (WFO) is a Memorial Sloan Kettering-trained cognitive computing system that provides oncologists with evidence-based treatment options for cancer. Treatments are presented in three categories: “Recommended”, “For Consideration” and “Not Recommended”. We examined the concordance of treatment options between WFO and the tumor board from Gachon University Gil Medical Centre (GMC), Incheon, South Korea. GMC is an urban center that cares for 50,000 cancer patients annually. Methods: We enrolled 340 patients with stage II, III and IV colon cancer and 185 with chemotherapy-naïve advanced gastric cancer, all treated between 2012 and 2016. Cases were processed using WFO, and the output was compared to blinded tumor board recommendations. Treatment options were considered concordant when the GMC recommendation was included in the “Recommended” or “For Consideration” categories. Results: Treatment recommendations were concordant in 248 (73%) of the 340 evaluated colon cancer cases. Of 250 patients treated in the adjuvant setting, 212 (85%) were concordant. Of 90 patients with metastatic disease, 36 (40%) were concordant. Treatment recommendations were concordant in 90 (49%) of 185 chemotherapy-naïve gastric cancer patients. Low concordance rates in gastric cancer were explained by two observations: (1) The trastzumab/FOLFOX regimen is not covered by the Korean National Health Insurance System, and (2) A regimen known as S-1 (tegafur, gimeracil, and oteracil) plus cisplatin is routinely used in Korea and is not used in the U.S. Conclusions: Treatment options suggested by WFO were concordant with the therapeutic decisions of GMC in the large majority of colon cancer patients treated in the adjuvant setting. Lower degrees of concordance were seen in patients with metastatic colon and gastric cancer, reflecting differences in practice patterns between the United States, where WFO was trained, and GMC, in Korea. Geography-specific customization is available in WFO and should enable physicians and patients to benefit from WFO worldwide. WFO's ability to learn from gastric cancer cases in a part of the world with increased incidence may reveal insights that are applicable elsewhere.
Preliminary evaluation of a novel blood test to predict delayed nausea for breast cancer patients.
Authors: Parikh Kinjal , Wang Yue , Brady Amy L , Ali Zonera A. , Shevade Aarti Lothe , Zeger Erik L. , Gilman Paul , Wallon Margaretha 
Published: September 2018

e18210 Background: We have previously reported on glutathione recycling capacity (GRC) in red blood cells as a predictor of delayed nausea in cancer patients treated with platinum-based chemotherapies [1]. The test identifies individual variations in the efficiency to scavenge reactive oxygen species, produced by chemotherapy-induced cell-damage, which triggers release of serotonin – a know inducer of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. In this current study, we have examined if the GRC assay and/or changes in substance P (SP), another inducer of nausea, can predict delayed nausea among breast cancer patients receiving doxorubicin- or taxane-based therapies and thereby provide better guidance to individualized antiemetic therapies. Methods: Chemotherapy naïve breast cancer patients were asked to participate in this IRB-approved study. Consented patients donated a tube of blood prior to each treatment cycle. Commercial kits were used to measure GRC (OxPhos, Rockland Inc.) and Substance P (Parameter, R&D Systems). On-set, duration and severity of nausea, and anti-emetics prescribed were documented by the medical staff. Results: Obtained GRC and SP values were compared to documented incidences of nausea. We found that 26.8% of taxane treated patients [N = 42] had moderate/severe nausea and demonstrated a similar GRC pattern to platinum-based induced nausea, i.e. low GRC results in more severe nausea. Among doxorubicin treated [N = 31] patients, 41.9% had moderate/severe nausea but showed no correlation with GRC. However, preliminary evaluation of these patients showed a continuous increase in SP levels (average 1.74 fold increase after one cycle). Conclusions: In this initial evaluation of our on-going study, we found that fewer patients had nausea in the taxane treated group with a similar GRC predictive pattern as previously reported. However, patients in the doxorubicin treated group were more likely to experience nausea with no correlation to GRC but with a steadily rising level of SP during the early part of their regimen. Using SP testing could help identify patients that might have a medical benefit from additional NK1 antagonist therapy. 1. Kutner, T., et al. Supprot Care Cancer (2017) 25:581-587.