bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of measuring quality of life in oncology practice: A prospective study.
Authors: Castillo Cecilia , Alfonzo Ana Laura , Camejo Natalia , Schiavone Andrea , Diaz Mariana , Camano Ivanna , Camblor Maria Eugenia , Delgado Lucia Beatriz , Dapueto Juan 
Published: September 2018

e21663 Background: To assess the impact of incorporating systematic quality of life measurements in oncology practice on the quality of care and well-being of patients; to assess physician's level of satisfaction with this instrument and detectable changes in clinical practice Methods: In a prospective study, 67 patients (pts) diagnosed with cancer, undergoing cancer-specific treatments, were randomized into a intervention and control group. In the intervention group , pts had regular completion of touch-screen health-related quality of life (HRQL) questionnaires (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer–Core Quality of Life Questionnaire version 3.0, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) and feedback of results to physician and then were followed up with a phone call where HRQL was measured by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–General questionnaire (FACT-G). In the control group, pts were regular followed with a phone call to answer FACT-G questionnaire. Physicians completed a visit-specific questionnaire after each visit of pts from intervention group. Results: 58 pts were included, 36 in the intervention group and 22 in the control group. Median age was 59 years. The results of the patient-reported data were found to be very useful to quite useful by 87.5% of physicians (14/16), and 56.3% of them considered that there was no difference in the length of visits. Completing the HRQL questionnaires on a touch screen was easy to very easy for 97.1% of patients, and 97.1% found that important questions were asked and that they would be willing to complete the questionnaires. FACT-G scores and subscale scores were higher in the intervention group, but differences were not statistically significant (76.44 v 72.60; p 0.388). Conclusions: HRQL assessments had a positive impact on physician-patient communication. It made it possible to learn how cancer and its treatments affected pts not only physically, but also on functional and psychological states and social relationships. They helped us improve therapeutic interventions and specialist referrals, thus achieving positive changes in the well-being and satisfaction of pts.
Evaluating financial toxicity (FT) interventions.
Authors: De Souza Jonas A. , Proussaloglou Ellie , Nicholson Laura , Wang Yichen 
Published: September 2018

e21673 Background: FT has been defined as an adverse event of cancer treatments. Several patient (pt)-level interventions have been developed to mitigate FT. However, due to the lack of longitudinal studies, the impact of these interventions has not been established. Methods: Pts with cancer receiving Co-Pay Assistance (CPA) from the Patient Access Network Foundation were approached at baseline, 1 and 3 months post-CPA. We assessed the use of pt navigators, social workers, financial counselors, support groups, and transportation vouchers by pts. The outcomes were improvements in disease-specific HRQoL measures, global HRQoL measure (FACTG, lower values are worse) and improvement in FT, as measured by the COST (lower values are worse). Multivariable regression was used to identify whether these interventions were associated with the outcomes. Results: 308 pts with cancer were assessed at baseline (prior to CPA) and at 1 and 3 months after. 275 pts (89%) had an improvement in their FT over 3 months. A majority of these pts had multiple myeloma (MM, 86 pts, 28%). Navigators were used by 179 pts (42%), social workers by 106 (34%), financial counselors by 107 (35%), support groups by 94 (31%), and transportation vouchers by 50 (16%). None of these interventions increased the odds of FT or HRQoL improvement at the 0.05 significance level. Conclusions: The selected population of cancer pts who received CPA for their treatments had a significant improvement in FT over time. Yet, this improvement was not associated with additional interventions, suggesting CPA as the main intervention. The FT improvement was not clearly translated into significant HRQoL improvements, likely due to the multidimensional HRQoL construct (which includes other symptoms) versus the unidimensional aspect of a financial event. [Table: see text]
Barriers and solutions of long-term follow up of childhood cancer survivors in Turkey: A questionaire survey.
Authors: Tacyildiz Nurdan , incesoy Ozdemir Sonay , Unal Emel Cabi , Dincaslan Handan , Yavuz Gulsan 
Published: September 2018

e22020 Background: The population of childhood cancer survivors has grown with 80 % cure rates. Our aim was to establish the barriers of longterm followup (LTFU) in Turkey. Methods: An e-mail questionnaire survey has been sent to 33 pediatric oncology centers (POC). Questionnaire compossed of 3 sections: 1- Description of the center; yearly new patients number, follow-up period, etc. 2- Methods for follow-up of late effects Content of provided information to the families related cancer treatment & side effects & healthy life style, missing parts of LTFU 3- Transition problems of survivors to adult survivorship programs. Educational problems of Hematology/Oncology Fellows (HOF) Suggestions for improvement of LTFU. Results: 21 of 33 centers (63%) responded the questionnaire. Experience as POC: 2-50 years (median: 23). New patients / each year: 8 - 300 (median: 68). Most of the centers accepting patients up to 18 years, only 4 center providing lifelong LTFU. No Available Risk Adapted LTFU guideline at 21 center. LTFU provided by pediatric oncologist at the pediatric oncology outpatient clinic with transition problems to adult clinic. All centers were following Cardiotoxicity, Secondary cancer,and Kidney toxicity with no problem Barriers of Turkish POC for LTFU of Pediatric Cancer Survivors were: Lack of enough care providers 66%, lack of time 57%, transportation problems 57 % ,lack of providing knowledge to patients 38 %. Although 80 % of the centers have fellows for HOF, not enough edication on survivorship 66%, due to lack of survivorship clinic ( 80%), busy working schedules. Conclusions: Questionnaire survey was able to reach 2/3 the pediatric oncology centers that were located in 8 cities and following most of the pediatric oncology patients in Turkey Mostly POCs do not provide enough LTFU. All centers agree on national guidelines for LTFU. [Table: see text]
Limb salvage surgery in pediatric and AYA patients with osteosarcoma: The incidence of venous thrombosis (VT).
Authors: McKillop Sarah Jane , Chu Quincy S. , Mulder Karen E. , Bauman Mary E , Crosty Ashley 
Published: September 2018

e22505 Background: Pediatric, adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients with a diagnosis of osteosarcoma require surgical resection for local control in addition to adjuvant chemotherapy. Limb salvage surgery (LSS) has long been established as the standard of care. Pediatric and AYA patients with sarcoma are know to have an increased risk of VTE however thromboprophylaxis is not routinely used in the pediatric oncology patients. Here we review our experience over a 5 year period with patients up to 21 years diagnosed with osteosarcoma of the lower extremity treated with LSS, amputation or rotationplasty as local control and the development of VTE. Methods: A retrospective chart review was completed of patients up to 21 years of age treated for osteosarcoma of the lower extremity between January 2011 and December 2016 at our institutions. Those that underwent surgical resection of the tumor were included. Data regarding age, type of surgical procedure, the presence of a venous thrombosis, the time from diagnosis and surgery to detection of VTE and the use of anticoagulants was collected Results: 18 patients were identified: median age 14 year (6-21), 8 patients had LSS, 4 underwent rotationplasty and 6 had an amputation. Seven VTE were identified, 5 occurred in patients receiving LSS, 2 in a patient post rotationplasty and 0 in the amputation group. 6 of the 7 VTE occurred within the upper venous system, associated with the central venous line. Conclusions: In pediatric AYA patients being treated for lower limb osteosarcoma, the incidence of VTE was significantly increased for those undergoing LSS (63%) and rotationplasty (50%) compared to those receiving amputation (0%). While the population reviewed is small, based on these findings, prophylactic anticoagulation for patients with osteosarcoma, especially those patients undergoing LSS and rotationplasty should be considered beyond the immediate perioperative period. Larger prospective studies are needed to determine the risk of VTE and risks and benefits of prophylactic anticoagulation in this patient population.
Effect of MiR-137 and MiR-496 on Del-1 and triple negative breast cancer progression.
Authors: Jeong Jae-Hwan , Lee Soo Jung , Lee Jeeyeon , Jung Jin Hyang , Park Ho Yong , Park Ji-young , Kang Seung Hee , Chae Yee Soo , Kim Jong Gwang 
Published: September 2018

e23058 Background: Although Del-1 was recently proposed as a new biomarker for early breast cancer in our previous studies, the mechanisms of Del-1 expression are barely understood. In the current study, we selected two microRNAs (miR-137 and - 496), potentially affecting Del-1 expression in breast cancer and examined their impact on Del-1 expression in a variety of breast cancer cell lines to identify their potential role in Del-1 expression and thereby breast cancer development or progression. . Methods: Del-1 mRNA and miR-137/– 496 levels were measured by qRT-PCR among breast epithelial (MCF10A) and cancer cells (MDA-MB-231, MCF7, SK-BR3 and T-47D). The effects of miR-137/– 496 on cell proliferation and invasion were detected using MTT, wound healing and Transwell assays. Furthermore, luciferase reporter assay was used to identify the direct regulation of Del-1 by miR-137 or – 496 in MDA-MB-231 cells. Plus, we analyzed the expressions of miR-137 or – 496 and Del-1 mRNA from 20 patients with triple negative early breast cancer. Results: miR-137 and – 496 levels were low in all breast cancer cell lines. As Del-1 mRNA expression was remarkably higher in MDA-MB-231 compared to the other breast cancer cell lines, further functional analyses were done with MDA-MB-231 representing triple negative breast cancer subtype. Both miR-137 and miR-496 were revealed to directly bind at the 3’-UTR of Del-1. Del-1 by Luciferase reporter assay and Del-1 expression was upregulated by inhibitors and reversed by both mimics of both miR-137 and miR-496. Furthermore, both miR-137 and miR-496 were also demonstrated to inhibit cell proliferation, migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231, suggesting that these miRNAs affect cancer progression via Del-1. MiR-137 and miR-496 were remarkably down-regulated in 7 out of 12 triple negative breast cancer tissues, in particular with high Ki67 and high histologic grade. Conclusions: Although Del-1 was recently introduced as a new biomarker for triple negative breast cancer, the mechanisms of Del-1 expression were barely identified. The current study firstly demonstrated that microRNA 137 and 496 are involved in Del-1 regulation by binding at Del-1 gene, affecting cancer progression by altering Del-1 expression.
Accuracy of profiling of circulating tumor DNA for CRC MRD and monitoring using NGS technology equipped with concatemer-based error correction.
Authors: Zhao Grace Q. , Weng Li , Li Xin-Xing , Li Min , Tang Paul , Lu Yontao , Wang Yingyu , Huang Yi , Wang Hongyan , Guo Lingchen , Yeo Dana , Sun Zhaohui Johnny , Xiao WeiWei , Hu Zhi-Qian , Li Ming , Ying Kang , Faham Malek , Lin Shengrong 
Published: September 2018

e23067 Background: Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is a promising biomarker for the detection of minimal residual disease and monitoring treatment in patients with CRC. The performance demands of any technology used for this purpose, however, are tremendous. Here we aim to develop a high-performance multiplex NGS platform suitable for cancer MRD using ctDNA. Methods: We have developed Firefly, a NGS method capable of detecting low-frequency variants with high precision in plasma cfDNA. In our protocol, denatured double-stranded cfDNA is circularized and converted into long tandem repeats using rolling-circle amplification enabling consensus-based concatemer error correction. We demonstrated Firefly’s performance sensitivity and specificity by testing our technology on cfDNA samples with known variant frequencies and cfDNA collected from healthy individuals (n = 82). Further analysis of Firefly as a tool for MRD and treatment monitoring was performed by tracking ctDNA mutation profile concordance between 81 CRC tumor samples and their corresponding plasma samples collected from patients before and after treatment. Results: Performance sensitivity of Firefly NGS was 0.1% with an error-rate was 1 in 1 Million for 20ng of input ctDNA. Concordance analysis was performed on CRC tumor/plasma pairings derived from patients with CRC using, Accu-Act, a 61-gene assay. The number of tumor-matching mutations detected in plasma varied greatly on a per-patient basis (range, 0-28). Pre and post-treatment ctDNA profiling was performed on all 81 patients included in our study (surgery, n = 56; chemotherapy/radiotherapy, n = 30). Among patients who underwent surgery, 46% had detectable tumor-matching mutations in their plasma. Among patients who received neoadjuvant therapy, 70% ctDNA fluctuations consistent with tumor reduction based on surgical tumor regression grades evaluation(TRG1-3). Conclusions: We report a novel ultra-accurate NGS-based ctDNA assay suitable for MRD and monitoring in CRC patients. Firefly should ultimately make a significant contribution in the development of personalized cancer treatment.
A novel CDA liquid biopsy technology for effective non-small cell lung cancer diagnosis.
Authors: Wu Junjie , Jiang Gengxi , Li Yutao , Du Xuedong , Tao Hongmei , Tang Xing , Lou Da , Lin Yue , Bai Chong , Yu Chris Chang 
Published: September 2018

e23131 Background: Cancer Differentiation Analysis liquid biopsy (CDA) has been investigated as a viable clinical utility in NSCLC diagnosis, as well as a new candidate for part of an overall post-CT scan clinical diagnostic and treatment decision tool kit. It has been also evaluated in NSCLC diagnosis, combined with imaging technologies. Methods: This was a retrospective investigation in which 160 individuals were recruited at Changhai Hospital of Shanghai from July to Dec. in 2014. CDA and CT scan tests were performed on all samples before final confirmation by biopsy. For CDA tests, peripheral blood was drawn in EDTA tubes before operation. A performance predication model of CDA and CT scan test results was built using pROC package in R Language for the data of Area Under the Curve (AUC) and CDA threshold values. Further analysis was carried out based on the CDA threshold values. Results: Out of the 160 individuals, 40 were diagnosed as benign lung diseases selected as control group, 120 were confirmed as NSCLC by pathology. CDA and CT test data along with epidemiological information were collected and complied. Details of other statistical results were given in the Table below. Conclusions: CDA liquid biopsy is a novel, multi-level, multi-parameter based disease diagnosis technology with improvements in multiple areas including but not limited to higher sensitivity and specificity, ability to diagnose cancer early, no side effects, and covering a wide range of cancer sites. Results showed that AUC values of CDA were higher than those of CT scan for all NSCLC stage groups. CDA plus CT scan combination has the highest average AUC value for all stages. CDA test can provide more accurate and reliable diagnostic information and data for oncologists in making crucial clinical decisions. It is expected that CDA liquid biopsy technology will play an important and critical role in NSCLC diagnosis. [Table: see text]
Antitumor effect of the combination of proteasome inhibitor (Pi) and histone deacytelase inhibitor (HDACi) in breast cancer (BC).
Authors: Kannarkatt Joseph , Alkharabsheh Omar Abed , Madhukar Burra V , Leece Cheryl , Tamkus Deimante 
Published: September 2018

e23156 Background: Previous studies demonstrated the efficacy of HDACi and Pi as single agents in BC. The synergistic combination of HDACi and Pi has been shown to be effective in clinical studies in other tumor types, including multiple myeloma, non-small cell lung cancer, and pancreatic cancer. In this in vitro study, we explored the hypothesis that combination of these two agents may improve overall antitumor effect in BC. Methods: In the experiment, we used 3 BC cell lines: MCF7 (ER+), MDA-MB-231 (ER-), and BCSV (isolated from metastatic ER+ tumor which lost ER expression with disease progression). The cells were treated with carfilzomib (Pi) and scriptaid (HDACi) as single agents and in combination. Cell viability was determined using MTT assay, and combination indexes were determined using CalcuSyn software. Additionally, cells were cultured in 3D tumor spheroid model, and response to treatment was assessed on day 5, 10, 15 and 20. Results: In comparison with control, single agent HDACi, single agent Pi and combination HDACi/Pi increased cell viability by 6%, decreased cell viability by 60% and by 69% respectively (p < 0.0001) in MCF7 cells; and decreased cell viability by 25%, 59% and 66% respectively (p = 0.0061) in BCSV cells. The combination indexes for most HDACi and Pi combinations were lower than 1.0, indicating synergistic effects in MCF-7 and BCSV cells but not in MDA-MB-231 cells. In 3D cultures, the combination of carfilzomib 1µM and scriptaid 10µM led to significant reduction of tumor spheroid size as compared to single agent. By day 20, BCSV tumor spheroid size increased by 258% in control group and by 50% in Pi, decreased by 17% in HDACi and by 30% in HDACi/Pi combination group (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Combination of HDACi and Pi exhibited synergistic activity in both MCF7 and BCSV monolayer cultures. Additionally, combination HDACi and Pi significantly decreased 3D tumor spheroid size as compared to either single agent alone. Further study is needed to evaluate the mechanisms of Pi/HDACi combination in estrogen-mediated BC tumorigenesis.
Molecular profiling of 502 patient cohort with NSCLC using a 27 somatic gene panel.
Authors: Tsoulos Nikolaos , Papadopoulou Eirini , Metaxa-Mariatou Vasiliki , Tsaousis Georgios , Efstathiadou Chrisoula , Tounta Georgia , Skapeti Katerina , Bourkoula Jenny , Zarogoulidis Paul , Pentheroudakis George E. , Kakolyris Stylianos , Boukovinas Ioannis , Papakotoulas Pavlos , Athanasiadis Ilias , Floros Theofanis , Koumarianou Anna , Vassilios Barbounis , Nasioulas George 
Published: September 2018

e23193 Background: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer and a tumor with broad spectrum of targeted therapies already available or in clinical trials. Thus, molecular characterization of the tumor using the Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology, has become a key tool for NSCLC patients’ treatment decision and clinical management. Methods: The performance of a custom 23 gene multiplex amplification hot spot panel, based on Ion AmpliSeq Technology, was evaluated for the analysis of tumor DNA extracted from FFPE (Formalin Fixed Parraffin Embedded) tissue. Furthermore the Ion AmpliSeq™ RNA Fusion Lung Cancer Research Panel was used for fusion RNA transcript analysis. Tumors’ mutation spectrum was determined in a cohort of 502 patients with NSCLC using the aforementioned targeted gene panels. Results: The panel used for tumor DNA analysis in this study exhibit high rates (100%) of sensitivity, specificity and reproducibility at a mutation frequency of 3%. At least one DNA mutation was detected in 374 patients (74.5%) and an RNA fusion was identified in 16 patients, (3.2%). In total, alterations in a cancer driver gene were identified (including point mutations, gene rearrangements and MET amplifications) in 77.6% of the tumors tested. Among the NSCLC patients, 13.5% (68/502) presented a mutation in a gene with approved targeted therapy (EGFR, ALK ROS1) and 9.4% had an alteration in a gene related to emerging targeted therapies according the NCCN guidelines. These alterations include ERBB2, BRAF and MET mutations, MET amplification and RET rearrangements. The remaining 51.6% of the patients had a mutation in a gene that could be related to an off label therapy or give them access to a clinical trial. Conclusions: Thus the NGS panel validated is a reliable approach of clinical applicability for tumor molecular profile detection in NSCLC patients.
A pilot RCT of sarcopenia-focused prehabilitation in pancreas cancer.
Authors: Hile Elizabeth , Hoffman Leah , Postier Russell , Ding Kai , Yang Jingxuan , Li Min 
Published: September 2018

TPS10127 Background: Now the 3rd leading cause of US cancer deaths, pancreatic cancer (PanC) incidence is rising. Surgery is the only chance at cure, but sarcopenia (low muscle mass, strength, function) can eliminate surgical and chemotherapy options, and independently predicts poor outcomes. Strengthening (Str) with protein combats sarcopenia of aging, and pre-op exercise (prehab) benefits other cancer survivors. But the impact of Str in a brief pre-Whipple window, and a host with PanC-mediated catabolism, is unknown. We aim to quantify the post-op QoL impact of adding Str to our standard clinical aerobic instruction before Whipple for pancreatic head and related cancers. Methods: Pilot RCT of 130 PanC survivors age 30+ randomized (stratified by neo-chemo) to 2 home-based prehab arms: Standard/NPRE = aerobic + protein, or Sarcopenia/SPRE = Standard + Str. To explore PanC-sarcopenia as moderating Str's impact, a 3rd pre-malignancy Whipple group (p-mal, n=50) also receives SPRE. All participants get protein and exercise instruction personalized to baseline status, adherence diaries, actigraphy, and phone follow-up in pre-op period only. Endpoints are QoL (primary) as Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT), performance as 6 Minute Walk (6MW) & Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB); and self-reported symptoms & activities of daily living (ADL). Assessments at baseline, 1-3 days pre-op, and post-op week 4 & month 4 (primary) are blind. Sarcopenia measures are clinical (dynamometry, bioimpedance, CT body composition) and preclinical (ZIP4/ catabolic mediators in blood, muscle, tumor & duodenum). Analyses: QoL change at post-op month 4 will be compared across PanC arms (SPRE & NPRE) with mixed-models before Baron-Kenny and Preacher/Hayes' mediator analyses. To explore impact of PanC catabolic host environment on Str, outcomes will be compared by SPRE group (PanC & p-mal). To our knowledge, this is the first PanC prehab RCT with sarcopenia focus, comprehensive mechanistic approach, and high dose (60 min daily)/short duration (2-3 week) intervention. With local feasibility established, we continue to accrue (n=30), and seek multicenter collaboration to target NCI funding. Clinical trial information: pending - in submission.