bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Timeliness of adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with resected pancreatic cancer.
Authors: Deng David , Cheung Winson Y. 
Published: September 2018

e18038 Background: Timeliness of adjuvant chemotherapy is an important predictor of survival for patients with breast and colorectal cancer whereby long delays has been shown to detrimentally impact outcomes. The effects of adjuvant treatment timing remain largely unknown for early pancreatic cancer. This study aims to identify independent predictors of treatment timeliness and overall survival in this patient population. Methods: We conducted a retrospective, population-based analysis of 179 patients with resected pancreatic cancer who subsequently started adjuvant chemotherapy between 2008 and 2014 at any 1 of 6 cancer centers across British Columbia, Canada. Logistic regression was used to identify predictive factors for adjuvant chemotherapy timing. Prognostic factors for survival were ascertained using multivariate Cox proportional hazards models. Results: Our study cohort included 91 men (51%) and 88 women (49%). At time of diagnosis, 145 patients (81%) had nodal involvement and 107 patients (60%) had good ECOG performance status (ECOG 0-1). The median age of diagnosis was 67 (range 37-85) years. The median interval between surgery and start of adjuvant chemotherapy was 70 (range 19-46) days. Abnormal bilirubin was the only factor significantly correlated with delayed chemotherapy (OR, 3.89; 95% CI, 1.55-9.73; P = 0.004). Median overall survival was 468 days following resection (95% CI, 425-538). Multivariate survival analysis showed that high CA 19-9 levels (HR, 2.44, 95% CI: 1.36-4.40, P = 0.003) and abnormal bilirubin (HR, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.22-0.73; P = 0.003) were prognostic factors for overall survival. Median survival for patients who waited up to 35, 70 or 105 days for chemotherapy following resection were 588 days (95% CI, 270-776), 490 days (95% CI, 360-688) and 466 days (95% CI, 432-538) respectively. Overall, timeliness was not predictive of survival (HR, 1.12; 95% CI, 0.64-1.97; P= 0.70). Conclusions: Patients with hyperbilirubinema experienced delays in adjuvant chemotherapy, likely due to the need for relief of biliary obstruction and subsequent recovery. However, timeliness of adjuvant chemotherapy did not influence outcomes, suggesting that treatment should still be considered irrespective of timing.
Outcomes among minority patients with stage IV colorectal cancer in the Harris County Health System.
Authors: Lau-Min Kelsey S. , Prakash Preeti , Thrift Aaron , Musher Benjamin Leon 
Published: September 2018

e18039 Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) mortality has declined over the last three decades, but significant racial disparities in CRC survival continue to be reported, especially for stage IV disease. Hypothesizing that these disparities arise from differences in access to care rather than tumor biology, we examined treatment patterns and outcomes among minority patients evaluated and treated for stage IV CRC in an academic safety net health system. Methods: The Harris Health System is an integrated health delivery network that utilizes tax revenue to care for predominantly minority and uninsured residents of Harris County, Texas. As the largest Harris Health facility and an affiliate of the Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center at Baylor College of Medicine, Ben Taub Hospital delivers cancer care through multidisciplinary subspecialty clinics and a robust patient assistance program. We performed a retrospective analysis of minority patients diagnosed with stage IV CRC between 1/2010 and 12/2012 who were evaluated and treated at Ben Taub Hospital. Results: We identified 103 patients of whom 40% were black, 49% were Hispanic, and 12% were Asian or Middle Eastern. 65% spoke English as their preferred language; 74% were uninsured and covered by the Harris Health Plan, a financial assistance program for individuals with incomes under 300% of the federal poverty level. 85% of patients received cancer-directed therapy, of whom 99% received standard chemotherapy with a best response rate of 67% and a disease control rate of 87%. Median overall survival was 20.7 months for all patients and 23.0 months for patients who received chemotherapy. Conclusions: The Harris Health System provides the health delivery infrastructure through which minority patients with significant socioeconomic challenges obtain financial assistance and access to quality cancer care in an academic setting, thereby leading to clinical outcomes comparable to those of the predominantly Caucasian and insured populations studied in randomized control trials. Efforts to resolve disparities in CRC outcomes should focus on improving access of at-risk populations to comprehensive cancer care.
Patient navigation core metrics before and after implementation of a nurse navigation program at CHI St. Francis Cancer Treatment Center: A community based cancer program.
Authors: Copur Mehmet Sitki , McDonald Monica , Zhou Yuzhen , Hurley Vicki , Tasa Adriene , Johnson Christine , Evans Rhonda , Fuller Courtney , Hadenfeldt Rebecca , Schriner Megan , Kezeor Jami , Woodward Alexis , Cleveland Darla , Ramaekers Ryan C. , Crockett David , Gauchan Dron , Clark Douglas , Mickey Mary , Norvell Max 
Published: September 2018

e18040 Background: Patient navigation is an intervention to improve cancer outcomes by facilitating timely access to cancer care. Few comparative data exist about the effects of nurse navigation in core navigation metrics (CNM) in a community oncology setting. Methods: During one-year period of a community-based/patient entry-point navigation program, CNMs of newly diagnosed breast and non-breast cancer patients were collected and compared to that of a demographic and tumor characteristics-matched control group prior to navigation. Electronic medical records and tumor registry data were utilized to gather 10 CNMs and 12-mo survival. Results: 72 breast/107 non-breast newly diagnosed navigated cancer patients were compared to same number of matched patients who did not receive navigation. With navigation, significant improvements were observed in interval time to biopsy, pathologic diagnosis, oncology visit, first treatment, and frequency of ancillary consults in breast cancer group. In non-breast cancer group, significant improvements were observed in all CNMs except interval time to pathology diagnosis. Adherence to guidelines and treatment, and 12-mo survival were not different between two groups. Conclusions: A dedicated community based nurse navigation program can significantly improve CNMs and enhance care in both breast and non-breast cancer population in a community oncology setting. [Table: see text]
Comparison of neoadjuvant anti-HER2 therapy for breast cancer in public versus private health care: Time to shorten the distance.
Authors: Braga Virginia , Gomes Jessica Ribeiro , Wassano Noelle Suemi , Tsukamoto Jessica Sayuri , Barbosa Luiza Damian Ribeiro , Andrade Diocesio Alves Pinto de , Cruz Marcelo Rocha De Sousa 
Published: September 2018

e18045 Background: In the neoadjuvant setting (NAC) of HER2-positive breast cancer (BC), the addition of pertuzumab (P) to trastuzumab (T) and chemotherapy (chemo) has increased pathological complete response (pCR) from 40-50% to over 70%. Recent data has shown that pCR is a reliable surrogate marker of disease-free (DFS) and overall survival (OS). In Brazil, there is an important gap between cancer drugs approved in the public health care system (PHCS) vs. the private setting. Although P approval for NAC (Aug/2016) and metastatic setting (Sep/2015) in the private health system, it is not approved for any indication in the PHCS. Likewise, T is not approved for use as NAC at the PHCS. We aim to compare private practice experience of T + P + chemo in the NAC vs. HER2-positive advanced BC patients treated at the PHCS. Methods: Retrospective analysis of 95 patients diagnosed with locally advanced HER2-positive BC by immunohistochemistry 3+ or FISH according to ASCO/CAP definition. We evaluated 17 consecutive patients at the COAEM private cancer center in Brazil since Feb/2014 (cohort 1). Neoadjuvant therapy was T and P plus docetaxel-based chemo. A cohort of 78 patients with locally advanced HER2-positive BC treated in a PHCS cancer center was analyzed (cohort 2). They received standard NAC regimen according to PHCS guidance: anthracycline and taxane-based therapy without anti-HER2 therapy. Results: Cohort 1: 17 patients with median age of 50 years (range 34-70); Four patients had clinical stage IIA; 2 patients IIB; 7 patients IIIA; 3 patients IIIB; one patient IIIC. The pCR rate was 70.5% (12 patients). Cohort 2: 78 patients with median age of 48 years (range 26-79). One patient IIB; 33 patients IIIA; 37 patients IIIB; 7 patients IIIC. The pCR rate was 16.7% (13 patients); 29 patients (37.2%) had clinical complete response. Only 26 patients (33.3%) received T in the adjuvant setting. Conclusions: Neoadjuvant P and T combined with chemo has shown pCR rates superior to 70% in clinical trials, which is a surrogate marker for DFS and OS in HER2-positive BC. The absence of anti-HER2 therapy in the PHCS must be urgently reviewed not just in light of double-blockage strategy but also in T monotherapy use.
A tale of two cohorts: Patients presenting for endoscopy in Kigali, Rwanda compared to an academic medical center in New Hampshire, U.S.
Authors: Chamberlin Mary D. , Lee Angela 
Published: September 2018

e18057 Background: Gastric cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide. In Rwanda and East Africs in general, gastric cancer is common in young men and women to the point where the region is known as the "stomach cancer region." Previously reported molecular profiling of Rwandan gastric cancer specimens indicate a lower mutation burden than expected based on historic western-based data; the corresponding database of endoscopy results suggests lsrge differences in access to care. This study compares a US endoscopy database to one from the University of Rwanda, to highlight the disparities of care in low and middle income countries (LMIC’s) compared to higher income countries. Methods: Retrospective pathology, demographic and radiographic data was collected from 164 Rwandan patients who presented for endoscopy at the Kigali University Teaching Hospital and compared with a matching cohort of patients at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center , Lebanon, NH (DHMC). Results: Approximately 85% of the Rwandan endoscopy cohort presented with gastric cancer, whereas none was seen in the DHMC cohort; the latter group was older than the Rwandan cohort (62.3 vs. 58.6 years). The most common indication for endoscopy among the DHMC cohort was gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or anemia (72%) while the Rwandan cohort most commonly presented with pain or vomiting (68%). A matched US gastric cancer cohort revealed that 63% of US cases of gastric cancer receive treatment with curative intent compared to 7.4% of Rwandan cases. Conclusions: The Rwandan cohort presented with more severe symptoms and was more likely to be diagnosed with gastric cancer than the DHMC patients yet less likely to receive treatment with curative intent. These results highlight the disparities of care in LMIC’s and the need for improving access to early detection and curative treatments.
Mammography screening and detection of early stage breast cancer in Hispanic and African American women at a Minnesota safety net healthcare system.
Authors: Pease Daniel Fellows , Gilbertson David T. , Wiernik Andres 
Published: September 2018

e18074 Background: Approximately 12% of breast cancer cases occur in women younger than 50 years, per SEER data from 2012. Hispanic women are known to present at a younger age and African American women with more advanced stage disease. In this study, we describe the impact of age and race on the initial presentation of breast cancer among minority women treated at the Hennepin Healthcare System (HHS) in the state of Minnesota. Methods: A single-institution retrospective analysis of data from our electronic health record of all breast cancer diagnoses from 2010-2015. Cases were compared by age ( < 50 or > 50 years), race (Caucasian, African American, Hispanic, other), stage (AJCC 7th edition), and method of diagnosis (self-reported mass or screening mammography). Results: A total of 315 breast cancer diagnoses occurred at HHS from 2010-2015. In our cohort, 29% of all breast cancer cases were diagnosed in women < 50yrs. Hispanic and African American women had higher rates of diagnosis at < 50yrs compared to Caucasian women (38.9% vs 37.1% vs 18.1 respectively, p < 0.05). Early stage cancer (stage 0 or I) accounted for most diagnoses in those > 50yrs (54.8%), while advanced stage (stage II-IV) was more prevalent in the < 50yrs age group (59.5%) (p < 0.05). Of all women diagnosed with breast cancer, 63% presented with a self-reported mass and 37% were diagnosed by screening mammography. Hispanics and African American women had a higher rate of presentation with a self-reported mass (74% and 66% respectively) compared to Caucasian women (55%). Women with breast cancer < 50yrs were more likely to present with a self-reported mass than women > 50yrs (80% vs 55%, p < 0.05). 92% of Hispanic and 80% of African American women < 50yrs presented with a self-reported mass, compared to 62% of Caucasian women (p = 0.095). Conclusions: At our institution, Hispanic and African American women are diagnosed at a significantly younger age than Caucasian women, and those diagnosed at a younger age have more advanced disease. Presenting with a self-reported mass is very common for young non-Caucasian women. Whether screening mammography can be better utilized to change these trends requires further study.
No improvement in metastatic bladder cancer health disparity over the last two decades.
Authors: Pan Kevin , Klapheke Amy , Cress Rosemary , Yap Stanley 
Published: September 2018

e18076 Background: Bladder cancer (BCa) is one of the top ten most common cancers in the world. However, very few studies have reported on health disparities involving advanced BCa. Methods: Patients with metastatic BCa diagnosed between 1991 and 2014 were identified through the California Cancer Registry. Included in the analysis were age at diagnosis, sex, race/ethnicity, area-based socioeconomic status (SES), first course of treatment, and survival time. Predictors of treatment were identified using logistic regression, and cause-specific survival was analyzed using Cox regression. Results: A total of 3,073 cases of metastatic BCa were identified. Among these cases, 67.39% were male, and 32.61% were female. The race distribution was 74.78% non-Hispanic white (NHW), 6.25% non-Hispanic black (NHB), 12.46% Hispanic and 5.96% NH Asian/Pacific Islander (Asian/PI). A Cox proportional hazards model analysis showed that NHB were more likely to die from BCa. After adjustment for sex, age, and SES quintile, the hazard ratio of overall survival for NHB over NHW was 1.18 (p=0.214) during 1991-2002, but it increased to 1.24 (p=0.041) during 2003-2014. A smaller proportion of NH black patients survived two years after diagnosis (6.5% versus 14.4% NH white, 18.3% Hispanic, and 15.4% Asian/PI). Patients over age 65, female patients and those residing in all but the wealthiest census tracts were less likely to receive chemotherapy with or without local treatment. Patients diagnosed between 2003 and 2014 were 32% more likely to receive chemotherapy than those diagnosed between 1991 and 2002 (p<.001). There was no improvement of overall survival in the most recent time period. Conclusions: There had been no improvement in this heath disparity or in overall survival over the last two decades. Non-Hispanic blacks and patients who were not treated with chemotherapy experienced poorer survival than other groups. [Table: see text]
Impact of marital status on colorectal cancer (CRC) disease-specific survival in New York state.
Authors: Justiniano Carla Francesca , Xu Zhaomin , Becerra Adan Z , Aquina Christopher Thomas , Boscoe Francis P. , Schymura Maria J. , Temple Larissa K. F. , Morrow Gary R. , Fleming Fergal J. 
Published: September 2018

e18084 Background: CRC is the second leading cause of cancer death in the US. Social support and financial resources vary by marital status. This study analyzes the impact of marital status by sex on survival after resection for CRC. Methods: The New York State Cancer Registry and Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System were queried for 2004-2013 colectomy or proctectomy Stage I-III CRC patients and categorized by marital status: single/never married (single), married/domestic partner (married), and widowed/separated/divorced (previously married). Competing risk analysis of 5-year mortality was executed adjusting for patient (age at diagnosis, sex, race, Medicaid, income, marital status, smoking history, comorbidities, year of diagnosis, and stage), treatment (scheduled surgery and complications, chemotherapy, radiation), surgeon (colorectal board, volume), and hospital factors (volume, academic, rural). Results: 38,020 (colon 32,451, rectal 5,569) met inclusion criteria, of which 28% died within 5 years. Single patients were more likely than married to be current smokers (17 vs 12%), be on Medicaid (42 vs 27%) and present emergently (38 vs 25%), and less likely to be treated by high volume surgeons (32 vs 40%). Married patients had decreased risk of 5-year CRC-specific mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 0.86, confidence interval [CI] 0.80-0.94) vs single. When stratified by sex, married males had a decreased risk of death but married females did not and this persists if stratified by colon vs rectum (Table). Income was not significantly associated with survival and previously married patients did not significantly differ from single. Conclusions: Marital status impacts CRC-specific survival in males and females differently. Married men have a protective effect from marriage, whereas married females do not and may benefit from additional support throughout their cancer care. [Table: see text]
A comprehensive study comparing smokers and non-smokers with lung cancer in an urban minority population.
Authors: Patel Poras , Thar Yu Yu , Zarubin Vadim , Castro Daniel , Nagaraj Savitha , Lin Aung , Guevara Elizabeth 
Published: September 2018

e18087 Background: Cigarette smoking is strongly associated with lung cancer; however, very few studies have been conducted in the urban minority population comparing various parameters between smokers and non-smokers with lung cancer. We investigated epidemiological profiles, histological subtypes, staging at diagnosis, survival after diagnosis and the quality of life. Methods: This retrospective study included urban minority population diagnosed with primary lung cancer at the Brooklyn Hospital Center between 2005-2016. The study population was divided into two groups based on smoking history and various parameters listed below were compared. The health care quality of life (HcQOL) was assessed using parameters of weight loss, cough/hemoptysis, shortness of breath, pain, opioid use and functional capacity. Results: Of the total 576 patients, 432 met inclusion criteria, who were divided into Group A (GA) - Smokers (n = 341 (78.9%)) and Group B (GB) - Non-Smokers (n = 91 (21.1%)). Majority of our study population were African American (GA 71.8%, GB 65.9%) followed by Hispanics. The prevalence of lung cancer was higher in females (GA 56%, GB 52.7%). Patients diagnosed with lung cancer before age 60 were 48.4% in GA versus 5.5% in GB. SCLC pathology was 20% in GA & 0% in GB; NSCLC pathology was 80% in GA & 100% in GB. At the time of diagnosis, 27% in GA had metastatic stage-4 (0% in GB), and 71.4% in GB had stage-1 (27% in GA) NSCLC. Less than 1 year survival was 15.5% in GA and 2.4% in GB; > 3 years survival was 32.3% in GA and 95.2% in GB. HcQOL measure of weight loss of > 10 pounds, hemoptysis, shortness of breath at rest, uncontrolled pain, opioid dependence and functional capacity < 1 block was 67.6%, 17%, 61.9%, 54.1%, 75.1% and 92.2% respectively in GA and 29.1%, 3.5%, 23.2%, 18.5%, 49.4% and 24.3% respectively in GB. A 6-minute walk test was abnormal in 77% of GA and 39.1% of GB. Conclusions: In comparison to non-smokers, smokers were diagnosed with lung cancer at a younger age, had advanced stages of cancer at the time of diagnosis, higher mortality and increased opioid dependence. Smokers had significantly poor HcQOL, which was supported by abnormal six-minute walk test results. Females had overall increased incidence of lung cancer.
Toxicity disparities between Hispanics and non-Hispanics enrolled in clinical trials in south Texas.
Authors: Vyas Ojas Harihar , Mazo- Canola Marcela , Garza Juan Francisco , Hamal Ruchi , Royster Lashandra , Johnson Ellen , Bohanini Leyla , Kaklamani Virginia G. 
Published: September 2018

e18089 Background: The U.S. Hispanic (H) population is estimated to increase from 55 million in 2014 to 119 million in 2060, growing from 17% to 29% of the total population. H are underrepresented in cancer trials. A review of practice-changing oncology trials showed only 3.9% of included patients were H. Disparities have been identified in time to diagnosis, treatment and outcomes in H patients, including those on clinical trials, despite uniform stage, treatment, and follow-up. Given our institution’s history of strong H accrual, we aimed to look at the rate of enrollment and toxicity in our early phase cancer trials of H compared with non-Hispanic whites (NHW). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed charts of patients enrolled in Phase I trials at UTHSCSA to assess rates of selected toxicities, death, hospitalizations and reasons for withdrawal from phase 1 trials. The following toxicities were recorded: anemia, neutropenia, neuropathy, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. All H patients were compared to randomly selected statistical controls. Patients who were on multiple trials were excluded. Results: Of the 520 patients reviewed, 376 (72.3%) self-identified as H, 123(23.7%) as NHW, and 448 (86.2%) of patients had a solid tumor diagnosis. H and NHW with solid tumors are compared in the Table. They were similarly matched for sex, but H were noted to be older and more likely to receive cytotoxic therapy. Rates of patients experiencing any grade 3/4 toxicity or hospitalization were similar as shown. H were more likely to withdraw from trial due to disease progression. Conclusions: This retrospective analysis shows H patients did not experience significantly more toxicities in early phase clinical trials at an academic center in a minority-majority community. Prospective data collection is needed to provide more detailed information in the disparities that exist in toxicity and outcomes in H compared with NHW in cancer trials. [Table: see text]