bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The microbiome landscape of early-onset colorectal cancer: A systematic review.
Authors: Hong Daniel , Tian Ruiyi , Kim Hyun , Doering Michelle , Cao Yin 
Published: June 2024

e15646 Background: The rise of early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC, age < 50 years old) necessitates the examination of potential risk factors to enhance prevention and control strategies. Microbial dysbiosis has been hypothesized as a potential contributor, yet studies are limited. To guide future research, we systematically reviewed studies of the EOCRC microbiome, emphasizing methodological heterogeneities. Methods: We systematically reviewed available literature for microbiome studies involving EOCRC and synthesized findings according to comparison groups (healthy/later-onset CRC [LOCRC]), sample type (fecal /tumor), and analyses (taxonomic/metabolomic). Results: Collection, storage, extraction, and analytical methods varied across the 10 studies included out of 2073 studies. There were 377 unique EOCRC patients, of which most originated from China (193 EOCRC cases), the United States (52 EOCRC cases), and Japan (42 EOCRC cases). Six studies analyzed 224 unique EOCRC fecal samples (4 performed 16S, 5 performed WGSS, 4 performed metabolomic); five compared EOCRC against healthy individuals and five to LOCRC. Four studies utilized 153 unique EOCRC tumor samples (3 performed 16S, 1 performed WGSS, 1 performed metabolomic); two compared with tumor-adjacent normal tissue, one to colonic tissue of healthy individuals, and four to LOCRC. Among studies comparing fecal samples of EOCRC to healthy individuals, EOCRC exhibited increased levels of Fusobacterium and Escherichia-Shigella, known for metabolizing 5-Fluorouracil, while butyrate-producing taxa like Faecalibacterium, protective against CRC, were diminished; EOCRC also showed decreased lung-associated pathogens and Clostridium difficile, but increased oral pathogens. Among studies comparing fecal samples of EOCRC to LOCRC, EOCRC fecal samples were more abundant in oral/gastrointestinal pathogens, with varying findings on Fusobacterium nucleatum. Faecalibacterium prausnitzii was more abundant in EOCRC than LOCRC, whereas Escherichia-Shigella was less abundant. Fecal metabolomic studies displayed increased LPS-related pathways and bile acids in EOCRC compared to healthy individuals. Compared to tumor-adjacent normal tissues or colonic tissues of healthy individuals, EOCRC tumors were characterized by higher levels of Fusobacterium, Actinomyces, and Escherichia coli ( E. coli), fewer butyrate producers, and more Bacteroides fragilis. Conclusions: While data is limited and methodologies varied, emerging evidence suggests that EOCRC may have unique microbial signatures compared to both healthy individuals and LOCRC. This may signal unique pathogenesis for EOCRC and present potential for prevention, early detection, and intervention. It is essential to harmonize study methods and analytical approaches to advance understanding of the role of microbiome in EOCRC.
COVID-19 breakthrough infections in patients with colorectal cancer: A propensity-matched score analysis.
Authors: Alsakarneh Saqr , Qasim Hana , Sallam Yazan , Khamees Ibrahim , Al-Obaidi Ammar , Adam Mohammad 
Published: June 2024

e15655 Background: Previous data showed that cancer patients are more prone to have severe outcomes due to SARS-CoV-2 infection. While there are promising data on anti-mRNA antibodies titer post-COVID-19 vaccination in solid malignancies, concerns arise regarding durability of this immune response. We aim to evaluate the risk of breakthrough COVID-19 infection in colorectal cancer patients (CRC). Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using TriNetX, a population-based database that sources data from electronic medical records (EHRs) of 61 health care organizations in the US. Using ICD-10 codes, we created two cohorts of patients with vaccination against COVID-19: with CRC and without CRC. Within each cohort, we collected data on demographics, and several risk factors for COVID-19. We performed propensity score matching (PSM) of 44 variables to control for confounding. Primary aim of our study was to compare the risk of COVID-19 breakthrough infection between CRC patients and control group. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to report associations for the propensity-matched cohorts. Results: A total of 6,152 vaccinated CRC patients were identified (mean age = 68.3 ± 12.7, females: 47.4%). In CRC vaccinated patients, (68.9%) were White, (12.50%) were African Americans, (8.3%) were Hispanics/Latino individuals. 6051 received 2 doses, and 2087 received 3 doses of COVID-19 messenger RNA vaccine. Vaccinated CRC patients were found to be at significantly higher risk for breakthrough COVID-19 infections compared to patients without CRC (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.46; [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.33 - 1.59]). Sub-group analysis based on the number of vaccines administered revealed consistent findings, with aOR of 1.39 [1.27 - 1.52] after 2 doses, and 1.36 [1.18 - 1.57] after 3 doses. There were no differences in risk of breakthrough infection based on gender or age groups in patients with CRC (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Our study showed that CRC patients are at a significantly elevated risk of breakthrough COVID-19 infections. Our study provides a valuable finding that may enlighten public health measures and clinical interventions for this vulnerable patient population. Further research is warranted to investigate the biological mechanisms that contribute to the breakthrough infections COVID-19 among CRC patients. [Table: see text]
The impact of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists on proteasome inhibitor-associated cardiotoxicity in patients with multiple myeloma.
Authors: Chang Yu-Cheng , Chiang Cho Han , Tang Zhiting , See Xin Ya , Chiang Cho Hung , Chi Kuan-Yu , Chang Yu , Gao Wenli 
Published: June 2024

e24008 Background: Patients with multiple myeloma undergoing proteasome inhibitor therapies face an elevated risk of cardiotoxicity. Existing evidence in the non-cancer population indicates that glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1a) can mitigate the risk of cardiovascular events. We hypothesize that GLP1a may reduce the risk of cardiotoxicity in patients with multiple myeloma undergoing proteasome inhibitor therapies. Methods: We conducted a retrospective, propensity score-matched cohort study by utilizing the TriNetX Analytics Network database, which contains de-identified data spanning over 250 million patients. We included adult patients with multiple myeloma and type 2 diabetes mellitus who received proteasome inhibitor therapy. We matched patients treated with GLP1a and those treated with Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 (DPP4i) in a 1:1 ratio based on predetermined clinical variables. The primary outcome included major adverse cardiovascular events, defined as a composite of heart failure and heart failure hospitalization, myocardial infarction, and ischemic stroke. Other outcomes included individual cardiovascular events, atrial fibrillation/flutter, and all-cause mortality within 3 years of proteasome inhibitor therapy. Results: We matched 183 patients on GLP1a to patients on DPP4i. The prevalence of hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and use of proteasome inhibitors was similar between cohorts. In a Cox proportional hazard analysis, patients who received GLP1a had an approximately 50% lower risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (HR, 0.53 [95% CI: 0.29-0.96]) compared to those who received DPP4i. Furthermore, GLP1a was associated with a reduction in heart failure and heart failure hospitalization, ischemic stroke, and all-cause mortality. The risks of myocardial infarction and atrial fibrillation/flutter were comparable between the two cohorts. Conclusions: GLP1a were associated with a reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events and mortality among patients with multiple myeloma and diabetes mellitus receiving proteasome inhibitors. [Table: see text]
Sweet syndrome in the setting of breast cancer: A literature review.
Authors: Lee Amanda , Paracha Awais , Hussain Fahad , Dillon Kayla , Arshad Maha , Li Emma , Kwait Brittany , Shrivastava Sneha , Gostanian Nouneh J. 
Published: June 2024

e24044 Background: Sweet syndrome (SS) or acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis typically present as patients with pyrexia, neutrophilia and rash with dermal neutrophilic dominance on biopsy. While the association of SS with malignancy is well-documented, the connection of sweet syndrome and solid tumors especially breast cancers is not explored enough. It is important to understand these associations better understand the disease course of SS in the setting of breast cancer. We aim to examine the different triggers, subtypes of breast cancer associated with SS, and differences in presentation and resolution time. Methods: A literature review from 1/1950-11/2023 was conducted for co-existing diagnoses of BC and SS in the PubMed Database. Search terms included Sweet Syndrome or Acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis with Breast Cancer with subtypes. Key outcomes included: trigger identification, breast cancer subtypes, and treatment options. Findings were analyzed via a thematic lens. Results: A total of 34 cases of female BC patients with SS were identified with triggers divided into subtypes of surgery (47%), medication (20%), paraneoplastic (20%), and radiation therapy (11%). Depending on the trigger, average time to presentation varied with drug-triggered being the shortest (3.3 months) followed by radiation (8.5 months) while surgery (50 months) and paraneoplastic- associated (57 months) had similar presentation times. Although the time to presentation time for paraneoplastic-associated SS was the longest, 50% of these cases were associated with underlying progression of cancer. Regarding treatment and resolution time, 26 cases of SS resolved after treatment with treatment mainstay including oral (65%) and topical (12%) steroids. Analyzing triggers specific treatment outcomes, drug (2.7 days) and radiation-induced SS (7 days) had shorter average resolution times while paraneoplastic- associated (10.5 days) and surgery-associated SS (18.5 days) had longer resolution times. 5 cases that documented initial relapse or recurrence of SS after initial treatment were associated with paraneoplastic –induced sweet syndrome. On further analysis, among the 15 cases mentioned the BC type associated with SS- the most common breast cancer subtype was invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast (47%) followed by metastatic carcinoma (20%), adenocarcinoma (13%) and invasive lobular carcinoma (6%), canalicular breast carcinoma (6%) and unspecified malignant tumor of the breast (6%) regardless of the trigger mentioned. Conclusions: Oncologists should always consider SS on the differential for BC patients presenting with fever and rash given the varied presentation times depending on type of trigger. Treatment should be started promptly and continued for an adequate amount of time depending on the trigger to better mitigate complications in breast cancer patients.
Curcumin add-on improves quality of life in patients with locally or advanced head and neck cancer receiving nutritional intervention.
Authors: Thambamroong Tawasapon , Seetalarom Kasan , Saichaemchan Siriwimon , Peechatanan Khunthong , Phavirunsiri Jarearnjit , Prasongsook Naiyarat 
Published: June 2024

e24051 Background: The CurChexia study, NCT04208334, is a phase IIa randomized control trial. The study demonstrates the benefits of adding 4,000 mg of curcumin to the standard nutritional intervention. This addition helps to increase muscle mass and delay the decrease in other body composition parameters. However, clinicians require treatment that maintains or improves the quality of life (QoL) of head and neck cancer patients. In this report, we present the QoL data. Methods: Patients participating in the study were required to complete the EORTC QLQ-C30 version 3.0 questionnaire in the Thai edition. The questionnaire was given at the beginning of the study, at the end of week 4, at the end of the study, or in week 8. The results were scored following the EORTC scoring guidelines and compared between the group that received the curcumin add-on and the standard nutritional intervention (control). The patients needed to complete all sections of the EORTC QLQ-C30, and no data was missing. Results: Ten of the 20 patients were given curcumin, while the others were in the control group. Based on the EORTC QLQ-C30, there was an improvement in the median global health status, but it was not significant between the curcumin and control groups. However, the curcumin group improved all functional status parameters, particularly physical functioning ( p= 0.001) and emotional functioning ( p= 0.023). Regarding symptom scales, curcumin significantly reduced pain symptoms ( p= 0.033) and increased appetite ( p= 0.001) compared to the control group. The other parameters that could have affected QoL did not show significant differences between the two groups. Conclusions: The CurChexia study indicates that curcumin has shown promising results in improving muscle mass, enhancing quality of life, and increasing appetite, thereby establishing its position as a noteworthy phytonutrient. However, it is important to note that further research is necessary to understand the extent of its benefits fully. Clinical trial information: NCT04208334 .
The role of integrating palliative care with systemic anticancer treatment at end-of-life: A single center experience.
Authors: Tiyanont Tanin , Thokanit Nintita Sripaibookij , Kasemsup Vijj , Sirachainan Ekaphop , Semsarn Siriporn , Chansriwong Phichai 
Published: June 2024

e24067 Background: This study examines the utilization of systemic anticancer treatments, including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, in advanced cancer patients. Specifically, it aims to underscore the impact of integrating palliative care in the administration of anticancer treatment during the last months of life. Methods: A retrospective chart review of patients who received chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy at Ramathibodi Hospital and passed away between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2022. Demographic data, cancer type, modality, intent, and route of anticancer therapy, as well as health scheme and referral to palliative care services, were collected. Information regarding systemic anticancer treatments administered at 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months preceding death underwent thorough analysis. Logistic regression was employed to assess odds ratios (OR) and 95% CIs for factors influencing decision-making regarding anticancer treatments. Results: Among the 542 deceased patients, 378 had received anticancer treatments within the last 6 months of life. The distribution of anticancer treatments categorized by timing—6 months, 3 months, 1 month, and 2 weeks before death—was 378 (69.7%), 388 (71.6%), 206 (38.0%), and 129 (23.8%), respectively. Older adults constituted nearly half of the population (45.2%). The utilization of anticancer treatments, particularly in the realms of targeted therapy and immunotherapy, at the terminal stages of life is showing a discernible upward trend. Palliative care consultations were present in 26.9% of cases during cancer care. The presence of palliative care consultation was significantly associated with lower odds ratios of receiving end-of-life anticancer treatments at 2 weeks and 1 month before death (OR: 0.55 [95% CI: 0.33 to 0.89], p = 0.016 and 0.54 [95% CI: 0.36 to 0.85], p = 0.004, respectively). Specifically, integrating palliative care reduced the use of chemotherapy in treatment at 2 weeks and 1 month before death (OR: 0.51 [95% CI: 0.27 to 0.98], p = 0.042 and OR: 0.55 [95% CI: 0.33 to 0.90], p = 0.019, respectively). However, the data showed a decrease in the number of patients; nonetheless, no statistically significant differences were observed in the utilization of targeted therapy and immunotherapy. In our analysis, we examine the factors influencing the utilization of anticancer treatments, reveal that there were no significant differences observed among other factors, including age, cancer type, and health scheme. Conclusions: Integration of palliative care into oncology services significantly correlated with a reduced risk of receiving anticancer treatments, particularly chemotherapy, within the last 30 days of life for advanced cancer patients. Insufficient evidence exists to ascertain the impact of palliative care on the utilization of targeted therapy and immunotherapy.
Pain, palliation, and opioid use patterns: A nationwide analysis of neoplasm-related pain admissions and trends (2016-2020).
Authors: Gor Rajvi , Gwalani Pranav , GOR DHAIRYA , Shah Anand , Thakur Rahul Kumar , Kumar Abhishek 
Published: June 2024

e24068 Background: Neoplasm-related pain (NRP) remains a significant contributor to the diminished quality of life in cancer patients. We aimed to study the epidemiological characteristics and trends among patients hospitalized for NRP from 2016 to 2020. Methods: A retrospective study of patients hospitalized for primary or secondary diagnosis of NRP from 2016-2020 was conducted using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. Temporal trends in the prevalence, mortality rate (MR), length of stay (LOS), hospitalization cost, palliative care consults, and opioid use/dependence/abuse (OUD) were assessed using linear regression or the Cochran-Armitage test. Further, the NIS database was searched to identify all patients admitted with a diagnosis of OUD. Amongst them, the proportion of patients with a coexisting diagnosis of NRP was calculated. Analysis was done using R 4.3.2 and SAS 9.4. Results: 174,530 cases with NRP were identified from 2016-2020, with a median age at hospitalization of 61(IQR: 52,70). The number of hospitalizations increased from 28,036 in 2016 to 41,013 in 2019 and then dropped to 38,040 in 2020 (p < 0.001). The total inpatient MR was 7.8%, decreasing from 8.5 % in 2017 to 7.0% in 2020 (p < 0.0001). The mean cost of hospitalization increased significantly from $64,162.5 in 2016 to $82,943.8 in 2020 (p < 0.001). There was no significant change in the mean LOS. The number of palliative care consults increased from 29.8% in 2016 to 31.5% in 2019 and then dropped to 31.3% in 2020 (p < 0.001). Among 174,530 NRP patients, 5,844 (3.4%) had a coexisting diagnosis of OUD, which increased from 832 (3.0%) in 2016 to 1419 (3.7%) in 2020 (p < 0.001). A total of 737,971 patients with a diagnosis of OUD were admitted from 2016-2020, of which 5844 (0.79%) had a coexisting diagnosis of NRP. Conclusions: We observed increased hospitalizations for NRP and related palliative care consults from 2016 to 2019, with a subsequent decline in 2020. This drop could be related to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the rise in the cost of hospitalizations, there has been a declining trend in MR, potentially due to improved quality of care. The gradual rise in the coexistence of OUD among NRP patients is notable. Yet, NRP patients remain a minority within the broader context of OUD-related admissions, underscoring the need for nuanced, patient-centered approaches in NRP management. [Table: see text]
The effect of energy from reiki treatments on sleep quality for patients with breast and prostate cancer on hormone therapy.
Authors: McGuire Jeremy , Gada Umang , Fung Chunkit , Gilmore Nikesha , Janelsins Michelle Christine , Peppone Luke Joseph 
Published: June 2024

e24076 Background: Manypatients with cancer receiving hormone therapy experience difficulty with sleeping and insomnia. Reiki is a technique where therapy is delivered to the patient with either no or very light physical touch whereas traditional massage therapy uses pressure and movement by the therapist to manipulate soft tissue. Both Reiki and traditional massage therapy have been shown by others to be effective in providing benefits in sleep quality. This study is the first to compare changes in sleep quality after massage and Reiki treatments in patients with prostate and breast cancer receiving hormone therapy. Methods: Eighty-seven, breast (n = 56) and prostate cancer (n = 31), patients receiving hormone therapy experiencing self-reported fatigue ≥4/10were included in this randomized controlled trial (RCT). Patients were randomized into one of three treatment arms for 4-weeks: Arm 1 received two massage treatments, Arm 2 received two Reiki treatments and Arm 3 received four Reiki treatments. Each treatment session was approximately 75 minutes. . Participants with a baseline score of ( ≥8) on the ISI were included in this analysis. Results: 75% of all enrolled participants (n = 65) met the inclusion criteria for baseline clinically meaningful insomnia. Both Reiki and massage provided improvement in sleep quality from pre to post intervention and there was no difference between 2 and 4 Reiki sessions. Reiki significantly increased sleep quality (p > .01) with a mean decrease in total ISI score of 2.96. Massage therapy showed a trend towards improved sleep quality (p = 0.06) with a mean decrease in ISI score of 1.95. There was a clinically meaningful decrease in total ISI score (≥6) in 15% of those who received massage therapy compared to 25% in the reiki therapy group. Conclusions: Four weeks of Reiki significantly improved sleep quality in patients with breast and prostate cancer receiving hormone therapy. Reiki may be a better non-pharmacologic therapeutic for improving sleep quality. Clinical trial information: NCT02758756 .