bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of neighborhood disadvantage on stage at diagnosis and outcomes in women diagnosed with breast cancer.
Authors: Harris Alexandra A , Szabo Aniko , Kamaraju Sailaja , Cheng Yee Chung , Burfeind John D. , Chitambar Christopher R. , Chaudhary Lubna Naaz 
Published: June 2023

e18603 Background: Low socioeconomic status (SES) has been associated with higher incidence of high-risk breast cancer and poorer outcomes. However, previous studies have inconsistent definitions of SES. Using a more comprehensive definition of SES via the Neighborhood Atlas, which calculates one's relative level of Neighborhood Disadvantage (ND) using 17 variables from American Community Survey and US Census data, may address this problem. We aimed to determine if higher level of ND is associated with later stage breast cancer at diagnosis and/or higher five-year recurrence rates. Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review study of 418 women that were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 within the Froedtert Health System in WI. Data collected included: patient characteristics (age, race, BMI, menopausal status, genetic status), tumor characteristics (tumor size, nodal status, metastases, ER/PR/HER2 status, histology, grade, date of diagnosis, self- detected vs. abnormal mammogram), treatments received (surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, endocrine therapy), and outcomes (type of recurrence, date of recurrence, date of death if applicable, last follow-up, etc.). Patient home addresses at the time of diagnoses were geocoded and inputted into the Neighborhood Atlas Mapping Tool to obtain 2015 ND values. Spearman’s rank correlation was used to evaluate the association between ND and TNM stage at diagnosis. Cox regression was used to evaluate the effect of ND on cause-specific hazard of recurrence. Significance value of < 0.05 was utilized. Results: The average age at diagnosis was 60 years and most women were post-menopausal (74%). Most patients had ER and/or PR-positive cancer (82% and 72% respectively) and 15% had HER2-positive disease. The average tumor size was 1.3cm (range 0-10). Node positive disease was seen in 104 women (25%) and 20 women (4.8%) had distant metastatic disease at diagnosis. Only 24 (5.7%) patients experienced disease recurrence within five years of diagnosis. The average National ND value was 36 (range of 4 to 100). ND was not significantly associated with stage at breast cancer diagnosis (p = 0.37) or five-year recurrence rates (p = 0.19). Conclusions: The average National ND value was not significantly associated with stage at breast cancer diagnosis or five-year recurrence rates. It is important to consider our study population demographics in the context of these results. The average National ND value was low at 36 which suggests an unequal representation of those living in disadvantaged areas compared to those living in more advantaged areas. Additionally, we were unable to draw strong conclusions on effects of ND on patient outcomes due to low number of recurrences seen. Future studies with larger sample size are likely needed to capture the possible impact of ND on patient outcomes.
Real-world treatment patterns of non-small cell lung cancer in an Indian hospital.
Authors: Miyasato Gavin , Kasivajjala Vamsi Chandra , Misra Mohit , Kumar Kiran , Shah Chitrang , Friedman Howard S 
Published: June 2023

e18604 Background: The circumstances regarding lung cancer in India are similar to many countries around the world – it is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers with many treatment options available. India, however, relies heavily on an out-of-pocket healthcare payment model in which patients are often directly responsible for the majority of these treatment costs. This paradigm makes many of the newer generation of medications financially inaccessible for most Indians. In this research, we aimed to understand the current treatment patterns of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) from an analysis of Indian hospital data, as a way to contextualize the real-world treatment situation. Methods: Electronic Medical Record (EMR) data was sourced from a major cancer hospital located in India’s national capital region. Using the Querent health analytics platform, EMR data across 5 years (2017-2022) were analyzed. Demographics, disease characteristics, and treatment patterns were identified through a combination of structured and unstructured data including data from registration, laboratory, radiology, diagnosis, procedure, pharmacy, and clinical notes. Results: 1,227 unique patients with NSCLC were observed in the hospital over five years, with an average (SD) duration of observation time of 12.1 (15.4) months. The patients were, on average (SD), 59.0 (11.2) years old and were more likely to be male (69.4%). Most patients were in later cancer stages, with a distribution of I (3%), II (2%), III (13%), and IV (82%). Among those with metastatic NSCLC, 773 (76%) received cancer treatment at the hospital, with 52% receiving surgery, 5% radiotherapy, and 88% anti-cancer medication. The most commonly administered medications were chemotherapies (carboplatin (52%) and pemetrexed (38%)). Targeted therapies were administered in 55% of patients. Conclusions: Only about half of all metastatic NSCLC patients received targeted cancer therapy. This proportion pales in comparison to targeted therapy utilization rates observed in the US and Europe, indicating the need to address the affordability issues that hamper patient access to these medications. Increased adoption of advanced therapeutics could lead to improved outcomes for many patients in India.
Oncology financial advocacy services guidelines: Results of a Delphi study.
Authors: Boehmer Leigh , Kajdic Hodzic Rifeta , Harvey Allison , Doherty Meredith , Gentry Sharon , Kirch Rebecca A , Nelson Krista , Mangir Christina , Santiago Angie , Schneider Lori , Plotkin Elana 
Published: June 2023

e18606 Background: At least half of people with cancer experience financial toxicity1 but financial advocacy has emerged as a promising intervention to mitigate it. How cancer programs and practices screen for financial toxicity among patients and the types of services they offer vary greatly. Standardization is needed to evaluate the outcomes and impacts of financial advocacy. Therefore, the Association of Community Cancer Centers (ACCC) Financial Advocacy Network set out to develop Oncology Financial Advocacy Services Guidelines (hereafter “the Guidelines”) to address this gap. Methods: To conduct this original, non-clinical trial research, ACCC convened a task force of seven multidisciplinary experts in financial advocacy to oversee a modified Delphi study. The task force assembled a panel of 49 experts, who represented oncology financial advocacy staff, multidisciplinary cancer care team members, financial advocacy subject matter experts, as well as patients and patient advocates. Based on a literature review and qualitative input from panelists, the task force drafted a list of 44 potential guidelines. In early 2022, panelists completed two rounds of anonymous voting, determining if each statement should not be a guideline, be a minimum guideline, or be an enhanced guideline. Consensus was set at 75% agreement. Results: The panel reached consensus that 43 statements should be guidelines. One guideline was rated minimum, while another 17 trended toward being considered minimum (60%-74% agreement among panelists). The panel rated one guideline as enhanced, with two others trending toward being enhanced. Twenty-two guidelines did not reach consensus one way or another on being minimal vs. enhanced. Conclusions: The Guidelines are publicly available in a report that includes implementation considerations extracted from Delphi panelists’ comments and task force input. Half of guidelines did not reach consensus on whether they are minimum or enhanced, reflecting the diversity of current financial advocacy practice and a need to develop greater standardization in the field. ACCC is taking several next steps to advance research and quality practice using the Guidelines, including collaborative policy development, assessment tools, and the creation of valid metrics and accountability measures.
Association of food insecurity with reduced cancer screening rates.
Authors: Shah Mohammed Masoom , Islam Shahidul , Braunstein Marc Justin 
Published: June 2023

e18609 Background: Social determinants of health, including access to adequate food and nutrition, may influence many aspects of healthcare, including cancer screening. This study explored the associations between food insecurity and cancer screening. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted using the National Health Interview Series from 2021 to capture contemporary events. Based on scaled questionnaires, food security was stratified into either food secure or insecure, and then subgrouped into high, marginal, or low security (i.e. most insecure). Associations were made with rates of having at least one screening test. Relationships between variables were evaluated using Chi-Square and Cochran-Armitage trend tests. Logistic regression models were used to find factors associated with cancer screening. Results: Patients included in analyses included: 19,916 for colon, 15,293 for cervical, and 8,589 for prostate cancer screening. Those with food insecurity had significantly lower rates of cancer screening than those with food security across all 3 cancer screens, including for colon (51.3% vs. 61.8% p < 0.0001), cervical (78.1% vs. 85.2% p < 0.0001), and prostate (36.0% vs. 51.5%, p < 0.0001). This was similar when comparing low, marginal, and high food security, respectively, for colonoscopies (50.1% vs. 52.6% vs. 61.8%, p < 0.0001), cervical cancer screening (78% vs. 78.2% vs. 85.1%; p < 0.0001), and prostate-specific antigen testing (31.2% vs. 41.2% vs. 51.5%; p < 0.0001). Other social determinants were analyzed, including insurance type (public vs. private), age, and race. Patients with public health insurance had lower screening rates across all three cancers compared to those with private insurance (p < 0.0001). Lower food security was linked with younger age (p < 0.0001), and Black patients were disproportionately affected by food insecurity compared to other races (p < 0.001). Adjusted for covariates, low food security, minority racial groups, and public insurance were associated with lower odds of cancer screening. Conclusions: Individuals with self-reported food insecurity were found to have lower cancer screening rates than those who were food secure. Further analysis of demographic and clinical information revealed associations between low food security status and public health insurance, younger age, and Black race. These data suggested that measures can be taken to address food insecurity in these populations that appear to be most vulnerable to lacking appropriate cancer screening. [Table: see text]
Who is getting screened? Estimating uninsured and underinsured women utilizing NBCCEDP screening program in a high insurance state.
Authors: Haynes David , Borrero Maria , Idossa Dame , Roach Lauren , Haas Mckenna 
Published: June 2023

e18617 Background: The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program's (NBCCEDP) mission is to improve access to mammography and other health services for underserved women. Research has shown that this national program has improved access to mammography services. However, there is limited research describing the total number of individuals eligible to utilize these services. Howard et. al., described women eligible for NBCCEDP services at the state level. Hughes et. al. have improved upon this with the introduction of geographic small-area estimation techniques that allow us to estimate individuals below the census tract level. Our work builds upon Hughes et. al., by accounting for variations in uninsured and insurance status. Methods: We used a geospatial small area estimation technique, spatially adaptive filters, to calculate standardized incidence ratios describing the utilization rate of NBCCEDP services in Minnesota. The American Community Survey (2010-2014) data describing the insurance status was integrated into the spatially adaptive filters to account for the likelihood that an individual is uninsured. Results: We tested three models that integrate insurance status by age, sex, and race/ethnicity. Our composite model, which adjusts for all three insurance statuses, improves our estimates by reducing estimation error by 95%. We estimate that 49,914 uninsured and underinsured women are eligible to receive services within the state of Minnesota. In addition to an improved state estimate, we also provide estimates at county level to better understand the uptake of these services. Conclusions: This analysis addresses a significant gap in the literature by including secondary datasets that allow for a more accurate prediction of both the underlying population eligible to receive services and calculation of utilization rates to address programmatic goals. Spatially adaptive filters are not restricted to a specific administrative unit and insurance status provides a better screening utilization estimate.
Examining experiences of African American patients with breast cancer in a multidisciplinary survivorship clinic.
Authors: Uelk Madeleine , Chervinko Nazzara , Louthen Cathy Grace , Patel Arpan , Robinson Patricia A. , Fujiu Kathleen 
Published: June 2023

e18621 Background: Breast cancer (BC) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women. More effective therapies have led to improved survival rates, yet, the survival benefit is not shared across all patient (pt) populations, with worse breast cancer outcomes among African American (AA) pts. The American College of Surgeons has mandated that accredited sites have a cancer survivorship program. At the Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center (CBCC), there remain disparities in access and utilization of the survivorship clinic, especially by AA BC survivors. Of the 385 new BC analytic cases CBCC treated between March 1, 2020, and March 1, 2021, 72 of these were AA pts. Unfortunately, less than 10% of AA BC pts who received curative intent therapy attended the CBCC Survivorship Clinic. As part of the "Bringing Quality Care Training to Komen’s African American Health Equity Initiative" in collaboration with ASCO, CBCC remodeled its survivorship program into a multidisciplinary clinic staffed by medical oncology, oncologic psychology, genetic counselor, nutritionist and social worker in order to provide comprehensive care to pts following diagnosis and treatment. Methods: The CBCC team performed the following: construction of a process map outlining the current pathway for referring pts to the survivorship clinic; creation of a fishbone cause and effect diagram highlighting factors contributing to poor utilization of the clinic; implementation of faculty surveys to assess reasons for lack of referral to survivorship clinic; development of pt experience surveys; and identification of countermeasures. Tumor registry identified BC pts by stage, race, and ethnicity. Results: Review of the CBCC BC registry showed a low attrition rate among 72 AA pts, with only 1.4% (n = 1) of AA pts diagnosed at CBCC treated elsewhere. AA pts made up a disproportionate number of stage IV diagnoses comprising 40% (n = 8). Surveys demonstrated the following reasons for poor utilization of the survivorship clinic by faculty in order of descending importance: providers felt they were providing survivorship care to their pts; pts declined referral due to appointment fatigue; lack of understanding to make referral; no outcomes data to support survivorship clinics; pt misunderstanding the purpose; fear of losing the pt; pt financial burden. Pt surveys (n = 20) showed high pt satisfaction, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 for overall care. Conclusions: Lack of utilization of the cancer survivorship clinic among AA BC pts leads to inefficient application of resources, decreased survivorship care, reduced pt experience, and diminished opportunity for survivorship education and increased health literacy. Paths for the future include increased faculty and pt education, faculty engagement, designated scheduler for survivorship clinic, and increased promotional and marketing work.
Patients with breast cancer and the threat of septicemia.
Authors: Taneja Kamil , Patel Karan , Diaz Michael J. , Chandragiri Sahas , Hsiung Haley , Cohen Jules A. 
Published: June 2023

e18622 Background: A very dangerous complication that can occur in breast cancer patients is septicemia. However, there are not many large scale studies that have demonstrated patient and hospital factors associated with higher risk of this complication in breast cancer patients. Methods: We utilized the 2006-2012 Nationwide Emergency Department Sample to identify breast cancer patients that presented to the emergency department (ED) with a primary diagnosis of septicemia. A multivariate logistic regression was used to identify characteristics that were significantly associated with a higher chance of septicemia. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Between 2006 and 2012, 2,160,701 breast cancer patients presented to the ED. Out of these patients, 39,164 (1.8%) presented to the ED with a primary diagnosis of septicemia. Most patients were at least 80 years old (61.5%), female (98.9%), Medicare beneficiaries (73.8%), of the highest income quartile (28.6%), living in the South (34.3%), presented to non-trauma hospitals (51.5%), and presented to metropolitan non-teaching hospitals (46.0%). Factors associated with the highest risk of septicemia in breast cancer patients are the following: Medicaid patients (odds ratio (OR): 2.0, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.6-2.6, p < 0.001), Medicare patients (OR: 2.0, 95% CI: 1.6-2.5, p < 0.001), private insurance patients (OR: 1.7, 95% CI: 1.4-2.1, p < 0.001), living in the West (OR: 1.5, 95% CI: 1.3-1.7, p < 0.001), living in the Northeast (OR: 1.3, 95% CI: 1.1-1.5, p < 0.001), presenting to a metropolitan non-teaching hospital (OR: 1.2, 95% CI: 1.1-1.4, p = 0.03), and presenting to a metropolitan teaching hospital (OR: 1.3, 95% CI: 1.1-1.5, p = 0.003). Almost all breast cancer patients with septicemia were admitted (97.6%), discharged the same day (1.0%), or transferred to a short-term hospital (0.7%). Amongst patients that were admitted, most patients were discharged (34.4%), transferred to a skilled nursing facility or intermediate care facility (29.8%), or died (16.2%). Risk factors associated with increased risk of dying in septicemia patients are the following: living in the Northeast (OR: 1.4, 95% CI: 1.2-1.8, p = 0.001), presenting to a metropolitan teaching hospital (OR: 1.3, 95% CI: 1.0-1.7, p = 0.046), and living in the South (OR: 1.2, 95% CI: 1.0-1.5, p = 0.045). Conclusions: After correcting for patient and hospital characteristics, a patient’s insurance status, the hospital’s region, and the hospital’s teaching status are intimately related to a breast cancer patient's risk to develop septicemia. Furthermore, hospital region and teaching status are also associated with a breast cancer patient’s risk of dying from septicemia. This suggests that a patient’s access to resources is critical for their risk of developing cancer-related complications.
Clinical utility of an international multidisciplinary virtual tumor board for fibrolamellar carcinoma.
Authors: Kent Paul , Tasse Jordan C. , Schadde Erik , Kato Tomoaki , Humar Abhinav , Fisher Oliver M. , Dixon Matthew , Yamashiro Darrell , Cornelius Albert , Royall Nelson Andrew , Kim Thomas , Friedland Julie C. , Stuhlmiller Timothy Joseph , Awawda Alaa , Sabates Alanis , Shapiro Mark Adam , Ellison Jessica , Stockwell Tom 
Published: June 2023

e18624 Background: Fibrolamellar carcinoma (FLC) is a rare liver cancer with approximately 1500 new cases per year, worldwide. The lack of expertise locally often incurs significant travel for patients (pts). Virtual consults have improved access to expertise but identifying the best experts for an ultra-rare condition is difficult for pts and families and multidisciplinary tumor boards of experts offer better clinical guidance. Foundations and advocacy groups play a vital role in navigation and support for pts with rare cancers. Methods: Pts with FLC and their local treating oncologists were engaged by the FibroFighters Foundation and offered a multidisciplinary virtual tumor board (VTB) review. Each VTB included the local treating oncologist, a patient advocate, a molecular pharmacologist, and international experts in the clinical management of FLC including at least one medical oncologist, one radiation oncologist, one interventional radiologist, and one surgical oncologist. Each VTB reviewed the pts’ clinical history and relevant imaging and discussed surgical, radiological, and systemic approaches. Pts consented to the observational research protocol XCELSIOR ( NCT03793088 ) to enable longitudinal clinical summaries to be prepared and for outcomes to be annotated. Results: Between August 4th 2022 and February 9th, 2023, the VTB held a total of 71 discussions for 59 unique pts (12 discussed more than once): 12 new diagnoses, 28 relapses, 14 treatment failures, and 5 ongoing care. Median age at diagnosis of pts was 18 years (range 6-44 years). Pts were seen at 44 institutions/practices across 22 states and 4 countries (USA, Australia, Switzerland, and the Netherlands). A total of 36 unique treatment regimens were discussed, with 21 unique consensus top-ranked options delivered to treating oncologists. The most common consensus options included regimens of gemcitabine, lenvatinib, and nivolumab (13), interventional radiology (IR, 11), surgical resection (6), and a regimen of gemcitabine, oxaliplatin, and lenvatinib (6). The primary team implemented the VTB recommendations 60 times out of 71 (85%): change in systemic therapy (33), IR (11), continue current regimen (11), surgery (6), radiation oncology (2). Conclusions: This is the first demonstration of a patient-focused international multidisciplinary VTB for FLC. The high rate of recommendation adoption by local treating oncologists suggests this is a valuable service to improve patient care. Outcomes are being collected prospectively in a master observational research protocol to better define clinical utility.