bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical trial knowledge among cancer survivors in the United States: The role of health information technology.
Authors: Adewunmi Comfort , Atarere Joseph , Chido-Amajuoyi Onyema Greg , Onyeaka Henry , Mele Ange , Onyeaka Nelson , Abidoye Oluseyi , Johnson Andrew Thomas 
Published: June 2023

e24039 Background: Clinical trials are essential in the evaluation of new antineoplastic therapies. However, studies have consistently reported suboptimal levels of clinical trial knowledge among adult cancer patients, and less than 5% of them participate in clinical trials. Health information technology (HIT) has shown promise in health promotion and may prove useful in bridging the knowledge gap in clinical trials among cancer survivors. Methods: We obtained data from 3,865 adults who completed the 2020 Health Information National Trends Survey of which 626 (16.2%) were cancer survivors. Using chi-squared tests, we examined the prevalence of HIT use in the general population and by cancer history. We also examined the impact of HIT use on clinical trial knowledge separately for cancer survivors and those with no cancer history using multivariable logistic regression models. Results: 63.8% of cancer survivors reported having some knowledge of clinical trials. Almost half of them used HIT to communicate with doctors (47.1%) and make health appointments (49.4%), about two-fifths (42.2%) used HIT in checking test results and 68.0% reported using HIT to look up health information online. In the adjusted models, the use of HIT in communicating with doctors [OR 2.79; 95% CI (1.41, 5.54)], checking test results [OR 2.47; 95% CI (1.12, 5.43)] and looking up health information online [OR 2.84; 95% CI (1.04, 7.77)] was associated with increased knowledge of clinical trials. Conclusions: Our findings suggest a positive association between HIT utilization and higher clinical trial knowledge levels. These results are encouraging given the rapid increase in mobile technology access globally and the increased use of HIT since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. There is a potential opportunity to leverage digital technology in improving clinical trial participation by increasing knowledge levels.
Early integration of exercise into breast cancer care: The MSK healthy living program.
Authors: Rowed Kylie , Shen Sherry , Smith Andrea , Kelly Bridget , Magnoli Rocco , Corcoran Stacie , Emerzian Melissa , Ackerman Kerri , Cruz Cynthia , Salehi Erica , Anselmo Cara , Robson Mark E. , Iyengar Neil M. 
Published: June 2023

e24047 Background: In patients diagnosed with breast cancer, quality of life (QoL) has been reported to decrease during and after treatment. Physical activity (PA) mitigates adverse effects from treatment and improves QoL, and insufficient PA is associated with cancer recurrence and mortality. However, PA interventions are not included in standard cancer care. Early intervention to increase PA levels may improve QoL during active cancer therapy. The Healthy Living Program (HLP) at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) is a lifestyle and survivorship program that engages early-stage breast cancer patients at the time of diagnosis using lifestyle risk stratification and matched referrals. We investigated whether early exercise intervention through the MSK HLP impacts QoL within the first months after cancer diagnosis. Methods: At the time of diagnosis, patients complete a lifestyle questionnaire (LQ), which is a composite of validated instruments, including the Godin Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ). Patients not meeting PA guidelines per the GLTEQ are offered a referral to an exercise physiologist (EP). The EP creates an individualized, home-based exercise program using the FITT Principle (Frequency, Intensity, Time, and Type). Patients meet with the EP every 4 weeks for 16 weeks; if exercise recommendations continue to be unmet, the program is extended. The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast (FACT-B) and 36-Item Short Form Survey Instrument (SF-36) were completed at baseline (BL) and follow-up (FU). Results: 206 patients enrolled between April 2020 – September 2022, of which 72 volunteered to complete the QoL assessments (median age 53 years [range 23-84]; 11.1% ductal carcinoma in situ, 69.4% Stage 1, 16.7% Stage 2, and 2.8% Stage 3). Among these patients, 30.6% received chemotherapy, 66.7% received radiation, 83.3% received hormone therapy, and 6% declined treatment. The mean baseline FACT scores were FACT-B: 116, FACT-G: 87, and FACT-B Trial Outcome Index (TOI): 72. At FU, scores were maintained with no significant changes (means FACT-B: 117, FACT-G: 88, and TOI: 74). Improvements were observed among the subscales of the SF-36 from BL to FU. The largest improvements were observed in physical and emotional role function scores, with 26% and 15% improvements from BL to FU, respectively. Conclusions: A clinically implemented exercise intervention embedded in standard of care prevented decreases in QoL and improved physical and emotional functioning during the initial course of adjuvant breast cancer therapy. These findings support early implementation of lifestyle modification after a breast cancer diagnosis.
Safety and serum estradiol levels in hormonal treatments for vulvovaginal atrophy in breast cancer survivors: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Authors: Marin Comini Ana Carolina Carolina , Murad Carvalho Bruno , Barbosa Moreira Matheus José , Reis Pedro Cotta Abrahão , Colapietro Luisa , Northern Jane , Batalini Felipe 
Published: June 2023

e24049 Background: Vulvo-Vaginal Atrophy (VVA) or Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) is a common condition among breast cancer (BC) patients, especially those undergoing antiestrogen therapy. Despite being an option in refractory cases, the safety of hormonal treatment remains uncertain in this population. The aim of this study was to review the safety and serum estrogen levels of hormonal therapy in patients with BC history presenting with VVA symptoms. Methods: Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane were searched for studies comparing different hormonal treatment options for VVA in breast cancer survivors. Statistical analysis was performed using a random effects model and heterogeneity using Cochran's Q-statistic and the I2 index. Results: We included 17 studies, of which 5 were randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Treatment modalities included in this study were topical vaginal estradiol and estriol preparations, vaginally applied testosterone, DHEA, and ospemifene. We found that, among patients treated with the estriol and estradiol preparations, there was an average increase of 7.67pg/ml (SMD 7.67 pg/mL; 95% CI -1.00, 16.35; p < 0.001). Analysis of the testosterone group found temporary peaks of serum estradiol levels, but one study showed persistent elevation above normal postmenopausal levels. One study with prasterone revealed no elevation of serum estradiol concentration. One study with ospemifene demonstrated no increase in the risk of BC recurrence. Conclusions: In conclusion, among treatments available for BC survivors, low-dose vaginal estrogen showed the smallest changes in serum estradiol levels and had the most evidence, but safety remains unclear, especially for patients on aromatase inhibitors. Alternative treatments such as ospemifene need more data supporting safety and efficacy. These results suggest that concerns related to cancer recurrence should keep aiming for the lowest possible concentration.
Statin use for primary and secondary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in breast cancer (BC) patients (pts).
Authors: Melson John W. , Koethe Benjamin , Mohanty Sharanya , Babroudi Seda , Bao Chen , Chunduru Amar , Dwaah Henry , Finn Matthew , Jain Annika , Lalla Mumtu , Patnaik Paras , Studley Rachael , Buchsbaum Rachel J. , Huber Kathryn , Parsons Susan K. , Upshaw Jenica N 
Published: June 2023

e24051 Background: CVD is the leading cause of non-cancer mortality for BC survivors. Clinical practice guidelines support the assessment and management of ASCVD risk factors among BC pts, including lipid-lowering therapy when indicated. We performed a single-institution, retrospective, longitudinal study of ASCVD risk factors and statin use for primary and secondary ASCVD prevention among BC pts. Methods: Pts diagnosed with BC from 2009-2015 were identified from the institutional cancer registry. Pts with non-metastatic BC or ductal carcinoma in situ and at least 2 years of follow up were included. Records were reviewed at 12-month intervals from BC diagnosis until last follow up or the study end date of 12/31/19. BC characteristics and treatment, prevalent and incident CV risk factors, CV diagnoses, CV medications, and CV events were manually abstracted and confirmed by a second reviewer. 10-year estimated ASCVD risk, based on non-laboratory predictors, was calculated for each pt. Chi-square tests were performed to assess the relationship between race/ethnicity, age category, and statin exposure. Results: 326 pts were included (median age at diagnosis 60.7 yrs; 67% White, 16% Asian (Chinese), 10% Black; 54% with stage I disease). At baseline, 53% had hypertension, 40% had hyperlipidemia, 37% were former or current smokers, 32% had a BMI ≥30, 7% had a history of ASCVD, and 5% had a family history of premature coronary artery disease. 52% received radiation therapy. 114 pts had radiation dosimetry available; 59 (18%) received a mean heart dose ≥1 Gy. Median follow up was 6.5 yrs. At the time of BC diagnosis, 64% of pts had an established indication for lipid-lowering therapy: history of ASCVD, diabetes, or estimated 10-year ASCVD risk ≥7.5% (Table). Of these pts with an indication for statin, 35% were prescribed a statin at baseline and 57% were prescribed a statin at any time during the study period. No association between baseline statin exposure and pt age category (X2 = 3.75, p = 0.290) or race/ethnicity (X2 = 2.64, p = 0.562) was observed. Among 11% of pts with ASCVD at any time, 83% were prescribed a statin but only 40% received a guideline-recommended high-intensity statin. Conclusions: A majority of pts in our study were candidates for statin therapy for primary or secondary ASCVD prevention at the time of BC diagnosis. 43% were never prescribed a statin, predominantly pts whose indication was primary prevention. There is opportunity for improvement in ASCVD prevention during BC treatment and follow up. [Table: see text]
The impact of 4R Care Delivery Model on timing and sequence of bone density screening among breast cancer patients.
Authors: Brookhart Carolyn , Weldon Christine B. , Trosman Julia R. , Zhu Zheng , Linehan Elizabeth Shurell , Lin Amy Ying Ju , Abbe Thea , Sakoda Lori C. , Gordon Nancy P. , Ravelo Arliene , Shiraz Aida , Kwan Marilyn L. , Liu Raymond 
Published: June 2023

e24061 Background: Bone loss is common in patients with breast cancer and can impact treatment decisions related to endocrine therapy. Hence, bone density assessment prior to start of endocrine therapy is highly important, especially because endocrine therapy is recommended as the first line of adjuvant treatment in patients with ER+ breast cancer. However, implementing bone density assessment in a timely manner is challenging, particularly early in the care trajectory, which involves many specialties and includes many other tests and procedures. We conducted a care delivery optimization in a large health system to implement bone density testing and referral for bone health consultation prior to endocrine therapy. The optimization was conducted as part of implementing the 4R Oncology model (Right Info, Right Care, Right, Right Patient, at the Right Time), a novel approach to optimizing patient-facing care planning, team-based delivery and patient self-management. Here we describe the impact of this optimization. Methods: A cohort of 278 women with breast cancer who were in the 4R intervention (the 4R cohort) was compared to a historical control cohort of 201 women who received care pre-4R. Demographic, bone health history, and oncologic care data were abstracted from chart review and clinical databases. The prevalence of bone loss and timing of bone density consultation request was compared between the 4R and historical control cohorts. Results: The age, race/ethnicity and rate of ER+ cancer were similar between the cohorts. Patients in the 4R cohort were significantly more likely than those in the control cohort to have received a consultation for bone density screening prior to the start of endocrine therapy. They were also more likely to receive a bone density test result during their care. These findings remained significant when data were restricted to those ≥ 50 years (as a proxy for postmenopausal status) and those with ER-positive breast cancer. The rates of osteopenia and osteoporosis were similar between the cohorts: control 47%, 24%; 4R cohort: 46%, 23% respectively (data not shown). Conclusions: Care optimization using the 4R Oncology Model was associated with a significant improvement in the timing of bone density test before initiation of endocrine therapy. The 4R Oncology Model can lead to more informed decision making in adjuvant endocrine therapy for patients with breast cancer. Additional optimizations to improve the rates of bone density tests and referrals will be beneficial. [Table: see text]
Understanding the late immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) symptom experience using an electronic patient reported outcomes (ePRO) app-based platform: The immunowave study.
Authors: Chan Anissa , Jones Salene M.W. , Enright Emily , Raczka Aleksandra , Nguyen Vivian , Bhatia Shailender , Thompson John A. , Lee Sylvia , Veatch Joshua , Tykodi Scott S. , Lashey Matt , Hall Evan Thomas 
Published: June 2023

e24067 Background: Chronic toxicities of ICI cancer therapy remain largely uncharacterized. With increasing use of ICIs in early cancer stages, the number of cancer patients exposed to ICI therapy will continue to increase. We undertook a smartphone app-based ePRO pilot study to examine symptom experience of patients with prior or ongoing (≥ 6 months) treatment with ICIs. Methods: Eligible patients had a history of advanced skin cancer or kidney cancer treated with ICI therapy (adjuvant or metastatic setting) with ongoing, clinician-assessed cancer control. Patients may have completed a course of ICI therapy or continued on therapy if ≥ 6 months had passed since initiation. We conducted a single-center, observational, prospective cohort study where participants completed weekly ePRO assessments measuring 11 PRO-CTCAE symptoms over 12 weeks. We assessed the feasibility of this app-based ePRO monitoring strategy (defined as the fraction of weekly assessments completed) and described the prevalence and severity of symptoms in this population. Results: Forty-seven patients (77% melanoma, 15% renal cell carcinoma, 8% non-melanoma skin cancer) consented to the study. At enrollment, 70% were on active therapy while 30% had completed therapy. 38% received adjuvant therapy and 62% were treated in a metastatic setting. The majority (N = 43, 91%) completed ≥ 1 weekly ePRO assessment (median 8, IQR 5.5-10). These 43 patients were included in the analysis. 61% (317/516) of the scheduled ePRO symptom assessments were completed. The prevalence, severity, and persistence of symptoms are noted in the Table. Fatigue and joint pain were most commonly reported (85% and 66% of assessments, respectively) and most commonly Grade ≥ 3 symptoms (23%, 20%). More than half of the patients reported persistent (present ≥ 50% of a patient’s assessments completed) symptoms of fatigue, joint pain, muscle pain, itchiness, rash, depression, anxiety, and numbness. Conclusions: Weekly app-based ePRO monitoring allowed for longitudinal assessment of symptoms with reasonable completion rates. Patients reported frequent, persistent, and sometimes severe symptoms, most notably fatigue, mental health symptoms, and musculoskeletal symptoms. This study suggests that patients during and after ICI therapy may experience high symptom burden, warranting further study in a larger population with longer study duration to identify candidate symptoms for interventions. [Table: see text]
Fear of cancer recurrence inventory scores and their correlation with quality of life and stress levels in breast cancer survivors.
Authors: Morrissey Christy , Szuhany Kristin , Malgaroli Matteo , Jennings Emma , Meyers Marleen Iva , Ross Stephen , Adams Sylvia , Simon Naomi 
Published: June 2023

e24073 Background: For survivors of early stage breast cancer, the fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) can be distressing. A clinical challenge is recognizing which patients reporting FCR may need psychological intervention. Prior studies have suggested clinically significant FCR if the validated FCR Inventory (FCRI) scale score is > = 22 while others suggest as low as > = 13 may be an optimal threshold. Our goal was to understand the optimal thresholds for detection of clinically significant impairments in quality of life and high levels of stress. We thus examined FCRI thresholds that optimized detection with two standardized screening modalities of quality of life and perceived stress respectively: the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G) and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Methods: A previously published cohort of breast cancer survivors at our institution consented to complete self-reported psychological measures and gave access to their medical records. The 2 measures being compared to the FCRI were PSS and FACT-G. FCRI, is a 9-item self-report measure, that evaluates worry about health status and illness returning, triggers that influence worry, uncertainty, and the concerns of significant others. FACT-G, a 28-item self-report measure, assesses quality of life in cancer patients, including physical well-being, social/family well-being, emotional well-being, and functional well-being; we examined the binary threshold score for reduced health related quality of life ( < = 62) vs not reduced health related quality of life (> 62). PSS, assesses the degree to which situations in one’s life are appraised as stressful; we examined the threshold score for low stress (0-13) vs moderate or high stress ( > 13). Sensitivity (Sen) and specificity (Spe) were calculated for each cutoff value for the FCRI score between 16 and 22 (two proposed cutoffs) when compared to the FACT-G and the PSS binary cut points. Results: A total of 177 breast cancer survivors participated in the study. The mean age of participants was 57.6 (SD 13.1) years. Mean scores were 18.6 (SD 7.5) for the FCRI (n = 170), 13.92 (SD 7.0) for the PSS (n = 176) and 80.6 (SD 14.9) for the FACT-G (n = 155). FCRI > = 20 appeared to optimize sensitivity and specificity both on the FACT-G (Sen: 82.4, Spe: 56.1) and PSS (Sen: 63.2 Spe: 69.1) in our patient population. Conclusions: Our results suggest that a FCRI cutoff of 20 may optimize inclusion of patients likely to have poorer quality of life and higher levels of stress. This may allow for more patients in this vulnerable population to be identified for possible intervention, without losing specificity to those with significant distress.[Table: see text]
The mortality burden of cachexia in patients with non-small cell lung cancer: A meta-analysis.
Authors: Bonomi Philip D. , Crawford Jeffrey , Dunne Richard Francis , Roeland Eric J. , Smoyer Karen E. , Siddiqui Mohd K. , McRae Thomas D. , Rossulek Michelle I. , Revkin James H. , Tarasenko Lisa C. 
Published: June 2023

e24075 Background: Cachexia and weight loss have been linked to poor outcomes in patients with cancer. This study’s aim was to conduct a meta-analysis to estimate the risk of mortality associated with cachexia in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in studies identified through a systematic literature review (SLR). Methods: A feasibility assessment was undertaken to determine the suitability of conducting a meta-analysis evaluating the impact of cachexia, defined per International Consensus criteria (ICC) or previous weight loss (WL) ≥5% (without specifying a 6-month duration), on overall survival (OS) in patients with NSCLC. The meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model, considering variability across studies, and using the identified studies as base case. The impact of heterogeneity was evaluated through sensitivity and subgroup analyses. Standard measures of statistical heterogeneity were calculated for each meta-analysis. Results: Of the 40 NSCLC publications identified in the SLR, 20 (50%) used the ICC definition or reported WL ≥5%. Sixteen studies (80%, n = 6,225 patients, published in 2016 to 2021) met the criteria for inclusion in the meta-analysis: 11 (69%) studies per ICC and 5 (31%) studies per WL ≥5%. Combined criteria (ICC or WL ≥5%) were associated with 82% higher mortality risk versus no cachexia or WL < 5% (pooled hazard ratio [95% CI]: 1.82 [1.47, 2.25]). A subgroup analysis of studies using the ICC definition (hazard ratio [95% CI]: 2.26 [1.80, 2.83]) or WL ≥5% (hazard ratio [95% CI]: 1.28 [1.12, 1.46]) showed consistent findings. Although high statistical heterogeneity (I-square = 88%) was observed across studies, this variability could be disregarded because effect estimates (hazard ratios) from included studies were directionally aligned with considerable overlap in CIs of individual studies. A meta-influence analysis did not identify any potential outliers. Results of the sensitivity and subgroup analyses were consistent with the base case analysis. Cumulative meta-analyses by publication year or data collection midpoint identified no time-varying effect, indicating results were robust to the differing timeframes of publication or data collection. No substantial publication bias, measured via funnel plot analysis, was identified in the meta-analysis. Conclusions: Based on thorough methodologic, clinical, and statistical heterogeneity assessments, the meta-analysis results are robust. ICC-defined cachexia or WL ≥5% were associated with inferior OS in patients with NSCLC. Identifying cachexia or WL ≥5% has important implications for prognosis and treatment of NSCLC.