bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of exercise during adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer on long-term cardiotoxicity.
Authors: Naaktgeboren Willeke , Stuiver Martijn M. , van Harten Wim H. , Aaronson Neil K , Scott Jessica , Sonke Gabe S. , Van Der Wall Elsken , Velthuis Miranda , Leiner Tim , Teske Arco J. , May Anne Maria , Groen Wim G 
Published: June 2022

12081 Background: A common conception is that exercise training is cardioprotective for patients with breast cancer receiving adjuvant chemotherapy, but evidence to support this assertion is limited. This study aims to evaluate the effect of exercise training during adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer on long-term structural and functional cardiac outcomes. Methods: This is a follow-up study of two previously performed randomized studies in breast cancer patients; the PACT (N = 204) and PACES (N = 230) study. Cardiac outcomes, including extracellular volume fraction (ECV), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) on cardiac MRI and global longitudinal strain (GLS) on echocardiography, were evaluated in patients allocated to moderate-to high-intensity exercise and non-exercise controls using linear and logistic regression models, adjusted for relevant confounders. Additionally, we explored the influence of self-reported PA during chemotherapy on cardiac outcomes, regardless of treatment allocation. Results: In total, 185 breast cancer survivors were included (mean age 58.9±7.8 years, mean time since treatment 8.5±1.1 years). Mean ECV was 25.3±2.5 in the control group and 24.6±2.8 in the exercise group. Mean LVEF was borderline normal in both (54.6±4.9 and 53.0±7.8) with an LVEF < 50% of 17.1% and 27.8% in control and exercise group, respectively. Compared to control, no significant effect of exercise during chemotherapy on ECV (β = -0.61, 95%CI: -1.55;0.32) or on abnormal ECV (OR = 0.80, 95%CI: 0.26;2.45) was found. Native T1 was statistically significantly lower in the exercise group compared to control (β = -16.75%CI: -31.5 ;-1.93). The odds of having an abnormal native T1 appeared lower in the exercise group (OR 0.58, 95%CI: 0.28;1.17). We found no benefit of exercise for LVEF or GLS (β = -1.82, 95%CI: -4.06;0.42 and β = 0.21, 95%CI: -0.87;1.28), nor on the likelihood of having an abnormal LVEF or GLS (OR = 1.78, 95%CI: 0.79;4.16); OR = 1.21, 95%CI: 0.56;2.63), respectively. Higher self-reported physical activity levels during chemotherapy tended to be associated with better cardiac outcomes. Conclusions: Exercise training during chemotherapy was not associated with long-term cardioprotection in patients with early-stage breast cancer. The high prevalence of cardiac abnormalities years post-chemotherapy suggests the need to include cardiac assessment in long-term follow-up programs for breast cancer survivors and calls for more research on cardioprotective measures during adjuvant chemotherapy, including alternative exercise dosing regimens and pharmacological adjuncts. Clinical trial information: NTR7247.
Thromboembolism (TE) and association with survival in patients (pts) with melanoma receiving chemo– or immunotherapy.
Authors: Sussman Tamara A. , Vu Long , Buchbinder Elizabeth Iannotti , Ott Patrick Alexander , Markt Sarah C. , Koroukian Siran M. , Hodi F. Stephen , Khorana Alok A. 
Published: June 2022

12082 Background: Emerging reports suggest high rates of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and arterial thromboembolism (ATE) with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in pts with melanoma, but it is unclear whether these are truly increased compared to older systemic therapy approaches. We assessed the incidence of TE in melanoma pts on ICI, cytokine therapy (CY), and chemotherapy (chemo), and evaluated its impact on survival. Methods: We conducted a cohort study using the SEER-Medicare database to evaluate rates of TE in pts with melanoma treated from 2008-2019 with ICI (ipilimumab, nivolumab, pembrolizumab), CY (IL2, IFN), and/or chemo (antineoplastic agents, BRAF/MEK inhibitors) within two years of treatment initiation. TE including VTE events of deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and ATE of MI, ischemic stroke, and transient ischemic attack were identified by at least two outpatient claims or one inpatient claim. Overall survival (OS) from treatment start was analyzed by time-varying Cox analysis. Results: The cohort comprised 13,124 pts with median age 75 (24-101) years and 68% male. Of these, 14.8% received ICI, 48.9% chemo, 1.7% CY, 31.8% chemo+ICI, and 2.8% chemo+CY. At treatment start, comorbidities included 72% of pts with hypertension, 33% cerebrovascular disease, 17% atrial fibrillation, 7.3% history of VTE, and 13.0% history of ATE. Overall, 11.4% were on anticoagulation and 5.2% on antiplatelet agents. Incidence rates of ATE and VTE after treatment start are shown (Table). VTE was highest at 3 months after starting therapy with 19.6 events per 100 person-years in those receiving chemo+ICI, 17.1 events with chemo, 15.4 events with ICI, 10.1 events with chemo+CY, and 7.7 events with CY. In multivariable analysis, VTE and ATE were associated with worse OS compared to patients without (HR 2.77 [95%CI, 2.50-3.08], and HR 2.53 [95%CI, 2.23-2.86], respectively). Conclusions: Systemic therapy with ICI and chemo, especially when exposed to both sequentially or concurrently, demonstrates a high incidence of TE in pts with melanoma. TE is associated with substantial worsening of survival. TE rates are not substantially increased with ICI in comparison to chemo. Further studies are needed to identify benefit of thromboprophylaxis.[Table: see text]
Association of metabolic risk factors with breast cancer survival in a population-based cohort.
Authors: Feliciano Elizabeth , Zimbalist Alexa , Caan Bette Jane , Mittendorf Elizabeth A. , Dillon Deborah , Quesenberry Charles P. , Chen Wendy Y. 
Published: June 2022

12089 Background: Metabolic abnormalities may impact breast cancer prognosis, but research has been limited by small samples and assessment of laboratory values at a single time point, often prior to cancer diagnosis and treatment. In a population based cohort, we utilized time-updated laboratory values and adjusted for cancer treatment to assess the association between metabolic risk factors (glucose, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides) and breast cancer survival. Methods: 13,434 women diagnosed with stage I-III breast cancer from 2005-15 at Kaiser Permanente were included. All outpatient fasting glucose, HDL, LDL, and triglyceride values from diagnosis through 2019 or death were extracted from electronic medical records. Lab values were updated a median of 5 times between 1-7 years post-diagnosis. Risk of breast cancer-specific mortality was evaluated with Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for metabolic labs, demographics, body mass index, and diabetes, and then for dyslipidemia and anti-hypertensive medications, tumor characteristics (stage, ER and HER2 receptor status) and cancer treatment (use of chemotherapy, and tamoxifen v. aromatase inhibitors). Results: Mean (SD) age at diagnosis was 62.3 (11.8) years. Over median follow-up of 9 years, 2,876 patients died (1,080 of breast cancer). Patients with low HDL (≤45 vs. >45 mg/dL) had higher breast cancer-specific mortality (HR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.62-2.16); high levels of glucose, triglycerides, and LDL were not associated. The increased risk associated with low HDL persisted after adjusting for tumor characteristics, cancer treatment, and medications. Conclusions: Low HDL evaluated over time after cancer diagnosis is associated with higher breast cancer mortality independent of cancer treatments and changes in other metabolic risk factors. Cholesterol may play a role in breast cancer due to its role in cell membrane structure, signaling pathways, and steroid hormone synthesis. Future studies should address whether pharmacologic or lifestyle treatment of lipids after breast cancer diagnosis can optimize survival outcomes.[Table: see text]
Patient-reported hope, quality of life (QOL), symptom burden, and coping mechanisms in early phase clinical trial participants.
Authors: Lundquist Debra , Pelletier Andrea , Durbin Sienna , Bame Viola , Turbini Victoria , Healy Megan , Lynch Kaitlyn , McIntyre Casandra , Juric Dejan , Ferrell Betty R. , Jimenez Rachel , Nipp Ryan David 
Published: June 2022

12114 Background: Early phase clinical trials (EP-CTs) investigate novel treatment options in oncology, with recent advances in personalized therapy leading to improved outcomes and offering hope to patients with cancer. However, little research has sought to understand associations of patient-reported hope with QOL, symptom burden, and coping mechanisms in EP-CT participants. Methods: We prospectively enrolled consecutive adults with cancer participating in EP-CTs at Massachusetts General Hospital from 04/2021-01/2022. Participants completed baseline surveys prior to treatment initiation that assessed hope (Herth Hope Index [HHI], higher scores indicate greater hope), QOL (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General), symptom burden (physical: Edmonton Symptom Assessment System [ESAS]; psychological: Patient Health Questionaire-4 [PHQ4]), and coping mechanisms (Brief COPE). We used independent samples t-test to test for mean differences between groups and regression models to explore associations of hope with patient characteristics as well as patient-reported QOL, symptom burden, and coping mechanisms. Results: Of 92 eligible patients, we enrolled 85 (enrollment rate 92.4%, median age = 61.4 years [range 54.7-68.9]; 56.5% female, and 95.3% metastatic cancer). Most common cancer types were gastrointestinal (41.2%), breast (21.2%), lung (7.1%), and gynecologic (7.1%). Patients had an average HHI score of 28.2 (range 12.0-36.0), with 32.9% reporting high levels of hope. We found that married patients had higher mean hope score compared with non-married patients (28.9 versus 26.1, p = 0.024), those with children had higher mean hope scores than those without (28.9 versus 25.9, p = 0.013), and those who had received 3 or more lines of prior therapy compared with 1-2 (29.3 versus 27.2, p = 0.045) had higher hope scores. We also found associations of hope with patients’ QOL (B = 0.24, p < 0.001), symptom burden (ESAS-physical: B = -0.13, p = 0.001; PHQ4-depression: B = -2.26 p = < 0.001; PHQ4-anxiety: B = -0.94, p = 0.008), and coping (self-blame [B = -1.39, p = 0.003]; acceptance [B = 1.23, p = 0.002], denial [B = -1.09, p = 0.009], support [B = 1.06, p = 0.002], active [B = 0.73. p = 0.034], disengage [B = -3.24, p < 0.001]). Conclusions: In this prospective cohort study, we demonstrated that a substantial proportion of EP-CT participants had high baseline hope, and we identified several patient factors associated with their hope scores. We also found novel associations of higher hope scores with better QOL, lower symptom burden, and more adaptive coping mechanisms. Collectively, our findings highlight the potential for patient-reported hope to represent a key factor to consider when seeking to improve outcomes in EP-CT participants.
Prevalence and perceptions of cannabis use among racially diverse patients with cancer pain: Results from a multi-site survey.
Authors: Worster Brooke , Ashare Rebecca , Meghani Salimah H. , Smith Danielle , Case Amy Allen , Selvan Preethi , Shimada Ayako , Garber Greg D. , Leader Amy 
Published: June 2022

12125 Background: While access to cannabis is prevalent among cancer patients1, unknowns persist about real-time use, perceived effectiveness in cancer pain management and impact on other medication use, including opioids. Moreover, racial disparities in cancer pain management persist2-3 with Black patients more likely to have undiagnosed pain.4 Studies on the intersection of cannabis, opioids, race and cancer pain are needed. As part of an NCI-funded initiative, we assessed the perceived effectiveness of cannabis vs. opioids for pain control by race. Methods: A survey was created by three Mid-Atlantic, cancer centers to examine self-reported cannabis use and knowledge, barriers and perceptions about cannabis among cancer patients. All sites assessed common core questions and included additional questions assessing cannabis and opioid use. Patients were eligible to participate if they were treated for cancer within the prior year. Surveys were distributed both by mail and electronically via REDCap. Results are compared separately by site. Results: In all, 2,734 patients are included in this analysis. Rates of cannabis use since diagnosis ranged from 32-41% of respondents, with similar rates of use between gender and race. Patients under age 65 more frequently reported cannabis use. Across sites, only 7-8% of patients reported currently using opioids. A sizable number patients who use cannabis reported using cannabis instead of opioids to treat pain. Of those using cannabis, most felt that cannabis was better in managing their pain than opioids, with Black patients reporting this much more frequently than White patients across two sites (Site A 62.2% vs 43.2%, Site B 77.78 vs 48.96%, Site C 50.0% vs. 65.5%). The most common reasons patients reported using cannabis instead of opioids included the perception that: “cannabis is safer” (80-82%), “cannabis is less addictive” (70-73%), and “cannabis has fewer side effects” (68-74%). Conclusions: Cannabis is frequently used by cancer patients, with many reporting use instead of opioids for pain management. Of those using cannabis for pain management, a significant majority felt that it is more effective than opioids. Black patients report cannabis as more effective than opioids for pain control more frequently than other races. Given the ongoing under-treatment of cancer pain in Black patients, more data is needed to understand whether cannabis is an effective tool to reduce disparities in cancer pain management. [Table: see text]
Delayed versus immediate start of chemotherapy in asymptomatic patients with metastatic cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Authors: Augustinus Simone , Thurairajah Gajanan , Besselink Marc G , Van Laarhoven Hanneke W.M. , van Oijen Martijn G.H. , Mackay Tara , Wilmink Johanna 
Published: June 2022

12126 Background: The number of asymptomatic patients diagnosed with metastatic cancer is increasing. This is mostly due to increased used of imaging, especially for screening and during follow-up. Traditionally, chemotherapy is started immediately in these patients, but some argue that withholding chemotherapy until symptoms occur may be beneficial for patients, especially in terms of quality of life. However, the impact on survival and quality of life is unknown. The aim of this study is to give an overview of delayed versus immediate chemotherapy in asymptomatic patients with metastatic cancer. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE (Ovid), and Cochrane for studies investigating the timing of start of chemotherapy in asymptomatic patients with metastatic cancer. Primary outcome was overall survival (OS). Secondary outcomes included quality of life (QOL) and toxicity. A meta-analysis was performed on OS, including all studies that compared direct versus delayed chemotherapy. Quality of life was described using the global health status derived from the EORTC-QLQ-C30 questionnaire evaluated in the studies. Results: Four randomized controlled trials and one retrospective study with overall 919 patients were included. The studies considered colorectal cancer (n = 3), ovarian cancer (n = 1), and gastric cancer (n = 1). The median OS varied from 11.9 to 25.7 months in the immediate treatment group versus 9.0 to 27.1 months in the delayed group. A pooled analysis demonstrated no significant differences in OS between the groups (pooled HR 1.05, 95% CI 0.90-1.22, p = 0.52). Quality of life was evaluated in three studies and suggested a better QOL in the delayed treatment group. In two studies including colorectal cancer patients the global health status in the immediate treatment group was lower at all time-points compared to the delayed treatment group, with no significant differences in any of the separate domains. In the study evaluating ovarian cancer patients, among others, the time median time spent in good global health score was lower in the immediate treatment group. Toxicity was compared between the two groups in one study, and this showed no significant differences. Conclusions: This systematic review with meta-analysis on timing of start of chemotherapy in asymptomatic patients with metastatic cancer suggests that a delayed start of chemotherapy, as compared to immediate start, does not result in worse OS, while it may better preserve QOL. Future randomized trials, with specific emphasis on quality adjusted life years are needed.
Effects of a yoga intervention on distress indicators among diverse women with gynecologic, gastrointestinal, and thoracic cancers.
Authors: Hanvey Grace Ann , Padron Adaixa , Kacel Elizabeth L. , Bacharz Kelsey C. , Jones Dennie V. , Kaye Frederic J. , Markham Merry Jennifer , Estores Irene M. , Mesa Sonia , Pereira Deidre B. 
Published: June 2022

12129 Background: Depression, anxiety, and fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) constitute prevalent psychological concerns necessitating further attention in developing supportive care interventions for women with gynecologic, gastrointestinal, and thoracic cancers. Recent evidence indicates that such concerns may be especially severe among underserved women of color and women affected by low-socioeconomic status (SES). The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the magnitude of changes in depression, anxiety, and FCR associated with a mindfulness-based yoga intervention among a diverse sample of women with these cancers. A second aim is to identify how changes in these concerns may differ across sociodemographic groups. Methods: Women with gynecologic ( n=86), gastrointestinal ( n=17), or thoracic ( n=20) cancers were enrolled in a group-based 10-week yoga intervention utilizing mindfulness meditation, relaxation, and gentle yoga. Prior to and following intervention, participants were administered assessments, including the Beck Depression Inventory – Second Edition (BDI-II) to measure depression, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) to assess anxiety, and the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory (FCRI) to evaluate aspects of FCR. Mixed-linear models evaluated change in outcomes from pre- to post-intervention, with conditional models assessing the effects of age, race/ethnicity, and SES on change. Analyses were conducted prior to trial completion due to approaching accrual period termination. Results: The sample demonstrated a mean age of 58.46 ( SD=10.82) and mean SES score of 3.98 ( SD=1.55) using a 1 to 7 composite scale. Twenty-six percent of participants were of racial and/or ethnic minority status ( n=32). Significant declines in total depressive symptoms, somatic depressive symptoms, state anxiety, and psychological distress due to FCR were observed across the sample. Higher SES was associated with significantly greater reductions in total depressive symptoms and affective depressive symptoms, specifically. Women of color experienced significantly greater declines in somatic symptoms compared to non-Hispanic White women. Conclusions: This mindfulness-based yoga intervention was associated with significant reductions in depressive symptoms, state anxiety, and psychological distress related to FCR among women with gynecologic, gastrointestinal, and thoracic cancers. Higher SES and underserved race/ethnicity status moderated some of these effects. Future research should explore the efficacy of this intervention among diverse women in a randomized clinical trial context. Clinical trial information: NCT03385577.
A comparative study of unmet information needs of patients with lymphoma and CLL: North America and Europe.
Authors: Bamigbola Olufunmilayo (Funmi) , Warwick Lorna 
Published: June 2022

12135 Background: Informed patients are consistently associated with better outcomes and overall patient experiences. However, there are still unknowns about the information needs of patients. This study uses the Lymphoma Coalition (LC) 2020 Global Patient Survey (GPS) on Lymphomas and CLL to describe the differences in the unmet information needs among patients with lymphoma and CLL in North America and Europe. Methods: Globally, 9,179 patients from 90+ countries took part in the LC 2020 GPS. The countries were grouped into regions, and the North American (NA) (n=1543) and European (EU) (n=4343) regions were used for this analysis (Table). The demographics of the regions were examined, and univariate, bivariate and multivariate analyses of questions relating to patients’ information needs, were performed in IBM SPSS v27. Results: When compared, the regions differed significantly in patients’ age distribution, lymphoma subtype, highest educational level completed, and area of residence. The top three areas of unmet information need for patients with lymphoma and CLL in both regions were: diagnosis and what it means, treatment options, and side effects from treatment. Compared to patients in the EU, patients in NA were 27% more likely to need more information about treatment options, 51% more likely to need more information about support for self-care, and 18% less likely to need more information about their diagnosis and what it means. These differences were statistically significant (Table). Patients from NA were 26% more likely to report that they had no informational needs compared to patients from EU (p=0.02) (Table). There was no significant difference between patients in both regions in their need for more information in the following areas: psychological support, support for their families, side effects from treatment and fertility (Table). Conclusions: Regardless of region, patients with lymphoma need more information about certain areas of their care than is currently provided. LC advocates for increased access to appropriate and adequate medical information for patients, and that this information be contextualized to the patient’s needs.[Table: see text]