tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Barriers to symptom management in oncology.
Authors: B. R. Ferrell, M. Koczywas, T. Borneman, B. F. Piper, G. Uman
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2010)

9083 Background: Optimal symptom management is a critical aspect of supportive care in cancer. Patient-reported outcomes such as QOL can be negatively impacted by uncontrolled symptoms such as pain and fatigue. Research suggests that barriers (patient, professional, systems-related) to symptom management hinder the quality of supportive cancer care. Methods: This NCI-supported prospective study assessed barriers to pain and fatigue management in a cohort (n=280) of cancer patients. The sample included breast (39%), lung (26%), colon (20%), and prostate (15%) cancer patients with moderate to severe (4-10) rating of pain and/or fatigue. Instruments included the COH-QOL questionnaire, Piper Fatigue Scale (PFS), Barriers to Pain and Fatigue questionnaires, and Patient Knowledge tools for Pain and Fatigue. Results: Mean age was 60, and 36% represented ethnic minorities. Half of the subjects had stage IV disease, and 80% were receiving cancer treatment. QOL concerns were identified for the psychological well-being (impact of cancer on appearance, changes in self-concept, distress from initial diagnosis and treatments, fear of recurrence), social well-being (family distress, interference with daily activities), and spiritual well-being (uncertainty) domains. Subjects reported high levels of distress from fatigue that interfered with daily functions. Patients believed in the importance of communicating pain and fatigue issues with clinicians, but barriers persisted for beliefs regarding pain medication addiction and the lack of effective fatigue treatments. Overall, patient knowledge of pain and fatigue was high, but lack of knowledge persisted for addiction, withdrawal, side effects of pain medications, and avoiding exercise for fatigue. Significant system-related changes occurred through dissemination of patient education materials, advocacy posters, professional education, clinical feedback, and increased referrals to supportive care services. Conclusions: Barriers to optimal symptom management persist for cancer patients who are actively receiving treatments. Structured patient and professional education coupled with system-wide dissemination of awareness can reduce barriers to symptom management and maintain QOL for cancer patients. Author Disclosure Employment or Leadership Position Consultant or Advisory Role Stock Ownership Honoraria Research Funding Expert Testimony Other Remuneration Genentech, Lilly
Prognostic relevance of ribonucleotide reductase small subunit p53R2 in pancreatic cancer
Authors: V. M. Chung, X. Liu, P. Chu, Y. Yen
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2009)

e15655 Background: Pancreatic cancer has the worst survival of any solid tumor, with most patients presenting with metastatic disease. Even after surgical resection the median survival is only 20 months suggesting micrometastatic disease. Ribonucleotide reductase is a critical enzyme in DNA synthesis and repair. Previous studies have shown that ribonucleotide reductase M2 (RRM2) subunit is associated with invasion and metastasis. Even though p53R2 has 80% homology to RRM2, its role is quite different. Here we report on the prognostic relevance of p53R2 in pancreatic cancer. Methods: Archived pathology specimens were obtained from 30 patients and immunohistochemistry for p53R2 performed on an IRB approved protocol (#06253). Clinical data was obtained by chart review and log-rank and Cox hazard proportional models were used to analyze overall and disease-free survival. Cell culture analysis was performed to further evaluate the role of p53R2. Utilizing a Matrigel chamber, invasive MiaPaCa-2 cells were collected for comparison to parental cells. Results: The median overall survival (OS) was 13.2 months (p53R2+) vs 8.5 months (p53R2-) (p=0.01). Disease free survival (DFS) was 12.4 vs 8.5 months respectively (p&lt;0.05). By Western analysis, invasive cells have a higher protein level of RRM2 compared to parental cells. Interestingly, the protein level of p53R2 was low in the invasive cells suggesting an opposing role. To confirm this we inhibited p53R2 using siRNA which enhanced the migration ability of Mia PaCa-2 cells. Conclusions: Patients with p53R2 expression have improved disease-free and overall survival suggesting this may be used as a prognostic marker in pancreatic cancer patients. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
World-wide medical treatment practice in functional gastro-entero-pancreatic (GEP) tumors: The GEPTOSIS study
Authors: M. Pavel, A. Silva, J. Schupp, H. Bouterfa
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2006)

14097 Background: Because of their efficacy and safety profile, somatostatin analogues have become the preferred medical therapy for symptom control in functioning GEP tumors. There is significant medical interest on how the use of different treatment regimens in GEP tumor patients may impact the clinical course of the disease. The objectives of this study are to describe the clinical decision making in context of a medical treatment with a chosen dose of Sandostatin LAR, and to identify optimal dosing regimens which may lead to improved patient outcomes. Methods: GEPTOSIS (Neuroendocrine GEP Tumors: An Observational Study on the Impact of Sandostatin LAR) is an open label, multicenter, non-comparative, longitudinal, observational study in recently diagnosed, previously medically untreated, functionally active GEP neuroendocrine tumors (NET) such as carcinoid, insulinoma or glucagonoma. Observations will include the efficacy on biochemical parameters (Chromogranin A, 5-HIAA) and symptoms (flush and diarrhea), effect on tumor volume, safety and tolerability. Data are entered via a Palm based device and transferred to a central study database accessible by the study centers via a web-based study portal. Data from each patient will be collected under (conditions of) normal clinical practice in quarterly intervals over a period of 18 months. This study is planned to recruit up to 1500 patients and will involve about 300 sites world-wide. Results: At time of abstract submission, 133 sites have committed to enroll 495 patients and further sites are being recruited to meet the targeted 1500 patients. Results of a first interim analysis will be presented. Conclusions: With increasing enrollment into the GEPTOSIS study, more data on prescribing and dosing patterns in recently diagnosed GEP NET patients are expected to be available throughout 2006. [Table: see text]
Screening cancer patients for clinical trial eligibility: A randomized study
Authors: J. Wright, T. Whelan, J. Julian, M. Simunovic, M. Levine
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2007)

6529 Background: The overall proportion of cancer patients enrolled into clinical trials is undesirably low. Research suggests many aspects of the recruitment process can be improved. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the benefit of identifying potentially eligible (PE) clinical trial patients for physicians. Methods: Consenting physicians were randomized to 26 weeks of screening support or not, and were then crossed-over to the other strategy for a second 26-week time period. A computer program reviewed new patient consultations to identify PE clinical trial patients. Physicians receiving support were provided with written individualized details of patient eligibility for trials prior to their medical consultation. The primary outcome of interest was the difference, by physician, in the number of patients who were approached for consent to enter a clinical trial. Results: Thirty-six physicians participated in the 52-week study. 5051 consultations were screened in a blinded fashion, 2,376 when physicians had support and 2,675 when they did not. 939 of 2,376 (39.5%) consultations were identified as involving PE patients when physicians were receiving support, and 1,061 of 2,675 (39.7%) when without. The primary outcome of the study, by physician, did not demonstrate a statistically significant improvement, with 4.1 patients per physician without vs. 4.7 patients with screening support (p&gt;0.05). Secondary analysis demonstrated that the overall proportion of patients approached with the clinical trial option increased from 149/2,675 (5.6%) to 169/2,376 (7.1%) with screening support (Chi-square, p=0.024) and that the number of patients that entered a clinical trial also increased from 60/2,675 (2.2%) to 83/2,376 (3.5%) (Chi-square, p=0.007). Conclusions: This study suggests that individualized patient screening for clinical trial eligibility may be useful to improve the numbers of patients approached to consider clinical trials. The number of new patients that entered clinical trials remained low, and ongoing research to facilitate improvements is required. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Combination chemotherapy for metastatic or recurrent carcinoma of the breast--a randomized phase III trial comparing CAF versus VATH versus VATH alternating with CMFVP: Cancer and Leukemia Group B Study 8281.
Authors: J Aisner, C Cirrincione, M Perloff, M Perry, D Budman, J Abrams, L Panasci, H Muss, M Citron, J Holland
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (1995)

PURPOSE We sought to compare three doxorubicin-based therapies for metastatic breast cancer for response frequency, time to treatment failure (TTF), and survival. MATERIALS AND METHODS Women with metastatic breast cancer who had measurable disease, required laboratory tests, had received no prior chemotherapy for metastases, had a Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB) performance status &lt; or = 2, and provided informed consent were eligible. Treatment included the following: arm I--cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and fluorouracil (CAF); arm II--vinblastine, doxorubicin, thiotepa, and halotestin (VATH); and arm III--VATH alternating with cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, fluorouracil, vincristine, and prednisone (CMFVP) on cycles 3, 5, 7, 9, etc. Doses were modified for toxicities. Standard CALGB response and toxicity criteria were used. RESULTS Between August 1982 and February 1987, 497 women were entered and 491 were treated on study. Pretreatment characteristics were well balanced and the median follow-up duration was 79 months. There were no significant differences in response (complete [CR] plus partial [PR]) at 50% on arm I, 57% on arm II, and 51% on arm III. The median TTFs were 8, 8, and 9 months, respectively, in favor of arm III when compared with arm I (P = .028). The median survival times for treatment arms I, II, and III were 15, 17, and 17 months, respectively. After multivariate regression analyses, only estrogen receptors (ER), performance status, and number of metastatic sites influenced TTF and survival. Leukopenia was the most common grade 3 or 4 toxicity, occurring in 90%, 80%, and 92% of patients per arm, respectively. Lethal toxicities were seen in four, five, and six women, respectively. Overall, there were more grade &gt; or = 3 toxicities on arm II than I, and most occurred on arm III (P = .02). CONCLUSION The VATH regimen appears similarly effective to the CAF regimen as initial therapy. Alternating CMFVP with VATH did not improve response rate or survival. After accounting for other variables, treatment arm was not related to outcome. New therapeutic regimens are still needed.
Induction of apoptosis by flavopiridol (FP) independent of a cell cycle arrest in germ cell tumor (GCT) cell lines
Authors: F. Mayer, S. Koch, E. Malenke, C. Bokemeyer
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2004)

9712 Background: GCTs are highly sensitive to cisplatin-based chemotherapy. The inability to arrest the cell cycle at the G1/S-check-point due to a lack of retinoblastoma gene product (RB) has been suggested as an explanation. FP, an inhibitor of cyclin dependent kinases, causes cell cycle arrest or apoptosis depending on the relation of transcription factor E2F1 to RB. Methods: The effect of FP was evaluated in GCT-derived cell lines 2102EP, NT2, and NCCIT in comparison with other solid tumor cell lines (SKOV, MCF7, HeLa) using the MTT-assay. Cell cycle progression and induction of apoptosis were followed by flow cytometry and immunoblot analysis of PARP-cleavage. Results: FP did not affect cell cycle and proliferation of GCT cell lines at sublethal doses. Cell death occurred independent of cell cycle progression at doses well beneath plasma concentrations in clinical studies. The IC50 was 5fold lower for the GCT cell lines (60/60/70 nM) than for the other cell lines tested (350/280/300 nM). Sensitivity for FP did not correlate with that for cisplatin. Flow cytometry and immunoblot for PARP indicated apoptotic cell death induced by FP. Synergism between cisplatin or paclitaxel and FP was not observed. Conclusion: The data suggest significant antitumor activity of FP in GCT. GCT derived cell lines were far more responsive of FP than the cells derived from other solid tumor models. No cross resistance between FP and cisplatin was observed. In contrast to other cell lines tested, GCT derived cell lines did not show cell cycle arrest after exposure to FP, possibly due to the lack of RB-expression. However, already at low concentrations, apoptosis was induced unrelated to cell cycle progression. A clinical trial evaluating the single agent activity of FP in patients with cisplatin-refractory GCTs would be warranted. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Adjuvants for a Tumor-Specific Vaccine: Bordetella pertussis or Mycobacterial Cell Walls Attached to Oil Droplets
Authors: Gerald L. Bartlett, Berton Zbar
Journal: JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute (1973)

Journal Article Adjuvants for a Tumor-Specific Vaccine: Bordetella pertussis or Mycobacterial Cell Walls Attached to Oil Droplets Get access Gerald L. Bartlett, Gerald L. Bartlett Biology Branch, National Cancer Institute,4Bethesda, Maryland 20014 Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar Berton Zbar Berton Zbar Biology Branch, National Cancer Institute,4Bethesda, Maryland 20014 Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar JNCI: Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Volume 50, Issue 5, May 1973, Pages 1385–1390, https://doi.org/10.1093/jnci/50.5.1385 Published: 01 May 1973 Article history Received: 21 February 1973 Accepted: 07 March 1973 Published: 01 May 1973
Mandibular dose in head and neck radiotherapy: Does energy or beam arrangement affect it?
Authors: A. Munshi, T. Durga, S. Vinayak, P. K. Julka, S. Chander, G. K. Rath
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2004)

5589 Objective Mandible is an important normal structure of concern in radiotherapy in head and neck malignancies. The aim of this study was to see if there was any effect on the dose received by the mandible with different field arrangements or varying energies. Methods A prospective study of seventeen patients of head and neck malignancies was conducted. CT scans were done of these patients and the images sent to the treatment planning system. A standard set of 7 points was chosen in the mandible. Two field arrangement were used for each patient viz APPA field and bilateral fields. Further, each of this field arrangement was assessed using 6MV and 15 MV beams. Results The average dose to the mandible in the 6MV APPA plan was 101.4 % compared to 100.5 % in the bilateral plan. There was marked appreciable dose sparing in the 15X beam in which the mean dose to the mandible was 98.41% in the AP plan compared to 94.42 % in the bilateral plan. Conclusion 15x beam causes sparing to the dose to the mandible especially if given in a bilateral field arrangement. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Clinicopathological Feature of Japanese Breast Cancer Patients with a History of Gynecological Hormone Therapy
Authors: Akemi Kataoka, Miho Ichida, Rie Kurabayashi, Sachiyo Nomura, Sadako Akashi, Tomoko Takamaru, Yasuko Kikuchi, Yuko Ishibashi, Reiko Yoshida, Ruriko Tsushima
Journal: Annals of Oncology (2014)
Interaction of Dietary Fat and Protein in Spontaneous Diseases of Syrian Golden Hamsters&lt;xref ref-type="fn" rid="FN2"&gt;2&lt;/xref&gt;
Authors: D F Birt, P M Pour
Journal: JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute (1985)

The influence of interactions between dietary fat and protein on spontaneous diseases was investigated in Syrian golden hamsters fed two levels of corn oil [4.5 or 18 g/385 kilocalories (kcal)] with each of two levels of casein (9 or 36 g/385 kcal). The four diets were fed to separate groups in two different sequences: 1) Diets were given during weeks 3-7 and followed by control diet (9 g corn oil and 18 g casein/385 kcal), or 2) control diet was fed during weeks 3-7, and the four diets were fed from week 8 until death. Dietary interactions of fat and protein modified spontaneous degenerative, inflammatory, and proliferative diseases in hamsters. For example, amyloidosis in the liver, kidneys, spleen, and adrenal glands was reduced in females by feeding high-fat-high-protein (HF-HP) diet in comparison with low-fat-high-protein (LF-HP) diet during weeks 3-7 or by feeding LP diets at either fat level after 8 weeks. The incidence of hepatic abscess was highest in males consuming HP diet at either fat level after 8 weeks, and hepatic necrosis was observed most often in hamsters fed HF-HP diet after 8 weeks. Gastric and renal vascular calcification and nephrocalcinosis incidences were reduced by 50-100% in hamsters fed HF-HP diet after 8 weeks, and HF diet fed at this time reduced vascular calcification in the heart in both sexes and in the lungs in males. Inflammation was generally influenced similarly by diets fed either during weeks 3-7 or after 8 weeks. In the prostate gland, inflammation was observed most frequently in males fed HF-LP diet; however, in the vagina inflammation was elevated in females fed HF-HP diet and found in the gallbladder more commonly in hamsters fed HF-HP than in those given LF-HP. The incidence of colitis was decreased by giving HF-LP diet during weeks 3-7 or LF-LP diets after week 8. The incidence of gastric ulcer was high in males fed HF diets during weeks 3-7, and intestinal ulcers were high in those fed LF-LP at this time. The adrenal hyperplasia incidence was highest in males given HF-HP diet before or after 8 weeks and in females given this diet after 8 weeks. Similarly, ovarian and hepatic ductal hyperplasia was highest in females fed HF-HP diet after 8 weeks, and gastric and intestinal hyperplasia increased with the rise in fat at both protein levels in both sexes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Primary mediastinal nonseminomatous germ cell tumors: results of modern therapy including cisplatin-based chemotherapy.
Authors: K Fizazi, S Culine, J P Droz, A Kramar, C Théodore, P Ruffié, T Le Chevalier
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (1998)

PURPOSE Primary mediastinal nonseminomatous germ cell tumors (NSGCT) are uncommon neoplasms and clinically and biologically distinct from other germ cell tumors (GCT). We describe the clinical and biologic features of these patients and evaluate the results of treatment during the cisplatin era. PATIENTS AND METHODS Between 1976 and 1993, 38 patients with mediastinal NSGCT received cisplatin-based chemotherapy as part of their primary treatment. Twenty-nine of them were initially treated at the Institut Gustave-Roussy (IGR), VillejuiF, France, and nine were referred for salvage treatment. RESULTS Of the 29 patients initially treated at IGR, 11 (39%) had metastasis. A complete response (CR) to therapy was obtained in 19 of 29 patients (66%) after chemotherapy and surgery. Ten patients (34.5%) have remained free of disease with a median follow-up of 89 months. All patients who did not achieve a CR died of disease. The 2-year overall survival rate for the IGR patients is 45% and the 2-year disease-free survival is 37%. Only the presence of extrapulmonary metastasis was of prognostic significance in the univariate analysis (P = .0095). None of the 20 patients who required salvage therapy is currently disease-free. Five patients developed and subsequently died of a hematologic malignancy at an interval range of 1 to 47 months from treatment of mediastinal NSGCT. Cytogenetic analysis of leukemic cells found an isochromosome of the short arm of chromosome 12 (12p) in two cases. The incidence of leukemia was 21% in patients who attained a CR. CONCLUSION Primary mediastinal NSGCT is a clinical and biologic entity that should be distinguished from other GCT. About 40% of these patients can envisage long-term survival with modern therapy that includes cisplatin-based chemotherapy followed by surgical resection of residual masses. New strategies are required for patients who do not attain a CR. Predictive factors and improvement in therapy are required for mediastinal NSGCT-associated leukemia.
IDENTIFICATION AND CHARACTERISATION OF A NOVEL LY-6C(INTERMEDIATE) INTRAHEPATIC MACROPHAGE SUBSET WHICH MEDIATES THE RESOLUTION OF LIVER FIBROSIS, IS INDUCED BY PHAGOCYTOSIS AND CAN BE MANIPULATED THERAPEUTICALLY IN VIVO
Authors: Prakash Ramachandran, Antonella Pellicoro, Madeleine A. Vernon, Luke G. Boulter, Rebecca Aucott, Stuart J. Forbes, John P. Iredale
Journal: Hepatology (2011)
The transposable portion of the genome of Drosophila algonquin is very different from that in D. melanogaster.
Authors: J Hey
Journal: Molecular Biology and Evolution (1989)

Four clones containing different transposable elements were isolated from a genomic library of Drosophila algonquin. Each clone was hybridized to salivary-gland chromosomes of three lines of D. algonquin and two lines of D. affinis. The estimated copy number in D. algonquin of the four element families varied from 59 to 333. The occupancy per site varied from 0.64 to 0.75. Thus the transposable portion of the D. algonquin genome is dominated by a few high-copy-number elements, each characterized by high occupancies. The copy number and occupancy values were very similar in D. affinis. This differs from the situation in D. melanogaster mobile middle-repetitive DNA, which has at least 30 and perhaps as many as 100 different families of mobile elements, with copy numbers ranging from 5 to 100. When several lines have been examined, elements in D. melanogaster are revealed to have very low occupancies. The four D. algonquin elements do not hybridize with D. melanogaster DNA, but they did hybridize with 15 obscura-group species, thereby revealing a pattern that is consistent with concerted evolution.