Implementation of an integrated cancer care network

e17564

Background: In 1998, the province of Quebec adopted its cancer control program (CP). Its goal was to establish a hierarchical and integrated cancer network of interdisciplinary teams. In 2004, a team evaluation process was initiated by the Direction de la lutte contre le cancer (ministry of health) to help implement this program. Methods: The evaluation consisted of completion of a matrix by the requesting team, a visit by a multidisciplinary group of experts and a report card. Three levels of expertise were assessed: core (all), regional (regional hospitals), and supraregional (tumor specific/complex situations). The matrix was based on the fundamental orientations of the CP, thus setting the framework for patient centered care. The conformity indicators were mainly structural and process oriented. In order to be evaluated for the subsequent mandates, teams had to conform to the core mandate. Those who did not succeed had one year to reapply. Mandates are for 4 years. Results: Teams were able to comply with most of the elements of the evaluation matrix. Sessions for clarification and coaching about this new interdisciplinary approach were necessary and helpful. A total of 153 visits were done:70 for core, 8 for regional and 75 for supraregional mandates respectively. Major health institutions such as university hospitals applied for multiple supraregional team designation. In all, 130 teams had their designation confirmed. This process highlighted some common weaknesses such as the lack of use of data for quality control. Conclusions: Acceptance of this hierarchical cancer care model was facilitated by the fact that it was in line with the integrated health care network of Quebec. The evaluation process has had an impact on the way cancer care is delivered in Quebec. This initial phase has helped implement an interdisciplinary patient centered model of care in line with the CP. Participation of different experts has also helped foster knowledge transfer and appropriation of the process. Impact on patient care and satisfaction remains to be assessed. An initial patient's questionnaire has been completed in 2008 and will serve as a control to future surveys.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

mFOLFOX-bevacizumab or XELOX-bevacizumab then bevacizumab (B) alone or with erlotinib (E) in first-line treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC): Interim safety analysis of DREAM study

4077

Background: Anti-VEGF or EGFR inhibitors demonstrated clinical activity in combination with chemotherapy (CT) in mCRC. The DREAM trial compares, after an induction CT of 6 cy of FOLFOX-B or XELOX-B, a maintenance with B ± E. We report here a pre-planned safety analysis of induction (I) and maintenance (M) phase for the first 200 patients. Methods: Patients (pts) with untreated mCRC were randomly assigned to 2 arms (I): mFOLFOX+B (n=100), or mXELOX+B (n=100). mFOLFOX-B: LV 400 mg/m2, Oxaliplatin (ox) 100 mg/m2, B 5 mg/kg d1, 5FU ci 2.4g/m2 46h, q2w, mXELOX-B: Ox 100 mg/m2 d1, capecitabine 2.5 g/m2 d1–7, B 5mg/kg, q2w. To date, 117 pts with a disease control after 6 cy have had a 2nd randomisation (M): B alone (7.5 mg/kg q3w, n=56) or B+E 150 mg/d (n=61) until PD. Results: Pts characteristics were: sex: 124M/76F, median age: 62.4 years (26–80), primary tumors: colon 152, rectum 53, synchronous metastases: 150 pts, > 1 metastase site: 115, PS 0/1: 134/66, Alk. Ph.>UNL: 87 pts, and LDH>UNL: 88pts. For I, 92 pts in mFOLFOX-B and 93 in XELOX-B were evaluable for toxicity (tox). Tox (%) for mFOLFOX-B/XELOX-B were: any toxicity grade (gr) 3 or 4: 21/30; neutropenia gr 3 6/1, gr 4 0/2; febrile neutropenia gr 3 1/1, gr 4 0/1; thrombopenia gr 3 0/1, gr 4 0/2; anemia gr 2 8/15, gr 3 2/1; nausea gr 2 17/15, gr 3 4/6; vomiting gr 2 10/12, gr 3 2/5; mucositis gr 2 6/6, gr 3 0/4; diarrhea gr 2 8/12, gr 3 5/20, gr 4 0/1; neuropathy gr 2 23/17 gr 3 3/1; HFS gr 2 0/7, gr 3 0/2; hypertension gr 2 2/3, gr 3 1/0; proteinuria gr 2 1/5; SAEs 14/25. For M, 56 pts in B and 61 pts in B+E were evaluable. Tox (% B/B+E) were: neutropenia gr 2 0/3; thrombopenia gr 2 2/0; nausea gr 2 2/2, gr 3 2/0; vomiting gr 3 2/0; mucositis gr 2 2/3; diarrhea gr 2 0/6, gr 3 2/6; skin tox gr 1 9/31, gr 2 0/38, gr 3 0/16, gr 4 0/2; proteinuria gr 2 5/5; hypertension gr 1 9/15, gr 2 3/8, gr 3 3/0. Conclusions: This interim safety analysis demonstrated that induction with mFOLFOX-B or XELOX-B as well as maintenance with B or B + E appears to be well-tolerated, without unexpected side effects. The DREAM study is ongoing, with a prolonged induction phase of 6 months (3 mo with ox then 3 mo with fluoropyrimidines-B) before randomisation for maintenance therapy.

[Table: see text]

Global classification of human facial healthy skin using PLS discriminant analysis and clustering analysis

Today's classifications of healthy skin are predominantly based on a very limited number of skin characteristics, such as skin oiliness or susceptibility to sun exposure. The aim of the present analysis was to set up a global classification of healthy facial skin, using mathematical models. This classification is based on clinical, biophysical skin characteristics and self-reported information related to the skin, as well as the results of a theoretical skin classification assessed separately for the frontal and the malar zones of the face. In order to maximize the predictive power of the models with a minimum of variables, the Partial Least Square (PLS) discriminant analysis method was used. The resulting PLS components were subjected to clustering analyses to identify the plausible number of clusters and to group the individuals according to their proximities. Using this approach, four PLS components could be constructed and six clusters were found relevant. So, from the 36 hypothetical combinations of the theoretical skin types classification, we tended to a strengthened six classes proposal. Our data suggest that the association of the PLS discriminant analysis and the clustering methods leads to a valid and simple way to classify healthy human skin and represents a potentially useful tool for cosmetic and dermatological research.

Reference ranges of skin micro-relief according to age in French Caucasian and Japanese women

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

The variation of skin surface morphological indicators according to age has not been frequently studied. The aim of this work was to establish French Caucasian and Japanese reference ranges of these indicators according to age.

METHODS

Two studies were performed simultaneously in Paris and Sendai on 356 Caucasian and 120 Japanese healthy women aged from 20 to 80 years. Skin replicas were obtained from the volar forearm and analysed by interferometry. This analysis yielded 16 morphological indicators. Reference ranges according to age were established using the statistical methodology defined by Royston.

RESULTS/DISCUSSION

Reference ranges were found for 15 out of the 16 parameters for the French women as well as for the Japanese women. The models' truthfulness will have to be confirmed using new samples, larger if possible. Moreover, non-parametric methods will be used in order to compare the results provided by these approaches.

Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) with cyclophosphamide (C) as 1st-line chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients previously treated with adjuvant anthracyclines

10627

Background: Anthracyclines (A) are key elements in adjuvant and metastatic chemotherapy regimens for breast cancer. Pre-exposure limits the utilization of A in advanced disease due to cumulative cardiotoxicity. PLD (Caelyx/Doxil) has equivalent activity to conventional doxorubicin in MBC. However PLD has reduced toxicity, including significantly less cardiotoxicity. Combinations of A+C are the backbone of many adjuvant therapies, thus C represents a logical drug to combine with PLD. Methods: MBC patients with measurable disease who completed anthracycline containing adjuvant therapy > 12 months ago were entered in a multi-center single arm phase II trial. They received PLD 35mg/m2 + cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m2 every 3 weeks. This study was powered to demonstrate an objective response rate > 25%. Results: Seventy three patients were enrolled. Prior adjuvant therapy included: AC (37%), CEF/FEC (28%), AC-T (15%), AT (7%), EC (7%). The median cumulative dose of prior A were 240mg/m2 and 580mg/m2 for doxorubicin or epirubicin, respectively. Median time since adjuvant chemotherapy was 4.4 years (1–14). Patients received a median of 6 cycles (2–10) of PLD + C. Major toxicities were; grade 3/4 neutropenia (7.5%), asymptomatic > 10% declines in LVEF (9%) (reversible upon discontinuation of PLD), grade 3/4 hand foot syndrome (6%). Other toxicities were uncommon and usually did not require discontinuation. The objective response rate (ORR) was 38% (4% CR and 34% PR), with an additional 32% having stable disease > 6 months for a clinical benefit of 70% (CB). ORR was similar for patients who had received adjuvant taxanes. Kaplan-Meyer estimated median time to progression was 31.5 weeks (23% progression free). Conclusions: The combination of PLD + C every 3 weeks in patients who have completed adjuvant anthracycline chemotherapy after more than one year prior is well tolerated and has a clinical benefit rate of 70%. This finding is similar to other commonly employed chemotherapeutic regimens for MBC and suggests that re-treatment with a non-cardiotoxic anthracycline following previous anthracycline therapy may be a reasonable therapeutic option for some patients.

[Table: see text]

Self-reported skin sensitivity in a general adult population in France: data of the SU.VI.MAX cohort

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine the frequency of self-assessed facial skin sensitivity and its different patterns, and the relationship with gender and sun sensitivity in a general adult population.

METHODS

A standardized 11-item questionnaire investigating reactions experienced during the past year was developed. The questions explored different patterns of skin sensitivity: pattern I (blushing related to vascular reactivity), pattern II (skin reactions to certain environmental conditions), pattern III (skin reactions after substance contact), and for women pattern IV ('breakout of spots' related to menstrual cycle). Additional items were addressed for women and men, including sun sensitivity. The questionnaire was administered to a large middle-aged population involved in the 'Supplément en Vitamines et Minéraux Antioxydants' (SU.VI.MAX) cohort.

RESULTS

Sensitive facial skin was reported by 61% of the women (n = 5074) and 32% of the men (n = 3448), and the frequency decreased with age. The frequency of patterns I, II and III was greater for women (78, 72 and 58%, respectively) than for men (56, 48 and 28%) of comparable classes of age. The frequency of pattern IV was reported by 49% of premenopausal women, and skin reactions after shaving by 41% of the men. Sun sensitivity was found to be a major component of skin sensitivity. Factor analysis showed that individuals with fair phototype frequently evoked reactions associated with pattern I, and skin redness and burning sensations were related to certain environmental conditions (pattern II).

CONCLUSION

Skin sensitivity is a common concern that declines with age and is relevant for men as well as for women.

Phototype, statut en vitamine D et densité minérale osseuse chez des femmes à risque d'ostéoporose

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to test the influence of phototype and vitamin D status feature on the bone mineral density (BMD) of the femoral neck in a group of middle-aged women considered at risk of osteoporosis (low levels of vitamin D [25(OH)D3<78 nmol/L] and hyperparathyroidism [parathormone level>36 pg/mL]).

METHODS

This two-step study was conducted on 122 French women enrolled in the SUVIMAX (supplémentation en vitamines et minéraux antioxydants: antioxidant vitamin and mineral supplementation) cohort. The impact of various variables on BMD, including age, body mass index (BMI), vitamin D status, alcohol intake, sun exposure intensity and phototype was investigated using regression models.

RESULTS

No statistical link was found between BMD and the variables documenting vitamin D status and parathormone levels, nor phototype. Nevertheless, fair phototypes tended to be associated with lower BMD values. However, BMD decreased with age and increased with BMI and physical activity level.

CONCLUSIONS

Whatever their phototype, adult women concerned about precarious vitamin D status should undergo a vitamin D supplementation in combination with an adequate calcium intake all year long and a proper sun protection. Moreover, a physical activity maintenance should provide an additional benefit for prevention of osteoporosis.

The benefit of participating to clinical research

We assessed the impact of participating to clinical research among 1727 women with localized breast cancer. Using as referent individuals not treated according to guidelines for systemic therapy, the adjusted hazard ratio of death was 0.70 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.54,0.90, p-value: 0.006) in those treated according to current guidelines and 0.45 (95% CI: 0.27,0.73, p-value: 0.001) in participants to research. Participation to clinical trials results in a substantial gain in survival.

Docetaxel and Gemcitabine administered on days 1 and 8 for metastatic non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC): a phase II multicenter trial

Docetaxel and Gemcitabine are active agents in non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). They have different mechanism of action, minimal overlapping toxicity, and are easily administered on an outpatient basis. This phase II study evaluated Docetaxel administered with Gemcitabine on days 1 and 8 in a 3-week cycle, to determine its efficacy, while attempting to lower the regimen's toxicity, especially myelosuppression which can occur when Docetaxel is administered at full dose on day 1 only. Forty-three chemonaive patients, 40 evaluable, were entered in this trial between May 2001 and March 2002. Thirty-seven patients had stage IV and three patients had stage III B NSCLC, median age 58 (ages 32-78), median performance status (PS) 1 (range 0-2). They were treated with Docetaxel 36mg/m(2) and Gemcitabine 1000mg/m(2) intravenously on days 1 and 8 in a 3-week cycle. No growth factors were administered. Of 40 evaluable patients, 4 achieved partial response (10%), 25 stable disease (62.5%) and 11 progressive disease (27.5%). Median time-to-disease progression was 15 weeks. Median survival was 7.75 months. One year survival was 32.5% (13 patients). Hematologic toxicity was minimal, non-hematologic toxicity was easily treatable. Docetaxel, when given with Gemcitabine on days 1 and 8 every 3 weeks, is less myelotoxic, yet still an effective treatment for metastatic NSCLC.

Daily Variations in Skin Surface Properties Using Mixed Model Methodology

In order to explore the variations over the course of a day in certain skin biophysical properties, a study was conducted on 8 female volunteers. An assessment of several skin biophysical properties was carried out on the face and the volar forearm every 4 h over a period of 48 h. The biophysical parameters were assessed on the face for sebum secretion, skin surface pH, skin colour, transepidermal water loss, capacitance and skin surface temperature. The same parameters were measured on the volar forearm (excepted for sebum secretion). A statistical analysis based on mixed effect models was conducted. Four models, with different covariance structures, were successively tested. The analysis allowed us to identify a structure that repeated itself over time in the same way over each 24-hour period for capacitance on the forearm and for sebum secretion, skin surface pH and skin colour (L* and a* parameters) on the face. Mixed effect methodology is a powerful tool to analyse longitudinal data involving correlations among repeated measurements made on the same subject.

[Effect of hormonal replacement therapy on cutaneous biophysical properties of menopausal women]

PURPOSE

The aim of this analysis was to study the possible effect of hormonal replacement therapy on some biophysical properties of the skin of menopausal women.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A study was carried out on 106 menopausal, phototype I to IV women with clinically healthy skin. During the medical evaluation, the menopausal status, duration of the menopause, and, possible use of hormone replacement therapy and its duration were collected. A series of biophysical skin parameters in controlled environmental conditions was assessed on the face: sebum casual level, skin surface pH, skin colour, transepidermal water loss, capacitance, conductance, skin relief and temperature. The same parameters except for sebum were assessed on the forearm. Three sub-samples were defined according to the duration of the menopause and of hormone replacement therapy.

RESULTS

The skin colour parameters revealed a greater red intensity value in menopausal women who had been treated for at least one year. In menopausal women who had been treated for at least 5 or 10 years, the biophysical measurements were significantly higher for the parameters evaluating hydration and sebum secretion, associated with higher values for the yellow intensity parameter and the skin relief parameters on the forehead.

CONCLUSION

These results support the subjective impression and the clinical evaluation according to which hormonal replacement therapy could modify the development and the severity of some properties associated with skin ageing after the onset of menopause.

Delay in adjuvant radiation treatment and outcomes of breast cancer--a review

Recent meta-analyses have shown the importance of locoregional control as a long-term determinant of breast cancer survival. Whether factors related to the delivery of radiotherapy, such as delay, dose, fractionation or irradiated volume, are associated with outcome remains unclear. We performed a critical review of the literature on delay to radiation using a computerized search of papers published between 1985 and 2000. Periods of accrual, details of radiotherapy, surgical and systemic treatment, and information on prognostic factors were noted. Studies on sequencing of adjuvant therapy were compared to studies on delay to radiation, classified according to whether or not patients also received chemotherapy. Comparisons of patients receiving systemic therapy to individuals spared this option were considered uninformative since the impact of delaying radiation is then highly confounded by systemic treatment received. The single published experimental study on sequencing suggests that delay to radiation may compromise local control, and this is consistent with a few retrospective reports on delay to radiotherapy among patients receiving chemotherapy. However, indirect evidence from two randomized clinical trials of chemotherapy, and the majority of observational studies on delay to radiotherapy, suggest that it has no impact on either local, distant control or survival. Factors, methodological, and others, that could explain these inconsistencies are discussed. No study restricted to patients at low risk of recurrence suggested an impact of delaying radiation. Short chemotherapy regimens are likely to represent a safe option with respect to outcome of radiation treatment.

Use of multiple correspondence analysis and cluster analysis to study dietary behaviour: food consumption questionnaire in the SU.VI.MAX. cohort

Although the effects of individual foods or nutrients on the development of diseases and their risk factors have been investigated in many studies, little attention has been given to the effect of overall dietary patterns. The main objectives of this study were to identify dietary patterns and groups of subjects with similar food consumption habits, i.e. 'dietary profiles', using multiple correspondence analysis and cluster analysis. A food frequency questionnaire was sent to a large population-based sample (2923 women and 2,180 men), recruited among the 'SUpplementation en VItamines et Minéraux AntioXydants' (SU.VI.MAX.) cohort participants in France. The food items were dichotomised in order to focus the study on the highest levels of consumption. Multiple correspondence analysis allows the construction of principal components, which optimally summarise the data, and enables the construction of graphical displays. An interesting property of these graphical displays is that associations between food items can be observed on various projection planes, each category of each food item being located at the centre of gravity of the subjects corresponding to this category. An ascending hierarchical classification was unsuccessfully tried in order to determine clusters from these principal components. Therefore, a 'dissection' of the cloud of points was performed according to the orientation of the axes, providing a readily interpretable eight-dietary profiles typology for each sex. This statistical approach allows identification of particular dietary patterns and dietary profiles, which might be more appropriate in studies of diet-disease associations than the single food or nutrient approach that has dominated past epidemiological research.