Patient Preferences Regarding Informed Consent Models for Participation in a Learning Health Care System for Oncology

PURPOSE

The expansion of learning health care systems (LHSs) promises to bolster research and quality improvement endeavors. Stewards of patient data have a duty to respect the preferences of the patients from whom, and for whom, these data are being collected and consolidated.

METHODS

We conducted democratic deliberations with a diverse sample of 217 patients treated at 4 sites to assess views about LHSs, using the example of CancerLinQ, a real-world LHS, to stimulate discussion. In small group discussions, participants deliberated about different policies for how to provide information and to seek consent regarding the inclusion of patient data. These discussions were recorded, transcribed, and de-identified for thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Of participants, 67% were female, 61% were non-Hispanic Whites, and the mean age was 60 years. Patients' opinions about sharing their data illuminated 2 spectra: trust/distrust and individualism/collectivism. Positions on these spectra influenced the weight placed on 3 priorities: promoting societal altruism, ensuring respect for persons, and protecting themselves. In turn, consideration of these priorities seemed to inform preferences regarding patient choices and system transparency. Most advocated for a policy whereby patients would receive notification and have the opportunity to opt out of including their medical records in the LHS. Participants reasoned that such a policy would balance personal protections and societal welfare.

CONCLUSION

System transparency and patient choice are vital if patients are to feel respected and to trust LHS endeavors. Those responsible for LHS implementation should ensure that all patients receive an explanation of their options, together with standardized, understandable, comprehensive materials.

Postmastectomy Breast Reconstruction: Exploring Plastic Surgeon Practice Patterns and Perspectives

BACKGROUND

Within the multidisciplinary management of breast cancer, variations exist in the reconstructive options offered and care provided. The authors evaluated plastic surgeon perspectives on important issues related to breast cancer management and reconstruction and provide some insight into factors that influence these perspectives.

METHODS

Women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer (stages 0 to II) between July of 2013 and September of 2014 were identified through the Georgia and Los Angeles Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registries. These women were surveyed and identified their treating plastic surgeons. Surveys were sent to the identified plastic surgeons to collect data on specific reconstruction practices.

RESULTS

Responses from 134 plastic surgeons (74.4 percent response rate) were received. Immediate reconstruction (79.7 percent) was the most common approach to timing, and expander/implant reconstruction (72.6 percent) was the most common technique reported. Nearly one-third of respondents (32.1 percent) reported that reimbursement influenced the proportion of autologous reconstructions performed. Most (82.8 percent) reported that discussions about contralateral prophylactic mastectomy were initiated by patients. Most surgeons (81.3 to 84.3 percent) felt that good symmetry is achieved with unilateral autologous reconstruction with contralateral symmetry procedures in patients with small or large breasts; a less pronounced majority (62.7 percent) favored unilateral implant reconstructions in patients with large breasts. In patients requiring postmastectomy radiation therapy, one-fourth of the surgeons (27.6 percent) reported that they seldom recommend delayed reconstruction, and 64.9 percent reported recommending immediate expander/implant reconstruction.

CONCLUSIONS

Reconstructive practices in a modern cohort of plastic surgeons suggest that immediate and implant reconstructions are performed preferentially. Respondents perceived a number of factors, including surgeon training, time spent in the operating room, and insurance reimbursement, to negatively influence the performance of autologous reconstruction.

Perceptions of Pressures to Alter or Misrepresent Time Allocation Among Clinician-Researchers With NIH Career Development Awards

PURPOSE

National Institutes of Health career development (K) awards mandate specific allocations of effort to research and training. The authors sought to understand pressures perceived by award recipients to change or misrepresent effort, and whether these perceptions differed by gender.

METHOD

In 2010-2011 and 2014, the authors surveyed K08 and K23 award recipients. Questions evaluated perceived pressure to change or misrepresent time allocation. Multivariable logistic regression modeling of pressure to misrepresent effort evaluated associations with individual and basic job characteristics.

RESULTS

Of the 1,719 faculty in the initial target population, 493 women and 573 men (1,066, 62%) responded at both time points. Most respondents reported feeling pressure to increase time spent on professional activities other than their K award-related research or career development or to decrease time on their K award-related research. The likelihood of perceiving pressure differed significantly by gender: 68% of women vs 55% of men (P < .001). A minority reported perceiving pressure to misrepresent professional time (women, 29%, vs men, 27%, P = .52). Multivariable analysis revealed that pressure to misrepresent professional time was less likely among respondents at institutions with the most extramural funding (P = .02). A significant pairwise interaction between gender and K award type suggested that female K08 awardees had higher odds than male peers of perceiving pressure to misrepresent time.

CONCLUSIONS

Most K award recipients reported feeling pressure to do more non-K award-related activities. More than a quarter reported feeling pressure to misrepresent effort. Additional research is needed to evaluate the proportion of academic medical faculty who actually misrepresent professional effort.

Patterns of Work-Related Burnout in Physician-Scientists Receiving Career Development Awards From the National Institutes of Health

This survey study examines the patterns of work-related burnout in physician-scientists.

Phase 2 Trial of Neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX and Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy Concurrent With Fixed-Dose Rate-Gemcitabine in Patients With Borderline Resectable Pancreatic Cancer

PURPOSE

Preoperative therapy in borderline resectable pancreatic cancer (BRPC) is intended to increase R0 resection rates. An optimal approach in BRPC is yet to be defined.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Patients with BRPC, confirmed adenocarcinoma, performance status ≤1, and adequate organ function enrolled in a single-institution, phase 2 trial. Patients received FOLFIRINOX × 6 cycles, then radiation therapy (50 Gy in 25 fractions) concurrent with fixed-dose rate gemcitabine (1 g/m2 over 100 minutes) followed by 2 additional gemcitabine infusions. Computed tomography scans were performed at 2-month intervals during treatment. Patients without distant disease were offered surgical exploration. The primary objective was R0 resection rate with an alternate hypothesis of 55%. Secondary objectives included median progression-free survival (PFS), median overall survival (OS), response rate, and safety. The trial registration number is NCT01661088.

RESULTS

Twenty-five patients with median age of 60 years (range, 47-77 years) enrolled from November 2011 through January 2017. Twenty-one (84%) completed FOLFIRINOX and 19 (76%) completed all protocol therapy. Treatment-related grade 3 to 4 toxicities included neutropenia (40%), nausea and vomiting (28%), diarrhea (16%), and fatigue (12%). Eighteen patients (72%) underwent laparotomy, 13 (52%) were resected (all R0). The median PFS and OS in 25 patients were 13.1 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 7.3-24.7) and 24.4 months (95% CI, 12.6-40.0), respectively. For resected patients, median PFS was 21.6 months (95% CI, 8.2-37.1) and OS was 37.1 months (95% CI, 15.4-not reached).

CONCLUSIONS

Neoadjuvant therapy with FOLFIRINOX, followed by intensity modulated radiation therapy concurrent with fixed-dose-rate gemcitabine in BRPC is feasible and tolerated. Although the alternate hypothesis was not met, the OS of the resected cohort was favorable.

Effect of Public Deliberation on Patient Attitudes Regarding Consent and Data Use in a Learning Health Care System for Oncology

PURPOSE

We sought to generate informed and considered opinions regarding acceptable secondary uses of deidentified health information and consent models for oncology learning health care systems.

METHODS

Day-long democratic deliberation sessions included 217 patients with cancer at four geographically and sociodemographically diverse sites. Patients completed three surveys (at baseline, immediately after deliberation, and 1-month follow-up).

RESULTS

Participants were 67.3% female, 21.7% black, and 6.0% Hispanic. The most notable changes in perceptions after deliberation related to use of deidentified medical-record data by insurance companies. After discussion, 72.3% of participants felt comfortable if the purpose was to make sure patients receive recommended care (v 79.5% at baseline; P = .03); 24.9% felt comfortable if the purpose was to determine eligibility for coverage or reimbursement (v 50.9% at baseline; P < .001). The most notable change about secondary research use related to believing it was important that doctors ask patients at least once whether researchers can use deidentified medical-records data for future research. The proportion endorsing high importance decreased from baseline (82.2%) to 68.7% immediately after discussion (P < .001), and remained decreased at 73.1% (P = .01) at follow-up. At follow-up, non-Hispanic whites were more likely to consider it highly important to be able to conduct medical research with deidentified electronic health records (96.8% v 87.7%; P = .01) and less likely to consider it highly important for doctors to get a patient's permission each time deidentified medical record information is used for research (23.2% v 51.6%; P < .001).

CONCLUSION

This research confirms that most patients wish to be asked before deidentified medical records are used for research. Policies designed to realize the potential benefits of learning health care systems can, and should be, grounded in informed and considered public opinion.

The role of facility variation on racial disparities in use of hypofractionated whole breast radiotherapy

141

Background: Concerns about racial disparities in the adoption of medical advances motivate investigation of the use of hypofractionated radiotherapy, a less burdensome and less costly approach that is efficacious for most patients with early-stage breast cancer. Methods: A prospectively collected statewide quality consortium database from 25 institutions was queried for breast cancer patients who completed hypofractionated (HF) or conventionally fractionated whole breast radiotherapy (RT) from 1/2012-12/2018. We used patient-level multivariable modeling to evaluate associations between HF use and race, controlling for patient and facility factors, and multilevel modeling to account for patient clustering within facilities. Results: Of 10,318 patients analyzed, 80% self-reported their race as White, 18% as Black, and 2% as Asian, similar to statewide and national distributions. 31% of Whites were treated at academic centers compared to 65% of Blacks and 65% of Asians. In 2018, HF was utilized in 75% of Whites versus 60% of Blacks and 68% of Asians. On patient-level multivariable analysis (see Table), Black and Asian race were significantly associated with a lower likelihood of HF receipt, despite accounting for treatment year, age, laterality, BMI, breast volume, comorbidities, stage, triple-negative status, IMRT use, academic center treatment, and 2011 ASTRO Hypofractionation Guideline eligibility. On multilevel analysis, race was no longer significantly associated with HF receipt. Conclusions: We observed thatBlack and Asian patients receive hypofractionated RT less often, despite more frequent treatment at academic centers. Multilevel modeling eliminated this disparity, suggesting that differences in facility-specific HF use may contribute. Further inquiry is needed to determine if reduction of facility-level variation may reduce disparities in accessing HF treatment.[Table: see text]

Effects and moderators of exercise on sleep in adults with cancer: Individual patient data and aggregated meta-analyses

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effects of exercise interventions on sleep disturbances and sleep quality in patients with mixed cancer diagnoses, and identify demographic, clinical, and intervention-related moderators of these effects.

METHODS

Individual patient data (IPD) and aggregated meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Using data from the Predicting OptimaL cAncer RehabIlitation and Supportive care project, IPD of 2173 adults (mean age = 54.8) with cancer from 17 RCTs were analyzed. A complementary systematic search was conducted (until November 2018) to study the overall effects and test the representativeness of analyzed IPD. Effect sizes of exercise effects on self-reported sleep outcomes were calculated for all included RCTs. Linear mixed-effect models were used to evaluate the effects of exercise on post-intervention outcome values, adjusting for baseline values. Moderator effects were studied by testing interactions for demographic, clinical and intervention-related characteristics.

RESULTS

For all 27 eligible RCTs from the updated search, exercise interventions significantly decreased sleep disturbances in adults with cancer (g = -0.09, 95% CI [-0.16; -0.02]). No significant effect was obtained for sleep quality. RCTs included in IPD analyses constituted a representative sample of the published literature. The intervention effects on sleep disturbances were not significantly moderated by any demographic, clinical, or intervention-related factor, nor by sleep disturbances.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis provides some evidence that, compared to control conditions, exercise interventions may improve sleep disturbances, but not sleep quality, in cancer patients, although this effect is of a small magnitude. Among the investigated variables, none was found to significantly moderate the effect of exercise interventions on sleep disturbances.

Adjuvant Radiation Improves Recurrence-Free Survival and Overall Survival in Adrenocortical Carcinoma

CONTEXT

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare malignancy with high rates of recurrence and poor prognosis. The role of radiotherapy (RT) in localized ACC has been controversial, and RT is not routinely offered.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the benefit of adjuvant RT on outcomes in ACC.

DESIGN

This is a retrospective propensity-matched analysis.

SETTING

All patients were seen through the University of Michigan's Endocrine Oncology program, and all those who underwent RT were treated at the University of Michigan.

PARTICIPANTS

Of 424 patients with ACC, 78 were selected; 39 patients underwent adjuvant radiation.

INTERVENTION

Adjuvant RT to the tumor bed and adjacent lymph nodes.

MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES

Time to local failure, distant failure, or death.

RESULTS

Median follow-up time was 4.21 years (95% CI, 2.79 to 4.94). The median radiation dose was 55 Gy (range, 45 to 60). The 3-year overall survival estimate for patients improved from 48.6% for patients without RT (95% CI, 29.7 to 65.2) to 77.7% (95% CI, 56.3 to 89.5) with RT, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 3.59 (95% CI, 1.60 to 8.09; P = 0.002). RT improved local recurrence-free survival (RFS) from 34.2% (95% CI, 18.8 to 50.3) to 59.5% (95% CI, 39.0 to 75.0), with an HR of 2.67 (95% CI, 1.38 to 5.19; P = 0.0035). RT improved all RFS from 18.3% (95% CI, 6.7 to 34.3) to 46.7% (95% CI, 26.9 to 64.3), with an HR 2.59 (95% CI, 1.40 to 4.79; P = 0.0024).

CONCLUSIONS

In the largest single institution study to date, adjuvant RT after gross resection of ACC improved local RFS, all RFS, and overall survival in this propensity-matched analysis. Adjuvant RT should be considered a part of multidisciplinary management for patients with ACC.

Patterns and Correlates of Knowledge, Communication, and Receipt of Breast Reconstruction in a Modern Population-Based Cohort of Patients with Breast Cancer

BACKGROUND

Disparities persist in the receipt of breast reconstruction after mastectomy, and little is known about the nature of communication received by patients and potential variations that may exist.

METHODS

Women with early-stage breast cancer (stages 0 to II) diagnosed between July of 2013 and September of 2014 were identified through the Georgia and Los Angeles Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registries and surveyed to collect additional data on demographics, treatment, and decision-making experiences. Treating general/oncologic surgeons were also surveyed. Primary outcomes measures included self-reported communication-related measures on receipt of information on breast reconstruction and on the receipt of breast reconstruction.

RESULTS

The authors analyzed 936 women who underwent mastectomy for unilateral breast cancer. Four hundred eighty-four (51.7 percent) underwent mastectomy with reconstruction. Women who were older and for whom English was not their primary spoken language had lower odds of being informed by a doctor about breast reconstruction. Ultimately, women who were older, were Asian, had invasive disease, had bronchitis/emphysema, and had lower income were less likely to undergo breast reconstruction. Breast reconstruction was performed more often in patients undergoing bilateral mastectomies (OR, 3.27; 95 percent CI, 2.26 to 4.75). Women cared for by surgeons with higher volumes of breast cancer patients (≥51 patients per year) were more likely to undergo breast reconstruction (OR, 2.43; 95 percent CI, 1.40 to 4.20).

CONCLUSION

To eliminate existing disparities, increased efforts should be made in consultations for surgical management of breast cancer to provide information to all patients regarding the option of breast reconstruction, the possibility of immediate reconstruction, and insurance coverage of all stages of reconstruction.

A multi-center phase Ib/II study of nal-irinotecan, 5-fluouracil and leucovorin in combination with nivolumab as second-line therapy for patients with advanced unresectable biliary tract cancer

TPS4154

Background: Patients (pts) with advanced biliary tract cancers (BTC) have poor prognosis despite systemic chemotherapy, and treatment beyond first-line platinum doublet remains investigational. The immunomodulatory properties of conventional cytotoxic therapy, particularly in regard to the upregulation of PD-L1 expression rendering tumor cells more sensitive to T cell-mediated lysis and neoantigen production, rapid emergence of chemotherapy resistance, and known modest efficacy of single agent PD-1 antibody in BTC provide a rationale for combining chemotherapy and immunotherapy. This multi-center, phase Ib/II, single-arm study is designed to investigate the role of nal-irinotecan, 5-FU and leucovorin in combination with nivolumab as second-line therapy in pts with advanced BTC. Methods: Key eligibility criteria include histologically confirmed advanced, unresectable biliary carcinoma (intra- or extra-hepatic and gallbladder) with progression or intolerance of first-line systemic therapy (excluding irinotecan and PD-1/PD-L1 antibody), measurable disease per RECIST v1.1, ECOG PS 0-1, Child Pugh A or B7, and absence of autoimmune disease or chronic steroid use. Primary objective of the phase Ib portion is to determine the recommended phase 2 dose, and of the phase II portion is to evaluate the median progression-free survival. Secondary objectives include evaluation of objective response rate per immune related (ir)RECIST, median OS and safety in this patient population. Exploratory objectives include identification of biomarker predictors of response and mechanisms of resistance through serial biopsies and blood collection (pre, on and post therapy), including sequential whole exome/transcriptomic analysis and immune cell subset analysis (tissue and blood). Therapy includes nal-irinotecan 70 mg/m2, leucovorin 200 (dose level -1) or 400 mg/m2 (dose level 0), 5-fluouracil 2400 mg/m2 IV over 46 hours, and nivolumab 240 mg on day 1 every 2 weeks for 6 months. In the absence of disease progression, pts may continue therapy for up to 2 years. Accrual goal is 30 evaluable pts. Using a null hypothesis value of median PFS of 2.9 months, and an alternative hypothesis of 5.0 months, this ongoing study has > 80% power, with a two-sided alpha of 0.05 to identify treatment efficacy of study arm. Clinical trial information: NCT03785873.

A multicenter phase II trial of rucaparib in combination with nivolumab as maintenance therapy for patients with advanced biliary tract cancer

TPS4153

Background: Patients (pts) with advanced biliary tract cancers (BTC) have a poor prognosis with a median overall survival (OS) less than 12 months. Using whole exome NGS, 26 (49%) pts in a 53 pt cohort had either DNA damage repair (DDR) pathway mutations (somatic and/or germline, n = 18), or isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) mutations (n = 8), and may have potentially benefited from PARP inhibition. Further, disruption of the mutated DDR pathways with a PARP inhibitor may result in increased mutational burden and neoantigens leading to immunogenicity, thus providing the rationale for combination with a PD-1 antibody. This phase 2 trial is designed to investigate the role of a PARP inhibitor in combination with a PD-1 antibody in pts with advanced BTC. Methods: Key eligibility criteria include histologically confirmed advanced, unresectable biliary adenocarcinoma (intra- or extra-hepatic, and gallbladder) without progression after 4-6 months of 1st line platinum-based systemic chemotherapy, measurable disease per RECIST v1.1, ECOG PS 0-1, Child-Pugh A or B7, and absence of autoimmune disease or chronic steroid use. Primary objective is to evaluate progression-free survival (PFS) rate at 4 months. Secondary objectives include evaluation of objective response rate per immune related (ir)RECIST criteria, median PFS and OS, and safety in this patient population. Exploratory objectives include identification of predictive biomarkers of response and mechanisms of resistance through serial biopsies and blood collection (pre, on and post therapy), including sequential whole exome/transcriptomic analysis with immune cell subset analysis. Treatment includes rucaparib 600 mg PO BID on days 1-28 with nivolumab 240 mg on days 1, 15 Q4 weeks. In absence of disease progression, pts may continue therapy up to 2 years. Accrual goal is 32 evaluable pts. Using a null hypothesis value of a 63% PFS rate at 4 months, and an 85% alternative hypothesis, this ongoing study has 80% power, with a one-sided alpha of 0.05 to identify treatment efficacy in the study arm. Clinical trial information: NCT03639935.

Gender, Professional Experiences, and Personal Characteristics of Academic Radiation Oncology Chairs: Data to Inform the Pipeline for the 21st Century

PURPOSE

Understanding the pathways and gateways to leadership and challenges faced by individuals in such roles can inform efforts to promote diversity and equity. We sought to describe the professional experiences and personal characteristics of academic radiation oncology (RO) chairs and to evaluate whether differences exist by gender.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Anonymous surveys were distributed to 95 chairs of RO departments during the 2016 annual meeting of the Society of Chairs of Academic Radiation Oncology Programs. The surveys included 28 closed-ended questions and the Leadership Practices Inventory. Results were analyzed by gender using χ² tests, rank-sum, and t tests (significance P < .05).

RESULTS

A total of 72 chairs responded (61 male, 10 female, 1 declined to identify gender) for a response rate of 76%. There were no significant gender differences in age, academic rank, publications, or prior leadership positions held at the time of the first chair appointment, but female respondents held significantly greater total direct funding from extramural grants than their male counterparts (median, $1.89 million [interquartile range, $0.5-$5 million] vs $0.25 million [interquartile range, $0-$1.0 million]; P = .006). Women were more likely to have spouses employed outside the home at time of their first chair appointment than men were, with a trend toward women experiencing greater difficulty relocating. Men and women identified budgeting and resource allocation as their greatest professional challenges. There were no gender differences in the Leadership Practices Inventory-identified leadership domains or professional goals.

CONCLUSIONS

Female RO chairs are as equally qualified as men in terms of productivity or leadership skills, but they face distinct challenges in the context of a gender-structured society. The observation of higher grant funding among women at the time of chair appointment suggests a possible need for interventions such as unconscious bias training to ensure that selection processes do not unnecessarily hold women to a higher standard.

Patient views and correlates of radiotherapy omission in a population-based sample of older women with favorable-prognosis breast cancer

BACKGROUND

The omission of radiotherapy (RT) after lumpectomy is a reasonable option for many older women with favorable-prognosis breast cancer. In the current study, we sought to evaluate patient perspectives regarding decision making about RT.

METHODS

Women aged 65 to 79 years with AJCC 7th edition stage I and II breast cancer who were reported to the Georgia and Los Angeles County Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registries were surveyed (response rate, 70%) regarding RT decisions, the rationale for omitting RT, decision-making values, and understanding of disease recurrence risk. We also surveyed their corresponding surgeons (response rate, 77%). Patient characteristics associated with the omission of RT were evaluated using multilevel, multivariable logistic regression, accounting for patient clustering within surgeons.

RESULTS

Of 999 patients, 135 omitted RT (14%). Older age, lower tumor grade, and having estrogen receptor-positive disease each were found to be strongly associated with omission of RT in multivariable analyses, whereas the number of comorbidities was not. Non-English speakers were more likely to omit RT (adjusted odds ratio, 5.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.4-24.5). The most commonly reported reasons for RT omission were that a physician advised the patient that it was not needed (54% of patients who omitted RT) and patient choice (41%). Risk of local disease recurrence was overestimated by all patients: by approximately 2-fold among those who omitted RT and by approximately 8-fold among those who received RT. The risk of distant disease recurrence was overestimated by approximately 3-fold on average.

CONCLUSIONS

To some extent, decisions regarding RT omission are appropriately influenced by patient age, tumor grade, and estrogen receptor status, but do not appear to be optimally tailored according to competing comorbidities. Many women who are candidates for RT omission overestimate their risk of disease recurrence. Cancer 2018;124:2714-2723. © 2018 American Cancer Society.

A Randomized Comparison of Radiation Therapy Techniques in the Management of Node-Positive Breast Cancer: Primary Outcomes Analysis

PURPOSE

Although inverse-planned intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and deep inspiration breath hold (DIBH) may allow for more conformal dose distributions, it is unknown whether using these technologies reduces cardiac or pulmonary toxicity of breast radiotherapy.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

A randomized controlled trial compared IMRT-DIBH versus standard, free-breathing, forward-planned, three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy in patients with left-sided, node-positive breast cancer in whom the internal mammary nodal region was targeted. Endpoints included dosimetric parameters and changes in pulmonary and cardiac perfusion and function, measured by single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scans and pulmonary function testing performed at baseline and 1 year post treatment.

RESULTS

Of 62 patients randomized, 54 who completed all follow-up procedures were analyzed. Mean doses to the ipsilateral lung, left ventricle, whole heart, and left anterior descending coronary artery were lower with IMRT-DIBH; the percent of left ventricle receiving ≥5 Gy averaged 15.8% with standard radiotherapy and 5.6% with IMRT-DIBH (P < .001). SPECT revealed no differences in perfusion defects in the left anterior descending coronary artery territory, the study's primary endpoint, but did reveal statistically significant differences (P = .02) in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), a secondary endpoint. No differences were found for lung perfusion or function.

CONCLUSION

The small but statistically significant benefit in preservation of cardiac LVEF observed here should motivate future studies that include LVEF as a potentially meaningful endpoint. Future studies should disaggregate the impact of IMRT from that of DIBH. Clinical practice should recognize the importance of minimizing cardiac dose, even when already low in comparison to historical levels.

Concurrent Veliparib With Chest Wall and Nodal Radiotherapy in Patients With Inflammatory or Locoregionally Recurrent Breast Cancer: The TBCRC 024 Phase I Multicenter Study

Purpose Locoregional control for inflammatory breast cancers and chest wall recurrences is suboptimal, which has motivated interest in radiosensitization to intensify therapy. Preclinical studies have suggested a favorable therapeutic index when poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors are used as radiosensitizers; clinical investigation is necessary to establish appropriate dosing and confirm safety. Patients and Methods We conducted a multi-institutional phase I study of veliparib and concurrent radiotherapy (RT) to the chest wall and regional lymph nodes in 30 patients with inflammatory or locally recurrent breast cancer after complete surgical resection. RT consisted of 50 Gy to the chest wall and regional lymph nodes plus a 10-Gy boost. A Bayesian time-to-event continual reassessment method escalated dose through four levels, with a 30% targeted rate of dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) measured during the 6 weeks of treatment plus 4 weeks of follow-up. DLTs were defined as confluent moist desquamation > 100 cm², nonhematologic toxicity grade ≥ 3, toxicity that requires an RT dose delay > 1 week, absolute neutrophil count < 1,000/mm³, platelet count < 50,000/mm³, or hemoglobin < 8.0 g/dL if possibly, probably, or definitely related to study treatment. Results Five DLTs occurred: Four were moist desquamation (two each at 100 and 150 mg twice a day), and one was neutropenia (at 200 mg twice a day). The crude rate of any grade 3 toxicity (regardless of attribution) was 10% at year 1, 16.7% at year 2, and 46.7% at year 3. At year 3, six of 15 surviving patients had severe fibrosis in the treatment field. Conclusion Although severe acute toxicity did not exceed 30% even at the highest tested dose, nearly half of surviving patients demonstrated grade 3 adverse events at 3 years, which underscores the importance of long-term monitoring of toxicity in trials of radiosensitizing agents.

Abstract P6-12-06: Effect and moderators of exercise on fatigue in patients with breast cancer: Meta-analysis of individual patient data

Background - Fatigue is one of the most common and disabling complaints in patients with breast cancer and can effectively be reduced by physical exercise, with small to moderate effect sizes. To identify heterogeneity in responses to exercise and to further personalize exercise prescriptions, moderators of exercise effects on fatigue should be investigated. However, most randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are not adequately powered for such analyses. Therefore we conducted meta-analyses using the individual patient data of several exercise RCTs. The aim is to investigate the effect and moderators of physical exercise on cancer-related fatigue in patients with breast cancer.

Methods - Within the Predicting OptimaL cAncer RehabIlitation and Supportive care (POLARIS) consortium, principal investigators of 34 exercise RCTs worldwide have shared their individual patient data. Twenty-two of these RCTs included patients with breast cancer with a total sample size of 3,061. Different questionnaires to assess level of fatigue were used, which was acknowledged by using z-scores in the analysis. A one-step individual patient data meta-analysis, using a linear mixed-effect model adjusted for baseline fatigue, with a random intercept on study (to account for study clustering) was undertaken to investigate effect of exercise on fatigue. The result, a between-group difference in z-scores, corresponds to a Cohen's d effect size. An interaction term was included in the model to assess potential moderators including demographic (age, marital status, education), clinical (body mass index, presence of distant metastasis), intervention-related (intervention timing, delivery mode and duration), and exercise-related (exercise type, frequency, intensity, duration) characteristics.

Results – Exercise significantly reduced fatigue reported by women with breast cancer (β= -0.15, 95% CI -0.21;-0.09). This effect did not differ significantly between patients with different demographic and clinical characteristics (p-valuesinteraction &gt;0.05). Also, neither timing (during or post-treatment) and duration of the intervention, nor exercise-related factors moderated intervention effects on fatigue. Supervised exercise had significantly larger effects on fatigue than unsupervised exercise (βdifference= -0.17, 95%CI -0.28;-0.05). Compared to the control group, supervised exercise significantly improved fatigue (β = -0.21, 95%CI = -0.28;-0.14), while unsupervised exercise did not (β = -0.04, 95%CI = -0.14;0.06).

Conclusion – Exercise significantly reduces fatigue in patients with breast cancer across subgroups formed on the basis of age, marital status, education level, body mass index, and presence of distant metastasis. The effect of exercise is significantly larger when performed under supervision. Hence, exercise, and preferably supervised exercise, represents a viable intervention for the prevention and treatment of fatigue among patients with breast cancer.

Citation Format: van Vulpen JK, Sweegers MG, Kalter J, Peeters PH, Courneya KS, Newton RU, Aaronson NK, Jacobsen PB, Steindorf K, Stuiver MM, Hayes S, Mesters I, Knoop H, Goedendorp M, Mutrie N, Thorsen L, Schmidt M, Sonke GS, Bohus M, James EL, Oldenburg HS, Velthuis MJ, Nollet F, Wenzel J, Wiskemann J, Galvão DA, Chinapaw MJ, Irwin ML, Griffith KA, van Weert E, Daley AJ, McConnachie A, Schulz K-H, Short CE, Plotnikoff RC, Potthoff K, van Beurden M, van Harten WH, Schmitz KH, Winters-Stone KM, Taaffe DR, van Mechelen W, Kersten M-J, Verdonck-de Leeuw IM, Brug J, Buffart LM, May AM. Effect and moderators of exercise on fatigue in patients with breast cancer: Meta-analysis of individual patient data [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-12-06.

Neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX and IMRT concurrent with FDR-gemcitabine in patients with borderline resectable pancreatic cancer (BRPC)

381

Background: Preoperative therapy in BRPC is intended to increase the likelihood of R0 resection although an optimal regimen is yet to be defined. Methods: Patients (pts) with BRPC (NCCNv.2.2010 guidelines) and ECOG PS 0-1 were enrolled in a single-institution, phase II trial (NCT01661088). Pts received FOLFIRINOX x 6, followed by IMRT (50 Gy in 25 fractions) concurrent with FDR-gemcitabine 1 g/m2 on days 1, 8, 22, 29. Two additional FDR-gemcitabine infusions completed pre-operative treatment. Pancreatic protocol CT scans (dual phase, 0.65 mm slices) were performed after 4 infusions of FOLFIRINOX, 3 weeks after IMRT, and at treatment completion. Pts without distant disease were offered surgical exploration. The primary objective was to determine R0 resection rate. Secondary objectives included progression free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), response rate and safety. Results: A total of 25 pts (64% men) median age 60 years (range 47-77) were enrolled from 11/2011 through 01/2017. Twenty-one (84%) pts completed FOLFIRINOX and 19 (76%) all protocol therapy. Treatment-related grade 3-4 adverse events ( > 10%) included neutropenia (40%), nausea/vomiting (28%), diarrhea (16%) and fatigue (12%). One early death and 1 discontinuation due to toxicity occurred during FOLFIRINOX. Response to pre-op therapy included 11 PR, 9 SD, 3 PD and 2 NE. Of 25 treated pts, 18 (72%) had laparotomy and 13 (52%) underwent resection (all R0). The median PFS and OS were 18.1 (95% CI, 10.6 to 25.1) and 24.2 (95% CI, 12.6 to 40.0) months, respectively. The median OS for R0 resected pts was 37.1 (95% CI, 15.4 – not reached) months. Conclusions: Neoadjuvant therapy with FOLFIRINOX, followed by IMRT with concurrent FDR-gemcitabine in BRPC is feasible and tolerated. While R0 resection rate was not obviously improved, OS of the entire cohort and especially in R0 resected pts was favorable. Clinical trial information: NCT01661088.

A multicenter randomized phase II study of nivolumab in combination with gemcitabine/cisplatin or ipilimumab as first-line therapy for patients with advanced unresectable biliary tract cancer

TPS541

Background: Patients (pts) with advanced biliary tract cancers (BTC) have poor prognosis with a median overall survival (OS) less than 12 months. This randomized, multi-institutional, phase 2, two-arm study is designed to investigate the role of combinational immunotherapy, using nivolumab with chemotherapy (gemcitabine/cisplatin) or as dual immunotherapy (nivolumab and ipilimumab) in pts with advanced BTC. Methods: Key eligibility criteria include histologically confirmed advanced, unresectable biliary adenocarcinoma (intrahepatic or extrahepatic and gallbladder) without prior systemic treatment, measurable disease per RECISTv1.1, ECOG PS 0-1, and absence of autoimmune disease and/or chronic steroid use. Primary objective is to evaluate the progression-free survival (PFS) rate at 6 months. Secondary objectives include evaluation of overall response rate (ORR), median PFS and OS and safety in this patient population. Exploratory objectives include identification of biomarker predictors of response and mechanisms of resistance through serial (before, on and post therapy) biopsies and blood collection, including sequential whole exome/transcriptomic analysis and immune cell subset analysis (tissue and blood). Arm A therapy provides gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2, cisplatin 25 mg/m2 on days 1, 8 with nivolumab 360 mg on day 1 every 3 weeks for 6 months. In the absence of disease progression, pts may continue single agent nivolumab for up to 2 years. Arm B therapy includes nivolumab 240 mg every 2 weeks and ipilimumab 1 mg/kg every 6 weeks for up to 2 years in absence of disease progression. Accrual goal is 32 evaluable pts per arm. Using a null hypothesis value of 59% median PFS at 6 months, and an 80% alternative hypothesis, this ongoing study has > 80% power, with a one-sided alpha of 0.05 to identify treatment efficacy in one or both study arms. Clinical trial information: NCT03101566.

The association between patient attitudes and values and the strength of consideration for contralateral prophylactic mastectomy in a population-based sample of breast cancer patients

BACKGROUND

Little is known about how the individual decision styles and values of breast cancer patients at the time of treatment decision making are associated with the consideration of different treatment options and specifically with the consideration of contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM).

METHODS

Newly diagnosed patients with early-stage breast cancer who were treated in 2013-2014 were identified through the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registries of Los Angeles and Georgia and were surveyed approximately 7 months after surgery (n = 2578; response rate, 71%). The primary outcome was the consideration of CPM (strong vs less strong). The association between patients' values and decision styles and strong consideration was assessed with multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

Approximately one-quarter of women (25%) reported strong/very strong consideration of CPM, and another 29% considered it moderately/weakly. Decision styles, including a rational-intuitive approach to decision making, varied. The factors most valued by women at the time of treatment decision making were as follows: avoiding worry about recurrence (82%) and reducing the need for more surgery (73%). In a multivariate analysis, patients who preferred to make their own decisions, those who valued avoiding worry about recurrence, and those who valued avoiding radiation significantly more often strongly considered CPM (P < .05), whereas those who reported being more logical and those who valued keeping their breast did so less often.

CONCLUSIONS

Many patients considered CPM, and the consideration was associated with both decision styles and values. The variability in decision styles and values observed in this study suggests that formally evaluating these characteristics at or before the initial treatment encounter could provide an opportunity for improving patient clinician discussions. Cancer 2017;123:4547-4555. © 2017 American Cancer Society.

Prognostic Value of c-MET Expression in Patients With Pancreatic Cancer Receiving Adjuvant and Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation Therapy

PURPOSE

To determine the prognostic significance of c-MET expression and develop a predictor of distant failure in patients with resectable pancreatic cancer treated with chemoradiation.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

We used a tissue microarray to study protein expression by immunohistochemistry in 102 patients treated surgically for pancreatic cancer. Two cores per patient were blindly scored from 0 (no staining) to 3 (strong staining) by a single pathologist. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to determine time to local and distant failure, overall survival, and progression-free survival. P values were calculated with the log-rank test.

RESULTS

High tumor expression of c-MET was associated with a shorter time to distant failure in patients receiving neoadjuvant (n=23) or neoadjuvant therapy (n=73) (median 8.9 months vs 22.0 months, P=.0010). We then examined the ability of incorporating 2 known biomarkers, thymidylate synthase and DPC4 (SMAD4), with c-MET to risk-stratify patients. This multi-protein predictor divided our cohort into groups of similar numbers and was predictive of distant failure (median 13.4 months vs 24.2 months, P=.0094) but not of local control.

CONCLUSION

c-MET is potentially predictive of distant failure. Using c-MET, DPC4, and thymidylate synthase, we developed a multi-protein predictor that could be used to risk-stratify patients and guide decisions regarding the sequencing of locoregional and systemic therapies in pancreatic cancer.

Factors Associated With Success of Clinician-Researchers Receiving Career Development Awards From the National Institutes of Health: A Longitudinal Cohort Study

PURPOSE

Understanding the careers of recent career development awardees is essential to guide interventions to ensure gender equity and success in academic medicine.

METHOD

In 2010-2011 (T1) and 2014 (T2), 1,719 clinician-researchers who received new K08 and K23 awards in 2006-2009 were longitudinally surveyed. Multivariable analyses evaluated the influence of factors on success, including demographics, job characteristics, work environment, priorities, and domestic responsibilities.

RESULTS

Of 1,275 respondents at T1, 1,066 (493 women; 573 men) responded at T2. Men and women differed in job characteristics, work environment, priorities, and domestic responsibilities. By T2, women had less funding (mean $780,000 vs. $1,120,000, P = .002) and published fewer papers (mean 33 vs. 45). Using a composite measure that considered funding, publications, or leadership to define success, 53.5% (264/493) of women and 67.0% (384/573) of men were successful. Gender differences in success persisted after accounting for other significant predictors-K award type, specialty, award year, work hours, funding institute tier, feeling responsible for participating in department/division administration, importance of publishing prolifically, feeling responsible for contributing to clinical care, importance of publishing high-quality research, collegiality of the mentoring relationship, adequacy of research equipment, and departmental climate. A significant interaction existed between K award type and gender; the gender difference in success was most pronounced among K23 researchers (among whom the odds ratio for females = 0.32).

CONCLUSIONS

Men and women continue to have different experiences and career outcomes, with important implications for the design of interventions to promote equity and success.

Recent Time Trends and Predictors of Heart Dose From Breast Radiation Therapy in a Large Quality Consortium of Radiation Oncology Practices

PURPOSE

Limited data exist regarding the range of heart doses received in routine practice with radiation therapy (RT) for breast cancer in the United States today and the potential effect of the continual assessment of the cardiac dose on practice patterns.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

From 2012 to 2015, 4688 patients with breast cancer treated with whole breast RT at 20 sites participating in a state-wide consortium were enrolled into a registry. The importance of limiting the cardiac dose has been emphasized in the consortium since 2012, and the mean heart dose (MHD) has been reported by each institution since 2014. The effects on the MHD were estimated for both conventional and accelerated fractionation using regression models, with technique (intensity modulated RT [IMRT] vs 3-dimensional conformal RT), deep inspiration breath hold use, patient position (supine vs prone), nodal RT (if delivered), and boost (yes vs no) as covariates.

RESULTS

For left-sided breast cancer treated with conventional fractionation, the median MHD in 2012 was 2.19 Gy versus 1.65 Gy in 2015 (P<.001). The factors that significantly increased the MHD for conventional fractionation were increased separation relative to 22 cm (1.5%/1 cm), supraclavicular or infraclavicular nodal RT (17.1%), internal mammary nodal RT (40.7%), use of a boost (20.9%), treatment year before 2015 (7.7%), and use of IMRT (20.8%). For left-sided BC treated with accelerated fractionation, the median MHD in 2012 was 1.70 Gy versus 1.22 Gy in 2015 (P<.001). The factors that significantly increased the MHD for accelerated fractionation were separation (1.7%/1 cm), use of a boost (20.0%), year before 2015 (8.5%), and use of IMRT (19.2%). The factors for both conventional fractionation and accelerated fractionation that significantly reduced the MHD were the use of deep inspiration breath hold and prone positioning.

CONCLUSIONS

The MHD for left-sided breast cancer decreased during a recent 4-year period, coincident with an increased focus on cardiac sparing in the radiation oncology community in general and a state-wide consortium specifically. These data suggest a positive effect of systematically monitoring the heart dose delivered.

Ischemic Cardiac Events Following Treatment of the Internal Mammary Nodal Region Using Contemporary Radiation Planning Techniques

PURPOSE

Regional nodal irradiation, including radiation therapy (RT) to the internal mammary node (IMN) region, improves oncologic outcomes in patients with node-positive breast cancer. Concern remains, however, given the proximity of the IMNs to the heart and the association between cardiac RT exposure and toxicity. The objective of the study was to evaluate rates of ischemic cardiac events (ICEs) and associated risk with treatment of the IMN region.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

The cardiac outcomes of 2126 patients treated with adjuvant breast RT or breast and nodal RT from 1984 to 2007 at a single institution were reviewed. The primary endpoint was an ICE following RT initiation. The association between IMN RT and ICEs was assessed using Cox proportional hazards models. Treatment with both IMN RT and 3-dimensional (3D) conformal radiation therapy (CRT) began in 1997; therefore, subset analyses of patients with only 3D CRT were performed to minimize bias associated with improved treatment technique.

RESULTS

The median follow-up period was 9.3 years. An ICE occurred in 87 patients (4.1%). No increased 10-year rate of ICEs was observed with IMN RT compared with no IMN RT in the total cohort (3.2% [95% confidence interval (CI), 2.4%-4.3%] vs 3.4% [95% CI, 1.5%-7.5%]; hazard ratio [HR], 0.88; P=.73). Similarly, no statistically significant difference was noted in the 3D CRT-planned, left-sided disease subset (5.1% [95% CI, 1.8%-14.1%] vs 4.0% [95% CI, 2.0%-8.0%]; HR, 1.18, P=.76). On multivariate analysis, adjusting for cardiac risk factor imbalances, no significantly increased hazard was noted with IMN RT (HR, 1.84; P=.28) in the 3D CRT-planned, left-sided disease subset.

CONCLUSIONS

No statistically significant association between IMN RT and ICEs was demonstrated in a review of patients treated at a single institution from 1984 to 2007. Given the long natural history and low overall rate of ICEs, continued follow-up of this study, as well as additional studies in the 3D CRT era, is warranted to confirm these results. Minimizing cardiac exposure, when treating a limited IMN field, is critical to limit excess risk of ICEs.

Recurrence and Survival in Patients With Merkel Cell Carcinoma Undergoing Surgery Without Adjuvant Radiation Therapy to the Primary Site

IMPORTANCE

The use of adjuvant radiation therapy (RT) to the primary site in Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is not uncommon. However, the need for adjuvant RT to the primary site in patients at low risk for local recurrence is questionable.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the occurrence of true local, satellite, in-transit, regional, and distant recurrences in patients undergoing surgery alone without adjuvant RT to the primary site. To establish overall survival (OS), MCC-specific survival (MCCSS), and disease-free survival (DFS) relationships in a cohort of patients with MCC.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Our University of Michigan Multidisciplinary MCC Program database was used to obtain characteristics and outcome measures for 104 patients (105 primary MCCs) with tumors less than 2 cm in diameter. The majority of patients were treated between July 2006 and November 2012.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Outcome measures included the occurrence of true local, satellite, in-transit, regional, and distant recurrences. End points included OS, MCCSS, and DFS.

RESULTS

Overall, information for 55 men and 49 women with 105 primary MCCs was obtained; 19 patients developed recurrent disease, and the mean time to first recurrence was 10.7 months. True local recurrence occurred in 1 patient with concurrent in-transit recurrence. Satellite recurrence occurred in 1 patient with concurrent regional recurrence. Four additional patients developed in-transit metastases. Thirteen patients had a regional recurrence component, 4 patients had distant metastases, and 6 patients developed subsequent regional and/or distant recurrences. Stratified by initial pathologic stage, the OS and MCCSS at 48 months were estimated to be 85.0% (95% CI, 71.8%-92.3%) and 94.4% (95% CI, 83.4%-98.2%) for patients with stage 1A/B disease and 63.2% (95% CI, 36.6%-81.1%) and 78.1% (95% CI, 50.0%-91.5%) for patients with stage 3A disease. The OS and MCCSS at 24 months for patients with stage 3B disease were both 50.0% (95% CI, 5.8%-84.5%).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In selected MCC patients with primary tumors less than 2 cm in diameter treated with surgery alone without adjuvant RT to the primary site, we found a low occurrence of true local recurrences and satellite recurrences. This relatively low rate of local recurrence questions the need for adjuvant RT to the primary tumor site in patients with small low-risk lesions.

Perspectives of Patients With Cancer on the Ethics of Rapid-Learning Health Systems

Purpose To inform the evolving implementation of CancerLinQ and other rapid-learning systems for oncology care, we sought to evaluate perspectives of patients with cancer regarding ethical issues. Methods Using the GfK Group online research panel, representative of the US population, we surveyed 875 patients with cancer; 621 (71%) responded. We evaluated perceptions of appropriateness (scored from 1 to 10; 10, very appropriate) using scenarios and compared responses by age, race, and education. We constructed a scaled measure of comfort with secondary use of deidentified medical information and evaluated its correlates in a multivariable model. Results Of the sample, 9% were black and 9% Hispanic; 38% had completed high school or less, and 59% were age ≥ 65 years. Perceptions of appropriateness were highest when consent was obtained and university researchers used data to publish a research study (weighted mean appropriateness, 8.47) and lowest when consent was not obtained and a pharmaceutical company used data for marketing (weighted mean appropriateness, 2.7). Most respondents (72%) thought secondary use of data for research was very important, although those with lower education were less likely to endorse this (62% v 78%; P < .001). Overall, 35% believed it was necessary to obtain consent each time such research was to be performed; this proportion was higher among blacks/Hispanics than others (48% v 33%; P = .02). Comfort with the use of deidentified information from medical records varied by scenario and overall was associated with distrust in the health care system. Conclusion Perceptions of patients with cancer regarding secondary data use depend on the user and the specific use of the data, while also frequently differing by patient sociodemographic factors. Such information is critical to inform ongoing efforts to implement oncology learning systems.

What drives overtreatment? Surgeon and radiation oncologist views on omission of adjuvant radiotherapy for elderly women with early stage breast cancer

562

Background: Although trials have shown no survival advantage and only a modest improvement in local control from adjuvant radiotherapy after lumpectomy in older women with stage I, ER+ breast cancer, radiotherapy is commonly administered, raising concerns about overtreatment. Therefore, we sought to evaluate physician attitudes, knowledge, communication, and recommendations in this scenario. Methods: We mailed a survey to a national sample of 713 radiation oncologists and 879 surgeons between June to October 2015. Of these, 913 responded (57%). We assessed physicians’ attitudes, knowledge of pertinent risk information, and responses to clinical scenarios. Results: In patients age > = 70 with stage I, ER+ breast cancer treated with lumpectomy and endocrine therapy, omission of radiotherapy was felt to be unreasonable by 40% of surgeons and 20% of radiation oncologists (p < 0.001). Many surgeons (29%) and radiation oncologists (10%) erroneously associated radiotherapy in older women with improvement in survival. Similarly, 32% of surgeons and 19% of radiation oncologists tended to substantially overestimate the risk of locoregional recurrence in older women with omission of RT. In a scenario with an 81-year-old with multiple comorbidities, 31% of surgeons and 35% of radiation oncologists would still recommend radiotherapy. On multivariable analysis, erroneous attribution of a survival benefit to radiotherapy (OR 6.2; 95% CI 3.9-9.8) and overestimation of remaining life expectancy (OR 6.5; CI 4.2-9.9) were strongly associated with the opinion that radiotherapy omission is unreasonable. Conclusions: Many radiation oncologists and surgeons continue to consider omission of radiotherapy as substandard therapy. A sizeable proportion of surgeons overestimate radiotherapy’s benefits and consider omission of radiotherapy to be an unreasonable departure from the standard of care, suggesting that surgeon involvement in decisions about radiotherapy omission may be a key factor in reducing overuse of aggressive care in this setting.

A phase II clinical trial of metformin as a cancer stem cell targeting agent in stage IIc/III/IV ovarian, fallopian tube, and primary peritoneal cancer

5556

Background: Epidemiologic and preclinical studies suggest that Metformin has antitumor effects which may be due to an impact on cancer stem-like cells (CSC). We present a phase II trial of metformin administered in combination with chemotherapy for patients with advanced stage epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Primary endpoints were 18 month progression free survival (PFS) and CSC number in Metformin treated tumors. Methods: Thirty-eight patients with confirmed stage IIC(n=1)/III(n=25)/IV(n=12) EOC were treated with either neoadjuvant metformin followed primary debulking surgery and adjuvant Metformin+chemotherapy, or neo-adjuvant metformin+chemotherapy, followed by interval debulking and adjuvant chemotherapy+Metformin. Patients were evaluated for side effects, PFS and overall survival (OS). Metformin treated tumors were evaluated for the presence of CSC via FACS and sphere assays. Results: Thirty-two patients (84%) completed at least six cycles of metformin+chemotherapy. Metformin was well tolerated with only one grade III/IV treatment-related adverse event (3%) noted. Common adverse effects were diarrhea (18%) and nausea (16%). Eighteen month PFS was 65.4% (95% confidence interval 47.9-78.3), Median PFS was 21.7 months (CI-17-26.7). Estimated three year OS was 73.5% (CI-54.7-84.3) with median OS not reached after a media follow-up of 33 months. Finally, tumors treated with metformin were noted to have a 3-fold decrease in ALDH+ CSC at baseline, increased sensitivity to Cisplatin in vitro, and a reduced ability to amplify ALDH+ CSC with passage in vitro. Conclusions: This is the first prospective study of Metformin in EOC patients. Translational studies confirm an impact of metformin on CSC. Metformin was well tolerated and outcome results were favorable, supporting the use of Metformin in phase-III studies. Clinical trial information: NCT01579812.

Differences in Mentor-Mentee Sponsorship in Male vs Female Recipients of National Institutes of Health Grants

This study uses data from a survey of NIH Mentored Career Development grant awardees to determine if sponsorship critical for career advancement of young professionals differs among men and women.

Contralateral Prophylactic Mastectomy Decisions in a Population-Based Sample of Patients With Early-Stage Breast Cancer

Importance

Contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) use is increasing among women with unilateral breast cancer, but little is known about treatment decision making or physician interactions in diverse patient populations.

Objective

To evaluate patient motivations, knowledge, and decisions, as well as the impact of surgeon recommendations, in a large, diverse sample of patients who underwent recent treatment for breast cancer.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A survey was sent to 3631 women with newly diagnosed, unilateral stage 0, I, or II breast cancer between July 2013 and September 2014. Women were identified through the population-based Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results registries of Los Angeles County and Georgia. Data on surgical decisions, motivations for those decisions, and knowledge were included in the analysis. Logistic and multinomial logistic regression of the data were conducted to identify factors associated with (1) CPM vs all other treatments combined, (2) CPM vs unilateral mastectomy (UM), and (3) CPM vs breast-conserving surgery (BCS). Associations between CPM receipt and surgeon recommendations were also evaluated. All statistical models and summary estimates were weighted to be representative of the target population.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Receipt of CPM was the primary dependent variable for analysis and was measured by a woman's self-report of her treatment.

Results

Of the 3631 women selected to receive the survey, 2578 (71.0%) responded and 2402 of these respondents who did not have bilateral disease and for whom surgery type was known constituted the final analytic sample. The mean (SD) age was 61.8 (12) years at the time of the survey. Overall, 1301 (43.9%) patients considered CPM (601 [24.8%] considered it very strongly or strongly); only 395 (38.1%) of them knew that CPM does not improve survival for all women with breast cancer. Ultimately, 1466 women (61.6%) received BCS, 508 (21.2%) underwent UM, and 428 (17.3%) received CPM. On multivariable analysis, factors associated with CPM included younger age (per 5-year increase: odds ratio [OR], 0.71; 95% CI, 0.65-0.77), white race (black vs white: OR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.34-0.74), higher educational level (OR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.20-2.40), family history (OR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.22-2.17), and private insurance (Medicaid vs private insurance: OR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.28-0.79). Among 1569 patients (65.5%) without high genetic risk or an identified mutation, 598 (39.3%) reported a surgeon recommendation against CPM, of whom only 12 (1.9%) underwent CPM, but among the 746 (46.8%) of these women who received no recommendation for or against CPM from a surgeon, 148 (19.0%) underwent CPM.

Conclusions and Relevance

Many patients consider CPM, but knowledge about the procedure is low and discussions with surgeons appear to be incomplete. Contralateral prophylactic mastectomy use is substantial among patients without clinical indications but is low when patients report that their surgeon recommended against it. More effective physician-patient communication about CPM is needed to reduce potential overtreatment.

Recurrence risk perception and quality of life following treatment of breast cancer

PURPOSE

Little is known about different ways of assessing risk of distant recurrence following cancer treatment (e.g., numeric or descriptive). We sought to evaluate the association between overestimation of risk of distant recurrence of breast cancer and key patient-reported outcomes, including quality of life and worry.

METHODS

We surveyed a weighted random sample of newly diagnosed patients with early-stage breast cancer identified through SEER registries of Los Angeles County & Georgia (2013-14) ~2 months after surgery (N = 2578, RR = 71%). Actual 10-year risk of distant recurrence after treatment was based on clinical factors for women with DCIS & low-risk invasive cancer (Stg 1A, ER+, HER2-, Gr 1-2). Women reported perceptions of their risk numerically (0-100%), with values ≥10% for DCIS & ≥20% for invasive considered overestimates. Perceptions of "moderate, high or very high" risk were considered descriptive overestimates. In our analytic sample (N = 927), we assessed factors correlated with both types of overestimation and report multivariable associations between overestimation and QoL (PROMIS physical & mental health) and frequent worry.

RESULTS

30.4% of women substantially overestimated their risk of distant recurrence numerically and 14.7% descriptively. Few factors other than family history were significantly associated with either type of overestimation. Both types of overestimation were significantly associated with frequent worry, and lower QoL.

CONCLUSIONS

Ensuring understanding of systemic recurrence risk, particularly among patients with favorable prognosis, is important. Better risk communication by clinicians may translate to better risk comprehension among patients and to improvements in QoL.

Development of a model web-based system to support a statewide quality consortium in radiation oncology

PURPOSE

A database in which patient data are compiled allows analytic opportunities for continuous improvements in treatment quality and comparative effectiveness research. We describe the development of a novel, web-based system that supports the collection of complex radiation treatment planning information from centers that use diverse techniques, software, and hardware for radiation oncology care in a statewide quality collaborative, the Michigan Radiation Oncology Quality Consortium (MROQC).

METHODS AND MATERIALS

The MROQC database seeks to enable assessment of physician- and patient-reported outcomes and quality improvement as a function of treatment planning and delivery techniques for breast and lung cancer patients. We created tools to collect anonymized data based on all plans.

RESULTS

The MROQC system representing 24 institutions has been successfully deployed in the state of Michigan. Since 2012, dose-volume histogram and Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine-radiation therapy plan data and information on simulation, planning, and delivery techniques have been collected. Audits indicated >90% accurate data submission and spurred refinements to data collection methodology.

CONCLUSIONS

This model web-based system captures detailed, high-quality radiation therapy dosimetry data along with patient- and physician-reported outcomes and clinical data for a radiation therapy collaborative quality initiative. The collaborative nature of the project has been integral to its success. Our methodology can be applied to setting up analogous consortiums and databases.

Decreased Lung Perfusion After Breast/Chest Wall Irradiation: Quantitative Results From a Prospective Clinical Trial

PURPOSE

To quantify lung perfusion changes after breast/chest wall radiation therapy (RT) using pre- and post-RT single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) attenuation-corrected perfusion scans; and correlate decreased perfusion with adjuvant RT dose for breast cancer in a prospective clinical trial.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

As part of an institutional review board-approved trial studying the impact of RT technique on lung function in node-positive breast cancer, patients received breast/chest wall and regional nodal irradiation including superior internal mammary node RT to 50 to 52.2 Gy with a boost to the tumor bed/mastectomy scar. All patients underwent quantitative SPECT/CT lung perfusion scanning before RT and 1 year after RT. The SPECT/CT scans were co-registered, and the ratio of decreased perfusion after RT relative to the pre-RT perfusion scan was calculated to allow for direct comparison of SPECT/CT perfusion changes with delivered RT dose. The average ratio of decreased perfusion was calculated in 10-Gy dose increments from 0 to 60 Gy.

RESULTS

Fifty patients had complete lung SPECT/CT perfusion data available. No patient developed symptoms consistent with pulmonary toxicity. Nearly all patients demonstrated decreased perfusion in the left lung according to voxel-based analyses. The average ratio of lung perfusion deficits increased for each 10-Gy increment in radiation dose to the lung, with the largest changes in regions of lung that received 50 to 60 Gy (ratio 0.72 [95% confidence interval 0.64-0.79], P<.001) compared with the 0- to 10-Gy region. For each increase in 10 Gy to the left lung, the lung perfusion ratio decreased by 0.06 (P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In the assessment of 50 patients with node-positive breast cancer treated with RT in a prospective clinical trial, decreased lung perfusion by SPECT/CT was demonstrated. Our study allowed for quantification of lung perfusion defects in a prospective cohort of breast cancer patients for whom attenuation-corrected SPECT/CT scans could be registered directly to RT treatment fields for precise dose estimates.

Differences between Breast Conservation-Eligible Patients and Unilateral Mastectomy Patients in Choosing Contralateral Prophylactic Mastectomies

There has been an increasing use of bilateral mastectomy (BM) for breast cancer. We sought to examine our trends among breast conservation (BCT) candidates and women recommended for unilateral mastectomy (UM). Our prospective breast cancer database was queried for women with a first-time, unilateral breast cancer. Patient and histologic factors and surgical treatment, including reconstruction, were evaluated. A detailed chart review was performed among patients from two representative time periods as to the reasons the patient underwent mastectomy. We identified 3,892 women between 2000 and 2012 of whom 60% underwent BCT, 1092 (28%) had UM and 12% underwent BM. BM rose from 4% in 2000 to a high of 19% in 2011, increasing around 2002 for women <40. BCT was less likely with decreasing age (p < 0.0001), lobular histology (p < 0.0001), higher stage (p < 0.0001) and decreasing BMI (p < 0.0001). Among mastectomy patients, contralateral mastectomy was associated with decreasing age (p < 0.0001), Caucasian race (p < 0.0001), and lower stage (p = 0.005). Over time, indications for mastectomy decreased while patients deemed BCT-eligible opting for UM or BM increased dramatically. Increases in the use of BM are in large part among women who were otherwise BCT-eligible. Factors associated with BM use are different for BCT-eligible patients and those recommended for UM. A better understanding of the factors driving individual patient choices is needed.

A Mixed-Methods Investigation of the Motivations, Goals, and Aspirations of Male and Female Academic Medical Faculty

PURPOSE

Understanding the goals and aspirations of the physician-scientist workforce can inform policies to promote retention. The authors explored gender differences therein, given women's increasing representation.

METHOD

In 2010-2011, the authors qualitatively analyzed interviews with 100 former recipients of National Institutes of Health career development awards and 28 of their mentors. They also compared survey responses of 1,267 clinician-investigators who received these awards from 2006 to 2009, using logistic regression to evaluate gender differences after adjusting for other characteristics.

RESULTS

Interview participants described relatively consistent career goals, including scientific contribution and desire to positively affect lives through research, clinical care, and teaching. For many, the specific ways they sought to achieve and measure goal attainment evolved over time. Survey respondents endorsed a goal of publishing high-quality research with highest frequency (97.3%, no significant gender difference). Women were more likely to endorse the importance of balancing work and other activities (95.5% vs. 90.5%, P < .001). There were no significant gender differences in the importance of patient care (86.6%), teaching (71.6%), or publishing prolifically (64.9%). Men were more likely than women to consider salary (49.4% vs. 41.8%, P < .001), reputation (84.2% vs. 77.6%, P = .004), and leadership positions (38.9% vs. 34.3%, P = .03) important.

CONCLUSIONS

In an elite research-oriented sample, gender differences in initial aspirations were generally limited. Gender differences in career outcomes in such groups are unlikely to exclusively result from different baseline aspirations. Goals appear to evolve in response to challenges experienced.

A phase I trial of cabozantinib and gemcitabine in advanced pancreatic cancer

Background Cabozantinib and gemcitabine improve tumor control in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) in preclinical models through c-Met inhibition. We sought to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of this combination in patients with advanced PDAC. Methods Patients with ≤1 prior treatment and adequate performance status were eligible. Cabozantinib was given orally once daily, beginning day (-)7 and continued with gemcitabine given intravenously on days 1, 8, and 15 every 28 days. Dose level was assigned using Time to Event Continual Reassessment Method (TITE-CRM). Primary endpoint was MTD, defined as the highest dose level at which ≤25 % of patients incurred a dose-limiting toxicity (DLT). Secondary endpoints included response rate, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and urinary biomarker assessment. Results Twelve patients were enrolled and treated with 10 patients evaluable for DLT. The probability of DLT was >25 % for all dose levels tested, and thus an MTD was not determined. DLTs included grade 3 ALT/AST elevations and thrombocytopenia. Three patients had partial responses, but each discontinued therapy due to toxicity. Median PFS and OS were 4.7 (95 % CI: 1.4-9.7) and 10.1 months (95 % CI: 3.6-20.6). Exploratory biomarker analysis showed correlation of c-Met and VEGF levels with response. Conclusions An MTD for the combination was not established. Cabozantinib and gemcitabine appear impractical for further development due to DLT at low doses and continuing toxicities with ongoing therapy. Acknowledging the small sample size, responses were seen suggesting further investigation of c-Met inhibition in PDAC may be warranted.

Recurrence risk perception and quality of life after treatment of breast cancer

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Background: Many breast cancer patients overestimate their risk of distant recurrence after treatment. We explored risk perception in a large, diverse population of breast cancer patients with favorable prognosis and assessed associations between overestimation and quality of life (QoL). Methods: As part of the iCanCare Study, we surveyed a weighted random sample of newly diagnosed patients with early-stage breast cancer treated in 2013-14, identified through the population-based SEER registries of Los Angeles & Georgia about 3 months after surgical treatment (N = 2632, RR = 70%). Actual 10-year risk of distant recurrence after treatment was determined for women with DCIS (N = 502), and with low risk invasive (LRI: N = 520, Stg 1A, ER+HER2-, Gr 1-2). Women reported perceptions of their risk numerically between 0 – 100%, with values > 10% for DCIS and > 20% for LRI considered substantial overestimates. We assessed which patient and treatment factors were correlated with overestimation and report the bivariable associations between overestimation and the QoL measures of worry, distress, & PROMIS physical and mental health. Results: One third (36%) of DCIS and 25% of women with LRI breast cancer substantially overestimated their risk of distant recurrence. Overestimation of risk was significantly associated with lower education (p = 0.02), and marginally with lower acculturation (p = 0.08). DCIS patients were more likely to overestimate risk of distant recurrence than LRI patients (OR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.4-2.7). Women who overestimated risk in both groups reported more worry about recurrence; 49% vs. 16% DCIS, p < 0.001 and 54% vs. 24% LRI, p < 0.001. These women more often had higher distress (0-10 scores, mean of 3.5 vs. 2.5 DCIS p < 0.001, and 3.9 vs. 2.2 for LRI, p < 0.0001) and had poor PROMIS physical (21% vs. 14% DCIS, p < 0.001; 34% vs. 16% LRI, p < 0.001) and mental health (13% vs. 11% DCIS, not significant; 21% vs. 7% LRI, p < 0.001) scores. Conclusions: Marked overestimation of risk after treatment was common, particularly among women with very low risk (DCIS). The strong association between risk overestimates and lower QoL suggests the need to address women’s perception of risk of distant recurrence after treatment of breast cancer. Funding: P01CA163233

Contralateral prophylactic mastectomy decision-making in the population-based iCanCare study of early-stage breast cancer patients

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Background: Contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) use is increasing in women who are not at increased risk of contralateral cancer development and will experience no survival benefit from the more morbid procedure. Little is known about treatment decision-making or provider interactions. Methods: We surveyed a weighted random sample of newly diagnosed patients with early-stage breast cancer who were treated in 2013-14, identified through the population-based SEER registries of Los Angeles and Georgia about 3 months after surgical treatment, and merged with SEER data (N=2632, RR=70%), to determine receipt of diagnostic tests and factors related to the decision about surgery (including knowledge and perceived physician recommendation). Results: Nearly half of 2,436 respondents with unilateral non-metastatic cancer considered CPM (25% strongly). Only 37% of those who considered CPM knew that it does not improve survival for all women with breast cancer (24% believed it does, 39% didn’t know). Among women receiving CPM, 37% believed it generally improves survival. Ultimately, 1,464 (60%) received BCS and 972 (40%) mastectomy (of whom 438, or 18% overall, received CPM). On multivariable analysis, pts who received CPM were younger, more likely to be white, and more likely to have a family history, private rather than Medicaid insurance, and received MRI. Even among pts without a deleterious genetic mutation or family history in multiple relatives (2,303), 400 (17%) received CPM. CPM was uncommon among pts who reported that their surgeons recommended against it (2.0% [17/832]) but much higher among those who reported no surgeon recommendation regarding CPM (21.3% [229/1,077]), and among those who perceived their surgeons to have recommended it (55.4% [147/265]). Conclusions: Many patients consider CPM, but knowledge is low. Use of CPM is substantial among patients without clinical indications but is low when patients report their surgeon recommended against it. In the context of shared decision-making, surgeon recommendations against CPM might help reduce potential overtreatment.