American Cancer Society/American Society of Clinical Oncology Breast Cancer Survivorship Care Guideline

Surveillance for cancer recurrence in long-term young breast cancer survivors randomly selected from a statewide cancer registry

PURPOSE

This study examined clinical breast exam (CBE) and mammography surveillance in long-term young breast cancer survivors (YBCS) and identified barriers and facilitators to cancer surveillance practices.

METHODS

Data collected with a self-administered survey from a statewide, randomly selected sample of YBCS diagnosed with invasive breast cancer or ductal carcinoma in situ younger than 45 years old, stratified by race (Black vs. White/Other). Multivariate logistic regression models identified predictors of annual CBEs and mammograms.

RESULTS

Among 859 YBCS (n = 340 Black; n = 519 White/Other; mean age = 51.0 ± 5.9; diagnosed 11.0 ± 4.0 years ago), the majority (> 85%) reported an annual CBE and a mammogram. Black YBCS in the study were more likely to report lower rates of annual mammography and more barriers accessing care compared to White/Other YBCS. Having a routine source of care, confidence to use healthcare services, perceived expectations from family members and healthcare providers to engage in cancer surveillance, and motivation to comply with these expectations were significant predictors of having annual CBEs and annual mammograms. Cost-related lack of access to care was a significant barrier to annual mammograms.

CONCLUSIONS

Routine source of post-treatment care facilitated breast cancer surveillance above national average rates. Persistent disparities regarding access to mammography surveillance were identified for Black YBCS, primarily due to lack of access to routine source of care and high out-of-pocket costs.

IMPLICATIONS

Public health action targeting cancer surveillance in YBCS should ensure routine source of post-treatment care and address cost-related barriers. Clinical Trials Registration Number: NCT01612338.

Barriers to Acupuncture Use Among Breast Cancer Survivors: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Introduction: Increasing evidence suggests that acupuncture may be helpful to manage common symptoms and treatment side effects among breast cancer (BC) survivors. Acupuncture usage among BC survivors remains low with little known about the barriers to its utilization. We evaluated perceived barriers to acupuncture use among BC survivors and explored the sociodemographic variations of such barriers. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis at an urban academic cancer center on 593 postmenopausal women with a history of stage I-III hormone receptor-positive BC who were taking or had taken an aromatase inhibitor. We used the modified Attitudes and Beliefs about Complementary and Alternative Medicine instrument to evaluate patients’ perceived barriers to acupuncture. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to determine sociodemographic factors associated with perceived barrier scores. Results: The most common barriers were lack of knowledge about acupuncture (41.6%), concern for lack of insurance coverage (25.0%), cost (22.3%), and difficulty finding qualified acupuncturists (18.6%). Compared with whites, minority patients had higher perceived barriers to use acupuncture (β coefficient = 1.63, 95% confidence interval = 0.3-2.9, P = .013). Patients with lower education had higher barriers to use acupuncture (β coefficient = 4.23, 95% confidence interval = 3.0-5.4, P < .001) compared with patients with college education or above. Conclusion: Lack of knowledge and concerns for insurance coverage and cost are the common barriers to acupuncture use among BC survivors, especially among minority patients with lower education. Addressing these barriers may lead to more equitable access to acupuncture treatment for BC survivors from diverse backgrounds.

Cancer Survivorship Care: Person Centered Care in a Multidisciplinary Shared Care Model

Survivors of childhood and adult-onset cancer are at lifelong risk for the development of late effects of treatment that can lead to serious morbidity and premature mortality. Regular long-term follow-up aiming for prevention, early detection and intervention of late effects can preserve or improve health. The heterogeneous and often serious character of late effects emphasizes the need for specialized cancer survivorship care clinics. Multidisciplinary cancer survivorship care requires a coordinated and well integrated health care environment for risk based screening and intervention. In addition survivors engagement and adherence to the recommendations are also important elements. We developed an innovative model for integrated care for cancer survivors, the "Personalized Cancer Survivorship Care Model", that is being used in our clinic. This model comprises 1. Personalized follow-up care according to the principles of Person Centered Care, aiming to empower survivors and to support self management, and 2. Organization according to a multidisciplinary and risk based approach. The concept of person centered care is based on three components: initiating, integrating and safeguarding the partnership with the patient. This model has been developed as a universal model of care that will work for all cancer survivors in different health care systems. It could be used for studies to improve self efficacy and the cost-effectiveness of cancer survivorship care.

Cardiometabolic risk factors and survival after breast cancer in the Women's Health Initiative

BACKGROUND

Few studies have examined the relationship between cardiometabolic risk factors linked to metabolic syndrome and mortality among women with breast cancer.

METHODS

We used the Women's Health Initiative to evaluate the relationship between cardiometabolic risk factors, including waist circumference (WC), blood pressure, cholesterol level, and presence of type 2 diabetes, and their relation with death from breast cancer, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and other causes among 8641 women with local or regional stage invasive breast cancer. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios, and 95% confidence intervals, adjusted for important predictors of survival.

RESULTS

After a median of 11.3 years, there were 2181 total deaths, 619 (28.4%) of which were due to breast cancer. Most participants (55.7%) had at least 2 cardiometabolic risk factors, and 4.9% had 3 or 4. Having a larger number of risk factors was associated with higher risk of CVD and other-cause mortality (P trend < .001 for both), but not with breast cancer mortality (P trend = .86). Increased WC was associated with a higher risk of CVD (hazard ratio [HR], 1.28; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05-1.57) and other-cause mortality (HR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.16-1.49) and only with a small and nonsignificant higher risk of breast cancer mortality (HR, 1.19; 95% CI, 0.93-1.52). The results did not differ in analyses stratified by race, hormone receptor status, or after an analysis of cases diagnosed within 5 years after baseline.

CONCLUSIONS

Among women with early stage breast cancer, cardiometabolic risk factors are significantly associated with cardiovascular and other-cause mortality, but not breast cancer mortality. Cancer 2018;124:1798-807. © 2018 American Cancer Society.

Breast cancer survivor's perspectives on the role different providers play in follow-up care

IMPORTANCE

Significant variation in the number and types of oncologists that provide breast cancer follow-up exists. However, there is limited understanding regarding breast cancer survivors' preferences for who provides their follow-up. Our objective was to explore breast cancer survivors' perspectives on the goals of breast cancer follow-up, the preferred role for primary care providers, and the perceived roles of different types of oncologists during follow-up.

METHODS

A convenience sample of stage 0-III breast cancer survivors was identified and in-depth one-on-one interviews conducted. Data were analyzed using inductive content analysis.

RESULTS

Survivors cited a strong preference for oncology-based follow-up within the first 5 years after diagnosis, driven by their need for reassurance that cancer had not recurred. Survivors also thought that their primary care provider needed to be involved. Survivors assumed that oncology follow-up was directed by a standard protocol that included streamlining the follow-up team. Survivors recognized that patients with more complex cancers or challenging treatment courses may require more intensive follow-up and deviate from the standard protocol. Most survivors were comfortable deferring decisions regarding who participated in follow-up to the oncology team.

CONCLUSIONS

Most patients think a streamlined approach to oncology-based breast cancer follow-up already occurs, driven by a standard protocol. The use of a standard protocol to provide guidance for which types of oncology providers should participate in breast cancer follow-up will streamline care and represents a significant opportunity to reduce unnecessary variation. This approach is especially critical given patients' strong preferences for oncology-based follow-up.

Breast cancer survivorship: state of the science

PURPOSE

Only recently has breast cancer survivorship earned formal recognition as a research discipline. Complicating survivorship research is the frequent overlap between aging and treatment sequelae. The ACS/ASCO 2016 Breast Cancer Survivorship Care Guideline (Guideline) reflects comprehensive literature review through April 2015, while the jointly sponsored, inaugural Cancer Survivorship Symposium in 2016 (Symposium) reflects ongoing research activity in the area. Together, these platforms provide an opportunity to examine the use of randomized trials and controlled studies in survivorship care research.

METHODS

All 236 citations from the Guideline and all 250 abstracts from the Symposium were reviewed independently by two authors and assigned to prospectively determined categories.

RESULTS

Guideline citations were most frequently reviews (n = 88, 37.3%) and non-randomized, non-controlled studies (n = 51, 21.6%). Thirty-seven (15.7%) randomized trials were cited. Only 9% of Guideline recommendations were based on randomized clinical trial evidence, while 64% were based on evidence level "0" (expert opinion, clinical practice, etc.). Symposium abstracts consisted largely of non-randomized, non-controlled studies (n = 113, 45.2%), with ten completed randomized trials (4%). Few Guideline citations or Symposium abstracts incorporated matched, cancer-free controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the literature underlying the ASCO Guideline as well as a survey of the Cancer Survivorship Symposium abstracts, a significant proportion of the survivorship literature at least through 2015 consisted of non-randomized, non-controlled studies. To optimally address survivorship issues, cancer therapy sequelae need to be distinguished from normal aging in studies incorporating cancer-free controls, and randomized clinical trials are needed to inform intervention strategies.

Research needs in breast cancer

New research questions emerge as medical needs continue to evolve and as we improve our understanding of cancer biology and treatment of malignancies. Although significant advances have been made in some areas of breast cancer research resulting in improvements in therapies and outcomes over the last few decades, other areas have not benefited to the same degree and we continue to have many gaps in our knowledge. This article summarizes the 12 short and medium-term clinical research needs in breast cancer deemed as priorities in 2016 by a panel of experts, in an attempt to focus and accelerate future research in the most needed areas: (i) de-escalate breast cancer therapies in early breast cancer without sacrificing outcomes; (ii) explore optimal adjuvant treatment durations; (iii) develop better tools and strategies to identify patients with genetic predisposition; (iv) improve care in young patients with breast cancer; (v) develop tools to speed up drug development in biomarker-defined populations; (vi) identify and validate targets that mediate resistance to chemotherapy, endocrine therapy and anti-HER2 therapies; (vii) evaluate the efficacy of local-regional treatments for metastatic disease; (viii) better define the optimal sequence of treatments in the metastatic setting; (ix) evaluate the clinical impact of intra-patient heterogeneity (intra-tumor, inter-tumor and inter-lesion heterogeneity); (x) better understand the biology and identify new targets in triple-negative breast cancer; (xi) better understand immune surveillance in breast cancer and further develop immunotherapies; and (xii) increase survivorship research efforts including supportive care and quality of life.

Ease of walking associates with greater free-living physical activity and reduced depressive symptomology in breast cancer survivors: pilot randomized trial

PURPOSE

We hypothesized exercise training-induced improvements in ease of walking would associate with favorable changes in objectively measured physical activity (PA) and self-reported depressive symptoms following a PA behavior-change intervention in non-metastatic breast cancer survivors (BCS).

METHODS

Twenty-seven BCS received random assignment to an intervention (INT) or control group (CON). INT included counseling/group discussions coupled with supervised exercise tapered to unsupervised exercise. PA, depressive symptoms, and ease of walking were evaluated pre-/post-intervention using 10-day accelerometry, HADS depression subscale, and indirect calorimetry during a standardized treadmill test, respectively. PA composite score was calculated by converting weekly minutes of moderate-to-vigorous PA and average steps/day to z-scores then dividing the sum by 2. Cardiac efficiency was determined by dividing steady-state oxygen uptake by heart rate to evaluate the volume of oxygen consumed per heartbeat.

RESULTS

ANCOVA revealed a significant time by group interaction showing the INT group exhibited greater positive changes in the PA composite compared to the CON (INT, + 0.14 ± 0.66 au vs. CON, - 0.48 ± 0.49 au; p = 0.019; η _p² = 0.21). Changes occurring from baseline to follow-up, among all participants, revealed improved ease of walking (less oxygen uptake) associated with increased PA composite (r = - 0.52; p = 0.010) and lower depressive symptomology (r = 0.50; p = 0.012) adjusted for age, race, and months since cancer diagnosis. Increased cardiac efficiency during the standardized treadmill test also associated with less daily sedentary time (r = - 0.52; p = 0.021).

CONCLUSIONS

These data support the assertion that reducing the physiological difficulty of walking may contribute to greater engagement in free-living PA, less sedentary time, and decreased psychosocial distress among BCS.

Evidence-based recommendations on care for breast cancer survivors for primary care providers: a review of evidence-based breast cancer guidelines

OBJECTIVE

To review evidence-based (EB) recommendations on survivorship care for primary care providers (PCPs) in EB breast cancer guidelines.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Guidelines were collected via experts and via literature database, guideline database and cancer agency websites searches.

METHOD

EB guidelines in any language published between 2012 and 2017 were collected. EB recommendations on survivorship care relevant for PCPs were extracted and grouped into three categories (recurrence detection, long-term effects and recurrence prevention). The content of the recommendations was analysed and summarised in the number and type of clinical topics addressed. The Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II instrument was used to evaluate the methodological quality of the guidelines.

RESULTS

Six guidelines, of which two were of acceptable methodological quality, were included. One was specifically made for general practitioners. Fifteen clinical topics were identified. Guidelines differed in the clinical topics addressed and for some identical topics in the content of the recommendations. Many recommendations were based on low-quality evidence. Recurrence detection received most attention, physical examination and mammography were often highlighted. Potential complications largely varied in number and type. Intimacy concerns, vaginal dryness, dyspareunia, fatigue, menopausal symptoms, peripheral neuropathy and lymphedema were reported in more than one guideline. Recurrence prevention was mentioned in four guidelines; all recommended physical activity.

CONCLUSION

The number of EB recommendations in guidelines is limited. Moreover, recommendations differ between guidelines and most are based on low-quality evidence. More high-quality research is needed to develop and adapt guidelines to support PCPs in providing optimal breast cancer survivorship care.

Biomarkers of aging associated with past treatments in breast cancer survivors

Radiation and chemotherapy are effective treatments for cancer, but are also toxic to healthy cells. Little is known about whether prior exposure to these treatments is related to markers of cellular aging years later in breast cancer survivors. We examined whether past exposure to chemotherapy and/or radiation treatment was associated with DNA damage, telomerase activity, and telomere length 3–6 years after completion of primary treatments in breast cancer survivors (stage 0–IIIA breast cancer at diagnosis). We also examined the relationship of these cellular aging markers with plasma levels of Interleukin (IL)-6, soluble TNF-receptor-II (sTNF-RII), and C-reactive protein (CRP). Ninety-four women (36.4–69.5 years; 80% white) were evaluated. Analyses adjusting for age, race, BMI, and years from last treatment found that women who had prior exposure to chemotherapy and/or radiation compared to women who had previously received surgery alone were more likely to have higher levels of DNA damage (P = .02) and lower telomerase activity (P = .02), but did not have differences in telomere length. More DNA damage and lower telomerase were each associated with higher levels of sTNF-RII (P’s < .05). We found that exposure to chemotherapy and/or radiation 3–6 years prior was associated with markers of cellular aging, including higher DNA damage and lower telomerase activity, in post-treatment breast cancer survivors. Furthermore, these measures were associated with elevated inflammatory activation, as indexed by sTNF-RII. Given that these differences were observed many years after the treatment, the findings suggest a long lasting effect of chemotherapy and/or radiation exposure.

Past exposure to chemotherapy and radiation is associated with signs of cellular aging among breast cancer survivors. Zorica Scuric, Judith Carroll, and colleagues from the University of California, Los Angeles, USA, tested markers of biological aging and inflammation in blood samples taken from women 3–6 years after their initial treatment for stage 0–IIIA breast cancer. They found that women who had received chemotherapy and/or radiation were more likely to have high levels of DNA damage, lower activity of telomerase—an enzyme involved in maintaining the length of chromosomes—and elevated inflammatory activation compared to women who underwent surgery alone. The findings point to an enduring biological effect of chemotherapy and radiation, and suggest that some breast cancer survivors may be vulnerable to accelerated aging because of their prior treatment.

Role of Bone-Modifying Agents in Metastatic Breast Cancer: An American Society of Clinical Oncology–Cancer Care Ontario Focused Guideline Update

Purpose

To update, in collaboration with Cancer Care Ontario (CCO), key recommendations of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) guideline on the role of bone-modifying agents (BMAs) in metastatic breast cancer. This focused update addressed the new data on intervals between dosing and the role of BMAs in control of bone pain.

Methods

A joint ASCO-CCO Update Committee conducted targeted systematic literature reviews to identify relevant studies.

Results

The Update Committee reviewed three phase III noninferiority trials of dosing intervals, one systematic review and meta-analysis of studies of de-escalation of BMAs, and two randomized trials of BMAs in control of pain secondary to bone metastases.

Recommendations

Patients with breast cancer who have evidence of bone metastases should be treated with BMAs. Options include denosumab, 120 mg subcutaneously, every 4 weeks; pamidronate, 90 mg intravenously, every 3 to 4 weeks; or zoledronic acid, 4 mg intravenously every 12 weeks or every 3 to 4 weeks. The analgesic effects of BMAs are modest, and they should not be used alone for bone pain. The Update Committee recommends that the current standard of care for supportive care and pain management—analgesia, adjunct therapies, radiotherapy, surgery, systemic anticancer therapy, and referral to supportive care and pain management—be applied. Evidence is insufficient to support the use of one BMA over another. Additional information is available at www.asco.org/breast-cancer-guidelines and www.asco.org/guidelineswiki .

Adherence to surveillance guidelines in resected NSCLC: Physician compliance and impact on outcomes

BACKGROUND

Resected NSCLC guidelines have varying recommendations on appropriate post-operative surveillance. There is general consensus that patients require follow-up with clinic visits and/or CT scans every 6 months for the first 2 years. This study evaluated compliance with surveillance guidelines and the impact on outcomes.

METHODS

The BC Cancer Agency (BCCA) provides cancer control for 4.6 million individuals. Inclusion criteria included referred patients from 2005 to 2010, resected stage Ib/II NSCLC, minimum 2 years follow-up at the BCCA, no prior cancer within 5 years. Retrospective chart review collected baseline parameters, follow up visits, CT imaging, recurrence and death.

RESULTS

479 were referred and 263 were eligible. Baseline characteristics: median age 68, male 52%, current/former/never smoker 38/52/10%, stage Ib/II 51/49%, squamous/non 30%/70%. Adherence to visits and/or CT scans every 6 months in 2 years: clinic visits 77%, CT scans 35%, visit and/or CT 80%. Recurrence rate was 46% at 2 years. Surveillance below vs per/above guidelines; metastatic recurrence 57% vs 79% (p=0.28), curative intent treatment at recurrence 14% vs 9% (p=0.50), palliative systemic treatment given 14% vs 34% (p=0.42), DFS 66.6m vs 37.6m (p<0.001), OS 76.5m vs 37.7m (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Compliance with follow up recommendations for resected NSCLC was 80%. Guideline conformity did not increase the rate of curative treatment at recurrence nor did it increase the proportion of patients treated with palliative chemotherapy. Better adjuvant treatment and surveillance options are needed for resected NSCLC.

Cancer Survivorship Care in Advanced Primary Care Practices: A Qualitative Study of Challenges and Opportunities

IMPORTANCE

Despite a decade of effort by national stakeholders to bring cancer survivorship to the forefront of primary care, there is little evidence to suggest that primary care has begun to integrate comprehensive services to manage the care of long-term cancer survivors.

OBJECTIVE

To explain why primary care has not begun to integrate comprehensive cancer survivorship services.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Comparative case study of 12 advanced primary care practices in the United States recruited from March 2015 to February 2017. Practices were selected from a national registry of 151 workforce innovators compiled for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Practices were recruited to include diversity in policy context and organizational structure. Researchers conducted 10 to 12 days of ethnographic data collection in each practice, including interviews with practice personnel and patient pathways with cancer survivors. Fieldnotes, transcripts, and practice documents were analyzed within and across cases to identify salient themes.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Description of cancer survivorship care delivery in advanced patient-centered medical homes, including identification of barriers and promotional factors related to that care.

RESULTS

The 12 practices came from multiple states and policy contexts and had a mix of clinicians trained in family or internal medicine. All but 3 were recognized as National Committee on Quality Assurance level 3 patient-centered medical homes. None of the practices provided any type of comprehensive cancer survivorship services. Three interdependent explanatory factors emerged: the absence of a recognized, distinct clinical category of survivorship in primary care; a lack of actionable information to treat this patient population; and current information systems unable to support survivorship care.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

To increase the potential for primary care transformation efforts to integrate survivorship services into routine care, survivorship must become a recognized clinical category with actionable care plans supported by a functional information system infrastructure.

Neratinib after trastuzumab-based adjuvant therapy in HER2-positive breast cancer (ExteNET): 5-year analysis of a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial

BACKGROUND

ExteNET showed that 1 year of neratinib, an irreversible pan-HER tyrosine kinase inhibitor, significantly improves 2-year invasive disease-free survival after trastuzumab-based adjuvant therapy in women with HER2-positive breast cancer. We report updated efficacy outcomes from a protocol-defined 5-year follow-up sensitivity analysis and long-term toxicity findings.

METHODS

In this ongoing randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial, eligible women aged 18 years or older (≥20 years in Japan) with stage 1-3c (modified to stage 2-3c in February, 2010) operable breast cancer, who had completed neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy plus trastuzumab with no evidence of disease recurrence or metastatic disease at study entry. Patients who were eligible patients were randomly assigned (1:1) via permuted blocks stratified according to hormone receptor status (hormone receptor-positive vs hormone receptor-negative), nodal status (0 vs 1-3 vs or ≥4 positive nodes), and trastuzumab adjuvant regimen (given sequentially vs concurrently with chemotherapy), then implemented centrally via an interactive voice and web-response system, to receive 1 year of oral neratinib 240 mg/day or matching placebo. Treatment was given continuously for 1 year, unless disease recurrence or new breast cancer, intolerable adverse events, or consent withdrawal occurred. Patients, investigators, and trial funder were masked to treatment allocation. The predefined endpoint of the 5-year analysis was invasive disease-free survival, analysed by intention to treat. ExteNET is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00878709, and is closed to new participants.

FINDINGS

Between July 9, 2009, and Oct 24, 2011, 2840 eligible women with early HER2-positive breast cancer were recruited from community-based and academic institutions in 40 countries and randomly assigned to receive neratinib (n=1420) or placebo (n=1420). After a median follow-up of 5·2 years (IQR 2·1-5·3), patients in the neratinib group had significantly fewer invasive disease-free survival events than those in the placebo group (116 vs 163 events; stratified hazard ratio 0·73, 95% CI 0·57-0·92, p=0·0083). The 5-year invasive disease-free survival was 90·2% (95% CI 88·3-91·8) in the neratinib group and 87·7% (85·7-89·4) in the placebo group. Without diarrhoea prophylaxis, the most common grade 3-4 adverse events in the neratinib group, compared with the placebo group, were diarrhoea (561 [40%] grade 3 and one [<1%] grade 4 with neratinib vs 23 [2%] grade 3 with placebo), vomiting (grade 3: 47 [3%] vs five [<1%]), and nausea (grade 3: 26 [2%] vs two [<1%]). Treatment-emergent serious adverse events occurred in 103 (7%) women in the neratinib group and 85 (6%) women in the placebo group. No evidence of increased risk of long-term toxicity or long-term adverse consequences of neratinib-associated diarrhoea were identified with neratinib compared with placebo.

INTERPRETATION

At the 5-year follow-up, 1 year of extended adjuvant therapy with neratinib, administered after chemotherapy and trastuzumab, significantly reduced the proportion of clinically relevant breast cancer relapses-ie, those that might lead to death, such as distant and locoregional relapses outside the preserved breast-without increasing the risk of long-term toxicity. An analysis of overall survival is planned after 248 events.

FUNDING

Wyeth, Pfizer, and Puma Biotechnology.

Breast Cancer Screening With Mammography Plus Ultrasonography or Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Women 50 Years or Younger at Diagnosis and Treated With Breast Conservation Therapy

Importance

Younger women (aged ≤50 years) who underwent breast conservation therapy may benefit from breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) screening as an adjunct to mammography.

Objective

To prospectively determine the cancer yield and tumor characteristics of combined mammography with MRI or ultrasonography screening in women who underwent breast conservation therapy for breast cancers and who were 50 years or younger at initial diagnosis.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This multicenter, prospective, nonrandomized study was conducted from December 1, 2010, to January 31, 2016, at 6 academic institutions. Seven hundred fifty-four women who were 50 years or younger at initial diagnosis and who had undergone breast conservation therapy for breast cancer were recruited to participate in the study. Reference standard was defined as a combination of pathology and 12-month follow-up.

Interventions

Participants underwent 3 annual MRI screenings of the conserved and contralateral breasts in addition to mammography and ultrasonography, with independent readings.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Cancer detection rate, sensitivity, specificity, interval cancer rate, and characteristics of detected cancers.

Results

A total of 754 women underwent 2065 mammograms, ultrasonography, and MRI screenings. Seventeen cancers were diagnosed, and most of the detected cancers (13 of 17 [76%]) were stage 0 or stage 1. Overall cancer detection rate (8.2 vs 4.4 per 1000; P = .003) or sensitivity (100% vs 53%; P = .01) of mammography with MRI was higher than that of mammography alone. After the addition of ultrasonography, the cancer detection rate was higher than that by mammography alone (6.8 vs 4.4 per 1000; P = .03). The specificity of mammography with MRI or ultrasonography was lower than that by mammography alone (87% or 88% vs 96%; P < .001). No interval cancer was found.

Conclusions and Relevance

After breast conservation therapy in women 50 years or younger, the addition of MRI to annual mammography screening improves detection of early-stage but biologically aggressive breast cancers at acceptable specificity. Results from this study can inform patient decision making on screening methods after breast conservation therapy.

First site of recurrence after breast cancer adjuvant treatment in the era of multimodality therapy: which imaging for which patient during follow-up?

PURPOSE

We evaluated the relation between first site of recurrence of early breast cancer and disease profile at presentation and reported survival results, suggesting a personalized diagnostic imaging guidance during follow up.

METHODS

Among 1400 early breast cancer treated from 2000 to 2010, 324 relapses were divided into 4 groups according to first site: A-locoregional, B-bone, C-Brain and D-visceral. We analyzed redictive factors of each group compared to a control group of 100 non relapsing patients and the remaining groups matched.

RESULTS

In group A, patients were more likely to have histological tumor size above >2 cm, grade 1-2, HR positive and 0-3 involved lymph nodes. In group B, patients had more commonly grade 2-3, 1-3 positive lymph nodes and HR positive tumors. In group C, patients were more frequently young, with large tumor size, grade3, positive lymph nodes and HER2 positive tumors. In group D, patients were more likely to have tumors>2 cm in size, with nodal involvement, grade 3, HR negative and HER2 positive tumors. Annual recurrence rate in group A, was stable ranging between 15%-18%, within the first 3 years and peaked at 19.4% in the interval [1-2]year in group B. Median survival was 46 months in group A, 43 months in group B, with no significant difference.

CONCLUSION

Outcome of loco-regional and bone relapses was good, suggesting that both systematic mammography and bone-scan/CT scan for high risk patients (N+, gradeIII) during the first 2-3 years may represent a tailored relevant follow-up protocol for breast cancer patients.

Demands and Needs for Psycho-Oncological eHealth Interventions in Women With Cancer: Cross-Sectional Study

Background

Over the last decade, a growing body of studies regarding the application of eHealth and various digital interventions has been published and are widely used in the psycho-oncological care. However, the effectiveness of eHealth applications in psycho-oncological care is still questioned due to missing considerations regarding evidence-based studies on the demands and needs in cancer-affected patients.

Objective

This cross-sectional study aimed to explore the cancer-affected women’s needs and wishes for psycho-oncological content topics in eHealth applications and whether women with cancer differ in their content topics and eHealth preferences regarding their experienced psychological burden.

Methods

Patients were recruited via an electronic online survey through social media, special patient Internet platforms, and patient networks (both inpatients and outpatients, University Hospital Tuebingen, Germany). Participant demographics, preferences for eHealth and psycho-oncological content topics, and their experienced psychological burden of distress, quality of life, and need for psychosocial support were evaluated.

Results

Of the 1172 patients who responded, 716 were included in the study. The highest preference for psycho-oncological content topics reached anxiety, ability to cope, quality of life, depressive feelings, and adjustment toward a new life situation. eHealth applications such as Web-based applications, websites, blogs, info email, and consultation hotline were considered to be suitable to convey these content topics. Psychological burden did not influence the preference rates according to psycho-oncological content and eHealth applications.

Conclusions

Psycho-oncological eHealth applications may be very beneficial for women with cancer, especially when they address psycho-oncological content topics like anxiety, ability to cope, depressive feelings, self-esteem, or adjustment to a new life situation. The findings of this study indicate that psycho-oncological eHealth applications are a promising medium to improve the psychosocial care and enhance individual disease management and engagement among women with cancer.

Recommendations for the follow-up care of female breast cancer survivors: a guideline of the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM), Spanish Society of General Medicine (SEMERGEN), Spanish Society for Family and Community Medicine (SEMFYC), Spanish Society for General and Family Physicians (SEMG), Spanish Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (SEGO), Spanish Society of Radiation Oncology (SEOR), Spanish Society of Senology and Breast Pathology (SESPM), and Spanish Society of Cardiology (SEC)

The increased incidence and decreased mortality of breast cancer have produced an increased number of breast cancer survivors. The type of sequelae and comorbidities that these patients present call for a collaborative follow-up by hospital-based specialized care and primary care. In this document, we present a guideline drafted and agreed among scientific societies whose members care for breast cancer survivors. The purpose of this guideline is to achieve the shared and coordinated follow-up of these patients by specialized care and primary care professionals. In it, we review the health issues derived from the treatments performed, with recommendations about the therapeutic approach to each of them, as well as a proposal for joint follow-up by primary and specialized care.

Oncology navigators' perceptions of cancer-related financial burden and financial assistance resources

INTRODUCTION

As the cost of cancer treatment continues to rise, many patients are faced with significant emotional and financial burden. Oncology navigators guide patients through many aspects of care and therefore may be especially aware of patients' financial distress. Our objective was to explore navigators' perception of their patients' financial burden and their role in addressing financial needs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a real-time online survey of attendees at an oncology navigators' association conference. Participants included lay navigators, oncology nurse navigators, community health workers, and social workers. Questions assessed perceived burden in their patient population and their role in helping navigate patients through financial resources. Answers to open-ended questions are reported using identified themes.

RESULTS

Seventy-eight respondents participated in the survey, reporting that on average 75% of their patients experienced some degree of financial toxicity related to their cancer. Only 45% of navigators felt the majority of these patients were able to get some financial assistance, most often through assistance with medical costs (73%), subsidized insurance (36%), or non-medical expenses (31%). Commonly identified barriers for patients obtaining assistance included lack of resources (50%), lack of knowledge about resources (46%), and complex/duplicative paperwork (20%).

CONCLUSION

Oncology navigators reported a high burden of financial toxicity among their patients but insufficient knowledge or resources to address this need. This study underscores the importance of improved training and coordination for addressing financial burden, and the need to address community and system-level barriers.

Cognitive Changes Related to Cancer Therapy

A growing population of cancer survivors is at risk for acute and long-term consequences resulting from cancer and its treatment. Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) typically manifests as modest deficits in attention, processing speed, executive functioning, and memory, which may persist for decades after treatment. Although some risk factors for CRCI are largely immutable (eg, genetics and demographic factors), there are many other contributors to CRCI that when appropriately addressed can result in improved cognitive functioning and quality of life. Neuropsychological assessment can help identify patient cognitive strengths and weaknesses, target psychological and behavioral contributors to CRCI, and guide treatment interventions.

Agenda for Translating Physical Activity, Nutrition, and Weight Management Interventions for Cancer Survivors into Clinical and Community Practice

Evidence supporting physical activity, diet, and weight management for cancer survivors has grown, leading to the development of guidelines and interventions. The next step is to identify necessary practice and policy changes and to develop a research agenda to inform how interventions can be delivered to survivors most effectively and efficiently in health care settings and by community-based organizations. Here, an agenda is proposed for research, practice, and policy that incorporates recommendations for a range of programming options, a patient-centered, tailored screening and referral approach, and training needs for survivorship care providers and providers of exercise, nutrition, and weight management services. Research needs to focus on sustainability, dissemination, and implementation. Needed policy changes are presented, as well as opportunities to leverage current health care policies.

Distinguishing Depressive Symptoms From Similar Cancer-Related Somatic Symptoms: Implications for Assessment and Management of Major Depression after Breast Cancer

Prevalence rates of major depressive disorder (MDD) following breast cancer diagnosis are estimated to be ~5% to >20%, and these rates range from slightly below to somewhat above the expected prevalence rate for MDD in the general population of women in the United States. Women with a history of MDD are at increased risk for recurrence of MDD after breast cancer and need to be monitored closely. To properly diagnose and treat MDD, healthcare providers must be able to recognize depressive symptoms and distinguish them from similar somatic symptoms that are associated with breast cancer and breast cancer treatment. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network and the American Society of Clinical Oncology have published guidelines for the screening, assessment, and care of adult cancer patients with depressive symptoms. Use of a standardized and validated screening measure may help healthcare providers identify patients in need of further assessment or treatment. Evidence-based nonpharmacological interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy and antidepressant medications are recommended treatment options.

A Diabetes Pay-for-Performance Program and Risks of Cancer Incidence and Death in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes in Taiwan

INTRODUCTION

We sought to evaluate the effects of diabetes disease management through a diabetes pay-for-performance (P4P) program in Taiwan on risks of incident cancer and mortality among patients with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

We conducted a longitudinal observational cohort study using 3 population-based databases in Taiwan. Using propensity score matching, we compared patients with type 2 diabetes who enrolled in a P4P program with a similar group of patients who did not enroll in the in P4P program (non-P4P). Primary end points of interest were risks of incident cancer and all-cause, cancer-specific, and diabetes-related mortality. Total person-years and incidence and mortality rates per 1,000 person-years were calculated. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models and competing risk regression were used in the analysis.

RESULTS

Overall, our findings indicated that the diabetes P4P program was not significantly associated with lower risks of cancer incidence, but it was associated with lower risks of all-cause mortality (adjusted subdistribution hazard ratio [aSHR], 0.59; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.55-0.63), cancer-specific mortality (aSHR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.73-1.00), and diabetes-related mortality (aSHR, 0.54: 95% CI, 0.49-0.60). Metformin, thiazolidinediones, and α glucosidase inhibitors were associated with lower risks of cancer incidence and cancer-specific mortality.

CONCLUSION

Our findings provide evidence of the potential benefit of diabetes P4P programs in reducing risks of all-cause mortality and competing causes of death attributable to cancer-specific and diabetes-related mortality among type 2 diabetes patients.

Managing Menopausal Symptoms and Associated Clinical Issues in Breast Cancer Survivors

OBJECTIVE

Review evidence to guide management of menopausal signs and symptoms in women after breast cancer and make recommendations accordingly.

EVIDENCE

Randomized controlled clinical trials, observational studies, evidence-based guidelines, and expert opinion from professional societies.

BACKGROUND

Symptoms and clinical problems associated with estrogen depletion-sleep disorders, vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA), vasomotor symptoms (VMS), mood changes, depressive symptoms, cardiovascular disease, osteopenia, and osteoporosis-confront the estimated 9.3 million breast cancer survivors globally.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Following breast cancer, women should not generally be treated with menopausal hormone therapy or tibolone but should optimize lifestyle. Women with moderate to severe symptoms may benefit from mind-brain behavior or nonhormone, pharmacologic therapy. The selective serotonin/noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors and gabapentenoid agents improve VMS and quality of life. For osteoporosis, nonhormonal agents are available. Treatment of VVA remains an area of unmet need. Low-dose vaginal estrogen is absorbed in small amounts with blood levels remaining within the normal postmenopausal range but could potentially stimulate occult breast cancer cells, and although poorly studied, is not generally advised, particularly for those on aromatase inhibitors. Intravaginal dehydroepiandrosterone and oral ospemiphene have been approved to treat dyspareunia, but safety after breast cancer has not been established. Vaginal laser therapy is being used for VVA but efficacy from sham-controlled studies is lacking. Therapies undergoing development include lasofoxifene, neurokinin B inhibitors, stellate ganglion blockade, vaginal testosterone, and estetrol.

CONCLUSIONS

Nonhormone options and therapies are available for treatment of estrogen depletion symptoms and clinical problems after a diagnosis of breast cancer. Individualization of treatment is essential.

Critically short telomeres and toxicity of chemotherapy in early breast cancer

Cumulative toxicity from weekly paclitaxel (myalgia, peripheral neuropathy, fatigue) compromises long-term administration. Preclinical data suggest that the burden of critically short telomeres (< 3 kilobases, CSTs), but not average telomere length by itself, accounts for limited tissue renewal and turnover capacity. The impact of this parameter (which can be modified with different therapies) in chemotherapy-derived toxicity has not been studied.

Blood from 115 treatment-naive patients from a clinical trial in early HER2-negative breast cancer that received weekly paclitaxel (80 mg/m2 for 12 weeks) either alone or in combination with nintedanib and from 85 healthy controls was prospectively obtained and individual CSTs and average telomere lenght were determined by HT Q-FISH (high-throughput quantitative FISH). Toxicity was graded according to NCI common toxicity criteria for adverse events (NCI CTCAE V.4.0). The variable under study was “number of toxic episodes” during the 12 weeks of therapy.

The percentage of CSTs ranged from 6.5%–49.4% and was directly associated with the number of toxic events (R² = 0.333; P < 0.001). According to a linear regression model, each 18% increase in the percentage of CSTs was associated to one additional toxic episode during the paclitaxel cycles; this effect was independent of the age or treatment arm. Patients in the upper quartile (> 21.9% CSTs) had 2-fold higher number of neuropathy (P = 0.04) or fatigue (P = 0.019) episodes and >3-fold higher number of myalgia episodes (P = 0.005). The average telomere length was unrelated to the incidence of side effects.

The percentage of CSTs, but not the average telomere size, is associated with weekly paclitaxel-derived toxicity.

Cancer Predisposition Cascade Screening for Hereditary Breast/Ovarian Cancer and Lynch Syndromes in Switzerland: Study Protocol

BACKGROUND

Breast, colorectal, ovarian, and endometrial cancers constitute approximately 30% of newly diagnosed cancer cases in Switzerland, affecting more than 12,000 individuals annually. Hundreds of these patients are likely to carry germline pathogenic variants associated with hereditary breast ovarian cancer (HBOC) or Lynch syndrome (LS). Genetic services (counseling and testing) for hereditary susceptibility to cancer can prevent many cancer diagnoses and deaths through early identification and risk management.

OBJECTIVE

Cascade screening is the systematic identification and testing of relatives of a known mutation carrier. It determines whether asymptomatic relatives also carry the known variant, needing management options to reduce future harmful outcomes. Specific aims of the CASCADE study are to (1) survey index cases with HBOC or LS from clinic-based genetic testing records and determine their current cancer status and surveillance practices, needs for coordination of medical care, psychosocial needs, patient-provider and patient-family communication, quality of life, and willingness to serve as advocates for cancer genetic services to blood relatives, (2) survey first- and second-degree relatives and first-cousins identified from pedigrees or family history records of HBOC and LS index cases and determine their current cancer and mutation status, cancer surveillance practices, needs for coordination of medical care, barriers and facilitators to using cancer genetic services, psychosocial needs, patient-provider and patient-family communication, quality of life, and willingness to participate in a study designed to increase use of cancer genetic services, and (3) explore the influence of patient-provider communication about genetic cancer risk on patient-family communication and the acceptability of a family-based communication, coping, and decision support intervention with focus group(s) of mutation carriers and relatives.

METHODS

CASCADE is a longitudinal study using surveys (online or paper/pencil) and focus groups, designed to elicit factors that enhance cascade genetic testing for HBOC and LS in Switzerland. Repeated observations are the optimal way for assessing these outcomes. Focus groups will examine barriers in patient-provider and patient-family communication, and the acceptability of a family-based communication, coping, and decision-support intervention. The survey will be developed in English, translated into three languages (German, French, and Italian), and back-translated into English, except for scales with validated versions in these languages.

RESULTS

Descriptive analyses will include calculating means, standard deviations, frequencies, and percentages of variables and participant descriptors. Bivariate analyses (Pearson correlations, chi-square test for differences in proportions, and t test for differences in means) will assess associations between demographics and clinical characteristics. Regression analyses will incorporate generalized estimating equations for pairing index cases with their relatives and explore whether predictors are in direct, mediating, or moderating relationship to an outcome. Focus group data will be transcribed verbatim and analyzed for common themes.

CONCLUSIONS

Robust evidence from basic science and descriptive population-based studies in Switzerland support the necessity of cascade screening for genetic predisposition to HBOC and LS. CASCADE is designed to address translation of this knowledge into public health interventions.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03124212; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03124212 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6tKZnNDBt).

Use of Surveillance Mammography Among Older Breast Cancer Survivors by Life Expectancy

Purpose The benefits of annual surveillance mammography in older breast cancer survivors with limited life expectancy are not known, and there are important risks; however, little is known about mammography use among these women. Materials and Methods We used National Health Interview Study data from 2000, 2005, 2008, 2010, 2013, and 2015 to examine surveillance mammography use among women age ≥ 65 years who reported a history of breast cancer. Using multivariable logistic regression, we assessed the probability of mammography within the last 12 months by 5- and 10-year life expectancy (using the validated Schonberg index), adjusting for survey year, region, age, marital status, insurance, educational attainment, and indicators of access to care. Results Of 1,040 respondents, 33.7% were age ≥ 80 years and 88.6% were white. Approximately 8.6% and 35.1% had an estimated life expectancy of ≤ 5 and ≤ 10 years, respectively. Overall, 78.9% reported having routine surveillance mammography in the last 12 months. Receipt of mammography decreased with decreasing life expectancy ( P < .001), although 56.7% and 65.9% of those with estimated ≤ 5-year and ≤ 10-year life expectancy, respectively, reported mammography in the last year. Conversely, 14.1% of those with life expectancy > 10 years did not report mammography. In adjusted analyses, lower ( v higher) life expectancy was significantly associated with lower odds of mammography (odds ratio, 0.4; 95% CI, 0.3 to 0.8 for ≤ 5-year life expectancy and OR, 0.4; 95% CI, 0.3 to 0.6 for ≤ 10-year life expectancy). Conclusion Many (57%) older breast cancer survivors with an estimated short life expectancy (< 5 years) receive annual surveillance mammography despite unknown benefits, whereas 14% with estimated life expectancy > 10 years did not report mammography. Practice guidelines are needed to optimize and tailor follow-up care for older patients.

Evaluating the efficacy of vaginal dehydroepiandosterone for vaginal symptoms in postmenopausal cancer survivors: NCCTG N10C1 (Alliance)

BACKGROUND

Women with estrogen deficiencies can suffer from vaginal symptoms that negatively impact sexual health. This study evaluated vaginal dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) for alleviation of vaginal symptoms.

METHODS

This three-arm randomized, controlled trial evaluated DHEA 3.25 mg and DHEA 6.5 mg, each compared to a plain moisturizer (PM) over 12 weeks, to improve the severity of vaginal dryness or dyspareunia, measured with an ordinal scale, and overall sexual health using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Postmenopausal women with a history of breast or gynecologic cancer who had completed primary treatment, had no evidence of disease, and reported at least moderate vaginal symptoms were eligible. The mean change from baseline to week 12 in the severity of vaginal dryness or dyspareunia for each DHEA dose was compared to PM and analyzed by two independent t tests using a Bonferroni correction.

RESULTS

Four hundred sixty-four women were randomized. All arms reported improvement in either dryness or dyspareunia. Neither DHEA dose was statistically significantly different from PM at 12 weeks (6.25 mg, p = .08; 3.25 mg, p = 0.48), although a significant difference at 8 weeks for 6.5 mg DHEA was observed (p = 0.005). Women on the 6.5 mg arm of DHEA reported significantly better sexual health on the FSFI (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in provider-graded toxicities and few significant differences in self-reported side effects.

CONCLUSION

PM and DHEA improved vaginal symptoms at 12 weeks. However, vaginal DHEA, 6.5 mg, significantly improved sexual health. Vaginal DHEA warrants further investigation in women with a history of cancer.

Patient Preferences for Primary Care Provider Roles in Breast Cancer Survivorship Care

Purpose Prior studies have suggested a need for greater clarity about provider roles in team-based cancer care; however, little is known about patients' preferences regarding which providers handle their care needs after primary cancer treatment. Methods We surveyed women with newly diagnosed stages 0 to II breast cancer who were treated in 2014 and 2015 as reported to the Georgia and Los Angeles SEER registries (N = 2,372; 68% response rate). Patient preferences regarding which provider handles the following care needs after treatment were ascertained: follow-up mammograms, screening for other cancers, general preventive care, and comorbidity management. Associations between patient demographic factors with preferences for provider roles-oncology-directed care versus primary care provider (PCP)-directed care-were assessed by using multivariable logistic regression. Results The majority of women preferred that their PCPs handle general preventive care (79%) and comorbidity care (84%), but a notable minority of women preferred that their oncologists direct this care (21% and 16%, respectively). Minority women-black and Asian versus white-and women with a high school education or less-versus undergraduate college education or more-displayed greater odds of preferring oncology-directed care-versus PCP-directed care-for their general preventive care (black odds ratio [OR], 2.01; 95% CI, 1.43 to 2.82; Asian OR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.13 to 2.69; high school education or less OR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.10 to 2.08). Similar variations existed for comorbidity care. Conclusion In this sample, minority women and those with less education more often preferred that oncologists direct certain aspects of their care after breast cancer treatment that are normally delivered by a PCP. Efforts to clarify provider roles in survivorship care to patients may be effective in improving team-based cancer care.

Association between breast cancer and the risk of colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

The literature to date has suggested a potential increase in colorectal cancer (CRC) among patients with breast cancer.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review of the literature and included 37 retrospective cohort studies and 8 case-control studies. The primary aim was to determine the prevalence of CRC. Secondary aims included analysis of adenomatous polyps and analysis of CRC prevalence by age. We calculated pooled prevalence rates and odds ratios (ORs) using random effects models with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

We identified 1,055,917 individuals with breast cancer among whom 9097 cases of CRC were detected. The pooled event rate for CRC was 0.7% (95% CI, 0.6%-0.9%; I²=97%). Four case-control studies reported prevalence of CRC (N=17,873 patients with breast cancer and 70,366 controls), including 46 cases of CRC in the patients with breast cancer, and 272 CRC in the controls (OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 0.4%-3.7%; P = .7). Six studies reported prevalence of advanced adenomas in patients with breast cancer (N=1087) compared with controls (N=1356) with 62 cases of advanced adenomas in patients compared with 47 in the controls (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 0.97-2.2; P = .07). In patients with breast cancer <50 years old (4 studies, N=64,706), the pooled OR was increased (OR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.7-3.5; P =.001). In 3 studies of women <45 years old (N=92,594), the risk was increased (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.7-2.6; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with breast cancer should not undergo CRC screening at intervals different from the general population. In patients with breast cancer <50 years old, CRC screening should be considered at age 45 years.

The prevalence of unmet needs in 625 women living beyond a diagnosis of early breast cancer

Background:

There are over half a million women with a previous breast cancer diagnosis living in the UK. It is important to establish their level of unmet physical and psychosocial needs, as many are not routinely seen for follow-up under current models of care.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective analysis of early breast cancer survivors entering an Open Access Follow-Up (OAFU) programme in 2015. Unmet needs were assessed using the Holistic Needs Assessment (HNA) or extracted directly from the electronic patient record (EPR), when the HNA had not been completed.

Results:

Six hundred and twenty-five patients were eligible. Sixty-one per cent of the survivors had at least one unmet need and 18% had ⩾5 needs. Consistently higher levels of unmet needs were identified using the formal HNA checklist as opposed to extraction from EPR (P<0.001). Physical and emotional needs were the most frequently reported (55 and 24% respectively). Patients receiving endocrine therapy and those who had received chemotherapy were more likely to report unmet needs (both P<0.001).

Conclusions:

Unmet physical and emotional needs are common in breast cancer survivors. It is vital that the services are available for these patients as they transition from hospital-based follow-up to patient-led self-management models of care.

A mixed-methods study to explore the supportive care needs of breast cancer survivors

OBJECTIVE

Needs assessment is the essence of quality cancer survivorship care. The aim of this study was to explore the supportive care needs of breast cancer survivors (BCS) in the first 5 years post treatment.

METHODS

A mixed-methods approach was employed. A quantitative study included a Supportive Care Needs Survey, which was completed by 250 BCS to identify the level of their needs for help. The quantitative data informed semistructured qualitative interviews undertaken with 60 BCS to explore in detail their posttreatment needs and experiences.

RESULTS

32.4% and 16.8% reported 1 to 5 and greater than or equal to 6 needs for help, respectively. The regression analyses revealed that women within 2 years posttreatment and with higher educational level had higher levels of Psychological and Health Care System/Information needs. The qualitative data revealed "continuity of care" and "lifestyle advice and self-management" as prominent survivorship concerns. It was shown that determination to continue normal life, social support, and feeling overwhelmed by information were all experienced as important influences on survivors' need for help.

CONCLUSIONS

Posttreatment needs vary with BCS characteristics and to the domains concerned. The approach to posttreatment care needs to be personalized and viable.

Imaging Surveillance for Survivors of Breast Cancer: Correlation between Cancer Characteristics and Method of Detection

Purpose

The aim of our study was to investigate the characteristics of primary and recurrent breast cancers and the correlation between cancer subtypes and detection modes.

Methods

Between 2003 and 2013, 147 cases of recurrent breast cancer in 137 women (mean age, 45.30±10.78 years) were identified via an annual clinical examination using radiological studies among 6,169 patients with a breast cancer history (mean follow-up period, 13.26±1.78 years). Clinical, radiological, and pathological findings including immunohistochemistry findings of primary and recurrent cancers were reviewed. The size of the tumor in primary and recurrent cancers, disease-free survival, methods of surgery, and the recurrence detection modalities were analyzed with respect to the breast cancer subtype.

Results

Ipsilateral and contralateral in-breast recurrence occurred in 105, 21 had axillary lymph node recurrence, and 21 had chest wall recurrences. The subtypes of the primary cancers were hormone receptor (HR) positive and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) negative (HR+HER2−) in 57, HER2 positive (HER2+) in 39, and triple-negative type in 51, and the recurrent cancers in each subtype showed the same type as the primary cancer in 84.3% of cases. In the in-breast recurrent cancers, the HR+HER2− cancers were most frequently detected using ultrasonography (15/43) followed by mammography (MG) (11/43). The HER2+ recurrent cancers were most commonly detected using MG (14/31, 45.2%), whereas triple-negative type recurrent cancers most commonly presented as symptomatic masses (15/31) (p=0.028).

Conclusion

Most recurrent breast cancers showed the same cancer subtype as the primary tumor, and recurrent breast cancer subtypes correlated with the detection modality. Imaging surveillance of survivors of breast cancer might be more beneficial in cases of HR+HER2− type breast cancer or HER2+ type breast cancer than in cases of triple-negative type breast cancer.

Effect of a pH-Balanced Vaginal Gel on Dyspareunia and Sexual Function in Breast Cancer Survivors Who Were Premenopausal at Diagnosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether a pH-balanced vaginal gel containing lactic acid is more effective than a placebo (lactate-free gel) in improving dyspareunia and sexual function among breast cancer survivors who were premenopausal at diagnosis and had dyspareunia after adjuvant chemotherapy.

METHODS

In a single-center, double-blind, randomized trial, a pH-balanced gel or placebo was administered three times per week at bedtime as well as during sexual intercourse for 8 weeks. The primary outcome was the improvement of dyspareunia measured by pain score of the Female Sexual Function Index after the treatment. Secondary outcomes included the total and individual domains of Female Sexual Function Index score, sexual dysfunction (a total Female Sexual Function Index score less than 25.0), vaginal pH, vaginal maturation index, and adverse events related to the intervention. A sample size of 47 per group was planned to achieve 80% power to detect a 19% difference in the primary outcome.

RESULTS

From October 2009 and March 2013, 167 women were screened and 136 were randomized: 69 to a pH-balanced gel and 67 to placebo. Baseline characteristics were similar in both groups. Although there was no difference between the two groups, both experienced a significant improvement of dyspareunia. The increase in median pain score from baseline was 1.2 in both groups (median [interquartile range] from 2.8 [2.0-4.0] to 4.0 [2.8-4.8] in the pH-balanced group and from 3.2 [2.0-4.0] to 4.4 [3.2-4.8] in the placebo group; all P<.01). Overall Female Sexual Function Index score and the frequency of sexual dysfunction also did not differ between the two groups although there was a significant improvement. On the other hand, vaginal pH and vaginal maturation index were slightly but significantly improved only in the pH-balanced group. There were no severe adverse events in either group.

CONCLUSION

The pH-balanced vaginal gel is not superior to the placebo in improving dyspareunia and overall sexual function.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, https://www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT00981305.

Use of Biomarkers to Guide Decisions on Adjuvant Systemic Therapy for Women With Early-Stage Invasive Breast Cancer: American Society of Clinical Oncology Clinical Practice Guideline Focused Update

Purpose This focused update addresses the use of MammaPrint (Agendia, Irvine, CA) to guide decisions on the use of adjuvant systemic therapy. Methods ASCO uses a signals approach to facilitate guideline updates. For this focused update, the publication of the phase III randomized MINDACT (Microarray in Node-Negative and 1 to 3 Positive Lymph Node Disease May Avoid Chemotherapy) study to evaluate the MammaPrint assay in 6,693 women with early-stage breast cancer provided a signal. An expert panel reviewed the results of the MINDACT study along with other published literature on the MammaPrint assay to assess for evidence of clinical utility. Recommendations If a patient has hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative, node-negative breast cancer, the MammaPrint assay may be used in those with high clinical risk to inform decisions on withholding adjuvant systemic chemotherapy due to its ability to identify a good-prognosis population with potentially limited chemotherapy benefit. Women in the low clinical risk category did not benefit from chemotherapy regardless of genomic MammaPrint risk group. Therefore, the MammaPrint assay does not have clinical utility in such patients. If a patient has hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative, node-positive breast cancer, the MammaPrint assay may be used in patients with one to three positive nodes and a high clinical risk to inform decisions on withholding adjuvant systemic chemotherapy. However, such patients should be informed that a benefit from chemotherapy cannot be excluded, particularly in patients with greater than one involved lymph node. The clinician should not use the MammaPrint assay to guide decisions on adjuvant systemic therapy in patients with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative, node-positive breast cancer at low clinical risk, nor any patient with HER2-positive or triple-negative breast cancer, because of the lack of definitive data in these populations. Additional information can be found at www.asco.org/breast-cancer-guidelines and www.asco.org/guidelineswiki .

Comparative diagnostic accuracy of 18F-FDG PET/CT for breast cancer recurrence

In the last decades, in addition to conventional imaging techniques and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG PET/CT) has been shown to be relevant in the detection and management of breast cancer recurrence in doubtful cases in selected groups of patients. While there are no conclusive data indicating that imaging tests, including FDG PET/CT, produce a survival benefit in asymptomatic patients, FDG PET/CT can be useful for identifying the site of relapse when traditional imaging methods are equivocal or conflicting and for identifying or confirming isolated loco-regional relapse or isolated metastatic lesions. The present narrative review deals with the potential role of FDG PET in these clinical settings by comparing its accuracy and impact with conventional imaging modalities such as CT, ultrasound, bone scan, ¹⁸F-sodium fluoride PET/CT (¹⁸F-NaF PET/CT) as well as MRI. Patient-focused perspectives in terms of patients' satisfaction and acceptability are also discussed.

Cancer-Related Fatigue in Post-Treatment Cancer Survivors: Theory-Based Development of a Web-Based Intervention

BACKGROUND

Cancer-related fatigue (CrF) is the most common and disruptive symptom experienced by cancer survivors. We aimed to develop a theory-based, interactive Web-based intervention designed to facilitate self-management and enhance coping with CrF following cancer treatment.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of our study was to outline the rationale, decision-making processes, methods, and findings which led to the development of a Web-based intervention to be tested in a feasibility trial. This paper outlines the process and method of development of the intervention.

METHODS

An extensive review of the literature and qualitative research was conducted to establish a therapeutic approach for this intervention, based on theory. The psychological principles used in the development process are outlined, and we also clarify hypothesized causal mechanisms. We describe decision-making processes involved in the development of the content of the intervention, input from the target patient group and stakeholders, the design of the website features, and the initial user testing of the website.

RESULTS

The cocreation of the intervention with the experts and service users allowed the design team to ensure that an acceptable intervention was developed. This evidence-based Web-based program is the first intervention of its kind based on self-regulation model theory, with the primary aim of targeting the representations of fatigue and enhancing self-management of CrF, specifically.

CONCLUSIONS

This research sought to integrate psychological theory, existing evidence of effective interventions, empirically derived principles of Web design, and the views of potential users into the systematic planning and design of the intervention of an easy-to-use website for cancer survivors.

Thoracic radiation-induced pleural effusion and risk factors in patients with lung cancer

The risk factors and potential practice implications of radiation-induced pleural effusion (RIPE) are undefined. This study examined lung cancer patients treated with thoracic radiation therapy (TRT) having follow-up computed tomography (CT) or 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/CT. Increased volumes of pleural effusion after TRT without evidence of tumor progression was considered RIPE. Parameters of lung dose-volume histogram including percent volumes irradiated with 5-55 Gy (V5-V55) and mean lung dose (MLD) were analyzed by receiver operating characteristic analysis. Clinical and treatment-related risk factors were detected by univariate and multivariate analyses. 175 out of 806 patients receiving TRT with post-treatment imaging were included. 51 patients (24.9%) developed RIPE; 40 had symptomatic RIPE including chest pain (47.1%), cough (23.5%) and dyspnea (35.3%). Female (OR = 0.380, 95% CI: 0.156-0.926, p = 0.033) and Caucasian race (OR = 3.519, 95% CI: 1.327-9.336, p = 0.011) were significantly associated with lower risk of RIPE. Stage and concurrent chemotherapy had borderline significance (OR = 1.665, p = 0.069 and OR = 2.580, p = 0.080, respectively) for RIPE. Patients with RIPE had significantly higher whole lung V5-V40, V50 and MLD. V5 remained as a significant predictive factor for RIPE and symptomatic RIPE (p = 0.007 and 0.022) after adjusting for race, gender and histology. To include, the incidence of RIPE is notable. Whole lung V5 appeared to be the most significant independent risk factor for symptomatic RIPE.

Predictors of hope among women with breast cancer during chemotherapy

OBJECTIVE

Identifying the predictors of hope in patients with breast cancer during chemotherapy treatment.

METHOD

A prospective longitudinal study. The sample was composed of 122 women who responded to the instruments of hope, anxiety and depression, coping, fatigue, religiosity and self-esteem in the first and last cycle of chemotherapy. These variables were used in adjusting the logistic regression model that characterized multivariate statistics, allowing identification of predictor variables.

RESULT

The increase of hope at the end of chemotherapy treatment was statistically significant (p = 0.012). The delay in undergoing treatment from the onset of breast cancer symptoms, Karnofsky Performance Status, depression, self-esteem and pain were characterized as factors being associated to hope by univariate analysis. Among the variables analyzed, pain was the only predicting factor of hope.

CONCLUSION

Pain was the predicting factor in this sample. Hope increased during treatment and revealed the following associated factors: Karnofsky Performance Status, delay in starting the treatment, depression, self-esteem and pain. This study brought forth a multidisciplinary contribution, allowing for understanding the factors that can influence hope and presenting support to nursing care. The data evidenced conditions of improvement or worsening of hope, which requires interdisciplinary attention in Oncology.

OBJETIVO

Identificar os fatores preditores da esperança nas pacientes com câncer de mama em tratamento quimioterápico.

MÉTODO

Estudo prospectivo longitudinal. A amostra foi de 122 mulheres que responderam aos instrumentos de esperança, ansiedade e depressão, coping, fadiga, religiosidade e autoestima no primeiro e no último ciclo de quimioterapia. Essas variáveis foram utilizadas no ajuste do modelo de regressão logística que caracterizou a estatística multivariada permitindo a identificação das variáveis preditoras.

RESULTADO

O aumento da esperança ao final do tratamento quimioterápico foi estatisticamente significante (p = 0,012). A demora na realização do tratamento desde o início dos sintomas do câncer de mama, o Karnofsky Performance Status, a depressão, a autoestima e a dor foram caracterizadas como fatores associados à esperança pela análise univariada. Dentre as variáveis analisadas, a dor apresentou-se como o único fator preditor da esperança.

CONCLUSÃO

A dor foi o fator preditor nesta amostra. A esperança aumentou durante o tratamento e revelou os fatores associados: Karnofsky Performance Status, demora no início do tratamento, depressão, autoestima e dor. Este estudo trouxe uma contribuição multidisciplinar, permitiu compreender os fatores que podem influenciar a esperança e apresentou subsídios à assistência de enfermagem. Os dados evidenciaram condições de melhora ou agravamento da esperança, o que requer atenção interdisciplinar em Oncologia.

Effect of an Internet-based telehealth system on functional capacity and cognition in breast cancer survivors: a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

This trial determines the effect of an Internet-based tailored exercise program compared to usual care control for improving functional capacity and cognition among breast cancer survivors.

METHODS

A two-arm, assessor-blinded, parallel, randomized controlled efficacy trial was conducted. Participants were recruited from the Oncology and Breast unit at the Virgen de las Nieves Hospital (Granada, Spain) between March 2012 to November 2013 and randomized to either the experimental group (an 8-week Internet-based tailored exercise program) or control group (usual care). The outcome measures were the 6-min walk test, Auditory Consonant Trigrams, and Trail Making Test. All were assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and 6-month follow-up.

RESULTS

After intervention, the telerehabilitation group had significantly improved distances (d = 0.92, P < 0.001) as well as percentage of predicted of the 6-min walk test (d = 0.93, P < 0.001) compared with the control group. Significant improvement was also observed favoring the telerehabilitation group for the number of consonants recalled in total compared with the control group (d = 0.47, P = 0.04). These findings were maintained after 6-month follow-up (d = 0.80, P = 0.001; d = 0.76, P = 0.002; and d = 0.57, P = 0.02, respectively). Analysis was based on intention-to-treat principle.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings support the effectiveness of a telehealth system based on an 8-week physical exercise to achieve improvements and maintain them after 6-month follow-up in terms of functional and cognitive performance in breast cancer survivors. This broad-reach modality could help the growing number of cancer survivors to face their disabling side effects.

Current guidelines for BRCA testing of breast cancer patients are insufficient to detect all mutation carriers

Background

Identification of BRCA mutations in breast cancer (BC) patients influences treatment and survival and may be of importance for their relatives. Testing is often restricted to women fulfilling high-risk criteria. However, there is limited knowledge of the sensitivity of such a strategy, and of the clinical aspects of BC caused by BRCA mutations in less selected BC cohorts. The aim of this report was to address these issues by evaluating the results of BRCA testing of BC patients in South-Eastern Norway.

Methods

1371 newly diagnosed BC patients were tested with sequencing and Multi Ligation Probe Amplification (MLPA). Prevalence of mutations was calculated, and BC characteristics among carriers and non-carriers compared. Sensitivity and specificity of common guidelines for BRCA testing to identify carriers was analyzed. Number of identified female mutation positive relatives was evaluated.

Results

A pathogenic BRCA mutation was identified in 3.1%. Carriers differed from non-carriers in terms of age at diagnosis, family history, grade, ER/PR-status, triple negativity (TNBC) and Ki67, but not in HER2 and TNM status. One mutation positive female relative was identified per mutation positive BC patient. Using age of onset below 40 or TNBC as criteria for testing identified 32-34% of carriers. Common guidelines for testing identified 45-90%, and testing all below 60 years identified 90%. Thirty-seven percent of carriers had a family history of cancer that would have qualified for predictive BRCA testing. A Variant of Uncertain Significance (VUS) was identified in 4.9%.

Conclusions

Mutation positive BC patients differed as a group from mutation negative. However, the commonly used guidelines for testing were insufficient to detect all mutation carriers in the BC cohort. Thirty-seven percent had a family history of cancer that would have qualified for predictive testing before they were diagnosed with BC. Based on our combined observations, we suggest it is time to discuss whether all BC patients should be offered BRCA testing, both to optimize treatment and improve survival for these women, but also to enable identification of healthy mutation carriers within their families. Health services need to be aware of referral possibility for healthy women with cancer in their family.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12885-017-3422-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Provision of integrated psychosocial services for cancer survivors post-treatment

Meeting the psychosocial needs of patients with cancer has been recognised as a priority within oncology care for several decades. Many approaches that address these needs have been developed and described; however, until recently much of this work had focused on patients during treatment and end-of-life care. With continued improvement in therapies, the population of cancer survivors who can expect to live for 5 or more years after cancer diagnosis has increased dramatically, as have associated concerns about how to meet their medical, psychosocial, and health behaviour needs after treatment. Guidelines and models for general survivorship care routinely address psychosocial needs, and similar guidelines for psychosocial care of patients with cancer are being extended to address the needs of survivors. In this Series paper, we summarise the existing recommendations for the provision of routine psychosocial care to survivors, as well as the challenges present in providing this care. We make specific recommendations for the integration of psychosocial services into survivorship care.