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Cano-Valderrama O, Sánchez-Santos R, Vigorita V, Paniagua M, Flores E, Garrido L, Facal C, Ruano A, San-Ildefonso A, Moncada E. Has the COVID-19 pandemic changed the clinical picture and tumour stage at the time of presentation of patients with colorectal cancer? A retrospective cohort study. Cir Esp 2023; 101:90-96. [PMID: 36774002 PMCID: PMC9909381 DOI: 10.1016/j.cireng.2022.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Treatment of patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has affected the management of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). The aim of this study was to compare the diagnosis delay, symptoms, and stage of patients with CRC during the pandemic with a control cohort. MATERIAL AND METHODS Patients referred to the CRC multidisciplinary team between September 2019 and January 2020 (cohort 1, control group) were compared with those who presented between September 2020 and March 2021 (cohort 2, pandemic group). RESULTS 389 patients were included, 169 in cohort 1 and 220 in cohort 2. No differences were observed in the main characteristics of the patients. CRC screening and anaemia were the most common causes leading to the diagnosis of the tumour in cohort 1 and 2, respectively (p<0.001). Diagnostic and therapeutic delay was longer in cohort 2 [6.4 (95% CI 5.8-6.9) vs. 4.8 (95% CI 4.3-5.3) months, p<0.001]. More patients required non-elective treatment in the pandemic cohort (15.5% vs. 9.5%, p=0.080). The tumour stage was more advanced in patients in cohort 2 [positive nodes in 52.3% vs. 36.7% (p=0.002), and metastatic disease in 23.6% vs. 16.6% (p=0.087)]. CONCLUSION CRC patients in the pandemic cohort had a longer diagnostic and therapeutic delay and less patients were diagnosed because of CRC screening. In addition, patients with CRC during the pandemic needed non-elective treatment more frequently than patients in the control cohort, and their tumour stage tended to be more advanced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Cano-Valderrama
- Department of Surgery, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Vigo, Vigo, Spain; Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias Galicia Sur, Vigo, Spain.
| | - Raquel Sánchez-Santos
- Department of Surgery, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Vigo, Vigo, Spain; Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias Galicia Sur, Vigo, Spain
| | - Vincenzo Vigorita
- Department of Surgery, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Vigo, Vigo, Spain; Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias Galicia Sur, Vigo, Spain
| | - Marta Paniagua
- Department of Surgery, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Vigo, Vigo, Spain; Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias Galicia Sur, Vigo, Spain
| | - Erene Flores
- Department of Surgery, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Vigo, Vigo, Spain; Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias Galicia Sur, Vigo, Spain
| | - Lucia Garrido
- Department of Surgery, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Vigo, Vigo, Spain; Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias Galicia Sur, Vigo, Spain
| | - Cristina Facal
- Department of Surgery, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Vigo, Vigo, Spain; Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias Galicia Sur, Vigo, Spain
| | - Alejandro Ruano
- Department of Surgery, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Vigo, Vigo, Spain; Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias Galicia Sur, Vigo, Spain
| | - Alberto San-Ildefonso
- Department of Surgery, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Vigo, Vigo, Spain; Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias Galicia Sur, Vigo, Spain
| | - Enrique Moncada
- Department of Surgery, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Vigo, Vigo, Spain; Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias Galicia Sur, Vigo, Spain
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Al-Hamaly MA, Turner LT, Rivera-Martinez A, Rodriguez A, Blackburn JS. Zebrafish Cancer Avatars: A Translational Platform for Analyzing Tumor Heterogeneity and Predicting Patient Outcomes. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:2288. [PMID: 36768609 PMCID: PMC9916713 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The increasing number of available anti-cancer drugs presents a challenge for oncologists, who must choose the most effective treatment for the patient. Precision cancer medicine relies on matching a drug with a tumor's molecular profile to optimize the therapeutic benefit. However, current precision medicine approaches do not fully account for intra-tumoral heterogeneity. Different mutation profiles and cell behaviors within a single heterogeneous tumor can significantly impact therapy response and patient outcomes. Patient-derived avatar models recapitulate a patient's tumor in an animal or dish and provide the means to functionally assess heterogeneity's impact on drug response. Mouse xenograft and organoid avatars are well-established, but the time required to generate these models is not practical for clinical decision-making. Zebrafish are emerging as a time-efficient and cost-effective cancer avatar model. In this review, we highlight recent developments in zebrafish cancer avatar models and discuss the unique features of zebrafish that make them ideal for the interrogation of cancer heterogeneity and as part of precision cancer medicine pipelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majd A. Al-Hamaly
- Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40356, USA
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Logan T. Turner
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40356, USA
| | | | - Analiz Rodriguez
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Jessica S. Blackburn
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40356, USA
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Time to Treatment Initiation for Six Cancer Types: An Analysis of Data from a Nationwide Registry in Japan. World J Surg 2023; 47:877-886. [PMID: 36607390 PMCID: PMC9821366 DOI: 10.1007/s00268-022-06883-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Delay in the time to treatment initiation (TTI) may adversely affect the survival of patients, but its current status in Japan is unknown. This study aims to describe the TTI for six cancer types: lung, breast, colorectal, stomach, head and neck (H&N), and cervical. Data for this study were derived from a nationwide registry in Japan. METHODS This observational study employed the national database of hospital-based cancer registries (HBCRs) and health services utilization data. Using HBCR data, we identified all patients with cancer who started their cancer therapy at the same hospitals between January 1 and December 31, 2017. We calculated the TTI for each cancer type and treatment option, stratifying the results by age group and geographical region. RESULTS The overall median TTI was 33 days, with shorter TTIs for colorectal and H&N cancers and chemotherapy. The TTI was the shortest for younger patients and the longest for the elderly, especially for lung cancer. When categorized by eight Japanese geographical regions, Tohoku and Kanto had the longest TTI. The result remained the same even after adjusting cancer type, treatment, age, and stage information. CONCLUSION For colorectal and H&N cancers, in which a longer TTI is associated with a poorer prognosis, TTI was found to be particularly shorter. Although we could not discuss our results in light of the patient survival in this study, future research should explore the best balance between thorough evaluation before treatment and necessary time for that.
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Cao Y, Fabre V, Anderson R, Bova G, Souranis AN, Briner V, Kleinberg LR, Han-Oh S, Wright JL, Viswanathan AN. From Alpha to Omicron: A Radiation Oncology Network's Biocontainment-Based COVID-19 Experience. Adv Radiat Oncol 2023; 8:101094. [PMID: 36311821 PMCID: PMC9597568 DOI: 10.1016/j.adro.2022.101094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To develop the safest possible environment for treating urgent patients with COVID-19 requiring radiation, we describe the unique construction of negative air pressure computed tomography simulator and linear accelerator treatment vaults in addition to screening, delay, and treatment protocols and their evolution over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods and Materials Construction of large high-efficiency particulate air filter air-flow systems into existing ductwork in computed tomography simulator rooms and photon and proton treatment vaults was completed to create negative-pressure rooms. An asymptomatic COVID-19 screening protocol was implemented for all patients before initiation of treatment. Patients could undergo simulation and/or treatment in the biocontainment environments according to a predefined priority scale and protocol. Patients treated under the COVID-19 protocol from June 2020 to January 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Results Negative air-flow environments were created across a regional network, including a multi-gantry proton therapy unit. In total, 6525 patients were treated from June 2020 through January 2022 across 5 separate centers. The majority of patients with COVID-19 had radiation treatment deferred when deemed safe. A total of 42 patients with COVID-19, who were at highest risk of an adverse outcome should there be a radiation delay, were treated under the COVID-19 biocontainment protocol in contrast to those who were placed on treatment break. For 61.9% of patients, these safety measures mitigated an extended break during treatment. The majority of patients (64.3%) were treated with curative intent. The median number of biocontainment sessions required by each patient was 6 (range, 1-15) before COVID-19 clearance and resumption of treatment in a normal air-flow environment. Conclusions Constructing negative-pressure environments and developing a COVID-19 biocontainment treatment protocol allowed for the safe treatment of urgent radiation oncology patients with COVID-19 within our department and strengthens future biopreparedness. These biocontainment units set a high standard of safety in radiation oncology during the current or for any future infectious outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilin Cao
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Valeria Fabre
- Department of Medicine – Infectious Disease, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland,Department of Hospital Epidemiology and Infection Control, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Roberta Anderson
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Gregory Bova
- Johns Hopkins Health System, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Annette N. Souranis
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Valerie Briner
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Lawrence R. Kleinberg
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Sarah Han-Oh
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jean L. Wright
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Akila N. Viswanathan
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland,Corresponding author: Akila N. Viswanathan, MD, MPH
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Graboyes EM, Chaiyachati KH, Sisto Gall J, Johnson W, Krishnan JA, McManus SS, Thompson L, Shulman LN, Yabroff KR. Addressing Transportation Insecurity Among Patients With Cancer. J Natl Cancer Inst 2022; 114:1593-1600. [PMID: 36130286 PMCID: PMC9745432 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djac134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Health-care-related transportation insecurity is common in the United States. Patients with cancer are especially vulnerable because cancer care is episodic in nature, occurs over a prolonged period, is marked by frequent clinical encounters, requires intense treatments, and results in substantial financial hardship. As a result of transportation insecurity, patients with cancer may forego, miss, delay, alter, and/or prematurely terminate necessary care. Limited data suggest that these alterations in care have the potential to increase the rates of cancer recurrence and mortality and exacerbate disparities in cancer incidence, severity, and outcomes. Transportation insecurity also negatively impacts at the informal caregiver, provider, health system, and societal levels. Recognizing that transportation is a critical determinant of outcomes for patients with cancer, there are ongoing efforts to develop evidence-based protocols to identify at-risk patients and address transportation insecurity at federal policy, health system, not-for-profit, and industry levels. In 2021, the National Cancer Policy Forum of the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine sponsored a series of webinars addressing key social determinants of health including food, housing, and transportation among patients with cancer. This commentary summarizes the formal presentations and discussions related to transportation insecurity and will 1) discuss the heterogeneous nature of transportation insecurity among patients with cancer; 2) characterize its prevalence along the cancer continuum; 3) examine its multilevel consequences; 4) discuss measurement and screening tools; 5) highlight ongoing efforts to address transportation insecurity; 6) suggest policy levers; and 7) outline a research agenda to address critical knowledge gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan M Graboyes
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Krisda H Chaiyachati
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | | | - Jerry A Krishnan
- Population Health Sciences Program, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sapna S McManus
- Chief Diversity Office, Genentech Inc, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Lawrence N Shulman
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - K Robin Yabroff
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Kennesaw, GA, USA
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Min Y, Liu Z, Huang R, Li R, Jin J, Wei Z, He L, Pei Y, Li N, Su Y, Hu X, Peng X. Survival outcomes following treatment delays among patients with early-stage female cancers: a nationwide study. J Transl Med 2022; 20:560. [PMID: 36463201 PMCID: PMC9719121 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03719-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) severely hindered the timely receipt of health care for patients with cancer, especially female patients. Depression and anxiety were more pronounced in female patients than their male counterparts with cancer during treatment wait-time intervals. Herein, investigating the impact of treatment delays on the survival outcomes of female patients with early-stage cancers can enhance the rational and precise clinical decisions of physicians. METHODS We analyzed five types of cancers in women from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program between Jan 2010 and Dec 2015. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to determine the impacts of treatment delays on the overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) of the patients. RESULTS A total of 241,661 females with early-stage cancer were analyzed (12,617 cases of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), 166,051 cases of infiltrating breast cancer, 31,096 cases of differentiated thyroid cancer, 23,550 cases of colorectal cancer, and 8347 cases of cervical cancer). Worse OS rates were observed in patients with treatment delays ≥ 3 months in stage I NSCLC (adjustedHazard ratio (HR) = 1.11, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.01-1.23, p = 0.044) and stage I infiltrating breast cancer (adjustedHR = 1.23, 95% CI 1.11-1.37, p < 0.001). When the treatment delay intervals were analyzed as continuous variables, similar results were observed in patients with stage I NSCLC (adjustedHR = 1.04, 95% CI 1.01-1.06, p = 0.010) and in those with stage I breast cancer (adjustedHR = 1.03, 95% CI 1.00-1.06, p = 0.029). However, treatment delays did not reduce the OS of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer, cervical cancer, or colorectal cancer in the early-stage. Only intermediate treatment delays impaired the CSS of patients with cervical cancer in stage I (adjustedHR = 1.31, 95% CI 1.02-1.68, p = 0.032). CONCLUSION After adjusting for confounders, the prolonged time from diagnosis to the initiation of treatment (< 6 months) showed limited negative effects on the survival of most of the patients with early-stage female cancers. Whether our findings serve as evidence supporting the treatment deferral decisions of clinicians for patients with different cancers in resource-limited situations needs further validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Min
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Department of Biotherapy and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan China
| | - Zheran Liu
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Department of Biotherapy and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan China
| | - Rendong Huang
- grid.506977.a0000 0004 1757 7957School of Nursing, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang China
| | - Ruidan Li
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Department of Biotherapy and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan China
| | - Jing Jin
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Department of Biotherapy and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan China
| | - Zhigong Wei
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Department of Biotherapy and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan China
| | - Ling He
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Department of Biotherapy and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan China
| | - Yiyan Pei
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Department of Biotherapy and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan China
| | - Ning Li
- grid.410745.30000 0004 1765 1045Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu China
| | - Yongllin Su
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Department of Rehabilitation, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan China
| | - Xiaolin Hu
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581West China School of Nursing, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan China
| | - Xingchen Peng
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Department of Biotherapy and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan China
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Suen JJ, Parrillo E, Hassoon A, Peairs K, Stanford O, Wenzel J, Zabora JR, Dobs AS. Improving cancer care for underserved populations in an academic and community practice setting: protocol for a community health worker pilot navigation programme. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e067270. [PMID: 36456010 PMCID: PMC9716923 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-067270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Delaying cancer treatment following diagnosis impacts health outcomes, including increasing patient distress and odds of mortality. Interventions to promote timely healthcare engagement may decrease patient-reported stress and improve quality of life. Community health workers (CHWs) represent an enabling resource for reducing delays in attending initial oncology treatment visits. As part of an ongoing programme evaluation coordinated by the Merck Foundation, we will implement a pilot navigation programme comprising CHW-conducted needs assessments for supporting patients and their caregivers. We aim to investigate (1) the programme's influence on patients' healthcare utilisation within the period between their first diagnosis and initial treatment visit and (2) the logistic feasibility and acceptability of programme implementation. METHODS AND ANALYSIS We will employ a hybrid implementation design to introduce the CHW navigation programme at the Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center. CHW team members will use a consecutive sampling approach. Participants will complete the Problem-Checklist, Chronic Illness Distress Scale and the Satisfaction with Life Domains instruments. CHWs will provide tailored guidance by sharing information available on the Johns Hopkins Electronic Resource databases. The investigators will evaluate patients' time to initial oncology treatment and healthcare utilisation by reviewing electronic medical records at 3 and 6 months postintervention. Bivariate analyses will be completed to evaluate the relationships between receiving the programme and all outcome measures. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study's protocol was approved by the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine's institutional review board (IRB00160610). Informed consent will be obtained by phone by the CHW navigator. Dissemination planning is ongoing through regular meetings between members of the investigator team and public members of two community advisory groups. Study plans include collaborating with other experts from the Johns Hopkins Institute for Clinical and Translational Research and the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Equity for ideating dissemination strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan J Suen
- School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Elaina Parrillo
- School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ahmed Hassoon
- Division of Cardiovascular and Clinical Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kimberly Peairs
- Johns Hopkins Medicine Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Olivia Stanford
- Johns Hopkins Medicine Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jennifer Wenzel
- School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Johns Hopkins Medicine Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - James Robert Zabora
- Johns Hopkins Medicine Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Adrian S Dobs
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Thakore NJ, Lapin BR, Mitsumoto H, Pooled Resource Open‐Access ALS Clinical Trials Consortium. Early initiation of riluzole may improve absolute survival in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Muscle Nerve 2022; 66:702-708. [PMID: 36117390 PMCID: PMC9828202 DOI: 10.1002/mus.27724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/AIMS Riluzole improves survival in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), but optimal time and duration of treatment are unknown. The aim of this study was to examine if timing of riluzole initiation and duration of treatment modified its effect on survival. METHODS Patients from the PRO-ACT dataset with information on ALS Functional Rating Scale, time from onset to enrollment (TFOE), and riluzole use were selected for analysis. Survival from enrollment was the outcome. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were examined for interactions between riluzole and TFOE. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was used to assess average treatment effect. RESULTS Of 4778 patients, 3446 (72.1%) had received riluzole. In unadjusted analyses, riluzole improved median survival significantly (22.6 vs. 20.2 months, log-rank p < 0.001). In multivariable analyses, no significant interaction between TFOE and riluzole was found. Riluzole effect was uniform during follow-up. By IPTW, estimated riluzole hazard ratio was 0.798 (95% confidence interval 0.686-0.927). Delaying riluzole initiation by 1 y (6 to 18 months from onset) may translate to reducing median survival from onset by 1.9 months (40.1 to 38.2 months). DISCUSSION Riluzole appears to reduce risk of death uniformly, regardless of time from onset to treatment, and duration of treatment. Earlier treatment with riluzole may be associated with greater absolute survival gain from onset. Early diagnosis of ALS will facilitate early treatment and is expected to improve survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nimish J. Thakore
- Neuromuscular Center, Department of NeurologyCleveland ClinicClevelandOhioUSA
| | - Brittany R. Lapin
- Neurological Institute Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation (NICORE) and Lerner Research Institute Department of Quantitative Health SciencesCleveland ClinicClevelandOhioUSA
| | - Hiroshi Mitsumoto
- Department of Neurology, Division of Neuromuscular MedicineColumbia University Medical CenterNew YorkNew YorkUSA
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Colorectal cancer treatment in people with severe mental illness: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Epidemiol Psychiatr Sci 2022; 31:e82. [PMID: 36384819 PMCID: PMC9706308 DOI: 10.1017/s2045796022000634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS People with severe mental illness (SMI) have a greater risk of dying from colorectal cancer (CRC), even though the incidence is lower or similar to that of the general population This pattern is unlikely to be solely explained by lifestyle factors, while the role of differences in cancer healthcare access or treatment is uncertain. METHODS We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis on access to guideline-appropriate care following CRC diagnosis in people with SMI including the receipt of surgery, chemo- or radiotherapy. We searched for full-text articles indexed by PubMed, EMBASE, PsychInfo and CINAHL that compared CRC treatment in those with and without pre-existing SMI (schizophrenia, schizoaffective, bipolar and major affective disorders). Designs included cohort or population-based case-control designs. RESULTS There were ten studies (sample size = 3501-591 561). People with SMI had a reduced likelihood of surgery (RR = 0.90, 95% CI 0.92-0.97; p = 0.005; k = 4). Meta-analyses were not possible for the other outcomes but in results from individual studies, people with SMI were less likely to receive radiotherapy, chemotherapy or sphincter-sparing procedures. The disparity in care was greatest for those who had been psychiatric inpatients. CONCLUSIONS People with SMI, including both psychotic and affective disorders, receive less CRC care than the general population. This might contribute to higher case-fatality rates for an illness where the incidence is no higher than that of the general population. The reasons for this require further investigation, as does the extent to which differences in treatment access or quality contribute to excess CRC mortality in people with SMI.
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Petrova D, Špacírová Z, Fernández-Martínez NF, Ching-López A, Garrido D, Rodríguez-Barranco M, Pollán M, Redondo-Sánchez D, Espina C, Higueras-Callejón C, Sánchez MJ. The patient, diagnostic, and treatment intervals in adult patients with cancer from high- and lower-income countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS Med 2022; 19:e1004110. [PMID: 36264841 PMCID: PMC9584443 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1004110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Longer time intervals to diagnosis and treatment are associated with worse survival for various types of cancer. The patient, diagnostic, and treatment intervals are considered core indicators for early diagnosis and treatment. This review estimated the median duration of these intervals for various types of cancer and compared it across high- and lower-income countries. METHODS AND FINDINGS We conducted a systematic review with meta-analysis (prospectively registered protocol CRD42020200752). Three databases (MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science) and information sources including grey literature (Google Scholar, OpenGrey, EThOS, ProQuest Dissertations & Theses) were searched. Eligible articles were published during 2009 to 2022 and reported the duration of the following intervals in adult patients diagnosed with primary symptomatic cancer: patient interval (from the onset of symptoms to first presentation to a healthcare professional), diagnostic interval (from first presentation to diagnosis), and treatment interval (from diagnosis to treatment start). Interval duration was recorded in days and study medians were combined in a pooled estimate with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The methodological quality of studies was assessed using the Aarhus checklist. A total of 410 articles representing 68 countries and reporting on 5,537,594 patients were included. The majority of articles reported data from high-income countries (n = 294, 72%), with 116 (28%) reporting data from lower-income countries. Pooled meta-analytic estimates were possible for 38 types of cancer. The majority of studies were conducted on patients with breast, lung, colorectal, and head and neck cancer. In studies from high-income countries, pooled median patient intervals generally did not exceed a month for most cancers. However, in studies from lower-income countries, patient intervals were consistently 1.5 to 4 times longer for almost all cancer sites. The majority of data on the diagnostic and treatment intervals came from high-income countries. Across both high- and lower-income countries, the longest diagnostic intervals were observed for hematological (71 days [95% CI 52 to 85], e.g., myelomas (83 days [47 to 145])), genitourinary (58 days [50 to 77], e.g., prostate (85 days [57 to 112])), and digestive/gastrointestinal (57 days [45 to 67], e.g., colorectal (63 days [48 to 78])) cancers. Similarly, the longest treatment intervals were observed for genitourinary (57 days [45 to 66], e.g., prostate (75 days [61 to 87])) and gynecological (46 days [38 to 54], e.g., cervical (69 days [45 to 108]) cancers. In studies from high-income countries, the implementation of cancer-directed policies was associated with shorter patient and diagnostic intervals for several cancers. This review included a large number of studies conducted worldwide but is limited by survivor bias and the inherent complexity and many possible biases in the measurement of time points and intervals in the cancer treatment pathway. In addition, the subintervals that compose the diagnostic interval (e.g., primary care interval, referral to diagnosis interval) were not considered. CONCLUSIONS These results identify the cancers where diagnosis and treatment initiation may take the longest and reveal the extent of global disparities in early diagnosis and treatment. Efforts should be made to reduce help-seeking times for cancer symptoms in lower-income countries. Estimates for the diagnostic and treatment intervals came mostly from high-income countries that have powerful health information systems in place to record such information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dafina Petrova
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain
- Escuela Andaluza de Salud Pública (EASP), Granada, Spain
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Zuzana Špacírová
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain
- Escuela Andaluza de Salud Pública (EASP), Granada, Spain
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Nicolás Francisco Fernández-Martínez
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain
- Escuela Andaluza de Salud Pública (EASP), Granada, Spain
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Interlevel Clinical Management Unit for Prevention, Promotion and Health Surveillance, Reina Sofía University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Ana Ching-López
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain
- Escuela Andaluza de Salud Pública (EASP), Granada, Spain
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Dunia Garrido
- Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Miguel Rodríguez-Barranco
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain
- Escuela Andaluza de Salud Pública (EASP), Granada, Spain
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Marina Pollán
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- National Center for Epidemiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniel Redondo-Sánchez
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain
- Escuela Andaluza de Salud Pública (EASP), Granada, Spain
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Carolina Espina
- International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC/WHO), Lyon, France
| | | | - Maria José Sánchez
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain
- Escuela Andaluza de Salud Pública (EASP), Granada, Spain
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
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Onesti CE, Vari S, Nardozza F, Maggi G, Minghelli D, Rossi B, Sperati F, Checcucci E, Faltyn W, Cercato MC, Cosimati A, Biagini R, Ciliberto G, Ferraresi V. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on diagnosis and treatment of patients with soft tissue and bone sarcomas or aggressive benign musculoskeletal diseases: A single-center retrospective study (SarCorD study). Front Oncol 2022; 12:1000056. [PMID: 36249051 PMCID: PMC9559379 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1000056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic led to a rapid reorganization of healthcare activities, leading to reduced access to clinics, interruption of screenings, and treatment schedule modifications in several cancer types. Few data are available on sarcomas. We analyzed COVID-19-related diagnostic delay in a sarcoma referral center in Italy. Methods We retrospectively enrolled in this study patients with histological diagnosis of soft tissue or bone sarcoma and aggressive benign musculoskeletal diseases obtained during the first year of the pandemic (Covid group) or the year before (Control group) and followed at the Regina Elena National Cancer Institute in Rome. The primary endpoint was the time from the first symptom to histological diagnosis. Results We evaluated 372 patients, 185 of whom were eligible for primary endpoint analysis (92 patients in the Control group and 93 patients in the Covid group). The patients were affected by soft tissue sarcoma in most cases (63.0% and 66.7% in Covid and Control groups, respectively). We observed a diagnostic delay in the Covid group with a median time from the first symptom to the definitive histological diagnosis of 103.00 days (95% CI 92.77–113.23) vs. 90.00 days (95% CI 69.49–110.51) in the Control group (p = 0.024), but not a delay in treatment beginning (151 days, 95% CI 132.9–169.1 vs. 144 days, 95% CI 120.3–167.7, respectively, p = 0.208). No differences in stage at diagnosis were observed (12% vs. 16.5% of patients with metastatic disease at diagnosis in the Covid and Control groups, respectively, p = 0.380). Progression-free survival (p = 0.897) and overall survival (p = 0.725) were comparable in the subgroup of patients affected by soft tissue sarcoma. Conclusions A delay in sarcoma diagnosis but not in starting treatment has been observed during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, no difference in stage at diagnosis or in terms of survival has been observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Concetta Elisa Onesti
- Sarcomas and Rare Tumors Unit, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Sabrina Vari
- Sarcomas and Rare Tumors Unit, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Sabrina Vari,
| | - Francesca Nardozza
- Unità Operativa Semplice Dipartimentale (UOSD) Clinical Trial Center, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriella Maggi
- Psychology Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Denise Minghelli
- Psychology Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Rossi
- Oncological Orthopaedics Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Sperati
- UOSD Clinical Trial Center, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, IRCCS San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Checcucci
- Epidemiology and Tumor Registry Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Wioletta Faltyn
- Oncological Orthopaedics Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Cecilia Cercato
- Epidemiology and Tumor Registry Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Cosimati
- Sarcomas and Rare Tumors Unit, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Biagini
- Oncological Orthopaedics Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Gennaro Ciliberto
- Scientific Direction, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Virginia Ferraresi
- Sarcomas and Rare Tumors Unit, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
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Kanter MH, Schottinger JE, Joshua A, Slezak JM. Beyond Screening: An Interim Report and Analysis of a Multimodal Initiative to Decrease Colon Cancer Mortality. Jt Comm J Qual Patient Saf 2022; 48:388-394. [PMID: 35902142 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcjq.2022.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colon cancer, a potentially preventable and curable cancer, remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related death in the United States. In 2010 the researchers undertook a multifaceted initiative to reduce colon cancer mortality rates by 50% over 10 years. METHODS A baseline literature review of preventable causes of colon cancer mortality and review of 50 deaths from colon cancer in one institution identified a set of care process improvements that could be implemented to decrease colon cancer mortality. In 2017 a second mortality review identified a second set of care process improvements that were subsequently implemented. Compliance with these processes was monitored along with age and gender-adjusted mortality rates. RESULTS Identified care process improvements included improving the follow-up of patients with rectal bleeding and presumed iron deficiency anemia and improving the reliability of postsurgical surveillance for cancer recurrence, decreasing elapsed time from surgery to chemotherapy, increasing surgical referrals for patients with advanced colon cancer, increasing the upper age limit and overall rate of colon cancer screening, increasing vitamin D and aspirin use, and monitoring and increasing the adenoma detection rate. Compliance with these processes improved for most measures, including screening (73.7% to 79.9%), adenoma detection rates on screening colonoscopy (30% to 36% for women and 42% to 49% for men), and chemotherapy within 35 days of surgery for colon cancer (39.0% to 51.9%). Age- and gender-adjusted mortality decreased from 13.8 per 100,000 in 2009-2011 to 10.5 per 100,000 in 2016-2018. CONCLUSIONS This quality improvement program was feasible to implement, resulted in process improvements, and decreased colon cancer mortality over seven years.
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Gutt R, Shapiro RH, Lee SP, Faricy-Anderson K, Hoffman-Hogg L, Solanki AA, Moses E, Dawson GA, Kelly MD. Consensus Statement Supporting the Presence of Onsite Radiation Oncology Departments at VHA Medical Centers. Fed Pract 2022; 39:S8-S11. [PMID: 36426112 PMCID: PMC9662312 DOI: 10.12788/fp.0308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although multiple studies demonstrate that radiotherapy is underused worldwide, the impact that onsite radiation oncology at medical centers has on the use of radiotherapy is poorly studied. The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Palliative Radiotherapy Taskforce has evaluated the impact of onsite radiation therapy on the use of palliative radiation and has made recommendations based on these findings. OBSERVATIONS Radiation consults and treatment occur in a more timely manner at VHA centers with onsite radiation therapy compared with VHA centers without onsite radiation oncology. Referring practitioners with onsite radiation oncology less frequently report difficulty contacting a radiation oncologist (0% vs 20%, respectively; P = .006) and patient travel (28% vs 71%, respectively; P < .001) as barriers to referral for palliative radiotherapy. Facilities with onsite radiation oncology are more likely to have multidisciplinary tumor boards (31% vs 3%, respectively; P = .11) and are more likely to be influenced by radiation oncology recommendations at tumor boards (69% vs 44%, respectively; P = .02). CONCLUSIONS The VHA Palliative Radiotherapy Taskforce recommends the optimization of the use of radiotherapy within the VHA. Radiation oncology services should be maintained where present in the VHA, with consideration for expansion of services to additional facilities. Telehealth should be used to expedite consults and treatment. Hypofractionation should be used, when appropriate, to ease travel burden. Options for transportation services and onsite housing or hospitalization should be understood by treating physicians and offered to patients to mitigate barriers related to travel.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ronald H. Shapiro
- Richard L. Roudebush Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Steve P. Lee
- Veterans Affairs Long Beach Healthcare System, California
| | | | - Lori Hoffman-Hogg
- Veterans Health Administration, National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Durham, North Carolina
- Veterans Health Administration, Office of Nursing Services, Washington, DC
| | - Abhishek A. Solanki
- Edward Hines, Jr Veterans Affairs Hospital, Hines, Illinois
- Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois
| | - Edwinette Moses
- Hunter Holmes Mcguire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia
| | - George A. Dawson
- US Department of Veterans Affairs, Specialty Care Program Office, National Radiation Oncology Program, Washington, DC
| | - Maria D. Kelly
- US Department of Veterans Affairs, Specialty Care Program Office, National Radiation Oncology Program, Washington, DC
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Zhang D, Mobley EM, Manini TM, Leeuwenburgh C, Anton SD, Washington CJ, Zhou D, Parker AS, Okunieff PG, Bian J, Guo Y, Pahor M, Hiatt RA, Braithwaite D. Frailty and risk of mortality in older cancer survivors and adults without a cancer history: Evidence from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999-2014. Cancer 2022; 128:2978-2987. [PMID: 35608563 PMCID: PMC9671088 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.34258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidemiologic evidence reporting the role of frailty in survival among older adults with a prior cancer diagnosis is limited. METHODS A total of 2050 older adults (≥60 years old) surviving for at least 1 year after a cancer diagnosis and 9474 older adults without a cancer history from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999-2014) were included for analysis. The exposure variable, a 45-item frailty index (FI), was categorized on the basis of validated cutoffs (FI ≤ 0.10 [fit], 0.10 < FI ≤ 0.21 [prefrail], and FI > 0.21 [frail]). All-cause mortality was ascertained via the National Death Index. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) and 95% confidence interval (CIs) for the FI, and this was followed by restricted cubic splines depicting dose-response curves. RESULTS For older cancer survivors, the mean age at the baseline was 72.6 years (SD, 7.1 years); 5.9% were fit, 38.2% were prefrail, and 55.9% were frail. Older adults without a cancer history were slightly younger (mean age, 70.0 years) and less frail (47.9% were frail). At each level of the FI, cancer survivors (1.9 per 100 person-years for FI ≤ 0.10, 3.4 per 100 person-years for 0.10 < FI ≤ 0.21, and 7.5 per 100 person-years for FI > 0.21) had higher mortality than their cancer-free counterparts (1.4 per 100 person-years for FI ≤ 0.10, 2.4 per 100 person-years for 0.10 < FI ≤ 0.21, and 5.4 per 100 person-years for FI > 0.21). The multivariable model suggested a positive association between the FI and all-cause mortality for survivors (aHR for FI > 0.21 vs FI ≤ 0.10, 2.80; 95% CI, 1.73-4.53) and participants without a cancer history (aHR for FI > 0.21 vs FI ≤ 0.10, 2.75; 95% CI, 2.29-3.32). Restricted cubic splines indicated that all-cause mortality risk increased with the FI in a monotonic pattern. CONCLUSIONS Frailty is associated with a higher risk of death in older cancer survivors and the elderly without a cancer history.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongyu Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Florida College of Public Health and Health Professions, Gainesville, Florida
- University of Florida Health Cancer Center, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Erin M. Mobley
- University of Florida Health Cancer Center, Gainesville, Florida
- Department of Surgery, University of Florida College of Medicine, Jacksonville, Florida
| | - Todd M. Manini
- Department of Aging and Geriatric Research, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Christiaan Leeuwenburgh
- Department of Aging and Geriatric Research, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Stephen D. Anton
- Department of Aging and Geriatric Research, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
| | | | - Daohong Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Alexander S. Parker
- University of Florida Health Cancer Center, Gainesville, Florida
- University of Florida College of Medicine, Jacksonville, Florida
| | - Paul G. Okunieff
- University of Florida Health Cancer Center, Gainesville, Florida
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Jiang Bian
- University of Florida Health Cancer Center, Gainesville, Florida
- Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Yi Guo
- University of Florida Health Cancer Center, Gainesville, Florida
- Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Marco Pahor
- Department of Aging and Geriatric Research, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Robert A. Hiatt
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Dejana Braithwaite
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Florida College of Public Health and Health Professions, Gainesville, Florida
- University of Florida Health Cancer Center, Gainesville, Florida
- Department of Surgery, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
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Time-to-treatment initiation for cutaneous melanoma reflects disparities in healthcare access in Brazil: a retrospective study. Public Health 2022; 210:1-7. [PMID: 35863157 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2022.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed at identifying the sociodemographic and first treatment characteristics affecting time-to-treatment initiation (TTI) of patients with cutaneous melanoma assisted by the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS). STUDY DESIGN Retrospective observational study using cutaneous melanoma cases recorded in the Brazilian Hospital-Based Cancer Registries (HBCR). METHODS A total of 12,783 cutaneous melanoma cases were included in the analysis. Based on the legislation, TTI in Brazil is 60 days; therefore, the cohort was dichotomized into TTI within 60 days and over. The association among variables was evaluated through the Chi-squared test. Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank hypothesis test were used to determine the probability of initiating treatment within 60 days. Cox proportional hazards regression model was used for multivariate analysis. RESULTS Median TTI was 28 days (95% CI, 25-29). First treatment in SUS provided more than 60 days after diagnosis (34.8%) was associated with females; low level of formal education; living or getting treatment in northern Brazil; being diagnosed in SUS and treated at different healthcare facilities, in addition to starting treatment with radiotherapy or systemic therapy. There were no significant differences in access to health care before and after the enactment of the 60-day law. CONCLUSION Increased TTI for cutaneous melanoma is associated with sociodemographic and first treatment characteristics in Brazil; approximately one-third of cases did not have access to first treatment within the period established by law. Receiving the diagnosis and treatment at different healthcare facilities (transitions in care) is the main independent factor associated with TTI longer than 60 days.
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Schermerhorn MC, Grunvald MW, O'Donoghue CM, Rao RD, Becerra AZ. ASO Author Reflections: Applying the Counterfactual Approach to Disparities in Breast Cancer Treatment Delays. Ann Surg Oncol 2022; 29:7659-7660. [PMID: 35789306 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-022-12069-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Miles W Grunvald
- Department of Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Ruta D Rao
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Cell Therapy, Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Adan Z Becerra
- Department of Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA.
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Schermerhorn MC, Grunvald MW, O'Donoghue CM, Rao RD, Becerra AZ. Factors Mediating Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Delayed Treatment of Breast Cancer. Ann Surg Oncol 2022; 29:7652-7658. [PMID: 35751007 PMCID: PMC9244454 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-022-12001-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite improvements, disparities in breast cancer care have led to an inequitable distribution of treatment delays and worse outcomes among patients with breast cancer. This study aimed to quantify the contribution of mediators that may explain racial/ethnic disparities in breast cancer treatment delays. PATIENTS AND METHODS We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients from the National Cancer Database with stage I-III breast cancer who underwent surgical resection. Mediation analyses estimated the extent to which racial/ethnic disparities in the distribution of patient characteristics account for racial/ethnic disparities in delayed treatment. RESULTS Of the 1,349,715 patients with breast cancer included, 10%, 5%, and 4% were Black, Hispanic, and other non-white race/ethnicity, respectively. Multivariable models showed that patients in these racial/ethnic groups had 73%, 81%, and 24% increased odds of having a treatment delay relative to white patients. Mediation analyses suggested that 15%, 19%, and 15% of the treatment delays among Black, Hispanic, and other non-white race/ethnicity patients, respectively, are explained by disparities in education, comorbidities, insurance, and facility type. Therefore, if these mediators had been distributed equally among all races/ethnicities, a reduction of 15-19% in the delayed treatment disparities experienced by minority patients would have been observed. Academic facility type was the factor that could yield the largest reduction in time to treatment disparities, contributing to 8-13% of racial/ethnic disparities. CONCLUSIONS Patients with breast cancer who identified as Black, Hispanic, and other non-white races/ethnicities are exposed to longer treatment delays relative to white patients. Efforts to equalize mediators could remove substantial portions of racial/ethnic disparities in delayed treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Miles W Grunvald
- Department of Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Ruta D Rao
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology and Cell Therapy, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Adan Z Becerra
- Department of Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA.
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Marineau A, St-Pierre C, Lessard-Hurtubise R, David MÈ, Adam JP, Chabot I. Cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitor treatment use in women treated for advanced breast cancer: Integrating ASCO/NCODA patient-centered standards in a community pharmacy. J Oncol Pharm Pract 2022:10781552221102884. [PMID: 35642282 DOI: 10.1177/10781552221102884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Outpatients treated with oral anti-cancer drugs, including selective cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i), may benefit from a pharmacy practice setting adapted to support proper oral anti-cancer drug monitoring. This real-world study aimed to characterize patient-centered pharmacy practice aligned with American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)/National Community Oncology Dispensing Association (NCODA) standards and to describe its impact on CDK4/6i treatment use. METHODS This retrospective study included women with confirmed hormone receptor-positive/human epidermal growth factor 2 negative locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer treated with either palbociclib, abemaciclib or ribociclib combined with letrozole or fulvestrant. Pharmacists collected patient characteristics, clinical activities, and treatment patterns using data from the pharmacy chart. CDK4/6i treatment adherence rates were estimated based on medication claims data. Time-to-treatment discontinuation, a proxy for time-to-event, was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier estimate. RESULTS Of the 195 patients assessed for eligibility, 65 were included in this study. The median observation duration was 13.6 months. An average of seven pharmaceutical care activities (range 2.8-21.7) per patient was documented for each treatment cycle. The mean proportion of days covered was 89.6%. The median time-to-treatment discontinuation was estimated at 44.2 months in patients treated with CDK4/6i + letrozole and 17.0 months in patients treated with CDK4/6i + fulvestrant. The average relative dose intensity was 85%, and the benefits of treatment were maintained regardless of the relative dose intensity levels. CONCLUSION A structured patient-centered pharmacy practice model integrating the ASCO/NCODA patient-centered standards and ongoing communication with patients and healthcare providers ensure timely refills, close monitoring, and allows patients to achieve high adherence and persistence rates comparable to those reported in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Jean-Philippe Adam
- Department of Pharmacy, Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada.,CHUM Research Center, CHUM, Montréal, Canada
| | - Isabelle Chabot
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
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Parikh RB, Takvorian SU, Vader D, Paul Wileyto E, Clark AS, Lee DJ, Goyal G, Rocque GB, Dotan E, Geynisman DM, Phull P, Spiess PE, Kim RY, Davidoff AJ, Gross CP, Neparidze N, Miksad RA, Calip GS, Hearn CM, Ferrell W, Shulman LN, Mamtani R, Hubbard RA. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Treatment Patterns for Patients With Metastatic Solid Cancer in the United States. J Natl Cancer Inst 2022; 114:571-578. [PMID: 34893865 PMCID: PMC9002283 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djab225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has led to delays in patients seeking care for life-threatening conditions; however, its impact on treatment patterns for patients with metastatic cancer is unknown. We assessed the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on time to treatment initiation (TTI) and treatment selection for patients newly diagnosed with metastatic solid cancer. METHODS We used an electronic health record-derived longitudinal database curated via technology-enabled abstraction to identify 14 136 US patients newly diagnosed with de novo or recurrent metastatic solid cancer between January 1 and July 31 in 2019 or 2020. Patients received care at approximately 280 predominantly community-based oncology practices. Controlled interrupted time series analyses assessed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic period (April-July 2020) on TTI, defined as the number of days from metastatic diagnosis to receipt of first-line systemic therapy, and use of myelosuppressive therapy. RESULTS The adjusted probability of treatment within 30 days of diagnosis was similar across periods (January-March 2019 = 41.7%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 32.2% to 51.1%; April-July 2019 = 42.6%, 95% CI = 32.4% to 52.7%; January-March 2020 = 44.5%, 95% CI = 30.4% to 58.6%; April-July 2020 = 46.8%, 95% CI= 34.6% to 59.0%; adjusted percentage-point difference-in-differences = 1.4%, 95% CI = -2.7% to 5.5%). Among 5962 patients who received first-line systemic therapy, there was no association between the pandemic period and use of myelosuppressive therapy (adjusted percentage-point difference-in-differences = 1.6%, 95% CI = -2.6% to 5.8%). There was no meaningful effect modification by cancer type, race, or age. CONCLUSIONS Despite known pandemic-related delays in surveillance and diagnosis, the COVID-19 pandemic did not affect TTI or treatment selection for patients with metastatic solid cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravi B Parikh
- Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Samuel U Takvorian
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Daniel Vader
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, & Informatics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - E Paul Wileyto
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, & Informatics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Amy S Clark
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Daniel J Lee
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Gaurav Goyal
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Gabrielle B Rocque
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Efrat Dotan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Daniel M Geynisman
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Pooja Phull
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Philippe E Spiess
- Department of Genitourinary Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Roger Y Kim
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Amy J Davidoff
- Healthcare Delivery Research Program, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Cary P Gross
- Cancer Outcomes Public Policy and Effectiveness Research, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Natalia Neparidze
- Cancer Outcomes Public Policy and Effectiveness Research, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | | | - Caleb M Hearn
- Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Will Ferrell
- Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Lawrence N Shulman
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ronac Mamtani
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Rebecca A Hubbard
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, & Informatics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Hack AP, Zweemer RP, Jonges TN, van der Leij F, Gerestein CG, Peters M, Jürgenliemk-Schulz IM, van Rossum PSN. Prognostic impact of waiting time between diagnosis and treatment in patients with cervical cancer: A nationwide population-based study. Gynecol Oncol 2022; 165:339-346. [PMID: 35300853 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2022.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Prior research underlined the importance of timely oncological care as longer waiting times from diagnosis to treatment may result in poorer survival outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of waiting time from diagnosis to treatment on overall survival (OS) in patients with cervical cancer treated with curative intent. METHODS Patients from a nationwide population-based cohort with newly diagnosed cervical cancer between 2010 and 2019 were studied. Patients who underwent surgery or (chemo)radiotherapy with curative intent were selected. Waiting time (i.e. interval between first pathologic confirmation and treatment) was modelled as continuous (i.e. linear per week), dichotomized (i.e. ≤8 versus >8 weeks), and polynomial (i.e. restricted cubic splines). The association with OS was examined using Cox regression analyses. RESULTS Among 6895 patients with cervical cancer, 2755 treated with primary surgery and 1898 who received primary (chemo)radiotherapy were included. Mean waiting time was 8.5 (±4.2) weeks to surgery and 7.7 (±2.9) weeks to (chemo)radiotherapy. Adjusted for confounders, waiting time to surgery was not significantly associated with OS (continuous HR 0.97 [95%CI: 0.93-1.01], dichotomized HR 0.93 [95%CI: 0.68-1.27], polynomial HR not significant). Similarly, a longer waiting time to (chemo)radiotherapy was not significantly associated with poorer OS (continuous HR 0.97 [95%CI: 0.93-1.00], dichotomized HR 0.91 [95%CI: 0.75-1.09], polynomial HR not significant). CONCLUSIONS This large population-based study demonstrates that a longer waiting time (of up to 12 weeks) from diagnosis to treatment in patients with cervical cancer treated with curatively intended surgery or (chemo)radiotherapy does not negatively impact survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy P Hack
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Ronald P Zweemer
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Trudy N Jonges
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Femke van der Leij
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Cornelis G Gerestein
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Max Peters
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | - Peter S N van Rossum
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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71
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Lau-Min KS, Li Y, Eads JR, Mamtani R, Getz KD. Association between timely targeted treatment and outcomes in patients with metastatic HER2-overexpressing gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma. Cancer 2022; 128:1853-1862. [PMID: 35119688 PMCID: PMC9007872 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.34117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Timely targeted treatment initiation can be challenging because additional biomarker testing is needed for eligibility. The authors hypothesized that timely targeted treatment improves survival relative to nontimely initiation in metastatic HER2+ gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma (GEA). METHODS The authors performed a retrospective cohort study of metastatic HER2+ GEA treated with first-line (1L) systemic therapy from January 2011 to December 2017 using a nationwide electronic health record-derived deidentified database. Timely targeted treatment-trastuzumab initiation within 14 days after starting 1L chemotherapy-was assessed as a time-varying exposure. Nontimely targeted treatment included patients who initiated trastuzumab after 14 days or who lacked documentation of receiving trastuzumab. Extended Cox regressions compared overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) between timely and nontimely groups. RESULTS A total of 320 patients were included; 59.1% received timely trastuzumab. Relative to nontimely initiation, timely trastuzumab was associated with significantly higher OS (2-year OS, 32.1% vs 15.3%; adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.67; 95% CI, 0.51-0.88) and PFS (2-year PFS, 9.2% vs 3.7%; adjusted HR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.55-0.93). Results remained similar in sensitivity analyses 1) using alternative "timeliness" definitions up to 70 days after starting 1L chemotherapy, 2) comparing any trastuzumab, regardless of timing of initiation, to no trastuzumab, and 3) excluding patients lacking documentation of receiving trastuzumab. CONCLUSIONS Improved survival was observed among metastatic HER2+ GEA patients treated with trastuzumab versus those who were not, regardless of timing of initiation. Although these results reassure clinicians that modest targeted treatment delays may not be detrimental to outcomes, efforts should still ensure that all metastatic HER2+ GEA patients receive trastuzumab.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey S Lau-Min
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Penn Center for Cancer Care Innovation, Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Yimei Li
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Division of Oncology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Jennifer R Eads
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Ronac Mamtani
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Penn Center for Cancer Care Innovation, Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Kelly D Getz
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Center for Pediatric Clinical Effectiveness, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Cantini L, Mentrasti G, Russo GL, Signorelli D, Pasello G, Rijavec E, Russano M, Antonuzzo L, Rocco D, Giusti R, Adamo V, Genova C, Tuzi A, Morabito A, Gori S, Verde NL, Chiari R, Cortellini A, Cognigni V, Pecci F, Indini A, De Toma A, Zattarin E, Oresti S, Pizzutilo EG, Frega S, Erbetta E, Galletti A, Citarella F, Fancelli S, Caliman E, Della Gravara L, Malapelle U, Filetti M, Piras M, Toscano G, Zullo L, De Tursi M, Di Marino P, D'Emilio V, Cona MS, Guida A, Caglio A, Salerno F, Spinelli G, Bennati C, Morgillo F, Russo A, Dellepiane C, Vallini I, Sforza V, Inno A, Rastelli F, Tassi V, Nicolardi L, Pensieri V, Emili R, Roca E, Migliore A, Galassi T, Rocchi MLB, Berardi R. Evaluation of COVID-19 impact on DELAYing diagnostic-therapeutic pathways of lung cancer patients in Italy (COVID-DELAY study): fewer cases and higher stages from a real-world scenario. ESMO Open 2022; 7:100406. [PMID: 35219245 PMCID: PMC8810307 DOI: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2022.100406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction COVID-19 has disrupted the global health care system since March 2020. Lung cancer (LC) patients (pts) represent a vulnerable population highly affected by the pandemic. This multicenter Italian study aimed to evaluate whether the COVID-19 outbreak had an impact on access to cancer diagnosis and treatment of LC pts compared with pre-pandemic time. Methods Consecutive newly diagnosed LC pts referred to 25 Italian Oncology Departments between March and December 2020 were included. Access rate and temporal intervals between date of symptoms onset and diagnostic and therapeutic services were compared with the same period in 2019. Differences between the 2 years were analyzed using the chi-square test for categorical variables and the Mann–Whitney U test for continuous variables. Results A slight reduction (−6.9%) in newly diagnosed LC cases was observed in 2020 compared with 2019 (1523 versus 1637, P = 0.09). Newly diagnosed LC pts in 2020 were more likely to be diagnosed with stage IV disease (P < 0.01) and to be current smokers (someone who has smoked more than 100 cigarettes, including hand-rolled cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, in their lifetime and has smoked in the last 28 days) (P < 0.01). The drop in terms of new diagnoses was greater in the lockdown period (percentage drop −12% versus −3.2%) compared with the other months included. More LC pts were referred to a low/medium volume hospital in 2020 compared with 2019 (P = 0.01). No differences emerged in terms of interval between symptoms onset and radiological diagnosis (P = 0.94), symptoms onset and cytohistological diagnosis (P = 0.92), symptoms onset and treatment start (P = 0.40), and treatment start and first radiological revaluation (P = 0.36). Conclusions Our study pointed out a reduction of new diagnoses with a shift towards higher stage at diagnosis for LC pts in 2020. Despite this, the measures adopted by Italian Oncology Departments ensured the maintenance of the diagnostic-therapeutic pathways of LC pts. The COVID-19 outbreak had an impact on access to lung cancer (LC) diagnosis and treatment. A slight reduction (−6.9%) in newly diagnosed LC cases was observed in 2020 compared with 2019. Newly diagnosed LC pts in 2020 were more likely to be diagnosed with stage IV disease. The Italian Oncology Departments ensured the maintenance of the diagnostic-therapeutic pathways of LC pts. A reverse migration from high-volume to low-volume cancer centers was noted during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Cantini
- Department of Medical Oncology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, AOU Ospedali Riuniti di Ancona, Ancona, Italy. https://twitter.com/LucaCantiniMD
| | - G Mentrasti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, AOU Ospedali Riuniti di Ancona, Ancona, Italy
| | - G L Russo
- Oncologia Medica 1, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - D Signorelli
- Niguarda Cancer Center, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | - G Pasello
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy; Medical Oncology 2, Istituto Oncologico Veneto IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - E Rijavec
- Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - M Russano
- Department of Medical Oncology, Campus Bio-Medico University, Rome, Italy
| | - L Antonuzzo
- Medical Oncology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - D Rocco
- Department of Pulmonology and Oncology, AORN dei Colli Monaldi, Naples, Italy
| | - R Giusti
- UOC Oncologia Medica, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Sant'Andrea, Università La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - V Adamo
- Oncologia Medica, A.O.Papardo & Università di Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - C Genova
- UOC Clinica di Oncologia Medica, IRCCS Ospedale San Martino, Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DIMI), Università degli Studi di Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - A Tuzi
- Oncologia Medica, ASST Sette Laghi, Varese, Italy
| | - A Morabito
- Thoracic Medical Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione G Pascale", IRCCS, Naples, Italy
| | - S Gori
- UOC Oncologia Medica, IRCCS Ospedale Sacro Cuore Don Calabria, Negrar di Valpolicella, Verona, Italy
| | - N La Verde
- Department of Oncology, Ospedale Luigi Sacco, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Milan, Italy
| | - R Chiari
- Medical Oncology, Ospedali Riuniti Padova Sud, Monselice, Italy
| | - A Cortellini
- Medical Oncology, St Salvatore Hospital, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - V Cognigni
- Department of Medical Oncology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, AOU Ospedali Riuniti di Ancona, Ancona, Italy
| | - F Pecci
- Department of Medical Oncology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, AOU Ospedali Riuniti di Ancona, Ancona, Italy
| | - A Indini
- Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - A De Toma
- Oncologia Medica 1, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - E Zattarin
- Oncologia Medica 1, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - S Oresti
- Niguarda Cancer Center, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - E G Pizzutilo
- Niguarda Cancer Center, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - S Frega
- Medical Oncology 2, Istituto Oncologico Veneto IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - E Erbetta
- Medical Oncology 2, Istituto Oncologico Veneto IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - A Galletti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Campus Bio-Medico University, Rome, Italy
| | - F Citarella
- Department of Medical Oncology, Campus Bio-Medico University, Rome, Italy
| | - S Fancelli
- Medical Oncology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - E Caliman
- Medical Oncology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - L Della Gravara
- Dipartment of Experimental Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - U Malapelle
- Department of Public Health, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - M Filetti
- UOC Oncologia Medica, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Sant'Andrea, Università La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - M Piras
- UOC Oncologia Medica, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Sant'Andrea, Università La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - G Toscano
- Oncologia Medica, A.O.Papardo, Messina, Italy
| | - L Zullo
- UOC Oncologia Medica 2, IRCCS Ospedale San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - M De Tursi
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, Università G. D'Annunzio, Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - P Di Marino
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, Università G. D'Annunzio, Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - V D'Emilio
- UOC Pneumologia, Ospedale Mazzoni, Ascoli Piceno, Italy
| | - M S Cona
- Department of Oncology, Ospedale Luigi Sacco, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Milan, Italy
| | - A Guida
- Oncologia Medica e Traslazionale, AO Santa Maria, Terni, Italy
| | - A Caglio
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Ordine Mauriziano Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - F Salerno
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Ordine Mauriziano Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - G Spinelli
- UOC Territorial Oncology, University "Sapienza", AUSL Latina, Cds Aprilia, Aprilia, Italy
| | - C Bennati
- Department of Onco-Hematology, AUSL della Romagna, Ravenna, Italy
| | - F Morgillo
- UOC Oncologia ed Ematologia, Department of Precision Medicine, Università degli studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - A Russo
- Oncologia Medica, A.O.Papardo, Messina, Italy
| | - C Dellepiane
- UOC Oncologia Medica 2, IRCCS Ospedale San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - I Vallini
- Oncologia Medica, ASST Sette Laghi, Varese, Italy
| | - V Sforza
- Thoracic Medical Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione G Pascale", IRCCS, Naples, Italy
| | - A Inno
- UOC Oncologia Medica, IRCCS Ospedale Sacro Cuore Don Calabria, Negrar di Valpolicella, Verona, Italy
| | - F Rastelli
- UOC Oncologia, Ospedale Mazzoni, Ascoli Piceno, Italy
| | - V Tassi
- Chirurgia Toracica, AO Santa Maria, Terni, Italy
| | - L Nicolardi
- Medical Oncology, Ospedali Riuniti Padova Sud, Monselice, Italy
| | - V Pensieri
- Medical Oncology, St Salvatore Hospital, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - R Emili
- Operative Oncology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Ospedali Riuniti Marche Nord, Pesaro, Italy
| | - E Roca
- Thoracic Oncology - Lung Unit, Pederzoli Hospital, Peschiera Del Garda, Italy
| | - A Migliore
- Department of Medical Oncology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, AOU Ospedali Riuniti di Ancona, Ancona, Italy
| | - T Galassi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, AOU Ospedali Riuniti di Ancona, Ancona, Italy
| | - M L Bruno Rocchi
- Biomolecular Sciences Department, University of Urbino, Urbino, Italy
| | - R Berardi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, AOU Ospedali Riuniti di Ancona, Ancona, Italy.
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Chen R, Yang J, Zhao X, Fu Z, Wang Z, Qiu C, Wu Y, Yang R, Liu W, Huang Y, Chen J. Pattern of Time-to-Surgery in Patients With Breast Cancer at Different Stages of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Front Oncol 2022; 11:820638. [PMID: 35096625 PMCID: PMC8790243 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.820638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The management of cancer surgeries is under unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the breast cancer patients may face a time-delay in the treatment. This retrospective study aimed to present the pattern of time-to-surgery (TTS) and analyze the features of breast cancer patients under the different stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Patients who received surgeries for breast cancers at West China Hospital between February 15, 2020 and April 30, 2020 (the outbreak and post-peak stages), and between March 10, 2021 and May 25, 2021 (the normalization stage) were included. TTS was calculated as the time interval between the pathological diagnosis and surgical treatment of breast cancer patients. And the pandemic was divided into three stages based on the time when the patients were pathologically diagnosed and the severity of pandemic at that time point. TTS, demographic and clinicopathological features were collected from medical records. Results A total of 367 patients were included. As for demographic features, it demonstrated statistically significant differences in insurance type (p<0.001) and regular screening (p<0.001), as well as age (p=0.013) and menstrual status (p=0.004). As for clinicopathological features, axillary involvement (p=0.019) was a factor that differed among three stages. The overall TTS was 23.56 ± 21.39 days. TTS for patients who were diagnosed during the outbreak of COVID-19 were longer than those diagnosed during pandemic post-peak and normalization stage (p<0.001). Pandemic stage (p<0.001) and excision biopsy before surgery (OR, 6.459; 95% CI, 2.225-18.755; p=0.001) were markedly correlated with the TTS of patients. Conclusions TTS of breast cancer patients significantly varied in different stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. And breast cancer patients’ daily lives and disease treatments were affected by the pandemic in many aspects, such as health insurance access, physical screening and change of therapeutic schedules. As the time-delay may cause negative influences on patients’ disease, we should minimize the occurrence of such time-delay. It is vital to come up with comprehensive measures to deal with unexpected situations in case the pandemic occurs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruixian Chen
- Department of Breast Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiqiao Yang
- Department of Breast Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Department of Breast Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhoukai Fu
- Department of Breast Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhu Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis of Cancer, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Changjian Qiu
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yunhao Wu
- Department of Breast Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ruoning Yang
- Department of Breast Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Weijing Liu
- Department of Breast Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ya Huang
- Department of Breast Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Breast Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Sociodemographic Attributes and Racial Disparities for Waiting Times Towards Admissions for Substance Use Disorder Treatment in the Tri-State Area (NY-NJ-CT): a Cross-Sectional Study. Int J Ment Health Addict 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11469-022-00762-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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Quirindongo-Rivera C, Rullán-Varela V, Underill Z, Rivera M, Ortiz-Ortiz KJ, Martínez-Montemayor MM. Characterization of Inflammatory Breast Cancer in Hispanic Women from Puerto Rico. J Cancer 2022; 13:3495-3502. [PMID: 36484009 PMCID: PMC9723992 DOI: 10.7150/jca.77108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Breast cancer (BC) is the most diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer death among women in Puerto Rico (PR). Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is considered the most aggressive BC subtype. This study characterized the IBC population of Hispanic women living in Puerto Rico and aimed to estimate the IBC survival rate using data from the Puerto Rico Central Cancer Registry (PRCCR). Methods: This is a retrospective, population-based study using the PRCCR database and the Health Insurance Linkage Database (PRCCR-HILD). We analyzed data from patients that were diagnosed with IBC from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2018. Patients were identified using the International Classification of Diseases for Oncology, 3rd edition (ICD-O-3) site codes C50.0-C50.9 and histology code 8530. Variables such as age at diagnosis, marital status, health insurance, geographic area of residence, staging variables, tumor receptor subtypes, treatment received, and overall survival (OS) were studied. Statistical analysis methods were employed to describe the population, estimate survival curves and examine the risk of dying. Results: The data of 51 patients were included. The mean age at diagnosis of IBC in the current study was 59 years old. A total of 62.8% of patients had no metastases at diagnosis and 64.7% were diagnosed with stage III disease. Most tumors presented with ER+/PR+/Her2- (21.6%), or a triple negative (ER-/PR-/Her2-, 15.7%) tumor concordance. The OS during the first year was 66% (90% CI: 0.54-0.76), whereas 36 months post-diagnosis was at a low 39% (90% CI: 0.27-0.59). The triple-negative subtype had the worst survival at 36 months (36% [90% CI: 0.11-0.62]). This study revealed through Cox regression analysis that women with stage IV disease and those with ER-/PR- tumor subtype have a higher risk of dying (HR 4.99; [90% CI: 2.30-10.83] and HR 4.74; [90% CI: 1.88-11.95]), respectively. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the Puerto Rican IBC patient population presents unique characteristics. This is the first research to describe the patient profile and characteristics of women diagnosed with IBC in PR. This research increases awareness about this lethal disease in PR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camiled Quirindongo-Rivera
- University of Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Juan, PR
- Public Health Program, Ponce Health Science University, Ponce, PR
| | | | | | | | - Karen J. Ortiz-Ortiz
- University of Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Juan, PR
- Puerto Rico Central Cancer Registry, San Juan, PR
| | - Michelle M. Martínez-Montemayor
- Universidad Central del Caribe-School of Medicine, Bayamón, PR
- ✉ Corresponding author: Michelle M. Martínez-Montemayor, ; Universidad Central del Caribe - School of Medicine, P.O. Box 60327, Bayamón, Puerto Rico, 00960
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76
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Bernicker EH, Xiao Y, Croix DA, Yang B, Abraham A, Redpath S, Engstrom-Melnyk J, Shah R, Allen TC. Understanding Factors Associated With Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase Testing Delays in Patients With Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer in a Large Real-World Oncology Database. Arch Pathol Lab Med 2021; 146:975-983. [PMID: 34752598 DOI: 10.5858/arpa.2021-0029-oa] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT.— With multiple therapeutic options available for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer, the timely ordering and return of results to determine therapy are of critical importance. OBJECTIVE.— To assess factors impacting anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) test ordering and time to result delivery. DESIGN.— A retrospective study using a de-identified electronic health record database was performed. Postdiagnosis ALK tests (n = 14 657) were analyzed from 14 197 patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer diagnosed between January 2015 and May 2019. Time from non-small cell lung cancer diagnosis to ALK sample receipt in the laboratory was a surrogate for test order time. Test ordering was considered delayed if order time was more than 20 days. Turnaround time from sample received to test result was calculated and considered delayed if more than 10 days. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with order time and turnaround time delays. RESULTS.— Median ALK test order time was 15 days, and 36.4% (5342) of all 14 657 orders were delayed. Factors associated with delays were non-fluorescent in situ hybridization testing, send-out laboratories, testing prior to 2018, nonadenocarcinoma histology, and smoking history. Median turnaround time was 9 days, and 40.3% (5906) of all 14 657 test results were delayed. Non-fluorescent in situ hybridization testing, tissue sample, and orders combining ALK with other biomarkers were associated with delayed ALK result reporting. CONCLUSIONS.— This study provides a snapshot of real-world ALK test ordering and reporting time in US community practices. Multiple factors impacted both test ordering time and return of results, revealing opportunities for improvement. It is imperative that patients eligible for targeted therapy be identified in a timely fashion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric H Bernicker
- From the Cancer Center, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas (Bernicker)
| | - Yan Xiao
- Data Services, Roche Information Solutions, Pleasanton, California (Xiao, Yang, Shah).,Xiao is now at Digital Health, AstraZeneca R&D, Beijing, China
| | - Denise A Croix
- Medical and Scientific Affairs, Roche Diagnostics Corporation, Indianapolis, Indiana (Croix, Redpath, Engstrom-Melnyk)
| | - Baiyu Yang
- Data Services, Roche Information Solutions, Pleasanton, California (Xiao, Yang, Shah)
| | - Anup Abraham
- Evidence Strategy, Genesis Research, Hoboken, New Jersey (Abraham)
| | - Stella Redpath
- Medical and Scientific Affairs, Roche Diagnostics Corporation, Indianapolis, Indiana (Croix, Redpath, Engstrom-Melnyk)
| | - Julia Engstrom-Melnyk
- Medical and Scientific Affairs, Roche Diagnostics Corporation, Indianapolis, Indiana (Croix, Redpath, Engstrom-Melnyk).,Engstrom-Melnyk is now at Medical Diagnostics, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, Maryland
| | - Roma Shah
- Data Services, Roche Information Solutions, Pleasanton, California (Xiao, Yang, Shah)
| | - Timothy Craig Allen
- the Department of Pathology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson (Allen)
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77
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Zattoni F, Marra G, Kretschmer A, Preisser F, Tilki D, Kesch C, Radtke JP, Hoffmann N, Morlacco A, Dal Moro F, Soeterik TFW, van den Bergh RCN, Barletta F, Briganti A, Montorsi F, Gandaglia G. Has the COVID-19 outbreak changed the way we are treating prostate cancer? An EAU - YAU Prostate Cancer Working Group multi-institutional study. Cent European J Urol 2021; 74:362-365. [PMID: 34729226 PMCID: PMC8552935 DOI: 10.5173/ceju.2021.0211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The COVID-19 outbreak has become the dominant issue throughout the world whilst the governments, nations and health services are trying to deal with its impact. The aim of our study is to assess the impact of COVID-19 on patients treated with radical prostatectomy (RP) for prostate cancer (PCa) at European referral centers in terms of surgical volume (SV), waiting list meant as time from biopsy to surgery (WL) and risk of adverse pathologic findings at RP due to the selection of men with more adverse disease characteristics at final pathology. Material and methods Consecutive patients with a diagnosis of histologically proven PCa treated with RP between March 2020 (WHO declaration of pandemic) and December 2020 were identified. Patients with metastatic disease not eligible to local treatment and recurrent prostate cancer after RP or RT were excluded. Patients treated at the same institutions between March 2019 and December 2019 were considered as the control group. Multivariable logistic regression analysis tested the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the risk of adverse pathologic findings at RP after adjusting for confounders. The percentage change of SV and WL was assessed comparing the months of pandemic with the equivalent timespan of the previous year. Results A total of 2,574 patients treated with RP (927 cases and 1647 controls) were identified in 8 European tertiary referral centers. At multivariable analysis patients who were treated during the pandemic had higher risk of extra prostatic disease (OR:1.35, p = 0.038) and lymph node invasion (LNI) (OR:1.72, p = 0.048). An average 23% reduction of the SV with the equivalent timespan of the previous year allowed an illusory reduction of the WL after the peak gained during the first wave of COVID-19. Conclusions Our results showed that the COVID-19 outbreak resulted in a delay in the administration of curative-intent therapies in patients with localized PCa. This, in turn, resulted in a stage migration phenomenon with a potential impact on oncologic control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Zattoni
- Urology Clinic, Academical Medical Centre Hospital, Udine, Italy.,Department of Surgical, Oncological and Gastroenterological Sciences-Urological Clinic, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Marra
- Department of Urology, Institut Mutualiste Montsouris, Paris, France
| | | | - Felix Preisser
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Derya Tilki
- Martini-Klinik Prostate Cancer Center, and Department of Urology, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Kesch
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | | | - Nils Hoffmann
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Alessandro Morlacco
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Gastroenterological Sciences-Urological Clinic, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Dal Moro
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Gastroenterological Sciences-Urological Clinic, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Timo F W Soeterik
- Department of Urology, St Antonius Hospital, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Francesco Barletta
- Division of Oncology/Unit of Urology, Urological Research Institute, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Briganti
- Division of Oncology/Unit of Urology, Urological Research Institute, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Montorsi
- Division of Oncology/Unit of Urology, Urological Research Institute, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Giorgio Gandaglia
- Division of Oncology/Unit of Urology, Urological Research Institute, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
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78
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Friedrich M, Kühn T, Janni W, Müller V, Banys-Pachulowski M, Kolberg-Liedtke C, Jackisch C, Krug D, Albert US, Bauerfeind I, Blohmer J, Budach W, Dall P, Fallenberg EM, Fasching PA, Fehm T, Gerber B, Gluz O, Hanf V, Harbeck N, Heil J, Huober J, Kreipe HH, Kümmel S, Loibl S, Lüftner D, Lux MP, Maass N, Möbus V, Mundhenke C, Nitz U, Park-Simon TW, Reimer T, Rhiem K, Rody A, Schmidt M, Schneeweiss A, Schütz F, Sinn HP, Solbach C, Solomayer EF, Stickeler E, Thomssen C, Untch M, Witzel I, Wöckel A, Thill M, Ditsch N. AGO Recommendations for the Surgical Therapy of the Axilla After Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: 2021 Update. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 2021; 81:1112-1120. [PMID: 34629490 PMCID: PMC8494519 DOI: 10.1055/a-1499-8431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
For many decades, the standard procedure to treat breast cancer included complete dissection of the axillary lymph nodes. The aim was to determine histological node status, which was then used as the basis for adjuvant therapy, and to ensure locoregional tumour control. In addition to the debate on how to optimise the therapeutic strategies of systemic treatment and radiotherapy, the current discussion focuses on improving surgical procedures to treat breast cancer. As neoadjuvant chemotherapy is becoming increasingly important, the surgical procedures used to treat breast cancer, whether they are breast surgery or axillary dissection, are changing. Based on the currently available data, carrying out SLNE prior to neoadjuvant chemotherapy is not recommended. In contrast, surgical axillary management after neoadjuvant chemotherapy is considered the procedure of choice for axillary staging and can range from SLNE to TAD and ALND. To reduce the rate of false negatives
during surgical staging of the axilla in pN+
CNB
stage before NACT and ycN0 after NACT, targeted axillary dissection (TAD), the removal of > 2 SLNs (SLNE, no untargeted axillary sampling), immunohistochemistry to detect isolated tumour cells and micro-metastases, and marking positive lymph nodes before NACT should be the standard approach. This most recent update on surgical axillary management describes the significance of isolated tumour cells and micro-metastasis after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and the clinical consequences of low volume residual disease diagnosed using SLNE and TAD and provides an overview of this yearʼs AGO recommendations for surgical management of the axilla during primary surgery and in relation to neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Friedrich
- Klinik für Frauenheilkunde und Geburtshilfe, HELIOS Klinikum Krefeld, Krefeld, Germany
| | | | - Wolfgang Janni
- Frauenklinik, Klinikum der Universität Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Volkmar Müller
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Gynäkologie, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Maggie Banys-Pachulowski
- Klinik für Frauenheilkunde und Geburtshilfe, UK-SH, Lübeck, Germany.,Medizinische Fakultät, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | | | - Christian Jackisch
- Klinik für Gynäkologie und Geburtshilfe, Sana Klinikum Offenbach, Offenbach, Germany
| | - David Krug
- Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Klinik für Strahlentherapie, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Ute-Susann Albert
- Klinik für Frauenheilkunde und Geburtshilfe, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ingo Bauerfeind
- Frauenklinik, Klinikum Landshut gemeinnützige GmbH, Landshut, Germany
| | - Jens Blohmer
- Klinik für Gynäkologie mit Brustzentrum des Universitätsklinikums der Charité, Berlin, Germany
| | - Wilfried Budach
- Strahlentherapie, Radiologie Düsseldorf, Universitätsklinikum Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Peter Dall
- Frauenklinik, Städtisches Klinikum Lüneburg, Lüneburg, Germany
| | - Eva M Fallenberg
- Klinikum der Universität München, Campus Großhadern, Institut für Klinische Radiologie, München, Germany
| | | | - Tanja Fehm
- Klinik für Gynäkologie und Geburtshilfe, Universitätsklinikum Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Bernd Gerber
- Universitätsfrauenklinik am Klinikum Südstadt, Klinikum Südstadt Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Oleg Gluz
- Evangelisches Krankenhaus Bethesda, Brustzentrum, Mönchengladbach, Germany
| | - Volker Hanf
- Frauenklinik, Nathanstift Klinikum Fürth, Fürth, Germany
| | - Nadia Harbeck
- Brustzentrum, Klinik für Gynäkologie und Geburtshilfe, Klinikum der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, München, Germany
| | - Jörg Heil
- Universitäts-Klinikum Heidelberg, Brustzentrum, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jens Huober
- Klinik für Gynäkologie und Geburtshilfe, Universitätsklinikum Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | | | | | - Sibylle Loibl
- German Breast Group Forschungs GmbH, Neu-Isenburg, Germany
| | - Diana Lüftner
- Medizinische Klinik mit Schwerpunkt Hämatologie, Onkologie und Tumorimmunologie, Charité, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Patrick Lux
- Kooperatives Brustzentrum Paderborn, Klinik für Gynäkologie und Geburtshilfe, Frauenklinik, St. Louise, Paderborn, St. Josefs-Krankenhaus, Salzkotten, St. Vincenz Krankenhaus GmbH, Germany
| | - Nicolai Maass
- Klinik für Gynäkologie und Geburtshilfe, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Volker Möbus
- Klinik für Gynäkologie und Geburtshilfe, Klinikum Frankfurt Höchst GmbH, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Christoph Mundhenke
- Klinik für Gynäkologie und Geburtshilfe, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Ulrike Nitz
- Evangelisches Krankenhaus Bethesda, Brustzentrum, Mönchengladbach, Germany
| | - Tjoung-Won Park-Simon
- Klinik für Gynäkologie und Geburtshilfe, Universitätsklinikum Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Toralf Reimer
- Universitätsfrauenklinik am Klinikum Südstadt, Klinikum Südstadt Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Kerstin Rhiem
- Zentrum Familiärer Brust- und Eierstockkrebs, Universitätsklinikum Köln, Köln, Germany
| | - Achim Rody
- Klinik für Gynäkologie und Geburtshilfe, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Marcus Schmidt
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Geburtshilfe und Frauengesundheit der Johannes-Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Florian Schütz
- Klinik für Gynäkologie und Geburtshilfe, Diakonissen Krankenhaus Speyer, Speyer, Germany
| | - Hans-Peter Sinn
- Sektion Gynäkopathologie, Pathologisches Institut, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christine Solbach
- Klinik für Frauenheilkunde und Geburtshilfe, Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Erich-Franz Solomayer
- Klinik für Frauenheilkunde, Geburtshilfe und Reproduktionsmedizin, Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes, Homburg, Germany
| | - Elmar Stickeler
- Klinik für Gynäkologie und Geburtsmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Christoph Thomssen
- Universitätsfrauenklinik, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Halle-Wittenberg, Germany
| | - Michael Untch
- Klinik für Gynäkologie und Geburtshilfe, Helios Klinikum Berlin-Buch, Berlin, Germany
| | - Isabell Witzel
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Gynäkologie, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Achim Wöckel
- Klinik für Frauenheilkunde und Geburtshilfe, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Marc Thill
- Klinik für Gynäkologie und Gynäkologische Onkologie, Agaplesion Markus Krankenhaus, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Nina Ditsch
- Frauenklinik, Universitätsklinikum Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
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79
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Parikh RB, Takvorian SU, Vader D, Wileyto EP, Clark AS, Lee DJ, Goyal G, Rocque GB, Dotan E, Geynisman DM, Phull P, Spiess PE, Kim RY, Davidoff AJ, Gross CP, Neparidze N, Miksad RA, Calip GS, Hearn CM, Ferrell W, Shulman LN, Mamtani R, Hubbard RA. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on treatment patterns for US patients with metastatic solid cancer. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2021:2021.09.22.21263964. [PMID: 34611665 PMCID: PMC8491856 DOI: 10.1101/2021.09.22.21263964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has led to delays in patients seeking care for life-threatening conditions; however, its impact on treatment patterns for patients with metastatic cancer is unknown. We assessed the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on time to treatment initiation (TTI) and treatment selection for patients newly diagnosed with metastatic solid cancer. METHODS We used an electronic health record-derived longitudinal database curated via technology-enabled abstraction to identify 14,136 US patients newly diagnosed with de novo or recurrent metastatic solid cancer between January 1 and July 31 in 2019 or 2020. Patients received care at ∼280 predominantly community-based oncology practices. Controlled interrupted time series analyses assessed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic period (April-July 2020) on TTI, defined as the number of days from metastatic diagnosis to receipt of first-line systemic therapy, and use of myelosuppressive therapy. RESULTS The adjusted probability of treatment within 30 days of diagnosis [95% confidence interval] was similar across periods: January-March 2019 41.7% [32.2%, 51.1%]; April-July 2019 42.6% [32.4%, 52.7%]; January-March 2020 44.5% [30.4%, 58.6%]; April-July 2020 46.8% [34.6%, 59.0%]; adjusted percentage-point difference-in-differences 1.4% [-2.7%, 5.5%]. Among 5,962 patients who received first-line systemic therapy, there was no association between the pandemic period and use of myelosuppressive therapy (adjusted percentage-point difference-in-differences 1.6% [-2.6%, 5.8%]). There was no meaningful effect modification by cancer type, race, or age. CONCLUSIONS Despite known pandemic-related delays in surveillance and diagnosis, the COVID-19 pandemic did not impact time to treatment initiation or treatment selection for patients with metastatic solid cancers.
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80
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Khullar K, Plascak JJ, Parikh RR. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in adults: disparities in treatment intervention based on access to treatment facility. Leuk Lymphoma 2021; 63:170-178. [PMID: 34493143 DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2021.1975187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is associated with poor outcomes. We evaluated differences by facility type in the parameters of 6766 adult ALL patients ≥ 40 years of age diagnosed from 2004 to 2015 in the National Cancer DataBase (NCDB) and survival outcomes using two-sample t-tests or chi-square tests and Cox proportional hazards models. Those treated in academic facilities were younger (mean 58.5 versus 61.7 years, p < 0.001), Black (8.1% versus 5.6%, p < 0.001), had private insurance (50.9% versus 44.0%, p < 0.001), and more likely to receive chemotherapy (93.2% versus 81.4%, p < 0.001), any radiotherapy (14.9% versus 7.3%, p < 0.001), stem cell transplant (9.4% versus 2.5%, p < 0.001), or total body irradiation (TBI) (11.3% versus 4.3%, p < 0.001). Patients treated at an academic facility had a higher hazard of death (p<.05) while those that received any chemotherapy or TBI or CNS radiation had a lower risk of death (all p < 0.05). These parameters should be evaluated in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karishma Khullar
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Department of Radiation Oncology, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Jesse J Plascak
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Rahul R Parikh
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Department of Radiation Oncology, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
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81
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Hernández Vargas JA, Ramírez Barbosa PX, Valbuena-Garcia AM, Acuña-Merchán LA, González-Diaz JA, Lopes G. National Cancer Information System Within the Framework of Health Insurance in Colombia: A Real-World Data Approach to Evaluate Access to Cancer Care. JCO Glob Oncol 2021; 7:1329-1340. [PMID: 34473526 PMCID: PMC8425322 DOI: 10.1200/go.21.00155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The National Cancer Information System (NCIS) has been operating since 2014, including information reported by health care insurers and providers on people with cancer diagnosed and treated within the Colombian health system. Its main purpose is to identify barriers to an effective access to cancer diagnosis and treatment across the country. We aimed to describe the methodology, scope and results in terms of access to health services with real-world data provided by the NCIS. METHODS Reporting of all cases of cancer by insurers and providers is mandatory by law. Data gathered include demographic and clinical information about new and old cases of cancer who receive health services. Over the years, the reporting process has been automated and it is currently performed in real time. Data quality is ensured through a standardized data-monitoring process. Access to health services is monitored by quality measures defined by consensus. RESULTS Since 2015, prevalent cases of invasive cancer have increased from 163,776 to 331,021 in 2020 (increment of 102.12%). Regarding quality measures, the proportion of people staged at diagnosis has increased over the years, especially in breast cancer. Meanwhile, early diagnosis is still concerning for breast and prostate cancer. Time to diagnosis and treatment have not consistently reached the expected goals in breast, cervical, and prostate cancer, whereas they have shown a better level of compliance for stomach and colon and rectum tumors, still not reaching the highest performance. CONCLUSION The real-world information approach provided by the NCIS may be complementary for cancer control planning in Colombia, emphasizing better management processes of health insurers and providers by identifying barriers for timely access to health care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Gilberto Lopes
- Division of Medical Oncology at University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, FL
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82
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Zattra O, Fraga A, Lu N, Gee MS, Liu RW, Lev MH, Brink JA, Saini S, Lang M, Succi MD. Trends in cancer imaging by indication, care setting, and hospital type during the COVID-19 pandemic and recovery at four hospitals in Massachusetts. Cancer Med 2021; 10:6327-6335. [PMID: 34355873 PMCID: PMC8420511 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.4183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We aimed to investigate the effects of COVID‐19 on computed tomography (CT) imaging of cancer. Methods Cancer‐related CTs performed at one academic hospital and three affiliated community hospitals in Massachusetts were retrospectively analyzed. Three periods of 2020 were considered as follows: pre‐COVID‐19 (1/5/20–3/14/20), COVID‐19 peak (3/15/20–5/2/20), and post‐COVID‐19 peak (5/3/20–11/14/20). 15 March 2020 was the day a state of emergency was declared in MA; 3 May 2020 was the day our hospitals resumed to non‐urgent imaging. The volumes were assessed by (1) Imaging indication: cancer screening, initial workup, active cancer, and surveillance; (2) Care setting: outpatient and inpatient, ED; (3) Hospital type: quaternary academic center (QAC), university‐affiliated community hospital (UACH), and sole community hospitals (SCHs). Results During the COVID‐19 peak, a significant drop in CT volumes was observed (−42.2%, p < 0.0001), with cancer screening, initial workup, active cancer, and cancer surveillance declining by 81.7%, 54.8%, 30.7%, and 44.7%, respectively (p < 0.0001). In the post‐COVID‐19 peak period, cancer screening and initial workup CTs did not recover (−11.7%, p = 0.037; −20.0%, p = 0.031), especially in the outpatient setting. CT volumes for active cancer recovered, but inconsistently across hospital types: the QAC experienced a 9.4% decline (p = 0.022) and the UACH a 41.5% increase (p < 0.001). Outpatient CTs recovered after the COVID‐19 peak, but with a shift in utilization away from the QAC (−8.7%, p = 0.020) toward the UACH (+13.3%, p = 0.013). Inpatient and ED‐based oncologic CTs increased post‐peak (+20.0%, p = 0.004 and +33.2%, p = 0.009, respectively). Conclusions Cancer imaging was severely impacted during the COVID‐19 pandemic. CTs for cancer screening and initial workup did not recover to pre‐COVID‐19 levels well into 2020, a finding that suggests more patients with advanced cancers may present in the future. A redistribution of imaging utilization away from the QAC and outpatient settings, toward the community hospitals and inpatient setting/ED was observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ottavia Zattra
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Medically Engineered Solutions in Healthcare Incubator, Innovation in Operations Research Center (MESH IO), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Anthony Fraga
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Medically Engineered Solutions in Healthcare Incubator, Innovation in Operations Research Center (MESH IO), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nancy Lu
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Medically Engineered Solutions in Healthcare Incubator, Innovation in Operations Research Center (MESH IO), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michael S Gee
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Medically Engineered Solutions in Healthcare Incubator, Innovation in Operations Research Center (MESH IO), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Raymond W Liu
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Medically Engineered Solutions in Healthcare Incubator, Innovation in Operations Research Center (MESH IO), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michael H Lev
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Medically Engineered Solutions in Healthcare Incubator, Innovation in Operations Research Center (MESH IO), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - James A Brink
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Medically Engineered Solutions in Healthcare Incubator, Innovation in Operations Research Center (MESH IO), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sanjay Saini
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Medically Engineered Solutions in Healthcare Incubator, Innovation in Operations Research Center (MESH IO), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Min Lang
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Medically Engineered Solutions in Healthcare Incubator, Innovation in Operations Research Center (MESH IO), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Marc D Succi
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Medically Engineered Solutions in Healthcare Incubator, Innovation in Operations Research Center (MESH IO), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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83
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Nguyen DD, Paciotti M, Marchese M, Cole AP, Cone EB, Kibel AS, Ortega G, Lipsitz SR, Weissman JS, Trinh QD. Effect of Medicaid Expansion on Receipt of Definitive Treatment and Time to Treatment Initiation by Racial and Ethnic Minorities and at Minority-Serving Hospitals: A Patient-Level and Facility-Level Analysis of Breast, Colon, Lung, and Prostate Cancer. JCO Oncol Pract 2021; 17:e654-e665. [PMID: 33974827 DOI: 10.1200/op.21.00010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We sought to investigate the association between Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act and access to stage-appropriate definitive treatment for breast, colon, non-small-cell lung, and prostate cancer for underserved racial and ethnic minorities and at minority-serving hospitals (MSHs). METHODS We conducted a retrospective, difference-in-differences study including minority patients with nonmetastatic breast, colon, non-small-cell lung, and prostate cancer and patients treated at MSHs between the age of 40 and 64, with tumors at stages eligible for definitive treatment from the National Cancer Database. We not only defined non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic cancer patients as racial and ethnic minorities but also report findings for non-Hispanic Black cancer patients separately. We examined the effect of Medicaid expansion on receipt of stage-appropriate definitive therapy, time to treatment initiation (TTI) within 30 days of diagnosis, and TTI within 90 days of diagnosis. RESULTS Receipt of definitive treatment for minorities in expansion states did not change compared with minority patients in nonexpansion states. The proportion of racial and ethnic minorities in expansion states receiving treatment within 30 days increased (difference-in-differences: +3.62%; 95% CI, 1.63 to 5.61; P < .001) compared with minority patients in nonexpansion states; there was no change for TTI within 90 days. Analysis focused on Black cancer patients yielded similar results. In analyses stratified by MSH status, there was no change in receipt of definitive therapy, TTI within 30 days, and TTI within 90 days when comparing MSHs in expansion states with MSHs in nonexpansion states. CONCLUSION In our cohort of cancer patients with treatment-eligible disease, we found no significant association between Medicaid expansion and changes in receipt of definitive treatment for breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancer for racial and ethnic minorities and at MSHs. Medicaid expansion was associated with improved TTI at the patient level for racial and ethnic minorities, but not at the facility level for MSHs. Targeted interventions addressing the needs of MSHs are still needed to continue mitigating national facility-level disparities in cancer outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- David-Dan Nguyen
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.,Division of Urological Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.,Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Marco Paciotti
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.,Division of Urological Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Maya Marchese
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.,Division of Urological Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Alexander P Cole
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.,Division of Urological Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Eugene B Cone
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.,Division of Urological Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Adam S Kibel
- Division of Urological Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Gezzer Ortega
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Stuart R Lipsitz
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Joel S Weissman
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Quoc-Dien Trinh
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.,Division of Urological Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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84
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Montroni I, Saur NM, Shahrokni A, Suwanabol PA, Chesney TR. Surgical Considerations for Older Adults With Cancer: A Multidimensional, Multiphase Pathway to Improve Care. J Clin Oncol 2021; 39:2090-2101. [PMID: 34043436 PMCID: PMC10476754 DOI: 10.1200/jco.21.00143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Isacco Montroni
- Colon and Rectal Surgery, Ospedale “per gli Infermi”, AUSL Romagna, Faenza, Italy
| | - Nicole M. Saur
- Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Armin Shahrokni
- Geriatrics Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Pasithorn A. Suwanabol
- Department of Surgery, Center for Healthcare Outcomes and Policy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Tyler R. Chesney
- Department of Surgery, St Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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85
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Cole AP, Herzog P, Iyer HS, Marchese M, Mahal BA, Lipsitz SR, Nyambose J, Gershman ST, Kennedy M, Merriam G, Rebbeck TR, Trinh QD. Racial differences in the treatment and outcomes for prostate cancer in Massachusetts. Cancer 2021; 127:2714-2723. [PMID: 33999405 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.33564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Massachusetts is a northeastern state with universally mandated health insurance since 2006. Although Black men have generally worse prostate cancer outcomes, emerging data suggest that they may experience equivalent outcomes within a fully insured system. In this setting, the authors analyzed treatments and outcomes of non-Hispanic White and Black men in Massachusetts. METHODS White and Black men who were 20 years old or older and had been diagnosed with localized intermediate- or high-risk nonmetastatic prostate cancer in 2004-2015 were identified in the Massachusetts Cancer Registry. Adjusted logistic regression models were used to assess predictors of definitive therapy. Adjusted and unadjusted survival models compared cancer-specific mortality. Interaction terms were then used to assess whether the effect of race varied between counties. RESULTS A total of 20,856 men were identified. Of these, 19,287 (92.5%) were White. There were significant county-level differences in the odds of receiving definitive therapy and survival. Survival was worse for those with high-risk cancer (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.50; 95% CI, 1.4-1.60) and those with public insurance (adjusted HR for Medicaid, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.38-2.07; adjusted HR for Medicare, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.14-1.35). Black men were less likely to receive definitive therapy (adjusted odds ratio, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.74-0.83) but had a 17% lower cancer-specific mortality (adjusted HR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.7-0.99). CONCLUSIONS Despite lower odds of definitive treatment, Black men experience decreased cancer-specific mortality in comparison with White men in Massachusetts. These data support the growing body of research showing that Black men may achieve outcomes equivalent to or even better than those of White men within the context of a well-insured population. LAY SUMMARY There is a growing body of evidence showing that the excess risk of death among Black men with prostate cancer may be caused by disparities in access to care, with few or no disparities seen in universally insured health systems such as the Veterans Affairs and US Military Health System. Therefore, the authors sought to assess racial disparities in prostate cancer in Massachusetts, which was the earliest US state to mandate universal insurance coverage (in 2006). Despite lower odds of definitive treatment, Black men with prostate cancer experience reduced cancer-specific mortality in comparison with White men in Massachusetts. These data support the growing body of research showing that Black men may achieve outcomes equivalent to or even better than those of White men within the context of a well-insured population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander P Cole
- Division of Urological Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Peter Herzog
- Division of Urological Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Hari S Iyer
- Division of Population Sciences, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Maya Marchese
- Division of Urological Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Brandon A Mahal
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Stuart R Lipsitz
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Division of General Internal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Joshua Nyambose
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Susan T Gershman
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Mark Kennedy
- Boston Public Health Commission, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Gail Merriam
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Timothy R Rebbeck
- Division of Population Sciences, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Quoc-Dien Trinh
- Division of Urological Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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86
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Van Metre Baum
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Kathryn Kline
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Cardinale B Smith
- Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine and Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York
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