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Nosrati JD, Ma D, Bloom B, Kapur A, Sidiqi BU, Thakur R, Tchelebi LT, Herman JM, Adair N, Potters L, Chen WC. Treatment Terminations During Radiation Therapy: A 10-Year Experience. Pract Radiat Oncol 2024:S1879-8500(24)00142-5. [PMID: 38972541 DOI: 10.1016/j.prro.2024.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Patients undergoing radiation therapy may terminate treatment for any number of reasons. The incidence of treatment termination (TT) during radiation therapy has not been studied. Herein, we present a cohort of TT at a large multicenter radiation oncology department over 10 years. METHODS AND MATERIALS TTs between January 2013 and January 2023 were prospectively analyzed as part of an ongoing departmental quality and safety program. TT was defined as any premature discontinuation of therapy after initiating radiation planning. The rate of TT was calculated as a percentage of all patients starting radiation planning. All cases were presented at monthly morbidity and mortality conferences with a root cause reviewed. RESULTS A total of 1448 TTs were identified out of 31,199 planned courses of care (4.6%). Six hundred eighty-six (47.4%) involved patients treated with curative intent, whereas 753 (52.0%) were treated with palliative intent, and 9 (0.6%) were treated for benign disease. The rate of TT decreased from 8.49% in 2013 to 3.02% in 2022, with rates decreasing yearly. The most common disease sites for TT were central nervous system (21.7%), head and neck (19.3%), thorax (17.5%), and bone (14.2%). The most common causes of TT were hospice and/or patient expiration (35.9%), patient choice unrelated to toxicity (35.2%), and clinician choice unrelated to toxicity (11.5%). CONCLUSIONS This 10-year prospective review of TTs identified a year-over-year decrease in TTs as a percentage of planned patients. This decrease may be associated with the addition of root cause reviews for TTs and discussions monthly at morbidity and mortality rounds, coupled with departmental upstream quality initiatives implemented over time. Understanding the reasons behind TTs may help decrease preventable TTs. Although some TTs may be unavoidable, open discourse and quality improvement changes effectively reduce TT incidents over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason D Nosrati
- Northwell, New Hyde Park, New York; Department of Radiation Medicine, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, New York
| | - Daniel Ma
- Northwell, New Hyde Park, New York; Department of Radiation Medicine, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, New York
| | - Beatrice Bloom
- Northwell, New Hyde Park, New York; Department of Radiation Medicine, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, New York
| | - Ajay Kapur
- Northwell, New Hyde Park, New York; Department of Radiation Medicine, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, New York
| | - Baho U Sidiqi
- Northwell, New Hyde Park, New York; Department of Radiation Medicine, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, New York
| | - Richa Thakur
- Northwell, New Hyde Park, New York; Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, New York
| | - Leila T Tchelebi
- Northwell, New Hyde Park, New York; Department of Radiation Medicine, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, New York
| | - Joseph M Herman
- Northwell, New Hyde Park, New York; Department of Radiation Medicine, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, New York
| | - Nilda Adair
- Northwell, New Hyde Park, New York; Department of Radiation Medicine, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, New York
| | - Louis Potters
- Northwell, New Hyde Park, New York; Department of Radiation Medicine, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, New York
| | - William C Chen
- Northwell, New Hyde Park, New York; Department of Radiation Medicine, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, New York.
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Bai J, Barandouzi ZA, Yeager KA, Graetz I, Gong C, Norman M, Hankins J, Paul S, Torres MA, Bruner DW. Analysis of travel burden and travel support among patients treated at a comprehensive cancer center in the Southeastern United States. Support Care Cancer 2024; 32:451. [PMID: 38907006 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-024-08656-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Travel burden leads to worse cancer outcomes. Understanding travel burden and the level and types of travel support provided at large cancer centers is critical for developing systematic programs to alleviate travel burden. This study analyzed patients who received travel assistance, including their travel burden, types and amount of travel support received, and factors that influenced these outcomes. METHODS We analyzed 1063 patients who received travel support from 1/1/2021 to 5/1/2023 at Winship Cancer Institute, in which ~18,000 patients received cancer care annually. Travel burden was measured using distance and time to Winship sites from patients' residential address. Travel support was evaluated using the monetary value of total travel support and type of support received. Patients' sociodemographic and clinical factors were extracted from electronic medical records. Area-level socioeconomic disadvantage was coded by the Area Deprivation Index using patient ZIP codes. RESULTS On average, patients traveled 57.2 miles and 67.3 min for care and received $74.1 in total for travel support. Most patients (88.3%) received travel-related funds (e.g., gas cards), 5% received direct rides (e.g., Uber), 3.8% received vouchers for taxi or public transportation, and 3% received combined travel support. Male and White had longer travel distance and higher travel time than female and other races, respectively. Patients residing in more disadvantaged neighborhoods had an increased travel distance and travel time. Other races and Hispanics received more travel support ($) than Black and White patients or non-Hispanics. Patients with higher travel distance and travel time were more like to receive travel-related financial support. CONCLUSION Among patients who received travel support, those from socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods had greater travel burden. Patients with greater travel burden were more likely to receive travel funds versus other types of support. Further understanding of the impact of travel burden and travel support on cancer outcomes is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinbing Bai
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, 1520 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Zahra A Barandouzi
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, 1520 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Katherine A Yeager
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, 1520 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ilana Graetz
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Claire Gong
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, 1520 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Maria Norman
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, 1520 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - James Hankins
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sudeshna Paul
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, 1520 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Mylin A Torres
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Deborah Watkins Bruner
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, 1520 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Raab G, Babu C, Yu Y, Givi B, Wong RJ, Lee NY, Zakeri K. Higher Rates of Inadequate Adjuvant Radiation Dose Among Older Adults with Head and Neck Cancer. Laryngoscope 2024; 134:2206-2211. [PMID: 37983853 DOI: 10.1002/lary.31188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the rate of inadequate radiotherapy and identify risk factors associated with inadequate adjuvant radiotherapy for head and neck cancer among older adults. METHODS A retrospective review of the National Cancer Database (NCDB) was performed to identify patients diagnosed with squamous cell cancer of the head and neck between 2004 and 2017. Patients with a single malignancy, negative surgical margins, no extranodal extension, and receipt of adjuvant radiation without systemic therapy were included in the study cohort. The main outcome of interest was the adjuvant radiation dose received. Participant data were compared using univariable, multivariable, and correlation analyses to evaluate risk factors for inadequate radiation therapy (RT) dosing. RESULTS Among 7608 patients, 1010 patients (13.3%) received an inadequate radiation dose and 6598 (86.7%) received an adequate dose. Patients living in a higher income zip-code, younger age, and those who received intensity-modulated RT (IMRT) were more likely to receive an adequate radiation dose (p < 0.05). Patients older than 70 and 80 years old had a greater likelihood of receiving an inadequate radiation dose (≥70 vs. <70: 16.9% vs. 12.5%; p < 0.05 and ≥80 vs. <80: 20.6% vs. 13.0%%; p < 0.05). Similarly, increasing age was negatively correlated with radiation dose (correlation coefficient: -0.05; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION A substantial proportion of older patients receiving adjuvant radiation do not complete the full treatment. Older age, year of diagnosis, non-IMRT, and living in a lower-income zip code were associated with early termination of RT. Future studies should examine strategies to improve tolerance of adjuvant RT so that more patients complete the full treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3; Cohort Study Laryngoscope, 134:2206-2211, 2024.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Raab
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Yao Yu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Babak Givi
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Richard J Wong
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Nancy Y Lee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kaveh Zakeri
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
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Chadha M, Shao T, Lit M, Gupta V, Zakashansky K, Zeligs K, Kolev V. Upfront boost to gross disease followed by elective pelvic radiation improves compliance to radiation therapy delivery metrics in locally advanced vulvar cancer. Gynecol Oncol Rep 2024; 52:101362. [PMID: 38495799 PMCID: PMC10940132 DOI: 10.1016/j.gore.2024.101362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Locally advanced cancer of the vulva (LACV) is commonly diagnosed in older women (>65 years), and is treated using combined multimodality therapy (CMT) that includes radiation therapy (RT). Compliance to optimal RT metrics, including completion of > 20 fractions, overall treatment duration of < 8 weeks (56 days), and < 1 week intra-treatment break is associated with better disease outcomes. However, published results note that a significant number of patients with LACV do not adhere to these metrics. The aim of our study is to evaluate whether a modified sequence of RT delivery, treating the localized boost volume upfront followed by the larger elective nodal volume is associated with improved compliance to optimal RT delivery metrics.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Chadha
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, United States
| | - T. Shao
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - M. Lit
- Division of Gynecology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, United States
| | - V. Gupta
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, United States
| | - K. Zakashansky
- Division of Gynecology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, United States
| | - K. Zeligs
- Division of Gynecology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, United States
| | - V. Kolev
- Division of Gynecology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, United States
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Hu S, Chang CP, Snyder J, Deshmukh V, Newman M, Date A, Galvao C, Haaland B, Porucznik CA, Gren LH, Sanchez A, Lloyd S, O’Neil B, Hashibe M. Mental health outcomes in a population-based cohort of patients with prostate cancer. J Natl Cancer Inst 2024; 116:445-454. [PMID: 37867158 PMCID: PMC10919332 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djad175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few studies have evaluated mental health disorders comprehensively among patients with prostate cancer on long-term follow-up. The primary aim of our study was to assess the incidence of mental health disorders among patients with prostate cancer compared with a general population cohort. A secondary aim was to investigate potential risk factors for mental health disorders among patients with prostate cancer. METHODS Cohorts of 18 134 patients with prostate adenocarcinomas diagnosed between 2004 and 2017 and 73470 men without cancer matched on age, birth state, and follow-up time were identified. Mental health diagnoses were identified from electronic health records and statewide health-care facilities data. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate hazard ratios. All statistical tests were 2-sided. RESULTS The hazard ratios for mood disorders, including depression, among prostate cancer survivors increased for all follow-up periods compared with the general population. The hazard ratios for any mental illness increased with Hispanic, Black, or multiple races; people who were underweight or obese; those with advanced prostate cancer; and those undergoing their first course cancer treatment. We also observed statistically significantly increased hazard ratios for mental health disorders among patients with lower socioeconomic status (P < .0001) and increasing duration of androgen-deprivation therapy (P = .0348). Prostate cancer survivors had a 61% increased hazard ratio for death with a depression diagnosis. CONCLUSION Prostate cancer diagnosis was associated with a higher risk of mental health disorders compared with the general population, which was observed as long as 10-16 years after cancer diagnosis. Providing long-term mental health support may be beneficial to increasing life expectancy for patients with prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siqi Hu
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Division of Public Health, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Chun-Pin Chang
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Division of Public Health, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - John Snyder
- Intermountain Healthcare, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Vikrant Deshmukh
- University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Michael Newman
- University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Ankita Date
- Pedigree and Population Resource, Population Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Carlos Galvao
- Pedigree and Population Resource, Population Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Benjamin Haaland
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Christina A Porucznik
- Division of Public Health, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Lisa H Gren
- Division of Public Health, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Alejandro Sanchez
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Shane Lloyd
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Brock O’Neil
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Mia Hashibe
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Division of Public Health, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Chen E, Deshane A, Choi S, Bhatt A. Reply. J Am Coll Radiol 2024; 21:372-373. [PMID: 37813231 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2023.08.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Eric Chen
- Resident Physician, Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Alok Deshane
- Resident Physician, Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Serah Choi
- Assistant Professor, CNS Section Leader, and Vice Chair of Laboratory Research, Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Cleveland, Ohio, and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio.
| | - Aashish Bhatt
- Staff Physician, Department of Radiation Oncology, James A. Haley Vetereans Affairs Health System, Tampa, Florida
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Biddell CB, Spees LP, Trogdon JG, Kent EE, Rosenstein DL, Angove RS, Rogers CD, Wheeler SB. Economic Evaluation of a Nonmedical Financial Assistance Program on Missed Treatment Appointments Among Adults With Cancer. J Clin Oncol 2024; 42:300-311. [PMID: 37897261 PMCID: PMC10824376 DOI: 10.1200/jco.23.00993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We retrospectively evaluated the clinical and economic impact of a program providing nonmedical financial assistance on missed treatment appointments among patients receiving cancer treatment at a large, Southeastern public hospital system. MATERIALS AND METHODS We used patient electronic health records, program records, and cancer registry data to examine the impact of the program on rates of missed (or no-show) radiation therapy and infusion chemotherapy/immunotherapy appointments in the 180 days after treatment initiation. We used propensity weighting to estimate the effect of the program, stratified by treatment appointment type (radiation therapy, infusion chemotherapy/immunotherapy). We developed a decision tree-based economic model to conduct a cost-consequence analysis from the health system perspective in a hypothetical cohort over a 6-month time horizon. RESULTS Of 1,347 patients receiving radiation therapy between 2015 and 2019, 53% (n = 715) had ≥1 no-shows and 28% (n = 378) received program assistance. Receipt of any assistance was associated with a 2.1 percentage point (95% CI, 0.6 to 3.5) decrease in the proportion of no-shows, corresponding to a 51% decrease in the overall mean no-show proportion. Under the current funding model, the program is estimated to save the health system $153 in US dollars per missed appointment averted, relative to not providing nonmedical financial assistance. Of the 1,641 patients receiving infusion chemotherapy/immunotherapy, 33% (n = 541) received program assistance, and only 14% (n = 223) had ≥1 no-shows. The financial assistance program did not have a significant effect on no-show proportions among infusion visits. CONCLUSION This study used a novel approach to retrospectively evaluate a nonmedical financial assistance program for patients undergoing active cancer treatment. Findings support investment in programs that address patients' nonmedical financial needs, particularly for those undergoing intensive radiation therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin B. Biddell
- Department of Health Policy and Management, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC), Chapel Hill, NC
- UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Lisa P. Spees
- Department of Health Policy and Management, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC), Chapel Hill, NC
- UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Justin G. Trogdon
- Department of Health Policy and Management, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC), Chapel Hill, NC
- UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Erin E. Kent
- Department of Health Policy and Management, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC), Chapel Hill, NC
- UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Donald L. Rosenstein
- UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC
- Department of Psychiatry, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC
| | | | | | - Stephanie B. Wheeler
- Department of Health Policy and Management, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC), Chapel Hill, NC
- UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC
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Allen JM, Awunti M, Guo Y, Bian J, Rogers SC, Scarton L, DeRemer DL, Wilkie DJ. Unraveling Racial Disparities in Supportive Care Medication Use among End-of-Life Pancreatic Cancer Patients: Focus on Pain Management and Psychiatric Therapies. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023; 32:1675-1682. [PMID: 37788369 PMCID: PMC10690138 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-23-0251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Supportive care medication use differences may contribute to racial disparities observed in health-related quality of life in patients with pancreatic cancer. METHODS In this observation study using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare linked database, we sought to examine supportive care medication use disparities in patients with pancreatic cancer from 2005 to 2017 by race and ethnicity. RESULTS Among 74,309 patients included in the final analysis, racial and ethnic disparities in the use of supportive care medications were identified. After adjustment for confounding factors and compared with non-Hispanic Whites, minorities had significantly less use of opioids [Black: adjusted OR (aOR), 0.84; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.79-0.88; Asian: aOR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.79-0.90), and skeletomuscular relaxants (Black: aOR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.82-0.99; Hispanic: aOR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.74-0.91; Asian: aOR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.51-0.68), and increased use of non-opioid analgesics (Hispanic: aOR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.01-1.14; Asian: aOR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.26-1.49). Racial and ethnic minorities had less use of antidepressants (Black: aOR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.53-0.59; Hispanic: aOR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.73-0.82; Asian: aOR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.44-0.51), anxiolytics (Black: aOR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.74-0.82; Hispanic: aOR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.62-0.71; Asian: aOR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.48-0.57), and antipsychotics (Hispanic: aOR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.82-0.99; Asian: aOR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.74-0.95). CONCLUSIONS Racial and ethnic disparities in the use of supportive care medications among patients with pancreatic cancer were observed, with the differences unexplained by sociodemographic factors. IMPACT Future studies should identify strategies to promote equitable use of supportive care medications among racial minorities and explore factors that may influence their use in these populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M. Allen
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Translational Research, University of Florida College of Pharmacy, Orlando, Florida
| | - MegCholack Awunti
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Translational Research, University of Florida College of Pharmacy, Orlando, Florida
| | - Yi Guo
- Department of Health Outcomes & Biomedical Informatics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Jiang Bian
- Department of Health Outcomes & Biomedical Informatics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Sherise C. Rogers
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Lisa Scarton
- Department of Family, Community, and Health Systems Science, University of Florida College of Nursing, Gainesville, Florida
| | - David L. DeRemer
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Translational Research, University of Florida College of Pharmacy, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Diana J. Wilkie
- Department of Biobehavioral Nursing Science, University of Florida College of Nursing, Gainesville, Florida
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Purswani JM, Bigham Z, Adotama P, Oh C, Xiao J, Maisonet O, Teruel JR, Gutierrez D, Tattersall IW, Perez CA, Gerber NK. Risk of Radiation Dermatitis in Patients With Skin of Color Who Undergo Radiation to the Breast or Chest Wall With and Without Regional Nodal Irradiation. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2023; 117:468-478. [PMID: 37060928 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2023.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Acute radiation dermatitis (ARD) is common after radiation therapy for breast cancer, with data indicating that ARD may disproportionately affect Black or African American (AA) patients. We evaluated the effect of skin of color (SOC) on physician-reported ARD in patients treated with radiation therapy. METHODS AND MATERIALS We identified patients treated with whole breast or chest wall ± regional nodal irradiation or high tangents using 50 Gy in 25 fractions from 2015 to 2018. Baseline skin pigmentation was assessed using the Fitzpatrick scale (I = light/pale white to VI = black/very dark brown) with SOC defined as Fitzpatrick scale IV to VI. We evaluated associations among SOC, physician-reported ARD, late hyperpigmentation, and use of oral and topical treatments for RD using multivariable models. RESULTS A total of 325 patients met eligibility, of which 40% had SOC (n = 129). On multivariable analysis, Black/AA race and chest wall irradiation had a lower odds of physician-reported grade 2 or 3 ARD (odds ratio [OR], 0.110; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.030-0.397; P = .001; OR, 0.377; 95% CI, 0.161-0.883; P = .025), whereas skin bolus (OR, 8.029; 95% CI, 3.655-17.635; P = 0) and planning target volume D0.03cc (OR, 1.001; 95% CI, 1.000-1.001; P = .028) were associated with increased odds. On multivariable analysis, SOC (OR, 3.658; 95% CI, 1.236-10.830; P = .019) and skin bolus (OR, 26.786; 95% CI, 4.235-169.432; P = 0) were associated with increased odds of physician-reported late grade 2 or 3 hyperpigmentation. There was less frequent use of topical steroids to treat ARD and more frequent use of oral analgesics in SOC versus non-SOC patients (43% vs 63%, P < .001; 50% vs 38%, P = .05, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Black/AA patients exhibited lower odds of physician-reported ARD. However, we found higher odds of late hyperpigmentation in SOC patients, independent of self-reported race. These findings suggest that ARD may be underdiagnosed in SOC when using the physician-rated scale despite this late evidence of radiation-induced skin toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juhi M Purswani
- Department of Radiation Oncology, New York University Langone Health and Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Zahna Bigham
- Tufts University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Prince Adotama
- Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Cheongeun Oh
- Department of Population Health, New York University Langone Health and Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Julie Xiao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, New York University Langone Health and Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Olivier Maisonet
- Department of Radiation Oncology, New York University Langone Health and Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Jose R Teruel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, New York University Langone Health and Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Daniel Gutierrez
- Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Ian W Tattersall
- Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Carmen A Perez
- Department of Radiation Oncology, New York University Langone Health and Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Naamit K Gerber
- Department of Radiation Oncology, New York University Langone Health and Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York, New York.
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10
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Ginex P, Dickman E, Elia MR, Burbage D, Wilson R, Koos JA, Sivakumaran K, Morgan RL. Climate disasters and oncology care: a systematic review of effects on patients, healthcare professionals, and health systems. Support Care Cancer 2023; 31:403. [PMID: 37338628 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-07842-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Climate disasters have devastating effects on communities and society that encompass all aspects of daily life, including healthcare. Patients with cancer are particularly vulnerable when disaster strikes. As the number and intensity of disasters increases, it is important to understand the effects across the cancer care continuum. This systematic review investigates the effect of climate disasters on patients, the oncology healthcare workforce, and healthcare systems. METHODS A medical librarian conducted a literature search in PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and Web of Science from January 1, 2016, through May 11, 2022. Eligible studies included any published report on a climate disaster globally reporting on patient-, oncology healthcare workforce-, or healthcare systems-level outcomes. Study quality was assessed, and findings were narratively synthesized, given the diversity of reported evidence. RESULTS The literature search identified 3618 records, of which 46 publications were eligible for inclusion. The most frequent climate disaster was hurricanes (N = 27) followed by tsunami (N = 10). Eighteen publications were from disasters that occurred in the mainland USA with 13 from Japan and 12 from Puerto Rico. Patient-level outcomes included treatment interruptions and inability to communicate with the healthcare team. At the workforce level, findings included distressed clinicians caring for others when their own lives have been affected by a disaster along with lack of disaster preparedness training. Health systems reported closures or shifting services post-disaster and a need to have improved emergency response plans. CONCLUSION Response to climate disasters necessitates a holistic approach at the patient, workforce, and health systems levels. Specifically, interventions should focus on mitigating interruptions in care for patients, advanced coordination and planning for workforce and health systems, and contingency planning for allocation of resources by health systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Ginex
- Stony Brook University School of Nursing, Stony Brook, NY, USA.
| | - Erin Dickman
- Oncology Clinical Specialist, Oncology Nursing Society, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | | | - Ryne Wilson
- University of Minnesota School of Nursing, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Jessica A Koos
- Stony Brook University Health Sciences Library, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | | | - Rebecca L Morgan
- Evidence Foundation, Cleveland Heights, OH, USA
- McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
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11
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Eren MF, Kilic SS, Eren AA, Kaplan SO, Teke F, Kutuk T, Bicakci BC, Hathout L, Moningi S, Orio P, Atalar B, Sayan M. Radiation therapy for prostate cancer in Syrian refugees: facing the need for change. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1172864. [PMID: 37325331 PMCID: PMC10264678 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1172864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To report the utilization of radiation therapy in Syrian refugee patients with prostate cancer residing in Turkey. Methods and materials A multi-institutional retrospective review including 14 cancer centers in Turkey was conducted to include 137 Syrian refugee patients with prostate cancer treated with radiation therapy (RT). Toxicity data was scored using the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 3.0. Noncompliance was defined as a patient missing two or more scheduled RT appointments. Results Advanced disease, defined as stage III or IV, was reported in 64.2% of patients while androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) was only administrated to 20% of patients. Conventionally fractionated RT with a median number of 44 fractions was delivered to all patients with curative intent (n = 61) while palliative RT (n = 76) was delivered with a median number of 10 fractions. The acute grade 3-4 toxicity rate for the entire cohort was 16%. Noncompliance rate was 42%. Conclusion Most Syrian refugee prostate cancer patients presented with advanced disease however ADT was seldom used. Despite the low treatment compliance rate, conventional fractionation was used in all patients. Interventions are critically needed to improve screening and increase the use of standard-of-care treatment paradigms, including hypofractionated RT and ADT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Fuat Eren
- Marmara University Istanbul Pendik Education and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Sarah S. Kilic
- Taussig Cancer Institute, Cancer Center, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Ayfer Ay Eren
- Istanbul Kartal Dr.Lutfi Kirdar Education and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | | | | | - Tugce Kutuk
- Malatya Education and Research Hospital, Malatya, Türkiye
| | | | - Lara Hathout
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
| | - Shalini Moningi
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Peter Orio
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - Mutlay Sayan
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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12
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Yoder AK, Dong E, Yu X, Echeverria A, Sharma S, Montealegre J, Ludwig MS. Effect of Quality of Life on Radiation Adherence for Patients With Cervical Cancer in an Urban Safety Net Health System. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2023; 116:182-190. [PMID: 36228745 PMCID: PMC10083186 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2022.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Outcomes for patients undergoing chemoradiation for cervical cancer are dependent on adherence to radiation therapy (RT). In other diseases, quality of life (QoL) is associated with treatment adherence, but the association between QoL and RT adherence for patients with cervical cancer remains unclear. METHODS AND MATERIALS This prospective study included patients undergoing RT for cervical cancer from 2017 to 2021 at an urban safety net hospital. The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Cervical Cancer Version 4 was used to assess QoL based on 5 subscales (physical, functional, social and emotional, and cervical-cancer specific). The survey was administered at radiation consult, then weekly during RT and at follow-up. Patient information was abstracted from the medical record. Radiation nonadherence was defined as missing ≥2 days of external beam RT. The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Cervical Cancer Version 4 total and subscale scores were compared between adherent and nonadherent patients. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to control for confounding variables. RESULTS Ninety-three patients were enrolled, completing 522 surveys. Median age at diagnosis was 46 years (interquartile range, 40-51); 76% of patients were Hispanic, and 12% were Black. Only 30% of patients were nonadherent with RT. A psychiatric comorbidity (P = .012) and symptomatic presentation (P = .027) were associated with decreased adherence. Baseline total QoL was higher in treatment-adherent than in nonadherent patients (median, 124.86; range, 48-160; 108.9, 46-150; P = .01). Higher baseline functional and physical subscale scores were associated with adherence (P < .05). Change from baseline to lowest score during treatment in the emotional subscale was also associated with patient adherence (P < .05). In multivariable analysis, higher baseline physical score, baseline total score, and change in emotional subscale score were associated with adherence (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS Poor QoL during chemoradiation for cervical cancer is associated with missed treatments. Physician assessment of a patient's well-being while they are undergoing RT is of utmost importance to improve adherence to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison K Yoder
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Department of Radiation Oncology, Houston, Texas
| | | | - Xiaoman Yu
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Alfredo Echeverria
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Shelly Sharma
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Jane Montealegre
- Department of Pediatrics-Center for Epidemiology and Population Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Michelle S Ludwig
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.
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13
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Morris BB, Hughes R, Fields EC, Sabo RT, Weaver KE, Fuemmeler BF. Sociodemographic and Clinical Factors Associated With Radiation Treatment Nonadherence and Survival Among Rural and Nonrural Patients With Cancer. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2023; 116:28-38. [PMID: 35777674 PMCID: PMC9797617 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2022.06.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cancer treatment nonadherence is associated with higher rates of cancer recurrence and decreased survival. Rural patients with cancer experience a 10% higher mortality rate compared with their nonrural counterparts; geographic differences in nonadherence may contribute to this increased mortality. The goal of this study was to assess for geographic disparities and determine sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with radiation therapy (RT) nonadherence and survival among rural and nonrural patients with cancer. METHODS AND MATERIALS We examined cancer registry, medical records, and billing claims data at a safety net academic medical center. Geographic residence was defined as rural versus nonrural by US Department of Agriculture 2013 Rural-Urban Continuum Codes. Other factors assessed were age, sex, race, marital status, insurance type, employment, area median household income, residential distance to cancer treatment center, clinical stage, cancer type, treatment modality, total radiation dose received, and radiation dose per fraction. We used Cox proportional hazards modeling to examine 7 ways of operationalizing nonadherence and selected the definition that resulted in the best model fit statistics and prediction of mortality. Overall survival rates were estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method. We then examined nonadherence as the main exposure along with additional covariates in least absolute shrinkage and selection operator penalized survival analyses and as the outcome in our multivariable generalized linear regression analyses predicting nonadherence. We considered 2-way interaction terms with the main exposure, geographic residence. RESULTS We identified 3,077 patients with cancer who averaged 62 years old, were 59% female, 34% Black, and 14% rural. Twenty-two percent of patients missed at least 2 fractions and missed an average of 10% of their treatment plan. Rural patients experienced a higher mortality rate than nonrural patients (53% vs 42%, P < .0001). Survival was assessed through December 31, 2021, with a mean follow-up of 4.5 years. Proportion of missed fractions as the indicator of nonadherence provided the best model fit statistics and prediction of survival. Marital status, employment status, tumor, nodes, metastases stage, cancer type, and age at diagnosis significantly affected survival, in addition to a treatment delay by geographic residence interaction effect. Specifically, patients residing in rural areas who experienced a treatment delay were more than twice as likely to die as nonrural residents who also experienced a treatment delay, and nearly twice as likely to die as rural residents who did not experience a treatment delay. The 2-year survival rate was 76% for nonrural residents who did not experience a treatment delay versus 27% for rural residents who experienced a treatment delay. Patients who were widowed, had stage 4 cancer, or lung cancer were more likely to be nonadherent. Finally, patients residing in rural areas who experienced a treatment delay were more likely to subsequently be nonadherent. CONCLUSIONS In a geographically and racially diverse population, RT nonadherence is a significant concern that affects survival, yet it is a modifiable risk factor. We demonstrated that rural residence was associated with both RT nonadherence and poorer overall survival. Rural patients with a treatment delay had the lowest overall survival, compared with both nonrural survivors and rural survivors without delay. Rural residents who are delayed in starting treatment are at heightened risk for poor outcomes and should receive targeted support to mitigate the observed disparities. Additional patient populations that may benefit from targeted treatment adherence support include widowed patients and those with stage 4 cancer or lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bonny B Morris
- Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Department of Health Behavior and Policy, Richmond, Virginia.
| | - Ryan Hughes
- Wake Forest School of Medicine, Department of Radiation Oncology, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Emma C Fields
- Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Department of Radiation Oncology, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Roy T Sabo
- Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Department of Biostatistics, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Kathryn E Weaver
- Wake Forest School of Medicine, Departments of Social Sciences and Health Policy & Implementation Science, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Bernard F Fuemmeler
- Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Department of Health Behavior and Policy, Richmond, Virginia
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14
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Mantz CA, Thaker NG, Deville C, Hubbard A, Pendyala P, Mohideen N, Kavadi V, Winkfield KM. A Medicare Claims Analysis of Racial and Ethnic Disparities in the Access to Radiation Therapy Services. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2023; 10:501-508. [PMID: 35064522 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-022-01239-0] [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: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Reduced access and utilization of radiation therapy (RT) is a well-documented healthcare disparity observed among racial and ethnic minority groups in the USA and a contributor to the inferior health outcomes observed among Black, Hispanic, and Native American patient groups. What is less understood are the points during the process of care following RT consultation at which patients either fail to complete their prescribed treatment or encounter delays. Identification of those points where significant differences exist among different patient groups may help identify opportunities to close gaps in the access of clinically indicated RT. METHODS AND MATERIALS This analysis examines 261,559 RT episodes abstracted from Medicare claims and beneficiary data between 2016 and 2018 to determine rates of treatment initiation following planning and timeliness of treatment completion for different racial groups. RESULTS Failure to initiate treatment was observed to be 29.3% relatively greater for Black, Hispanic, and Native American patients than for White and Asian patients. Among episodes for which treatment was initiated, Black and Hispanic patients were observed to require a significantly greater number of calendar days (when adjusted for fraction number) for completion than for White, Asian, and Native American patients. CONCLUSIONS There appears to be a patient cohort for which RT disparities may be more marginal in their effects-allowing for access to consultation and treatment prescription but not for treatment initiation or timely completion of treatment-and may therefore permit effective solutions to help address current differences in cancer outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Curtiland Deville
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Anne Hubbard
- American Society for Radiation Oncology, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Praveen Pendyala
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, North Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | | | | | - Karen M Winkfield
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
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15
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Snider NG, Hastert TA, Nair M, Madhav K, Ruterbusch JJ, Schwartz AG, Peters ES, Stoffel EM, Rozek LS, Purrington KS. Area-level Socioeconomic Disadvantage and Cancer Survival in Metropolitan Detroit. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023; 32:387-397. [PMID: 36723416 PMCID: PMC10071652 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-22-0738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Racial segregation is linked to poorer neighborhood quality and adverse health conditions among minorities, including worse cancer outcomes. We evaluated relationships between race, neighborhood social disadvantage, and cancer survival. METHODS We calculated overall and cancer-specific survival for 11,367 non-Hispanic Black (NHB) and 29,481 non-Hispanic White (NHW) individuals with breast, colorectal, lung, or prostate cancer using data from the Metropolitan Detroit Cancer Surveillance System. The area deprivation index (ADI) was used to measure social disadvantage at the census block group level, where higher ADI is associated with poorer neighborhood factors. Associations between ADI and survival were estimated using Cox proportional hazards mixed-effects models accounting for geographic grouping and adjusting for demographic and clinical factors. RESULTS Increasing ADI quintile was associated with increased overall mortality for all four cancer sites in multivariable-adjusted models. Stratified by race, these associations remained among breast (NHW: HR = 1.16, P < 0.0001; NHB: HR = 1.20, P < 0.0001), colorectal (NHW: HR = 1.11, P < 0.0001; NHB: HR = 1.09, P = 0.00378), prostate (NHW: HR = 1.18, P < 0.0001; NHB: HR = 1.18, P < 0.0001), and lung cancers (NHW: HR = 1.06, P < 0.0001; NHB: HR = 1.07, P = 0.00177). Cancer-specific mortality estimates were similar to overall mortality. Adjustment for ADI substantially attenuated the effects of race on mortality for breast [overall proportion attenuated (OPA) = 47%, P < 0.0001; cancer-specific proportion attenuated (CSPA) = 37%, P < 0.0001] prostate cancer (OPA = 51%, P < 0.0001; CSPA = 56%, P < 0.0001), and colorectal cancer (OPA = 69%, P = 0.032; CSPA = 36%, P = 0.018). CONCLUSIONS Area-level socioeconomic disadvantage is related to cancer mortality in a racially diverse population, impacting racial differences in cancer mortality. IMPACT Understanding the role of neighborhood quality in cancer survivorship could improve community-based intervention practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie G. Snider
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Theresa A. Hastert
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
- Population Studies and Disparities Research Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Mrudula Nair
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - K.C. Madhav
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, Cancer Outcomes, Public Policy, and Effectiveness Research (COPPER) Center, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Julie J. Ruterbusch
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
- Population Studies and Disparities Research Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Ann G. Schwartz
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
- Population Studies and Disparities Research Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Edward S. Peters
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Elena M. Stoffel
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Laura S. Rozek
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC
| | - Kristen S. Purrington
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
- Population Studies and Disparities Research Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan
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16
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Vassantachart A, Ragab O, Miller K, Lock D, Stal J, Bian SX, Jang J, Fossum C, Han HR, Mehta S, Cheng K, Ballas LK. Knowledge and Understanding of Radiation Therapy Among Patients With Breast Cancer From Culturally Diverse Backgrounds at a Safety-Net Hospital. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2023; 116:176-181. [PMID: 36720316 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2023.01.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Comprehensive understanding of oncologic treatment is essential for shared decision-making. However, comprehension of information in radiation oncology consults is poorly understood, particularly among Spanish-speaking patients at safetynet hospitals. The purpose of this pilot study was to examine post-consultation radiation oncology knowledge and health literacy among breast cancer patients from culturally diverse backgrounds. METHODS After consultation for curative post-operative breast radiotherapy (cT1-4N1-3M0), the Radiation Oncology Knowledge Assessment Survey (ROKAS) was administered to Spanish- and English-speaking patients ≥ 18 years old, from January 2021 to January 2022 at a safety-net hospital. Radiation knowledge was assessed using the ROKAS which included eight radiation-specific multiple-choice questions and two separate questions regarding short- and long-term side effects. Additional independent variables included validated questionnaires related to health literacy, health numeracy, acculturation, primary language, and sociodemographic factors. Bivariate Pearson correlations and T-test analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between the independent variables and post-consultation radiation knowledge. RESULTS Fifty ROKAS were obtained from 25 English- and 25 Spanish-speaking breast cancer patients (median age 57 [IQR 49.75-62.25]). When compared to Englishspeaking patients, Spanish-speaking patients had lower health literacy, health numeracy, and acculturation. There was no difference in the multiple-choice ROKAS score between English- and Spanish-speakers, or correlation with the other independent factors. Higher health numeracy correlated with a higher accuracy for identifying short-term side effects. Lower accuracy of identifying long-term side effects was seen in patients with lower education levels, health literacy, health numeracy, and acculturation, with the most missed long-term side effects being arm swelling, skin toxicity, and heart toxicity. CONCLUSIONS Patients with low health literacy, health numeracy, acculturation, and education levels as well as Spanish-speaking patients were associated with poor understanding of radiotherapy long-term side effects. Determining barriers to radiation knowledge is crucial to improve shared decision-making between patients and providers in a culturally diverse population.
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Affiliation(s)
- April Vassantachart
- Department of Radiation Oncology, LAC+USC Medical Center, Los Angeles, California; Department of Radiation Oncology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California.
| | - Omar Ragab
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington DC VA Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Kimberly Miller
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California; Department of Dermatology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Derrick Lock
- Department of Radiation Oncology, LAC+USC Medical Center, Los Angeles, California; Department of Radiation Oncology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Julia Stal
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Shelly X Bian
- Department of Radiation Oncology, LAC+USC Medical Center, Los Angeles, California; Department of Radiation Oncology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Julie Jang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Croix Fossum
- Department of Radiation Oncology, LAC+USC Medical Center, Los Angeles, California; Department of Radiation Oncology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Hye Ri Han
- Department of Radiation Oncology, LAC+USC Medical Center, Los Angeles, California; Department of Radiation Oncology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Shahil Mehta
- Department of Radiation Oncology, LAC+USC Medical Center, Los Angeles, California; Department of Radiation Oncology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Karen Cheng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, LAC+USC Medical Center, Los Angeles, California; Department of Radiation Oncology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Leslie K Ballas
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
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17
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Suryanegara FDA, Rokhman MR, Ekaputra E, de Jong LA, Setiawan D, de Bock GH, Postma MJ. Facing problems in radiotherapy for breast cancer patients in Yogyakarta, Indonesia: A cohort retrospective study. Cancer Med 2023; 12:8851-8859. [PMID: 36680328 PMCID: PMC10134354 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.5634] [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: 09/10/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study is to explore problems in radiotherapy for breast cancer patients in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, focusing on overall treatment time (OTT) and completion rate. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was conducted based on data from the Insurance Unit at a tertiary hospital in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The study included all female outpatients with breast cancer who were treated with radiotherapy from January to December 2017 and met the inclusion criteria. The primary outcomes were OTT and completion rate. The secondary outcomes included the number of radiotherapy fractions, radiotherapy doses, number of radiotherapy interruption days, and reasons for radiotherapy interruption. The chi-squared and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to assess the differences in outcomes between two insurance schemes (JKN-PBI (Beneficiaries of Health Insurance Contribution Assistance) and JKN-NON-PBI (Non-Beneficiaries of Health Insurance Contribution Assistance)). RESULTS The sample included 285 breast cancer patients (mean age: 53 years). The median OTT was 38 days (IQR: 17-48 days), with 123 (43.2%) patients having prolonged OTT. The completion rate was 57.9%. No significant differences in OTT (44.4% vs. 35.7%, p = 0.445) and completion rate (57.2% vs. 61.9%, p = 0.569) were found between the JKN-NON-PBI and JKN-PBI groups, respectively. In all, the data reported 3,022 interrupted days of radiotherapy across a total of 227 patients. The most common reason for radiotherapy interruption was unknown. CONCLUSION There are problems in timely delivery and low completion rate of radiotherapy among breast cancer patients in Indonesia. There are no significant differences in OTT and completion rate between the insurance schemes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fithria Dyah Ayu Suryanegara
- Department of Health Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Pharmacy, Universitas Islam Indonesia, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - M Rifqi Rokhman
- Department of Health Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Ericko Ekaputra
- Dr. Sardjito General Hospital, Yogyakarta, Indonesia.,Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Lisa Aniek de Jong
- Department of Health Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Didik Setiawan
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Muhammadiyah Purwokerto, Purwokerto, Indonesia
| | - Geertruida H de Bock
- Department of Epidemiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten Jacobus Postma
- Department of Health Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Economics, Econometrics & Finance, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Pharmacology and Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia.,Centre of Excellence in Higher Education for Pharmaceutical Care Innovation, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, Indonesia
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18
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Purswani JM, Nwankwo C, Adotama P, Gutierrez D, Perez CA, Tattersall IW, Gerber NK. Radiation-induced skin changes after breast or chest wall irradiation in patients with breast cancer and skin of color: a systematic review. Clin Breast Cancer 2023; 23:1-14. [PMID: 36335037 DOI: 10.1016/j.clbc.2022.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The purpose of this study is to systematically review data pertaining to breast cancer and radiation-induced skin reactions in patients with skin of color (SOC), as well as data pertaining to objective measurements of skin pigmentation in the assessment of radiation dermatitis (RD). METHODS AND MATERIALS We conducted a systematic review utilizing MEDLINE electronic databases to identify published studies until August 2022. Key inclusion criteria included studies that described RD in breast cancer with data pertaining to skin of color and/or characterization of pigmentation changes after radiation. RESULTS We identified 17 prospective cohort studies, 7 cross-sectional studies, 5 retrospective studies and 4 randomized controlled trials. Prospective cohort and retrospective series demonstrate worse RD in African American (AA) patients using subjective physician-graded scales. There is more limited data in patients representing other non-White racial subgroups with SOC. 2 studies utilize patient reported outcomes and 15 studies utilize objective methods to characterize pigmentation change after radiation. There are no prospective and randomized studies that objectively describe pigmentation changes with radiotherapy in SOC. CONCLUSIONS AA patients appear to have worse RD outcomes, though this is not uniformly observed across all studies. There are no studies that describe objective measures of RD and include baseline skin pigmentation as a variable, limiting the ability to draw uniform conclusions on the rate and impact of RD in SOC. We highlight the importance of objectively characterizing SOC and pigmentation changes before, during and after radiotherapy to understand the incidence and severity of RD in SOC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juhi M Purswani
- Department of Radiation Oncology, New York University Langone Health and Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York, NY.
| | - Christy Nwankwo
- The Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY; University of Missouri, Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO
| | - Prince Adotama
- The Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Daniel Gutierrez
- The Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Carmen A Perez
- Department of Radiation Oncology, New York University Langone Health and Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Ian W Tattersall
- The Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Naamit K Gerber
- Department of Radiation Oncology, New York University Langone Health and Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York, NY
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19
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Chen E, Deshane A, Damico N, Kharouta M, Kim U, Kemmann M, Kyasaram R, Wu AK, Biswas T, Dorth J, Mansur D, Choi S, Bhatt A. An Analysis of Cancer Center-Provided Rideshare Utilization for Radiation Therapy. J Am Coll Radiol 2023; 20:40-50. [PMID: 36581084 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2022.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The potential of rideshare services to facilitate timely radiation therapy (RT), especially for resource-limited patients, is understudied. METHODS Patients (n = 63) who received 73 courses of RT (1,513 fractions) and utilized free hospital-provided rideshare service (537 rides) were included in this retrospective study. A multidimensional analysis was conducted including a comparison of demographic, disease characteristics, and treatment completion data; a revenue analysis to evaluate the financial impact of rideshare services; and a geospatial analysis to evaluate community-level characteristics of patients. RESULTS Median age was 59; most were female (56%) and self-identified as Black or African American (56%), not working (91%), not partnered (83%), high school educated or less (78%), and insured with Medicaid (51%). Geospatial analysis revealed that patients lived in communities with significantly higher rates of resource deprivation. Median rideshare distance was 6.4 miles (interquartile range 3.4-11.2) with a median cost of $13.04 per rideshare (interquartile range 9-19). Of the rideshare-facilitated treatments, 100% were completed, with an overall course completion rate of 97.3% compared with 85.4% for those who did not use rideshare (P = .001); two patients discontinued RT for reasons unrelated to transportation. High rideshare utilization (n = 32), defined as utilization ≥ 45% of the treatment course, was associated with significantly shorter treatment courses and lower radiation doses compared with low rideshare utilization (P = .04). Total rideshare cost for high utilizers and whole cohort was $11,589 and $16,895, facilitating an estimated revenue of $401,952 and $1,175,119, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Free hospital-provided rideshare service is economically feasible and associated with high RT completion rates. It may help enhance quality radiation care for those who come from resource-limited communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Chen
- Resident, Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Alok Deshane
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Cleveland, Ohio; and Medical Student, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Nicholas Damico
- Resident, Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Michael Kharouta
- Resident, Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Uriel Kim
- Medical Student, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Matthew Kemmann
- Director, Strategic Planning and Analytics, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Ravi Kyasaram
- Cancer Informatics Senior Data Architect, Cancer Informatics, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Anna K Wu
- Medical Student, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Tithi Biswas
- Thoracic Section Leader, Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Cleveland, Ohio; and Professor, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Jennifer Dorth
- Head and Neck Section Leader, Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Cleveland, Ohio; and Associate Professor, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - David Mansur
- Pediatric Section Leader, Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Cleveland, Ohio; and Professor, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Serah Choi
- CNS Section Leader, and Vice Chair of Laboratory Research, Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Cleveland, Ohio; and Assistant Professor, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio.
| | - Aashish Bhatt
- Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Cleveland, Ohio; and Associate Professor, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
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20
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Noel CW, Hueniken K, Forner D, Liu G, Eng L, Hosni A, Hahn E, Irish JC, Gilbert R, Yao CMKL, Monteiro E, O’Sullivan B, Waldron J, Huang SH, Goldstein DP, de Almeida JR. Association of Household Income at Diagnosis With Financial Toxicity, Health Utility, and Survival in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2023; 149:63-70. [PMID: 36416855 PMCID: PMC9685545 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoto.2022.3755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Importance While several studies have documented a link between socioeconomic status and survival in head and neck cancer, nearly all have used ecologic, community-based measures. Studies using more granular patient-level data are lacking. Objective To determine the association of baseline annual household income with financial toxicity, health utility, and survival. Design, Setting, and Participants This was a prospective cohort of adult patients with head and neck cancer treated at a tertiary cancer center in Toronto, Ontario, between September 17, 2015, and December 19, 2019. Data analysis was performed from April to December 2021. Exposures Annual household income at time of diagnosis. Main Outcome and Measures The primary outcome of interest was disease-free survival. Secondary outcomes included subjective financial toxicity, measured using the Financial Index of Toxicity (FIT) tool, and health utility, measured using the Health Utilities Index Mark 3. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the association between household income and survival. Income was regressed onto log-transformed FIT scores using linear models. The association between income and health utility was explored using generalized linear models. Generalized estimating equations were used to account for patient-level clustering. Results There were 555 patients (mean [SD] age, 62.7 [10.7] years; 109 [20%] women and 446 [80%] men) included in this cohort. Two-year disease-free survival was worse for patients in the bottom income quartile (<$30 000: 67%; 95% CI, 58%-78%) compared with the top quartile (≥$90 000: 88%; 95% CI, 83%-93%). In risk-adjusted models, patients in the bottom income quartile had inferior disease-free survival (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.13; 95% CI, 1.22-3.71) and overall survival (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.01; 95% CI, 0.94-4.29), when compared with patients in the highest quartile. The average FIT score was 22.6 in the lowest income quartile vs 11.7 in the highest quartile. In adjusted analysis, low-income patients had 12-month FIT scores that were, on average, 134% higher (worse) (95% CI, 16%-253%) than high-income patients. Similarly, health utility scores were, on average, 0.104 points lower (95% CI, 0.026-0.182) for low-income patients in adjusted analysis. Conclusions and Relevance In this cohort study, patients with head and neck cancer with a household income less than CAD$30 000 experienced worse financial toxicity, health status, and disease-free survival. Significant disparities exist for Ontario's patients with head and neck cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher W. Noel
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery/Surgical Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre–University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Katrina Hueniken
- Department of Biostatistics, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David Forner
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Geoffrey Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lawson Eng
- Department of Medical Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ali Hosni
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ezra Hahn
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jonathan C. Irish
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery/Surgical Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre–University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ralph Gilbert
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery/Surgical Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre–University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christopher M. K. L. Yao
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery/Surgical Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre–University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Eric Monteiro
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Sinai Health System, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Brian O’Sullivan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - John Waldron
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shao Hui Huang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David P. Goldstein
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery/Surgical Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre–University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - John R. de Almeida
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery/Surgical Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre–University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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21
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Dickstein DR, Powers AE, Vujovic D, Roof S, Bakst RL. Clinical and Therapeutic Considerations for Older Adults with Head and Neck Cancer. Clin Interv Aging 2023; 18:409-422. [PMID: 36959837 PMCID: PMC10029371 DOI: 10.2147/cia.s366155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Approximately 30% of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are at least 70 years of age, and this percentage is expected to increase as the population increases and lives longer. Elderly patients are underrepresented in head and neck oncology clinical trials, and there is minimal evidence on the management of HNSCC for this population. Subsequently, despite their best intentions, physicians may unknowingly recommend an ill-suited course of therapy, which may result in suboptimal oncological or functional outcomes or adverse events. Surgical approaches have the potential to carry a higher risk of morbidity and mortality in older adults, especially in patients with multiple comorbidities. Definitive radiation therapy treatment in patients with HNSCC frequently involves 7 weeks of daily radiation, sometimes with concurrent chemotherapy, and this demanding treatment can be difficult for older adult patients, which may lead to treatment interruptions, potential removal of concurrent systemic therapy, compromised outcomes, and diminished quality of life. There are clinical trials currently underway investigating altered fractionation regimens and novel, less toxic systemic treatments in this population. This review provides an overview of how best to approach an older adult with HNSCC, from initial work-up to treatment selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel R Dickstein
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ann E Powers
- Department of Otolaryngology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Dragan Vujovic
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Scott Roof
- Department of Otolaryngology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Richard L Bakst
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Correspondence: Richard L Bakst, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1184 5th Avenue 1st Fl, Box 1236, New York, NY, 10029, USA, Tel/Fax +1 212 241 3545, Email
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22
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Nguyen NT, Zhao X, Ponzini M, Wilson M, Leiserowitz G, Brooks RA. Time to completion of radiation treatment in locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva and the impact on survival. Gynecol Oncol 2022; 167:159-166. [PMID: 36154760 PMCID: PMC10030377 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2022.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess whether radiation completion within a planned timeframe in locally advanced squamous cell vulvar cancer impacts overall survival (OS). METHODS The National Cancer Database from 2004 to 2017 was used to identify women ≥18 years old with stage II-IVA squamous cell vulvar cancer. We included women who received radiation alone (RT) or concurrent chemoradiation (CRT) for initial vulvar cancer treatment. Primary outcome was overall survival associated with time of delay in radiation completion. RESULTS There were 2378 women identified (n = 856 RT and n = 1522 CRT). Median age was 67 (IQR 56-78), majority (88.35%) were white with advanced stage III or IVA (72.29%) disease. Median radiation dose was 5720 c-Gray (IQR 5040-6300). Radiation completion with delay ≥7 days resulted in reduction in survival compared to delay of <7 days (unadjusted HR 1.183 [95%CI: 1.066-1.313], p = 0.0016). When delays extended to ≥14 days compared to <14 days there was increased hazard of death (unadjusted HR: 1.263 [95%CI:1.126-1.416], p < 0.0001). Survival improved for patients with <7 versus ≥7 days delay whether treatment was with RT (median OS: 34.9 months versus 21.6 months, p < 0.01) or CRT (Median OS:58 months versus 41.3 months, p < 0.01). Stage IVA disease was associated with the greatest increase in hazard of death (HR 1.759 [95%CI 1.517-2.039], p < 0.0001) compared to stage II. CONCLUSION Radiation completion with <7 days delay is associated with improved overall survival, independent of concurrent chemotherapy. This suggest that strategies to minimize delays in radiation are crucial in locally advanced vulvar cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy T Nguyen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA.
| | - Xiao Zhao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Matthew Ponzini
- Department of Public Health, Division of Biostatistics, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Machelle Wilson
- Department of Public Health, Division of Biostatistics, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Gary Leiserowitz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Rebecca A Brooks
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
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23
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Hutten RJ, Odei B, Rivera A, Suneja G. Achieving Health Equity in Radiation Oncology-Moving From Awareness to Action. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2022; 114:195-197. [PMID: 36055318 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2022.06.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan J Hutten
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Bismarck Odei
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Amanda Rivera
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Gita Suneja
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah; Department of Population and Health Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah.
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24
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Deichaite I, Hopper A, Krockenberger L, Sears TJ, Sutton L, Ray X, Sharabi A, Navon A, Sanghvi P, Carter H, Moiseenko V. Germline genetic biomarkers to stratify patients for personalized radiation treatment. J Transl Med 2022; 20:360. [PMID: 35962345 PMCID: PMC9373374 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03561-x] [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: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Precision medicine incorporating genetic profiling is becoming a standard of care in medical oncology. However, in the field of radiation oncology there is limited use of genetic profiling and the impact of germline genetic biomarkers on radiosensitivity, radioresistance, or patient outcomes after radiation therapy is poorly understood. In HNSCC, the toxicity associated with treatment can cause delays or early cessation which has been associated with worse outcomes. Identifying potential biomarkers which can help predict toxicity, as well as response to treatment, is of significant interest. Methods Patients with HNSCC who received RT and underwent next generation sequencing of somatic tumor samples, transcriptome RNA-seq with matched normal tissue samples were included. Patients were then grouped by propensity towards increased late vs. early toxicity (Group A) and those without (Group B), assessed by CTCAE v5.0. The groups were then analyzed for association of specific germline variants with toxicity and clinical outcomes. Results In this study we analyzed 37 patients for correlation between germline variants and toxicity. We observed that TSC2, HLA-A, TET2, GEN1, NCOR2 and other germline variants were significantly associated with long term toxicities. 34 HNSCC patients treated with curative intent were evaluated for clinical outcomes. Group A had significantly improved overall survival as well as improved rates of locoregional recurrence and metastatic disease. Specific variants associated with improved clinical outcomes included TSC2, FANCD2, and PPP1R15A, while the HLA-A and GEN1 variants were not correlated with survival or recurrence. A group of five HLA-DMA/HLA-DMB variants was only found in Group B and was associated with a higher risk of locoregional recurrence. Conclusions This study indicates that germline genetic biomarkers may have utility in predicting toxicity and outcomes after radiation therapy and deserve further investigation in precision radiation medicine approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida Deichaite
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA. .,Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - Austin Hopper
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Lena Krockenberger
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Timothy J Sears
- Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Leisa Sutton
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Xenia Ray
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Andrew Sharabi
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.,Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Ami Navon
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Parag Sanghvi
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Hannah Carter
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.,Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Vitali Moiseenko
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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Hubler A, Wakefield DV, Makepeace L, Carnell M, Sharma AM, Jiang B, Dove AP, Garner WB, Edmonston D, Little JG, Ozdenerol E, Hanson RB, Martin MY, Shaban-Nejad A, Pisu M, Schwartz DL. Independent Predictors for Hospitalization-Associated Radiotherapy Interruptions. Adv Radiat Oncol 2022; 7:101041. [PMID: 36158745 PMCID: PMC9489733 DOI: 10.1016/j.adro.2022.101041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Radiation treatment interruption associated with unplanned hospitalization remains understudied. The intent of this study was to benchmark the frequency of hospitalization-associated radiation therapy interruptions (HARTI), characterize disease processes causing hospitalization during radiation, identify factors predictive for HARTI, and localize neighborhood environments associated with HARTI at our academic referral center. Methods and Materials This retrospective review of electronic health records provided descriptive statistics of HARTI event rates at our institutional practice. Uni- and multivariable logistic regression models were developed to identify significant factors predictive for HARTI. Causes of hospitalization were established from primary discharge diagnoses. HARTI rates were mapped according to patient residence addresses. Results Between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2017, 197 HARTI events (5.3%) were captured across 3729 patients with 727 total missed treatments. The 3 most common causes of hospitalization were malnutrition/dehydration (n = 28; 17.7%), respiratory distress/infection (n = 24; 13.7%), and fever/sepsis (n = 17; 9.7%). Factors predictive for HARTI included African-American race (odds ratio [OR]: 1.48; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07-2.06; P = .018), Medicaid/uninsured status (OR: 2.05; 95% CI, 1.32-3.15; P = .0013), Medicare coverage (OR: 1.7; 95% CI, 1.21-2.39; P = .0022), lung (OR: 5.97; 95% CI, 3.22-11.44; P < .0001), and head and neck (OR: 5.6; 95% CI, 2.96-10.93; P < .0001) malignancies, and prescriptions >20 fractions (OR: 2.23; 95% CI, 1.51-3.34; P < .0001). HARTI events clustered among Medicaid/uninsured patients living in urban, low-income, majority African-American neighborhoods, and patients from middle-income suburban communities, independent of race and insurance status. Only the wealthiest residential areas demonstrated low HARTI rates. Conclusions HARTI disproportionately affected socioeconomically disadvantaged urban patients facing a high treatment burden in our catchment population. A complementary geospatial analysis also captured the risk experienced by middle-income suburban patients independent of race or insurance status. Confirmatory studies are warranted to provide scale and context to guide intervention strategies to equitably reduce HARTI events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Hubler
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Daniel V. Wakefield
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee
- Tennessee Oncology, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Lydia Makepeace
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Matt Carnell
- University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Ankur M. Sharma
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Bo Jiang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Austin P. Dove
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennesse
| | - Wesley B. Garner
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Drucilla Edmonston
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - John G. Little
- University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Esra Ozdenerol
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Ryan B. Hanson
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Michelle Y. Martin
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Arash Shaban-Nejad
- UTHSC-ORNL Center for Biomedical Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennesse
| | - Maria Pisu
- Division of Preventive Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - David L. Schwartz
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee
- Corresponding author: David L. Schwartz, MD, FACR
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Patient Derived Ex-Vivo Cancer Models in Drug Development, Personalized Medicine, and Radiotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14123006. [PMID: 35740672 PMCID: PMC9220792 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14123006] [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: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This review article highlights gaps in the current system of drug development and personalized medicine for cancer therapy. The ex vivo model system using tissue biopsy from patients will advance the development of the predictive disease specific biomarker, drug screening and assessment of treatment response on a personalized basis. Although this ex vivo system demonstrated promises, there are challenges and limitations which need to be mitigated for further advancement and better applications. Abstract The field of cancer research is famous for its incremental steps in improving therapy. The consistent but slow rate of improvement is greatly due to its meticulous use of consistent cancer biology models. However, as we enter an era of increasingly personalized cancer care, including chemo and radiotherapy, our cancer models must be equally able to be applied to all individuals. Patient-derived organoid (PDO) and organ-in-chip (OIC) models based on the micro-physiological bioengineered platform have already been considered key components for preclinical and translational studies. Accounting for patient variability is one of the greatest challenges in the crossover from preclinical development to clinical trials and patient derived organoids may offer a steppingstone between the two. In this review, we highlight how incorporating PDO’s and OIC’s into the development of cancer therapy promises to increase the efficiency of our therapeutics.
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Dickstein DR, Lehrer EJ, Hsieh K, Hotca A, Jones BM, Powers A, Sharma S, Liu J, Gupta V, Mell L, Husain Z, Kirke D, Misiukiewicz K, Posner M, Genden E, Bakst RL. Management of Older Adults with Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14112809. [PMID: 35681789 PMCID: PMC9179912 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14112809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Approximately one third of patients with head and neck cancer are older adults. The number of older adults with head and neck cancer continues to rise especially as life expectancy increases. However, this population remains significantly underrepresented in clinical trials. Due to this, there is no clear consensus regarding the optimal treatment for older adults with head and neck cancer. In general, older adults are a complex cohort due to variations in functional and performance status, medical comorbidities, and medication management. Treatment for head and neck cancer involves surgery, radiation therapy, systemic therapy, or a combination. These treatments are highly demanding. Additionally, they are associated with toxicity which can be especially difficult for older adults to tolerate. This may lead to treatment interruptions and compromised outcomes. In order to understand the optimal treatment for older adults with head and neck cancer, novel predictive scores are being developed. Additionally, ongoing clinical trials are investigating less intensive treatments for older adults. This review provides an overview of current clinical data, treatment considerations, and future areas of investigation for older adults with head and neck cancer. Abstract Thirty percent of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are at least 70 years of age. This number continues to rise as life expectancy continues to increase. Still, older adults with HNSCC remain underrepresented in clinical trials, resulting in ambiguity on optimal management. Older adults are a complex patient population, often requiring increased support due to issues relating to functional and performance status, medical comorbidities, and medication management. Furthermore, in older adults with HNSCC, many of these conditions are independently associated with increased toxicity and worse outcomes. Toxicity in the older adult remains difficult to predict and to understand, and as treatment decisions are based on treatment tolerability, it is essential to understand the toxicities and how to minimize them. Novel predictive scores are being developed specifically for older adults with HNSCC to understand toxicity and to assist in personalized treatment decisions. There are clinical trials presently underway that are investigating shortened radiation courses and novel, less toxic systemic treatments in this population. In the forthcoming sections, we provide a detailed overview of the clinical data, treatment paradigms, and considerations in this population. This review provides a comprehensive overview of existing clinical data and clinical considerations in the older adult head and neck cancer population. Additionally, we provide a detailed overview of pertinent current and ongoing clinical trials, as well as future areas for investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel R. Dickstein
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; (D.R.D.); (E.J.L.); (K.H.); (A.H.); (B.M.J.); (S.S.); (J.L.); (V.G.)
| | - Eric J. Lehrer
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; (D.R.D.); (E.J.L.); (K.H.); (A.H.); (B.M.J.); (S.S.); (J.L.); (V.G.)
| | - Kristin Hsieh
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; (D.R.D.); (E.J.L.); (K.H.); (A.H.); (B.M.J.); (S.S.); (J.L.); (V.G.)
| | - Alexandra Hotca
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; (D.R.D.); (E.J.L.); (K.H.); (A.H.); (B.M.J.); (S.S.); (J.L.); (V.G.)
| | - Brianna M. Jones
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; (D.R.D.); (E.J.L.); (K.H.); (A.H.); (B.M.J.); (S.S.); (J.L.); (V.G.)
| | - Ann Powers
- Department of Otolaryngology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; (A.P.); (D.K.); (E.G.)
| | - Sonam Sharma
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; (D.R.D.); (E.J.L.); (K.H.); (A.H.); (B.M.J.); (S.S.); (J.L.); (V.G.)
| | - Jerry Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; (D.R.D.); (E.J.L.); (K.H.); (A.H.); (B.M.J.); (S.S.); (J.L.); (V.G.)
| | - Vishal Gupta
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; (D.R.D.); (E.J.L.); (K.H.); (A.H.); (B.M.J.); (S.S.); (J.L.); (V.G.)
| | - Loren Mell
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92110, USA;
| | - Zain Husain
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada;
| | - Diana Kirke
- Department of Otolaryngology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; (A.P.); (D.K.); (E.G.)
| | - Krzysztof Misiukiewicz
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; (K.M.); (M.P.)
| | - Marshall Posner
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; (K.M.); (M.P.)
| | - Eric Genden
- Department of Otolaryngology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; (A.P.); (D.K.); (E.G.)
| | - Richard L. Bakst
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; (D.R.D.); (E.J.L.); (K.H.); (A.H.); (B.M.J.); (S.S.); (J.L.); (V.G.)
- Correspondence:
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Sayan M, Eren MF, Kilic SS, Kotek A, Kaplan SO, Duran O, Cukurcayır F, Babalıoglu I, Or OD, Ozturk GA, Eroglu C, Teke F, Kurtul N, Kutuk T, Bicakci BC, Senyurek S, Aktan M, Mamidanna S, Ohri N, Haffty B, Atalar B. Utilization of radiation therapy and predictors of noncompliance among Syrian refugees in Turkey. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:532. [PMID: 35550042 PMCID: PMC9097407 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-09558-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Access to cancer care is a problem that continues to plague refugees displaced from their home countries. The turbulent political crisis in Syria, which has led to millions of refugees seeking asylum in Turkey, merits further attention. We aimed to study the rate of utilization of radiation therapy among Syrian refugees with cancer living in Turkey in an attempt to identify the contributing factors predictive of non-compliance with prescribed RT. Methods In this retrospective review of 14 institutional databases, Syrian refugee patients in Turkey with a cancer diagnosis from January 2015 to December 2019 who were treated with RT were identified. The demographic data, treatment compliance rates, and toxicity outcomes in these patients were surveyed. Variable predictors of noncompliance such as age, sex, diagnosis, treatment length, and toxicity were studied. The association between these variables and patient noncompliance was determined. Results We identified 10,537 patients who were diagnosed with cancer during the study period, of whom 1010 (9.6%) patients were treated with RT. Breast cancer (30%) and lung cancer (14%) were the most common diagnoses with up to 68% of patients diagnosed at an advanced stage (Stage III, IV). 20% of the patients were deemed noncompliant. Treatment with concurrent chemoradiotherapy (OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.06–2.46, p = 0.023) and living in a refugee camp (OR 3.62, 95% CI 2.43–5.19, p < 0.001) were associated with noncompliance. Age, sex and treatment length were not significantly associated with noncompliance. Conclusions Noncompliance with radiotherapy among Syrian refugees in Turkey remains an area of concern with a multitude of factors contributing to these alarming numbers. Further studies to better ascertain the finer nuances of this intricately complex problem and a global combination of efforts can pave the way to providing a solution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mutlay Sayan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street. ASB1 - L2, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Mehmet Fuat Eren
- Marmara University Pendik Education and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Ayse Kotek
- Gaziantep Dr. Ersin Arslan Education and Research Hospital, Gaziantep, Turkey
| | | | - Ozge Duran
- Sanliurfa Mehmet Akif Inan Education and Research Hospital, Sanliurfa, Turkey
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Tugce Kutuk
- Malatya Education and Research Hospital, Malatya, Turkey
| | | | - Sukran Senyurek
- Kahramanmaras Necip Fazil City Hospital, Kahramanmaras, Turkey
| | | | - Swati Mamidanna
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Nisha Ohri
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Bruce Haffty
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
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Cappelli L, Poiset S, Greenberger B, Bar-Ad V. Thermoplastic Mask-Induced Contact Dermatitis: A Case Report. Cureus 2022; 14:e23815. [PMID: 35530918 PMCID: PMC9067890 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.23815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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COVID-19 testing trends: pre-radiation and throughout cancer care. JOURNAL OF RADIOTHERAPY IN PRACTICE 2022. [DOI: 10.1017/s1460396922000012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction:
Patients presenting for radiation therapy (RT) at a single institution were analysed regarding treatment delays and disparities during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
Methods:
The study was conducted at an urban multidisciplinary cancer centre. In April 2020, the institution’s radiation oncology department implemented universal COVID-19 screening protocols prior to RT initiation. COVID-19 testing information on cancer patients planned for RT from 04/2020 to 01/2021 was reviewed. Trends of other lifetime COVID-19 testing and overall care delays were also studied.
Results:
Two hundred and fifty-four consecutive cancer patients received RT. Median age was 63 years (range 24–94) and 57·9% (n = 147) were Black. Most (n = 107, 42·1%) patients were insured through Medicare. 42·9% (n = 109) presented with stage IV disease. One (0·4%) asymptomatic patient tested positive for COVID-19 pre-RT. The cohort received 975 lifetime COVID-19 tests (median 3 per patient, range 1–18) resulting in 29 positive test results across 21 patients. Sixteen patients had RT delays. Identifying as Hispanic/Latino was associated with testing positive for COVID-19 (p = 0·015) and RT delay (p = 0·029).
Conclusion:
Most patients with cancer planned for RT tested negative for COVID-19 and proceeded to RT without delay. However, increased testing burden, delays in diagnostic workup and testing positive for COVID-19 may intensify disparities affecting this urban patient population.
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Khanna NR, Kumar A, Kataki K, Sehra N, Laskar SG, Mummudi N, Gupta T, Tibdewal A, Pathak R, Wadasadawala T, Krishnatry R, Chopra S, Goda JS, Chatterjee A, Budrukkar A, Gurram L, Engineer R, Murthy V, Swain M, Laskar S, Sarin R, Agarwal JP. Compliance of Radiotherapy Treatment at a Tertiary Cancer Center in India—A Clinical Audit. Indian J Med Paediatr Oncol 2022. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1742666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction Noncompliance to planned radiotherapy (RT) treatment is associated with inferior outcomes and also serves as an indicator of quality of care offered to the patients. Identification of the rate of noncompliance and its causative factors can help us develop an insight toward implementing mitigation measures thereby improving the quality of treatment.
Objective To ascertain the incidence of noncompliance and the factors affecting the same in patients offered RT appointments.
Materials and Methods We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2019, who were noncompliant (defaulted RT simulation or defaulted initiation of RT or defaulted planned RT during the course of RT but excluding planned/unplanned treatment breaks or early conclusions prescribed by the treating radiation oncologist) for the planned RT treatment.
Results Of the 8,607 appointments (7,699 external beam RT and 908 brachytherapy) given to the patients attending the radiation oncology outpatient department in the year 2019, a total of 197 (2.28%) patients were found to be noncomplaint. Ninety-seven patients defaulted RT simulation (49.2%), 53 defaulted RT starting (26.9%), and 47 defaulted while on RT (23.9%). Half of these had either head–neck (29.9%) or gynecological (20.8%) malignancies. Patients with breast cancers had the least noncompliance rates (0.02%). The cause for noncompliance was ascertained in 135 patients (68.5%). The common causes of noncompliance were the desire to continue treatment closer to home (21.5%) followed by logistic (17%), lack of confidence in the curative potential of the planned therapy (17%), and financial reasons (11.8%). Patients with head–neck and gynecological malignancies were more often with advanced staged disease and were planned multimodal treatment protocols. The majority of the 23 patients who defaulted palliative RT were planned for fractionated treatments (73.9%).
Conclusion The incidence of noncompliance in patients planned for RT in our institute can be considered optimum. Appropriate counseling of patients at the time of scheduling appointment, upfront identification of patients at high risk of noncompliance, and assisting patients with financial and logistic challenges are imperative to ensure adherence to planned treatment schedule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nehal R. Khanna
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Anuj Kumar
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Kaushik Kataki
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Nishtha Sehra
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sarbani Ghosh Laskar
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Naveen Mummudi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Tejpal Gupta
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Anil Tibdewal
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Rima Pathak
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Tabassum Wadasadawala
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Rahul Krishnatry
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Supriya Chopra
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Jayant Sastri Goda
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Abhishek Chatterjee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Ashwini Budrukkar
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Lavanya Gurram
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Reena Engineer
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Vedang Murthy
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Monali Swain
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Siddhartha Laskar
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Rajiv Sarin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Jai Prakash Agarwal
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
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Alawadhi A, Palin V, van Staa T. Investigating the reasons for missing an outpatient appointment in Royal Hospital, Sultanate of Oman: Perspectives of patients and medical staff in a survey. Health Sci Rep 2022; 5:e470. [PMID: 35036575 PMCID: PMC8749310 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Missed appointments are a major health issue in the healthcare systems globally. They directly impact on the use of hospital resources, patient's health, and can lead to patient's dissatisfaction. This study was conducted to assess the reasons for missing a hospital appointment. Methods A survey was conducted with a randomly selected sample of patients who missed their outpatient appointment in Royal hospital, Sultanate of Oman, from March to April 2021 in six clinics. Patients were interviewed via telephone to answer a structured survey. In addition, a self‐administered survey was distributed to medical staff to explore their perspectives. Results Two hundred eighty patients and 52 medical staff participated in the study. Frequent patient‐reported reasons for missed appointment were transportation difficulties (11.4%), no longer needing (7.5%), or forgetting the appointment (6.8%); staff‐reported reasons were transportation (23.8%), no SMS received (16.9%), and forgetting the appointment (15.4%). Frequencies of reasons varied substantially between clinics. Family obligations were the main theme in obstetrics (odds ratio [OR] 9.48; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.66‐33.78) and in diabetes clinic (OR 10.55; 95% CI 2.68‐38.58), where transportation issue was the main theme in Oncology clinic (OR 4.83; 95% CI 1.11‐21.02). The recommendations for improvement were mainly around improving the reminder system, the use of telephone reminders, and developing a flexible appointment scheduling system. Conclusion Knowing the reasons for missed appointment from patients and health professionals can help to develop effective interventions. The heterogeneity between clinics in reasons for missed appointment indicates for interventions tailored to clinic and frequent reasons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Alawadhi
- Centre for Health Informatics, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health The University of Manchester Manchester UK
| | - Victoria Palin
- Centre for Health Informatics, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health The University of Manchester Manchester UK
| | - Tjeerd van Staa
- Centre for Health Informatics, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health The University of Manchester Manchester UK
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R Khanna N, Ghosh Laskar S, Gupta T, Agarwal JP. Compliance With Radiotherapy Treatment in an Apex Cancer Center of India. JCO Glob Oncol 2022; 8:e2100201. [PMID: 34985910 PMCID: PMC8769151 DOI: 10.1200/go.21.00201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nehal R Khanna
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
| | - Sarbani Ghosh Laskar
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
| | - Tejpal Gupta
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
| | - Jai Prakash Agarwal
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
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Calo WA, Rivera M, Mendez-Lazaro PA, Garcia-Camacho SI, Bernhardt Utz YM, Acosta-Perez E, Ortiz AP. Disruptions in Oncology Care Confronted by Patients with Gynecologic Cancer Following Hurricanes Irma and Maria in Puerto Rico. Cancer Control 2022; 29:10732748221114691. [PMID: 35833604 PMCID: PMC9290156 DOI: 10.1177/10732748221114691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In September 2017, hurricanes Irma and Maria affected Puerto Rico (PR) and the US Virgin Islands (USVI), causing major disruptions in basic services and health care. This study documented the stressors and experiences of patients with gynecologic cancer receiving oncology care in PR following these hurricanes. METHODS We conducted 4 focus groups (December 2018-April 2019) among women aged ≥21 years from PR who were diagnosed with gynecological cancer between September 2016 and September 2018 (n = 24). Using the same eligibility criteria, we also interviewed patients from the USVI (n = 2) who were treated in PR. We also conducted key-informant interviews with oncology care providers and administrators (n = 23) serving gynecologic cancer patients in PR. Discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded to identify emergent themes using a constant comparison method. RESULTS Analyses of focus group discussions and interviews allowed us to identify the following emergent themes: 1) disruptions in oncology care were common; 2) communication between oncology providers and patients was challenging before and after the hurricanes hit; 3) patient resilience was key to resume care; and 4) local communities provided much-needed social support and resources. CONCLUSIONS This study provides firsthand information about the disruptions in oncology care experienced by and the resiliency of women with gynecologic cancer following hurricanes Irma and Maria. Our findings underscore the need to incorporate oncology care in the preparedness and response plans of communities, health systems, and government agencies to maintain adequate care for cancer patients during and after disasters such as hurricanes.
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Affiliation(s)
- William A. Calo
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Mirza Rivera
- Center for Evaluation and Sociomedical Research, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, PR, USA
| | - Pablo A. Mendez-Lazaro
- Department of Environmental Health, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, PR, USA
| | - Sandra I. Garcia-Camacho
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, University of Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Juan, PR, USA
| | - Yanina M. Bernhardt Utz
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, University of Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Juan, PR, USA
| | - Edna Acosta-Perez
- Center for Evaluation and Sociomedical Research, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, PR, USA
- Hispanic Alliance of Clinical and Translational Research, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, PR, USA
| | - Ana P. Ortiz
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, University of Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Juan, PR, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, PR, USA
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Andreou L, Burrows T, Surjan Y. The effect of nutritional interventions involving dietary counselling on gastrointestinal toxicities in adults receiving pelvic radiotherapy - A systematic review. J Med Radiat Sci 2021; 68:453-464. [PMID: 34288532 PMCID: PMC8655625 DOI: 10.1002/jmrs.531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) toxicities are common in patients receiving radiotherapy (RT) to the pelvis. This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of nutritional interventions involving dietary counselling (DC) on GI toxicities in patients receiving pelvic RT. The search method entailed two phases to retrieve studies. Articles from a previous Cochrane review by Lawrie et al. 2018 were assessed for inclusion. An updated systematic search was then conducted to retrieve articles published between 2013 and 2020 from five electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, CENTRAL and Scopus). The inclusion criteria entailed randomised controlled trials involving adults ≥18 years, undergoing curative pelvic RT, receiving a nutritional intervention involving DC with or without supplements. DC was defined as written or face-to-face dietary advice provided before or during RT. Outcomes included GI toxicities reported by validated assessment tools. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Quality Criteria Checklist was utilised to assess quality and risk of bias. Of 1922 studies retrieved, 12 articles encompassing 11 individual RCTs were included. Seven studies included a supplement in addition to DC. Supplements included probiotics, prebiotics, probiotic + soluble fibre, high protein liquid supplement and fat emulsion. Of the 11 studies, one involved individualised DC, and the remaining studies prescribed consumption or avoidance of fats, fibre, lactose, protein and FODMAP. The most common toxicities reported were diarrhoea (n = 11), pain/cramping (n = 9) and bloating/flatulence (n = 5). Three studies stated an improvement in diarrhoea incidence. Results varied between studies. Further quality studies are required to assess the effectiveness of DC, in particular individualised DC on GI toxicities in patients receiving pelvic RT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Andreou
- School of Health SciencesCollege of Health, Medicine and WellbeingThe University of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Tracy Burrows
- School of Health SciencesCollege of Health, Medicine and WellbeingThe University of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
- Hunter Medical Research InstituteNew Lambton HeightsNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Yolanda Surjan
- School of Health SciencesCollege of Health, Medicine and WellbeingThe University of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
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Mattes MD, Suneja G, Haffty BG, Takita C, Katz MS, Ohri N, Deville C, Siker ML, Park HS. Overcoming Barriers to Radiation Oncology Access in Low-Resource Settings in the United States. Adv Radiat Oncol 2021; 6:100802. [PMID: 34693080 PMCID: PMC8515237 DOI: 10.1016/j.adro.2021.100802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Providing high-quality radiation therapy in medically underserved, low-resource environments can be challenging in the United States. During the American Society of Radiation Oncology 2020 Annual Meeting, the American Society for Radiation Oncology Committee on Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion hosted 4 radiation oncologists from both academic and community practices in an educational session. Speakers discussed creative ways to overcome barriers to equitable cancer care and outcomes for their vulnerable patient populations in both rural and urban settings. Successful tactics have included applying for state-sponsored grants, lobbying hospital leadership for equipment upgrades, implementing quality improvement programs specifically targeting the needs of the patient population, studying novel hypofractionation schedules, monitoring toxicities using wearable devices, and expanding transportation options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malcolm D Mattes
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Gita Suneja
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Utah School Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Bruce G Haffty
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Cristiane Takita
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, Florida
| | - Matthew S Katz
- Radiation Oncology Associates, Lowell General Hospital Cancer Center, Lowell, Massachusetts
| | - Nitin Ohri
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York
| | - Curtiland Deville
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Malika L Siker
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Henry S Park
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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Mo A, Chung J, Eichler J, Yukelis S, Feldman S, Fox J, Garg M, Kalnicki S, Ohri N, Sparano JA, Klein J. Breast cancer survivorship care during the COVID-19 pandemic within an urban New York Hospital System. Breast 2021; 59:301-307. [PMID: 34385028 PMCID: PMC8334511 DOI: 10.1016/j.breast.2021.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine clinicodemographic determinants associated with breast cancer survivorship follow-up during COVID-19. METHODS We performed a retrospective, population-based cohort study including early stage (Stage I-II) breast cancer patients who underwent resection between 2006 and 2018 in a New York City hospital system. The primary outcome was oncologic follow-up prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Secondary analyses compared differences in follow-up by COVID-19 case rates stratified by ZIP code. RESULTS A total of 2942 patients with early-stage breast cancer were available for analysis. 1588 (54%) of patients had attended follow-up in the year prior to the COVID-19 period but failed to continue to follow-up during the pandemic, either in-person or via telemedicine. 1242 (42%) patients attended a follow-up appointment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Compared with patients who did not present for follow-up during COVID-19, patients who continued their oncologic follow-up during the pandemic were younger (p = 0.049) more likely to have received adjuvant radiation therapy (p = 0.025), and have lower household income (p = 0.031) on multivariate modeling. When patients who live in Bronx, New York, were stratified by ZIP code, there was a modest negative association (r = -0.56) between COVID-19 cases and proportion of patients who continued to follow-up during the COVID-19 period. CONCLUSION We observed a dramatic disruption in routine breast cancer follow-up during the COVID-19 pandemic. Providers and health systems should emphasize reintegrating patients who missed appointments during COVID-19 back into regular surveillance programs to avoid significant morbidity and mortality from missed breast cancer recurrences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allen Mo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Julie Chung
- Health Information Management, Cancer Registry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Jeremy Eichler
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Sarah Yukelis
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Sheldon Feldman
- Department of Surgery, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Jana Fox
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Madhur Garg
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Shalom Kalnicki
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Nitin Ohri
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Joseph A Sparano
- Department of Medical Oncology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Jonathan Klein
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA.
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Miller J, Szalacha LA, Hartranft SR, Rodriguez C. Radiation Therapy: Predictors of Nonadherence to Treatment Schedules Among Patients With Head and Neck Cancer. Clin J Oncol Nurs 2021; 25:305-313. [PMID: 34019027 DOI: 10.1188/21.cjon.305-313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) often undergo a demanding treatment schedule, including radiation therapy (RT). Nonadherence to RT schedules is a documented problem among patients with HNC and can negatively affect patient outcomes. OBJECTIVES This retrospective, descriptive study aimed to examine whether demographic or clinical characteristics or physical and psychological symptoms were associated with nonadherence to RT among patients with HNC. METHODS Electronic health records of 262 patients with HNC who received treatment at a cancer center in the southeastern United States were reviewed to determine whether nonadherence was related to symptom scores and other patient- and clinical-related factors. FINDINGS Patients at highest risk for nonadherence included women, those admitted as inpatients during treatment, and those who received outpatient IV fluids during treatment. Nonadherent patients reported higher mean scores on 9 of 12 symptoms measured during treatment, indicating a higher symptom burden. Patients with tongue tumors, greater spiritual well-being, and less constipation were less likely to be nonadherent.
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Sumner W, Ray X, Sutton L, Rebibo D, Marincola F, Sanghvi P, Moiseenko V, Deichaite I. Gene alterations as predictors of radiation-induced toxicity in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. J Transl Med 2021; 19:212. [PMID: 34001187 PMCID: PMC8130372 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-021-02876-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Optimizing the therapeutic ratio for radiation therapy (RT) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is uniquely challenging owing to high rates of early and late toxicity involving nearby organs at risk. These toxicities have a profound impact on treatment compliance and quality of life. Emerging evidence suggests that RT dose alone cannot fully account for the variable severity of RT-related adverse events (rtAEs) observed in HNSCC patients. Next-generation sequencing has become an increasingly valuable tool with widespread use in the oncology field and is being robustly explored for predicting rtAEs beyond dosimetric data. Methods Patients who had Foundation Medicine sequencing data and received RT for primary or locally recurrent HNSCC were selected for this study. Early and late toxicity data were collected and reported based on Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 5.0. Dosimetric parameters were collected for pertinent structures. Results A total of HNSCC 37 patients were analyzed in this study. Genetic alterations in BRCA2, ERBB3, NOTCH1 and CCND1 were all associated with higher mean grade of toxicity with BRCA2 alteration implicated in all toxicity parameters evaluated including mucositis, early dysphagia, xerostomia and to a lesser extent, late dysphagia. Interestingly, patients who exhibited alterations in both BRCA2 and ERBB3 experienced a twofold or greater increase in early dysphagia, early xerostomia and late dysphagia compared to ERBB3 alteration alone. Furthermore, several gene alterations were associated with improved toxicity outcomes. Within an RT supersensitive patient subset, alterations were found in TNFAIP3, HNF1A, SPTA1 and CASP8. All of these alterations were not found in the RT insensitive patient subset. We found 17 gene alterations in the RT insensitive patient subset that were not found in the RT supersensitive patient subset. Conclusion Despite consistent RT dosimetric parameters, patients with HNSCC experience heterogeneous patterns of rtAEs. Identifying factors associated with toxicity outcomes offers a new avenue for personalized precision RT therapy and prophylactic management. Here, next-generation sequencing in a population of HNSCC patients correlates several genetic alterations with severity of rtAEs. Further analysis is urgently needed to identify genetic patterns associated with rtAEs in order to reduce harmful outcomes in this challenging population. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12967-021-02876-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Whitney Sumner
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Xenia Ray
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Leisa Sutton
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Daniel Rebibo
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Parag Sanghvi
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Vitali Moiseenko
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Ida Deichaite
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA. .,Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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Lamba N, Mehanna E, Kearney RB, Catalano PJ, Haas-Kogan DA, Alexander BM, Cagney DN, Lee KA, Aizer AA. Racial disparities in supportive medication use among older patients with brain metastases: a population-based analysis. Neuro Oncol 2021; 22:1339-1347. [PMID: 32149345 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noaa054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brain metastases (BM) cause symptoms that supportive medications can alleviate. We assessed whether racial disparities exist in supportive medication utilization after BM diagnosis. METHODS Medicare-enrolled patients linked with the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program (SEER) who had diagnoses of BM between 2007 and 2016 were identified. Fourteen supportive medication classes were studied: non-opioid analgesics, opioids, anti-emetics, anti-epileptics, headache-targeting medications, steroids, cognitive aids, antidepressants, anxiolytics, antidelirium/antipsychotic agents, muscle relaxants, psychostimulants, sleep aids, and appetite stimulants. Drug administration ≤30 days following BM diagnosis was compared by race using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS Among 17,957 patients, headache aids, antidepressants, and anxiolytics were prescribed less frequently to African Americans (odds ratio [95% CI] = 0.81 [0.73-0.90], P < 0.001; OR = 0.68 [0.57-0.80], P < 0.001; and OR = 0.68 [0.56-0.82], P < 0.001, respectively), Hispanics (OR = 0.83 [0.73-0.94], P = 0.004 OR = 0.78 [0.64-0.97], P = 0.02; and OR = 0.63 [0.49-0.81], P < 0.001, respectively), and Asians (OR = 0.81 [0.72-0.92], P = 0.001, OR = 0.67 [0.53-0.85], P = 0.001, and OR = 0.62 [0.48-0.80], P < 0.001, respectively) compared with non-Hispanic Whites. African Americans also received fewer anti-emetics (OR = 0.75 [0.68-0.83], P < 0.001), steroids (OR = 0.84 [0.76-0.93], P < 0.001), psychostimulants (OR = 0.14 [0.03-0.59], P = 0.007), sleep aids (OR = 0.71 [0.61-0.83], P < 0.001), and appetite stimulants (OR = 0.85 [0.77-0.94], P = 0.002) than Whites. Hispanic patients less frequently received antidelirium/antipsychotic drugs (OR = 0.57 [0.38-0.86], P = 0.008), sleep aids (OR = 0.78 [0.64-0.94, P = 0.01), and appetite stimulants (OR = 0.87 [0.76-0.99], P = 0.04). Asian patients received fewer opioids (OR = 0.86 [0.75-0.99], P = 0.04), anti-emetics (OR = 0.83 [0.73-0.94], P = 0.004), anti-epileptics (OR = 0.83 [0.71-0.97], P = 0.02), steroids (OR = 0.81 [0.72-0.92], P = 0.001), muscle relaxants (OR = 0.60 [0.41-0.89], P = 0.01), and appetite stimulants (OR = 0.87 [0.76-0.99], P = 0.03). No medication class was prescribed significantly less frequently to Whites. CONCLUSIONS Disparities in supportive medication prescription for non-White/Hispanic groups with BM exist; improved provider communication and engagement with at-risk patients is needed. KEY POINTS 1. Patients with BM commonly experience neurologic symptoms.2. Supportive medications improve quality of life among patients with BM.3. Non-White patients with BM receive fewer supportive medications than White patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayan Lamba
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Elie Mehanna
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Rachel B Kearney
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Paul J Catalano
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Daphne A Haas-Kogan
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Brian M Alexander
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Daniel N Cagney
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kathleen A Lee
- Division of Adult Palliative Care, Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ayal A Aizer
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
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Rivera A, Wassel M, Brodin PN, Yaparpalvi R, Velten C, Kabarriti R, Garg M, Kalnicki S, Mehta KJ. Hybrid tandem and ovoids brachytherapy in locally advanced cervical cancer: impact of dose and tumor volume metrics on outcomes. J Contemp Brachytherapy 2021; 13:158-166. [PMID: 33897789 PMCID: PMC8060962 DOI: 10.5114/jcb.2021.105283] [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: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To report the impact of dose and tumor volume metrics at brachytherapy on outcomes for locally advanced cervical cancer treated with tandem and ovoids intracavitary/interstitial brachytherapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS FIGO stage IB1-IIIB locally advanced cervical cancer treated with intracavitary/interstitial brachytherapy via a tandem and ovoids hybrid applicator were analyzed. Median high-risk clinical target volume (HR-CTV), rate of tumor volume reduction, EQD2 D90, organ at risk doses, and outcomes were recorded. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression was applied for survival analysis, and logistic regression was used for toxicity analysis. RESULTS Seventy-one patients were identified. Median follow-up was 24.9 months, with a 2-year local control of 83.6%, loco-regional control of 72.0%, and overall survival of 88.6%. Median HR-CTV D90 was 87.4 Gy (IQR = 85.7-90.2). Median HR-CTV D90 > 90 Gy10 showed a trend toward improved local control (LC) (p = 0.19). Median HR-CTV was 37.9 cm3, and median V100 was 86.5%. A median HR-CTV of ≥ 40 cm3 demonstrated worse loco-regional control (LRC) (p = 0.018) and progression-free survival (p = 0.021). Two-year LC and LRC for stage IIB patients with a median HR-CTV < 40 cm3 were significantly improved as compared to ≥ 40 cm3 at 100% and 71.8%, respectively (p = 0.019) and 100% and 56.5%, respectively (p = 0.001). However, this trend was not statistically significant for stage IIIB patients. Higher percent per day reduction in HR-CTV during brachytherapy showed improved LRC (p = 0.045). Four percent of patients experienced acute grade 3 genitourinary toxicity, 1% late grade 3 genitourinary and 1% late grade 3 gastrointestinal toxicity. CONCLUSIONS Tandem and ovoids intracavitary/interstitial brachytherapy provides satisfactory outcomes with modest toxicity. Higher HR-CTV D90 coverage demonstrated a trend toward improved tumor control. Tumor volume based on median HR-CTV ≥ 40 cm3 at brachytherapy was prognostic for poor outcomes, even within initial FIGO stage groups warranting caution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Rivera
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, USA
| | | | - Patrik N. Brodin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, USA
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Ravindra Yaparpalvi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Christian Velten
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Rafi Kabarriti
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Madhur Garg
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Shalom Kalnicki
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Keyur J. Mehta
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, USA
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Facer BD, Bingham B, Fleisch SB, Walker JN, Ahmad M, Osmundson EC. Radiation Therapy Adherence Among Patients Experiencing Homelessness. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2021; 109:1019-1027. [PMID: 33127492 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2020.10.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Radiation therapy is a valuable, yet time- and resource-intense therapy. Patients experiencing homelessness (PEH) face many barriers related to the timely receipt of radiation therapy. Owing to a paucity of data regarding cancer treatment and homelessness, clinicians have a limited evidence base when recommending therapy to PEH. This study was performed to evaluate adherence to radiation therapy treatment regimens in PEH with cancer. METHODS AND MATERIALS The study cohort was primarily derived from the Vanderbilt University Medical Center Homeless Health Services program. Patients in the Homeless Health Services program with radiation oncology visits were identified by query of the electronic medical record. Manual chart review was performed to gather standard treatment parameters and data describing missed appointments. A comparison group of patients not experiencing homelessness (non-PEH) was generated by aggregating appointment data for all other patients receiving similar treatments at Vanderbilt University Medical Center during multiple, consecutive years. RESULTS In the study, 3408 PEH were identified, of whom 48 underwent radiation oncology consultation. Thirty-two were prescribed at least 1 course of radiation therapy, for a total of 54 unique courses. Out of these courses, 34 (62.9%) were completed as prescribed without delay, 12 (22.2%) were completed with delay(s), and 8 (14.8%) were not fully completed. Although the PEH cohort had significantly higher rates of delayed and undelivered fractions, the proportion of delayed or incomplete courses was not significantly different from the comparison group of non-PEH, particularly for courses with 10 or fewer fractions. Reasons for missed appointments for PEH were variable. CONCLUSIONS This is the first publication describing adherence to radiation therapy in PEH. Our data suggest that PEH are as likely as non-PEH to complete a course of radiation therapy, albeit with more treatment interruptions. When treatment courses of >10 fractions are expected, PEH may benefit from more hypofractionated regimens, provided they have equivalent clinical efficacy to longer regimens. Documenting reasons for missed appointments will be essential to further understanding the needs of PEH. This study serves as a foundation for further analysis regarding homelessness and radiation therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjin D Facer
- Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee; University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, Texas.
| | - Brian Bingham
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Sheryl B Fleisch
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Jessica N Walker
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Mahmoud Ahmad
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Evan C Osmundson
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
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Phung HT, Truong MC, Nguyen LT, Dang ATV, Vu TH, Nguyen HT. Treatment Outcome and Prognosis Factors of FIGO 2018 Stage III Cervical Cancer Patients Treated with Definitive Concurrent Chemoradiation in Vietnam. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2021; 22:853-859. [PMID: 33773550 PMCID: PMC8286661 DOI: 10.31557/apjcp.2021.22.3.853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to analyze the treatment outcome and toxicities, along with prognosis factors of patients with FIGO 2018 stage III cervical cancer treated with definitive concurrent chemoradiation. Methods: A total of 83 stage III cervical cancer patients with good performance status (ECOG PS 0, 1) were treated with three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT) combined with chemotherapy (weekly cisplatin), followed by high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy between January 2017 and March 2019 at Vietnam National Cancer hospital. Treatment outcomes and prognosis factors were assessed along with acute and late toxicities. Results: The 3-year DFS was 67.8% and 3-year OS was 80.3%. On multivariate analyses, short axis of pelvic lymph node diameter of ≥ 15mm, invasion of the lower third of vagina and para-aortic lymph node metastasis were identified as adverse prognostic factors for DFS. The cumulative incidence rate of gastrointestinal and genitourinary toxicity (≥ grade 2) at the 3-year follow-up were 29.6% and 11.6%, respectively. Conclusions: 3D CRT and HDR brachytherapy with concurrent chemotherapy is an effective treatment, with acceptable toxicity for FIGO 2018 stage III cervical cancer in Vietnam.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huyen Thi Phung
- Department of Medical Oncology 6, Vietnam National Cancer Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam.,Department of Oncology, Vietnam University of Traditional Medicine, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Minh Cong Truong
- Department of Oncology, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | | | - Anh Thi Van Dang
- Department of Breast and Gynecologic Radiotherapy, Vietnam National Cancer Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Thanh Ha Vu
- Department of Medical Oncology 2, Vietnam National Cancer Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Hoa Thi Nguyen
- Department of Medical Oncology 6, Vietnam National Cancer Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
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Dickstein DR, Egerman M, Monrose E, Varma A, Ozbek U, Sharma S, Liu JT, Gupta V, Posner MR, Misiukiewicz K, Miles BA, Genden E, Bakst RL. Treatment tolerability and outcomes in elderly patients with head and neck cancer. Head Neck 2020; 43:858-873. [PMID: 33615611 DOI: 10.1002/hed.26548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The number of elderly patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) continues to grow. Management of this cohort remains poorly defined. We investigated treatment tolerability and clinical outcomes in this underrepresented population. METHODS We identified patients aged ≥70 with nonrecurrent, nonmetastatic HNSCC treated curatively from 2007-2018 and analyzed clinical covariates. RESULTS Two hundred and twenty patients with a median age of 75 (interquartile range:72-80) were identified. Age and comorbidities were not correlated with toxicity (P ≥ .05). Patients who experienced a treatment interruption had significantly greater weight loss (P = .042) and worse overall survival (OS) (P < .001), but not worse disease-specific survival (P = .45), or locoregional control (P = .21). CONCLUSIONS Treatment interruptions were associated with weight loss and worse OS, but not disease related outcomes, suggesting an interruption in the elderly may be a surrogate for another issue. In sum, our data should guide clinical trial design to benefit this growing, neglected cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel R Dickstein
- Department of Medical Education, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Marc Egerman
- Department of Medical Education, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Erica Monrose
- Department of Medical Education, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Achintya Varma
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Umut Ozbek
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Sonam Sharma
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jerry T Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Vishal Gupta
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Marshall R Posner
- Department of Medicine, Hematology and Medical Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Krzysztof Misiukiewicz
- Department of Medicine, Hematology and Medical Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Brett A Miles
- Department of Otolaryngology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Eric Genden
- Department of Otolaryngology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Richard L Bakst
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
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Moeller AR, Clancy PE, Qureshi MM, Guill JR, Dyer MA, Hirsch AE, Truong MT, Mak KS. Placard in Hand: A Simple, Inexpensive Intervention to Improve On-Treatment Visit Compliance in a Safety Net Radiation Oncology Patient Population. JCO Oncol Pract 2020; 16:e1272-e1281. [PMID: 32936711 DOI: 10.1200/op.20.00343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE On-treatment visits (OTVs) for patients undergoing radiotherapy (RT) should occur every five fractions. Compliance with OTVs was identified as a potential issue in a safety-net patient population. This study determined if brightly colored placards given to patients improved OTV compliance. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective analysis of all patients with lung cancer receiving RT from October 1, 2015 to September 30, 2017 evaluated OTV compliance before (No Placard) and after (Placard) the placard was introduced in the clinic. Analysis of variance, χ2 tests, and Fisher's exact tests were performed to assess differences in continuous and categorical patient and treatment variables, respectively. RESULTS The No Placard group included 48 patients who were scheduled for 151 OTVs. The Placard group included 50 patients who were scheduled for 187 OTVs. The percentage of missed OTVs in the No Placard group was 9.3% (14/151), versus 2.1% (4/187) in the Placard group (P = .004). Patients in the No Placard group were more likely to speak English (97.9% v 86.0%; P = .060), were less likely to have stage I-III disease (75% v 88%; P = .097), and received lower mean RT doses (48.2 Gy v 55.6 Gy; P = .007). On multivariate analysis adjusting for language, stage, and RT dose, the adjusted mean rate of missed OTVs in the No Placard group was 7.1%, versus 1.4% in the Placard group (P = .019). CONCLUSION A significant increase in compliance of OTVs was observed with the introduction of brightly colored placards. This represents a simple, inexpensive method to improve OTV compliance in a safety-net setting and may be applicable to other patient populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander R Moeller
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Pauline E Clancy
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | | | - Jacklyn R Guill
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Michael A Dyer
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Ariel E Hirsch
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Minh-Tam Truong
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Kimberley S Mak
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA
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Abuhijla F, Salah S, Al-Hussaini M, Mohamed I, Jaradat I, Dayyat A, Almasri H, Allozi A, Arjan A, Almousa A, Abu-Hijlih R. Factors influencing the use of adaptive radiation therapy in vulvar carcinoma. Rep Pract Oncol Radiother 2020; 25:709-713. [PMID: 32684858 PMCID: PMC7358621 DOI: 10.1016/j.rpor.2020.06.005] [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: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM We aim to evaluate the variables affecting the frequency of adaptive radiotherapy (ART) in vulvar cancer. BACKGROUND ART may be needed throughout a definitive RT course for vulvar carcinoma due to changes in patient's anatomy and tumor response. MATERIALS AND METHODS Charts of patients charts who had been treated with definitive concurrent chemo-radiotherapy for vulvar carcinoma, between January 2015 and December 2019 were inquired. Radiation therapy was delivered using intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) with daily image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT). ART was defined as re-simulation and re-planning based on deformation in the irradiated volume by more than 1 cm. Univariate analysis was conducted to study the impact of patient's demographics as well as tumor characteristics on the frequency of ART. RESULTS 22 patients were eligible for analysis. Median age at diagnosis was 55 years (range 43-82). Radiotherapy dose was 60-66 Gy over 30-35 fractions (fx). Median primary tumor volume was 30cc (9-140). Median Body Mass Index (BMI) was 32 (range 21-40). Thirteen out of 22 patients (59%) required ART, with median timing at 25 fx (19-31). On univariate analysis, larger primary tumor volume (> = 30cc) was associated significantly with increased frequency of ART (p value = 0.0005). There was no significant impact of ART on the frequency with respect to patient's age, BMI, tumor stage, grade and location. CONCLUSION Changes in radiation target volume are common among vulvar carcinoma patients who are treated with definitive radiotherapy, especially large primary tumors. This review highlights the importance of ART for patients with vulvar carcinoma treated with definitive radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fawzi Abuhijla
- Department of Radiation Oncology, King Hussein Cancer Center, PO Box 1269, Amman 11941, Jordan
| | - Samer Salah
- Department of Medical Oncology, King Hussein Cancer Center, PO Box 1269, Amman 11941, Jordan
| | - Maysa Al-Hussaini
- Department of Pathology, King Hussein Cancer Center, PO Box 1269, Amman 11941, Jordan
| | - Issa Mohamed
- Department of Radiation Oncology, King Hussein Cancer Center, PO Box 1269, Amman 11941, Jordan
| | - Imad Jaradat
- Department of Radiation Oncology, King Hussein Cancer Center, PO Box 1269, Amman 11941, Jordan
| | - Abdulmajeed Dayyat
- Department of Radiation Oncology, King Hussein Cancer Center, PO Box 1269, Amman 11941, Jordan
| | - Hanan Almasri
- Department of Radiation Oncology, King Hussein Cancer Center, PO Box 1269, Amman 11941, Jordan
| | - Alaa Allozi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, King Hussein Cancer Center, PO Box 1269, Amman 11941, Jordan
| | - Ayah Arjan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, King Hussein Cancer Center, PO Box 1269, Amman 11941, Jordan
| | - Abdelatif Almousa
- Department of Radiation Oncology, King Hussein Cancer Center, PO Box 1269, Amman 11941, Jordan
| | - Ramiz Abu-Hijlih
- Department of Radiation Oncology, King Hussein Cancer Center, PO Box 1269, Amman 11941, Jordan
- Corresponding author at: King Hussein Cancer Center, 1941, PO Box 1269, Jordan.
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Fundowicz M, Aguiar A, de Castro CL, Torras MG, Deantonio L, Konstanty E, Kruszyna-Mochalska M, Macia M, Canals E, Caro M, Pisani C, Zwierzchowska D, Molero J, Eraso A, Lencart J, Muñoz-Montplet C, Carvalho L, Krengli M, Malicki J, Guedea F. Multicentre clinical radiotherapy audit in rectal cancer: results of the IROCA project. Radiat Oncol 2020; 15:208. [PMID: 32854730 PMCID: PMC7453535 DOI: 10.1186/s13014-020-01648-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To perform a clinical audit to assess adherence to standard clinical practice for the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of patients undergoing radiotherapy for rectal cancer treatment in four European countries. MATERIALS AND METHODS Multi-institutional, retrospective cohort study of 221 patients treated for rectal cancer in 2015 at six European cancer centres. Clinical indicators applicable to general radiotherapy processes were evaluated. All data were obtained from electronic medical records. RESULTS The audits were performed in the year 2017. We found substantial inter-centre variability in adherence to standard clinical practices: 1) presentation of cases at departmental clinical sessions (range, 0-100%) or multidisciplinary tumour board (50-95%); 2) pretreatment MRI (61.5-100%) and thoracoabdominal CT (15.0-100%). Large inter-centre differences were observed in the mean interval between biopsy and first visit to the radiotherapy department (range, 21.6-58.6 days) and between the first visit and start of treatment (15.1-38.8 days). Treatment interruptions ≥ 1 day occurred in 43.9% (2.5-90%) of cases overall. Treatment compensation was performed in 2.1% of cases. Treatment was completed in the prescribed time in 55.7% of cases. CONCLUSIONS This multi-institutional clinical audit revealed that most centres adhered to standard clinical practices for most of the radiotherapy processes-related variables assessed. However, the audit revealed marked inter-centre variability for certain quality indicators, particularly inconsistent record keeping. Multiple targets for improvement and/or harmonisation were identified, confirming the value of routine clinical audits to detect potential deviations from standard clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Artur Aguiar
- Instituto Português de Oncologia; do Porto FG, EPE (IPO-Porto), Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - Carla Lopes de Castro
- Instituto Português de Oncologia; do Porto FG, EPE (IPO-Porto), Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria Glòria Torras
- Institut Català d’Oncologia, L’Hospitalet, Avinguda Granvia de l’Hospitalet, 199-203, 08908 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Letizia Deantonio
- “Amedeo Avogadro” - Rettorato, Università degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale (UNIUPO), via Duomo, 6 - 13100 Vercelli, Novara, Italy
| | | | - Marta Kruszyna-Mochalska
- Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Garbary 15 St, 61-866 Poznan, Poland
- Deparment of Electroradiology, University of Medical Sciences, Fredry 10, 61-701 Poznan, Poland
| | - Miquel Macia
- Institut Català d’Oncologia, L’Hospitalet, Avinguda Granvia de l’Hospitalet, 199-203, 08908 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eugeni Canals
- Institut Català d’Oncologia, Avinguda de França, S/N 17007, Girona, Spain
| | - Monica Caro
- Institut Català d’Oncologia, Ctra. Canyet s/n 08916, Badalona, Spain
| | - Carla Pisani
- “Amedeo Avogadro” - Rettorato, Università degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale (UNIUPO), via Duomo, 6 - 13100 Vercelli, Novara, Italy
| | | | - Jaume Molero
- Institut Català d’Oncologia, Ctra. Canyet s/n 08916, Badalona, Spain
| | - Arantxa Eraso
- Institut Català d’Oncologia, L’Hospitalet, Avinguda Granvia de l’Hospitalet, 199-203, 08908 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joana Lencart
- Instituto Português de Oncologia; do Porto FG, EPE (IPO-Porto), Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - Carles Muñoz-Montplet
- Institut Català d’Oncologia, L’Hospitalet, Avinguda Granvia de l’Hospitalet, 199-203, 08908 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Luisa Carvalho
- Instituto Português de Oncologia; do Porto FG, EPE (IPO-Porto), Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - Marco Krengli
- “Amedeo Avogadro” - Rettorato, Università degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale (UNIUPO), via Duomo, 6 - 13100 Vercelli, Novara, Italy
| | - Julian Malicki
- Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Garbary 15 St, 61-866 Poznan, Poland
- Deparment of Electroradiology, University of Medical Sciences, Fredry 10, 61-701 Poznan, Poland
| | - Ferran Guedea
- Institut Català d’Oncologia, L’Hospitalet, Avinguda Granvia de l’Hospitalet, 199-203, 08908 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
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McClelland S, Burney HN, Zellars RC, Ohri N, Rhome RM. Predictors of Whole Breast Radiation Therapy Completion in Early Stage Breast Cancer Following Lumpectomy. Clin Breast Cancer 2020; 20:469-479. [PMID: 32693964 DOI: 10.1016/j.clbc.2020.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Whole breast radiation therapy (RT) has become standard of care in early stage breast cancer treatment following lumpectomy. Predictors of RT completion have been sparsely studied, with no previous nationwide examination of the impact of fractionation regimen on completion rate. PATIENTS AND METHODS The National Cancer Database identified patients with early stage breast cancer having undergone lumpectomy and RT from 2004 through 2015. Fraction size of 1.8-2.0 Gray (Gy) was defined as standard fractionation (SFRT); 2.66-2.70 Gy/fraction as hypofractionation (HFRT). RT completion was defined as receipt of at least 46 Gy for SFRT and 40 Gy for HFRT. A multivariable logistic regression model characterized RT completion predictors. RESULTS A total of 100,734 patients were identified where fraction size could be reliably characterized as above; more than 87% completed RT. Of these, 66.8% received SFRT, yet HFRT use significantly increased over time (5.2% increase/year; P < .0001). RT completion rates were significantly greater following HFRT (99.3%) versus SFRT (79.7%); patients receiving SFRT had higher odds of not completing RT (odds ratio, 41.5; 95% confidence interval, 36.6-47.1; P < .0001). Multivariable analysis revealed that African-American and Caucasian patients treated with SFRT versus HFRT had 22 and 43 times the odds of not completing RT, respectively (P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS SFRT remained the majority of RT fractionation in the studied time period, although HFRT use has increased over time. Patients residing > 10 miles from a treatment facility or of African-American race had lower odds of completing RT, as were patients treated with SFRT versus HFRT. These findings suggest compliance advantages of HFRT for patients with early stage breast cancer having undergone lumpectomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shearwood McClelland
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN.
| | - Heather N Burney
- Department of Biostatistics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Richard C Zellars
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Nisha Ohri
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ
| | - Ryan M Rhome
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
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Wakefield DV, Carnell M, Dove APH, Edmonston DY, Garner WB, Hubler A, Makepeace L, Hanson R, Ozdenerol E, Chun SG, Spencer S, Pisu M, Martin M, Jiang B, Punglia RS, Schwartz DL. Location as Destiny: Identifying Geospatial Disparities in Radiation Treatment Interruption by Neighborhood, Race, and Insurance. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2020; 107:815-826. [PMID: 32234552 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2020.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Radiation therapy interruption (RTI) worsens cancer outcomes. Our purpose was to benchmark and map RTI across a region in the United States with known cancer outcome disparities. METHODS AND MATERIALS All radiation therapy (RT) treatments at our academic center were cataloged. Major RTI was defined as ≥5 unplanned RT appointment cancellations. Univariate and multivariable logistic and linear regression analyses identified associated factors. Major RTI was mapped by patient residence. A 2-sided P value <.0001 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS Between 2015 and 2017, a total of 3754 patients received RT, of whom 3744 were eligible for analysis: 962 patients (25.8%) had ≥2 RT interruptions and 337 patients (9%) had major RTI. Disparities in major RTI were seen across Medicaid versus commercial/Medicare insurance (22.5% vs 7.2%; P < .0001), low versus high predicted income (13.0% vs 5.9%; P < .0001), Black versus White race (12.0% vs 6.6%; P < .0001), and urban versus suburban treatment location (12.0% vs 6.3%; P < .0001). On multivariable analysis, increased odds of major RTI were seen for Medicaid patients (odds ratio [OR], 3.35; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.25-5.00; P < .0001) versus those with commercial/Medicare insurance and for head and neck (OR, 3.74; 95% CI, 2.56-5.46; P < .0001), gynecologic (OR, 3.28; 95% CI, 2.09-5.15; P < .0001), and lung cancers (OR, 3.12; 95% CI, 1.96-4.97; P < .0001) compared with breast cancer. Major RTI was mapped to urban, majority Black, low-income neighborhoods and to rural, majority White, low-income regions. CONCLUSIONS Radiation treatment interruption disproportionately affects financially and socially vulnerable patient populations and maps to high-poverty neighborhoods. Geospatial mapping affords an opportunity to correlate RT access on a neighborhood level to inform potential intervention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel V Wakefield
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee; T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Matthew Carnell
- University of Tennessee Health Science Center, College of Medicine, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Austin P H Dove
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Drucilla Y Edmonston
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Wesley B Garner
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Adam Hubler
- University of Tennessee Health Science Center, College of Medicine, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Lydia Makepeace
- University of Tennessee Health Science Center, College of Medicine, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Ryan Hanson
- Department of Earth Sciences, Spatial Analysis and Geographic Education Laboratory, University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Esra Ozdenerol
- Department of Earth Sciences, Spatial Analysis and Geographic Education Laboratory, University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Stephen G Chun
- Division of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Sharon Spencer
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Maria Pisu
- Division of Preventive Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Michelle Martin
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Bo Jiang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Biostatistics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Rinaa S Punglia
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - David L Schwartz
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee; Division of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas; Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee.
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50
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Parsons M, Lloyd S, Johnson S, Scaife C, Varghese T, Glasgow R, Garrido-Laguna I, Tao R. Refusal of Local Therapy in Esophageal Cancer and Impact on Overall Survival. Ann Surg Oncol 2020; 28:663-675. [PMID: 32648178 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-020-08761-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to understand factors associated with refusal of local therapy in esophageal cancer and compare the overall survival (OS) of patients who refuse therapies with those who undergo recommended treatment. METHODS National Cancer Database data for patients with non-metastatic esophageal cancer from 2006 to 2013 were pooled. T1N0M0 tumors were excluded. Pearson's Chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess demographic, clinical, and treatment factors. After propensity-score matching with inverse probability of treatment weighting, OS was compared between patients who refused therapies and those who underwent recommended therapy, using Kaplan-Meier analyses and doubly robust estimation with multivariate Cox proportional hazards modeling. RESULTS In total, 37,618 patients were recommended radiation therapy (RT) and/or esophagectomy; we found 1403 (3.7%) refused local therapies. Specifically, 890 of 18,942 (4.6%) patients refused surgery and 667 of 31,937 (2.1%) refused RT. Older patients, females, those with unknown lymphovascular space invasion, and those uninsured or on Medicare were more likely to refuse. Those with squamous cell carcinoma, N1 disease, higher incomes, living farther from care, and those who received chemotherapy were less likely to refuse. Five-year OS was decreased in patients who refused (18.1% vs. 27.6%). The survival decrement was present in adenocarcinoma but not squamous cell carcinoma. In patients who received surgery or ≥ 50.4 Gy RT, there was no OS decrement to refusing the other therapy. CONCLUSIONS We identified characteristics that correlate with refusal of local therapy. Refusal of therapy was associated with decreased OS. Patients who received either surgery or ≥ 50.4 Gy RT had no survival decrement from refusing the opposite modality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Parsons
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Shane Lloyd
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Skyler Johnson
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Courtney Scaife
- Department of Surgery, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Thomas Varghese
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Robert Glasgow
- Department of Surgery, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Ignacio Garrido-Laguna
- Department of Oncology, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Randa Tao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
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