Systemic therapy in stage IV pancreatic cancer: a population-based analysis using the National Cancer Data Base

Trends in the Care of Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer in the Modern Era of Chemotherapy

INTRODUCTION

Current guidelines for treatment for locally advanced pancreatic cancer recommend chemotherapy ± radiation, or radiation alone when multimodal therapy is contraindicated. In a subset of patients, guideline-recommended treatment (GRT) achieves sufficient response to qualify for potentially curative resection. This study evaluated trends in treatment utilization and aimed to identify barriers to GRT.

METHODS

Patients with clinical T4M0 disease in the National Cancer Database from 2010 to 2017 were included. Potential predictors were assessed by relative risk regression with Poisson distribution and compared by log-link function.

RESULTS

In total, 28 056 patients met the criteria. Among 17 059 (67.67%) patients treated primarily with chemotherapy, 41.19% also had radiation and 8.89% went onto resection. Many received no cancer-directed treatment or failed to receive GRT. Another 710 patients had radiation (±surgery) without chemotherapy despite few contraindications to chemotherapy. Over time, patients were more likely to undergo resection after chemotherapy (aRR = 1.58; p < 0.0001) and less likely to have chemoradiation (aRR = 0.78; p < 0.0001) or go untreated (aRR = 0.90; p < 0.0001). Socioeconomic factors (race, education, income, and insurance status) affected the likelihood of receiving chemotherapy and surgery. Median overall survival (OS) was significantly improved for patients treated with chemotherapy and particularly in those patients who went on to receive RT or undergo surgical resection. OS was also longer for patients treated at high-volume academic centers. Patients insured by Medicaid, Medicare, or those without insurance had worse OS.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite improvement over time, many patients go untreated. Clinical factors were influential, but the impact of vulnerable social standing suggests persistent inequity in access to care.

The impact of metastatic sites on survival Rates and predictors of extended survival in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to determine the role of site-specific metastatic patterns over time and assess factors associated with extended survival in metastatic PDAC. Half of all patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) present with metastatic disease. The site of metastasis plays a crucial role in clinical decision making due to its prognostic value.

METHODS

We examined 56,757 stage-IV PDAC patients from the National Cancer Database (2016-2019), categorizing them by metastatic site: multiple, liver, lung, brain, bone, carcinomatosis, or other. The site-specific prognostic value was assessed using log-rank tests while time-varying effects were assessed by Aalen's linear hazards model. Factors associated with extended survival (>3years) were assessed with logistic regression.

RESULTS

Median overall survival (mOS) in patients with distant lymph node-only metastases (9.0 months) and lung-only metastases (8.1 months) was significantly longer than in patients with liver-only metastases (4.6 months, p < 0.001). However, after six months, the metastatic site lost prognostic value. Logistic regression identified extended survivors (3.6 %) as more likely to be younger, Hispanic, privately insured, Charlson-index <2, having received chemotherapy, or having undergone primary or distant site surgery (all p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

While synchronous liver metastases are associated with worse outcomes than lung-only and lymph node-only metastases, this predictive value is diminished after six months. Therefore, treatment decisions beyond this time should not primarily depend on the metastatic site. Extended survival is possible in a small subset of patients with favorable tumor biology and good conditional status, who are more likely to undergo aggressive therapies.

Characteristics Associated With Survival in Surgically Nonresected Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma in the Military Health System

OBJECTIVES

Pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed at advanced stages with high-case fatality. Many tumors are not surgically resectable. We aimed to identify features associated with survival in patients with surgically nonresected pancreatic cancer in the Military Health System.

METHODS

We used the Military Cancer Epidemiology database to identify the Department of Defense beneficiaries aged 18 and older diagnosed with a primary pancreatic adenocarcinoma between January 1998 and December 2014 who did not receive oncologic surgery as treatment. We used Cox Proportional Hazard regression with stepwise procedures to select the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics related to 2-year overall survival, expressed as adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) and 95% CIs.

RESULTS

Among 1148 patients with surgically nonresected pancreatic cancer, sex, race-ethnicity, marital status, and socioeconomic indicators were not selected in association with survival. A higher comorbidity count (aHR 1.30, 95% CI: 1.06-1.59 for 5 vs. 0), jaundice at diagnosis (aHR 1.57, 95% CI: 1.33-1.85 vs. no), tumor grade G3 or G4 (aHR 1.32, 95% CI: 1.05-1.67 vs. G1/G2), tumor location in pancreas tail (aHR 1.49, 95% CI: 1.22-1.83 vs. head) or body (aHR 1.30, 95% CI: 1.04-1.62 vs. head), and metastases were associated with survival. Patients receiving chemotherapy (aHR 0.66, 95% CI: 0.57-0.76) had better survival compared with no treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

In a comprehensive health system, sociodemographic characteristics were not related to survival in surgically nonresected pancreatic cancer. This implicates access to care in reducing survival disparities in advanced pancreatic cancer and emphasizes the importance of treating patients based on clinical features.

Treatment of pancreatic adenocarcinoma in relation to survival in the U.S. Military Health System

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic cancer has a high case fatality and relatively short survival after diagnosis. Treatment is paramount to improving survival, but studies on the effects of standard treatment by surgery or chemotherapy on survival in U.S. healthcare settings is limited. Further, variability in access to care may impact treatment and outcomes for patients. We aimed to assess the relationship between standard treatment(s) and survival of pancreatic adenocarcinoma in a population with access to comprehensive healthcare.

METHODS

We used the Military Cancer Epidemiology (MilCanEpi) database, which includes data from the Department of Defense cancer registry and medical encounter data from the Military Health System (MHS), to study a cohort of 1408 men and women who were diagnosed with pancreatic adenocarcinoma between 1998 and 2014. Treatment with surgery or chemotherapy in relation to overall survival was examined in multivariable time-dependent Cox regression models.

RESULTS

Overall, 75 % of 441 patients with early-stage and 51 % of 967 patients with late-stage pancreatic adenocarcinoma received treatment. In early-stage disease, surgery alone or surgery with chemotherapy were both associated with statistically significant 52 % reduced risks of death, but chemotherapy alone was not. In late-stage disease, surgery alone, chemotherapy alone, or both surgery and chemotherapy significantly reduced the risk of death by 42 %, 25 %, and 52 %, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings from the MHS demonstrate improved survival after treatment with surgery or surgery with chemotherapy for early- or late-stage pancreatic cancer and after chemotherapy for late-stage pancreatic cancer. In the era of immunotherapy and personalized medicine, further research on treatment and survival of pancreatic cancer in observational settings is needed.

Pancreatic Cancer Biopsy Modalities: Comparing Insurance Status, Length of Stay, and Hospital Complications Based on Percutaneous, Endoscopic, and Surgical Biopsy Methods

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic cancer is diagnosed histologically through percutaneous biopsy (PB), endoscopic biopsy (EB), or surgical biopsy (SB). Factors and outcomes associated with method type are not clearly understood. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between insurance status, length of hospital stay (LOS), complications, and different pancreatic biopsy modalities.

STUDY

The 2001-2013 database from the National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample (NIS) was queried for those with pancreatic cancer who underwent biopsies using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) codes. Data regarding insurance status, hospital stay, demographics, and complications were analyzed using chi-square and multivariate analysis with α < 0.001.

RESULTS

A total of 824,162 patients with pancreatic cancer were identified. Uninsured and Medicaid patients were more likely to get PB compared to SB. Patients were more likely to have acute renal failure (ARF) with an EB compared to SB. Patients were more likely to have a urinary tract infection (UTI) with EB or PB compared to SB. All biopsy types were less likely to have pneumonia; pancreatitis was more prevalent in EB compared to PB and SB.

CONCLUSIONS

Uninsured and Medicaid patients were most likely to have a PB compared to EB despite unclear indications which may represent an underlying discrepancy in healthcare utilization. EB patients had the shortest LOS while SB patients stayed three more days; those who underwent a combination of biopsies had the greatest LOS. Patients with EB were more likely to develop ARF, UTI, and pancreatitis than SB, possibly attributed to the advanced nature of endoscopic ultrasound. It is important to establish appropriate algorithm contributors to guide decision-making.

Trends and disparities in the utilization of systemic chemotherapy in patients with metastatic hepato-pancreato-biliary cancers

BACKGROUND

We described trends and disparities in utilization of systemic chemotherapy in metastatic hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) cancers.

METHODS

We queried the National Cancer Database for metastatic HPB cancers [hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), biliary tract cancers (BTC), pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC)]. We used multivariable analysis to examine the factors associated with utilization of systemic chemotherapy. We utilized marginal structural logistic models to estimate the effect of health insurance, facility type, or facility volume on utilization of systemic chemotherapy.

RESULTS

We identified 162,283 patients with metastatic HPB cancers: 23,923 (14.7%) had HCC, 26,766 (16.5%) had BTC, and 111,594 (68.8%) had PDAC. A total of 37.2% patients with HCC, 55.6% with BTC, and 56.4% with PDAC received chemotherapy. Age ≥70 years and Charlson-Deyo score ≥2 were associated with lower likelihood of receiving chemotherapy across all cancers. Patients with private health insurance had higher receipt of chemotherapy. Receiving treatment at academic facilities had no effect on the receipt of chemotherapy. Treatment of patients with HCC or PDAC at high-volume facilities resulted in higher receipt of chemotherapy.

CONCLUSION

A significant proportion of patients with metastatic HPB cancers do not receive systemic chemotherapy. Several disparities in administration of chemotherapy for metastatic HPB cancers exist.

Costs by Site of Service for Commercially-Insured Patients with Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer Receiving Guideline-Recommended Chemotherapy: Comparing Community Oncology and Hospital Outpatient Settings

Purpose

Compare total cost of care (TCOC) for commercially-insured patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer receiving FDA-approved/NCCN Category 1 preferred regimens in community oncology or hospital outpatient settings.

Patients and Methods

We used the 2016-2019 MarketScan® and Milliman Consolidated Health Cost Guidelines Sources Database (CHSD) administrative claims data to compare utilization of healthcare services and expenditures for commercially-insured patients receiving chemotherapy in community oncology or hospital outpatient settings. We identified patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer using ICD-10 diagnosis codes in 2016-2019 MarketScan® and Milliman Consolidated Health Cost Guidelines Sources Database files. Patients were assigned to cohorts based on where they received the plurality of chemotherapy services: community oncology or hospital outpatient settings. Total cost of care (TCOC) and healthcare resource utilization metrics were calculated per line of therapy (LOT) for patients receiving similar chemotherapy regimens in each cohort, and differences between cohorts were evaluated using t-testing and chi-squared statistical methods.

Results

Although cohorts had similar demographics, chemotherapy regimen use, and length of therapy, the mean TCOC among all patients receiving chemotherapy in hospital outpatient settings was 41% higher compared to community oncology settings. Median TCOC was 35% higher in hospital outpatient settings than in community oncology settings. Mean admissions and readmissions per beneficiary were 7% and 16% higher, respectively, for thse treated in hospital outpatient versus community oncology settings. We observed no differences in the use of emergency department or hospice care between the cohorts.

Conclusion

Our study indicates that patients receiving chemotherapy at community oncology centers are associated with better or equivalent outcomes and lower costs than patients receiving the same regimen in a hospital outpatient setting.

Do-Not-Resuscitate Orders and Outcomes for Patients with Pancreatic Cancer

Background

The impact of the do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order on patients with pancreatic cancer remains uncertain. In this study, we evaluated whether DNR status was associated with in-hospital mortality and costs for inpatient stay among patients hospitalized with pancreatic cancer.

Methods

Data were obtained from the National Inpatient Sample, Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project, which represents ∼20% of all discharges from US community hospitals; 40,246 pancreatic cancer admissions between 2011 and 2016 were included. Mortality was modeled using a logistic regression model; costs for inpatient stay were modeled using a multivariable generalized linear regression model.

Results

The sample included 6041 (15%) patients with a documented DNR order. After controlling for covariates, patients with a DNR order had approximately six times greater odds of mortality compared with patients without a DNR order (odds ratio 5.90, p < 0.0001). Compared with patients who survived without a DNR order during the hospital stay, patients who had a DNR order and died during the hospital stay had significantly lower costs (-US$983; p = 0.0270), and patients who died without a DNR order during the hospital stay had significantly higher costs (US$5638; p < 0.0001). Patients who survived with a DNR order had costs that were not significantly different from patients who survived without a DNR order.

Conclusions

The presence of a DNR order among patients with pancreatic cancer was significantly associated with higher mortality risk as well as lower costs for patients who died during the hospital stay. However, DNR status was not significantly associated with costs for pancreatic cancer patients who were discharged alive.

Sex-Related Differences in Outcomes for Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma by HPV Status

Background

Overall survival for HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) has differed by sex, but little is known regarding cancer-specific outcomes. We assessed the independent association of sex with cancer-specific survival in patients with HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC).

Methods

We identified 14,183 patients from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program with OPSCC and tumor HPV status. We used Kaplan–Meier methods to compare overall survival (OS) and OPSCC-specific survival (HNCSS) by patient sex and by tumor HPV status. We then separately fit multivariable survival and competing risk models evaluating the association of sex on these outcomes by tumor HPV status and stratified by the use of guideline-concordant OPSCC treatment.

Results

A total of 10,210 persons with HPV-positive tumors (72.0%) and 3,973 with HPV-negative tumors (28.0%) were identified. A larger proportion of women had HPV-negative tumors (24.0%) versus HPV-positive tumors (13.2%; p < 0.001). Women with HPV-positive tumors were less likely to receive guideline-concordant treatment compared to men. In unadjusted survival analyses, women did not differ in OS or HNCSS compared to men for HPV-positive tumors but had worse OS and HNCSS for HPV-negative tumors. After adjustment, men and women with HPV-positive OPSCC did not differ in OS or HNCSS. However, women with HPV-negative tumors faced worse overall survival (hazard ratio (HR) 1.15, 95% CI 1.02–1.29) that persisted even after stratifying for stage-appropriate treatment (HR 1.28, 95% CI 1.11–1.47).

Conclusions

Women with HPV-positive OPSCC had similar survival outcomes compared to men, but those with HPV-negative tumors have worse overall and cancer-specific survival.

Disparities in Access to Oncologic Care in Pancreatic Cancer: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic cancer care is complex, and multiple disparities in receipt of therapies have been documented. The authors aimed to conduct a systematic review of the literature to critically assess and summarize disparities in access to oncologic therapies for pancreatic cancer.

METHODS

A search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases were performed for studies reporting disparities in access to oncologic care for pancreatic cancer. Primary research articles published in the United States from 2000 to 2020 were included. Data were independently extracted, and risk of bias was assessed using the modified Newcastle-Ottawa scale.

RESULTS

The inclusion criteria were met by 47 studies. All the studies used retrospective data, with 70 % involving national database studies, 41 assessing the impact of race/ethnicity, 22 assessing the impact of socioeconomic status, 18 assessing the impact of insurance status, 23 assessing the impact of gender, 26 assessing the impact of age, and 3 assessing the impact of location on the delivery of cancer-directed therapies. Race, socioeconomic status, insurance status, gender, and age- based disparities in receipt of surgical resection, treatment at high-volume facilities and multimodal therapy for resectable pancreatic cancer, receipt of systemic chemotherapy for metastatic cancer, and receipt of expected standard-of-care treatment are reported.

CONCLUSION

Significant sociodemographic disparities in access to equitable oncologic care exist along the continuum of pancreatic cancer care. Multiple patient, provider, and systemic factors contribute to these disparities. The ongoing study of these disparities is important to elucidate processes that may be targeted to improve access to equitable oncologic care for patients with pancreatic cancer.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Treatment Patterns for Patients With Metastatic Solid Cancer in the United States

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to delays in patients seeking care for life-threatening conditions; however, its impact on treatment patterns for patients with metastatic cancer is unknown. We assessed the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on time to treatment initiation (TTI) and treatment selection for patients newly diagnosed with metastatic solid cancer.

METHODS

We used an electronic health record-derived longitudinal database curated via technology-enabled abstraction to identify 14 136 US patients newly diagnosed with de novo or recurrent metastatic solid cancer between January 1 and July 31 in 2019 or 2020. Patients received care at approximately 280 predominantly community-based oncology practices. Controlled interrupted time series analyses assessed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic period (April-July 2020) on TTI, defined as the number of days from metastatic diagnosis to receipt of first-line systemic therapy, and use of myelosuppressive therapy.

RESULTS

The adjusted probability of treatment within 30 days of diagnosis was similar across periods (January-March 2019 = 41.7%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 32.2% to 51.1%; April-July 2019 = 42.6%, 95% CI = 32.4% to 52.7%; January-March 2020 = 44.5%, 95% CI = 30.4% to 58.6%; April-July 2020 = 46.8%, 95% CI= 34.6% to 59.0%; adjusted percentage-point difference-in-differences = 1.4%, 95% CI = -2.7% to 5.5%). Among 5962 patients who received first-line systemic therapy, there was no association between the pandemic period and use of myelosuppressive therapy (adjusted percentage-point difference-in-differences = 1.6%, 95% CI = -2.6% to 5.8%). There was no meaningful effect modification by cancer type, race, or age.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite known pandemic-related delays in surveillance and diagnosis, the COVID-19 pandemic did not affect TTI or treatment selection for patients with metastatic solid cancers.

Undertreatment of Pancreatic Cancer: The Intersection of Bias, Biology, and Geography

Pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Black patients with pancreatic cancer experience higher incidence and increased mortality. Although racial biologic differences exist, socioeconomic status, insurance type, physician bias, and patient beliefs contribute to the disparities in outcomes observed among patients who are Black, indigenous, and people of color.

Sex-based differences in outcomes among surgically treated patients with HPV-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

Sex differences in surgically treated HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma are not defined due to the low number of affected women. We explored the oncologic outcomes of men and women with p16-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carinoma treated with primary surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective analysis of patients with HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer treated with surgery and pathology guided adjuvant therapy from 2007 to 2017. Primary end point was recurrence-free and overall survival.

RESULTS

Of 468 men (86.7%) and 72 women (13.3%), women presented more often with clinical N0 nodal disease (25% vs 12.2%). There were no differences in adverse pathologic features or T stage, although women were more likely to present with N0 disease (16.7% vs 10%), less N2 disease (6.9% vs 17.7%, p = 0.03), and more stage I disease (88.9% vs 75%). As a result, women were more likely to undergo surgery alone (30.6% vs 14.1%) while men were more likely to require adjuvant radiation therapy (47.2% vs 36.1%). Four women (5.6%) and 30 men (6.4%, p = 0.8) died during follow-up. Multivariate analysis controlling for age, sex, treatment, and pathologic stage demonstrated no differences in overall survival between men and women. There were no differences in recurrence-free or overall survival between men and women at two and five years.

CONCLUSIONS

Although women undergoing transoral robotic surgery for HPV+ oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma may have less advanced disease, upfront surgery with pathology-guided adjuvant therapy produces similar oncologic results in men and women while accounting for disease burden.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on treatment patterns for US patients with metastatic solid cancer

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to delays in patients seeking care for life-threatening conditions; however, its impact on treatment patterns for patients with metastatic cancer is unknown. We assessed the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on time to treatment initiation (TTI) and treatment selection for patients newly diagnosed with metastatic solid cancer.

METHODS

We used an electronic health record-derived longitudinal database curated via technology-enabled abstraction to identify 14,136 US patients newly diagnosed with de novo or recurrent metastatic solid cancer between January 1 and July 31 in 2019 or 2020. Patients received care at ∼280 predominantly community-based oncology practices. Controlled interrupted time series analyses assessed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic period (April-July 2020) on TTI, defined as the number of days from metastatic diagnosis to receipt of first-line systemic therapy, and use of myelosuppressive therapy.

RESULTS

The adjusted probability of treatment within 30 days of diagnosis [95% confidence interval] was similar across periods: January-March 2019 41.7% [32.2%, 51.1%]; April-July 2019 42.6% [32.4%, 52.7%]; January-March 2020 44.5% [30.4%, 58.6%]; April-July 2020 46.8% [34.6%, 59.0%]; adjusted percentage-point difference-in-differences 1.4% [-2.7%, 5.5%]. Among 5,962 patients who received first-line systemic therapy, there was no association between the pandemic period and use of myelosuppressive therapy (adjusted percentage-point difference-in-differences 1.6% [-2.6%, 5.8%]). There was no meaningful effect modification by cancer type, race, or age.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite known pandemic-related delays in surveillance and diagnosis, the COVID-19 pandemic did not impact time to treatment initiation or treatment selection for patients with metastatic solid cancers.

The exploration of quantitative intra-tumoral metabolic heterogeneity in dual-time 18F-FDG PET/CT of pancreatic cancer

PURPOSE

We aimed to analyze the change of quantitative intra-tumoral metabolic heterogeneity consisting of texture features and conventional metabolic parameters of pancreatic cancer (PC) in dual-time 2-deoxy-2(¹⁸F) fluoro-D-glucose (¹⁸F-FDG) positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET/CT).

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted considering the texture features and conventional metabolic parameters in dual-time ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT scans of PC patients. Features were extracted based on spatial distribution of ¹⁸F-FDG uptake in image. Firstly, the texture features and the conventional metabolic parameters of the delayed scan were both compared with that of the early scan. Statistically different data was defined among them. Secondly, the study evaluated the correlations between retention index (RI) of the texture features and the conventional metabolic parameters. Finally, the variation of texture features in dual-time PET/CT of resectable PC patients and unresectable PC patients was calculated separately.

RESULTS

In total, 183 PC patients were analyzed retrospectively in this research. The conventional metabolic parameters were all statistically different between the early and delayed scans except for metabolic tumor volume (MTV). In the radiomics, there were 59 textural features. Nineteen of 59 texture features were statistically different between the early and delayed scans. Features that were more than 10% different during two scans were observed in a substantial percentage of patients. Weak correlations were only found between MTV, TLG (Total lesion glycolysis), SUVpeak and the RI of some texture features in early or delayed scans. There were obviously fewer features with significant difference in resectable PC group than in unresectable PC group. Most features showing the difference in unresectable group while no significant difference in resectable group.

CONCLUSIONS

This study investigated the change and inner correlations of quantitative tumoral metabolic heterogeneity in the dual-time ¹⁸F-FDG-PET/CT scan of PC patients. Some features displayed the difference between dual-time scans. Conventional metabolic parameters were weakly related to the change of texture feature. The change of texture feature in resectable PC group was different from that in unresectable PC group. This result is potential to provide more information for the image evaluation of PC.

Adult Pleomorphic Rhabdomyosarcomas: Assessing Outcomes Associated with Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy Use in the National Cancer Database

Purpose

Practice patterns for treatment of localized adult pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma (PRMS) remain quite variable given its rarity. Current national guidelines recommend management similar to that of other high-grade soft tissue sarcomas (STS), which include surgery with perioperative radiation (RT) with or without chemotherapy. Using the National Cancer Database (NCDB), we assessed practice patterns and overall outcomes of patients with localized PRMS. Patients and Methods. Patients with stage II/III PRMS treated with surgical resection from 2004 to 2015 were identified from the NCDB. Predictors of RT and chemotherapy use were assessed using multivariable logistic regression analysis. The association of radiation and chemotherapy status on overall survival was assessed using Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards analyses.

Results

Of 243 total patients, RT and chemotherapy were not uniformly utilized, with 44% receiving chemotherapy and in those who did not undergo amputation 62% receiving RT. In those who did not undergo amputation, RT was associated with improved survival on both univariate (HR: 0.49, 95% CI 0.32-0.73, P < 0.001) and multivariate analysis (HR: 0.40, 95% CI 0.26-0.62, P < 0.001), corresponding to greater 5-year overall survival (59% vs. 38%, P < 0.001). Chemotherapy was associated with a higher rate of 5-year overall survival (63% vs. 39%, P < 0.001). However, the survival benefit of chemotherapy did not reach statistical significance on multivariate analysis (HR: 0.65, 95% CI 0.41-1.03, P=0.064). Notable predictors of omission of RT included female gender (OR: 0.40, 95% CI 0.22-0.74, P < 0.01) and age ≥ 70 (OR: 0.55, 95% CI 0.30-1.00, P=0.05). Correspondingly, factors associated with omission of chemotherapy included age ≥70 (OR: 0.17, 95% CI 0.08-0.39, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

A significant proportion of patients with localized adult PRMS are not receiving RT. Likewise, use of chemotherapy was heterogeneous. Our findings note potential benefits and underutilization of RT, for which further investigation is warranted.

Impact of Geography on Care Delivery and Survival for Noncurable Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: A Population-Based Analysis

BACKGROUND

Little is known about how the geographic distribution of cancer services may influence disparities in outcomes for noncurable pancreatic adenocarcinoma. We therefore examined the geographic distribution of outcomes for this disease in relation to distance to cancer centers.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective population-based analysis of adults in Ontario, Canada, diagnosed with noncurable pancreatic adenocarcinoma from 2004 through 2017 using linked administrative healthcare datasets. The exposure was distance from place of residence to the nearest cancer center providing medical oncology assessment and systemic therapy. Outcomes were medical oncology consultation, receipt of cancer-directed therapy, and overall survival. We examined the relationship between distance and outcomes using adjusted multivariable regression models.

RESULTS

Of 15,970 patients surviving a median of 3.3 months, 65.6% consulted medical oncology and 38.5% received systemic therapy. Regions with comparable outcomes were clustered throughout Ontario. Mapping revealed regional discordances between outcomes. Increasing distance (reference, ≤10 km) was independently associated with lower likelihood of medical oncology consultation (relative risks [95% CI] for 11-50, 51-100, and ≥101 km were 0.90 [0.83-0.98], 0.78 [0.62-0.99], and 0.77 [0.55-1.08], respectively) and worse survival (hazard ratios [95% CI] for 11-50, 51-100, and ≥101 km were 1.08 [1.04-1.12], 1.17 [1.10-1.25], and 1.10 [1.02-1.18], respectively), but not with likelihood of receiving therapy. Receipt of therapy seems less sensitive to distance, suggesting that distance limits entry into the cancer care system via oncology consultation. Regional outcome discordances suggest inefficiencies within and protective factors outside of the cancer care system.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings provide a basis for clinicians to optimize their practices for patients with noncurable pancreatic adenocarcinoma, for future studies investigating geographic barriers to care, and for regional interventions to improve access.

Reducing nihilism in metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: Treatment, sequencing, and effects on survival outcomes

BACKGROUND

Real-world practice patterns, treatment sequencing, and outcomes in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer remain unclear. Previous research indicates that the likelihood of patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer receiving or continuing cancer-directed therapy is low-a phenomenon called nihilism. This retrospective, descriptive analysis examined clinical characteristics, treatment patterns, and outcomes for patients with metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (mPDAC).

METHODS

Treatment patterns were examined using electronic health records from the Flatiron Health database covering the period from January 1, 2014, to June 30, 2019. Real-world overall survival [rwOS]) was compared for a subgroup of patients receiving treatment and a matched subgroup not receiving treatment.

RESULTS

Of 7666 patients, 5687 (74.2%) received at least one line of systemic therapy. A greater proportion of patients receiving treatment than not receiving treatment had an initial diagnosis of stage IV disease (68.8% vs 61.2%, respectively). Among patients receiving an initial therapy, fewer than half (38.2%; 2174/5687) received second-line treatment, mostly because they died, and only 34.3% (745/2174) of those receiving second-line treatment advanced to third-line treatment. The rwOS for patients receiving at least one line of systemic therapy was 8.1 months versus 2.6 months for matched patients not receiving treatment (hazard ratio, 0.41; 95% confidence interval, 0.38-0.45; 1470 patients per group).

CONCLUSIONS

Systemic therapy provided significant clinical benefit for patients who were eligible and chose to receive it, particularly when treatment was consistent with guideline recommendations. The large proportion of patients initiating treatment suggests that nihilism with mPDAC is diminishing.

Low rates of specialized cancer consultation and cancer-directed therapy for noncurable pancreatic adenocarcinoma: a population-based analysis

BACKGROUND

Although advancements in systemic therapy have improved the outlook for pancreatic adenocarcinoma, it is not known if patients get access to these therapies. We aimed to examine the patterns and factors associated with access to specialized cancer consultations and subsequent receipt of cancer-directed therapy for patients with non-curative pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

METHODS

We conducted a population-based analysis of noncurative pancreatic adenocarcinoma diagnosed over 2005-2016 in Ontario by linking administrative health care data sets. Our primary outcomes were specialized cancer consultation and receipt of cancer-directed therapy (chemotherapy or a combination of chemo- and radiation therapy [chemoradiation therapy]). We examined specialized cancer consultation with hepato-pancreatico-biliary surgery, medical and radiation oncology. We used multivariable logistic regression to identify factors associated with medical oncology consultation and cancer-directed therapy.

RESULTS

Of 10 881 patients, 64.9% had a consultation with specialists in medical oncology, 35.1% with hepatopancreatico-biliary surgery and 24.7% with radiation oncology. Sociodemographic characteristics were not associated with the likelihood of medical oncology consultation. Of these patients, 4144 received cancer-directed therapy, representing 38.1% of all patients and 58.6% of those who consulted with medical oncology. Of 6737 patients not receiving cancer-directed therapy, 2988 (44.4%) had a consultation with medical oncology. Older age and lowest income quintile were independently associated with lower likelihood of cancer-directed therapy. If the first specialized cancer consultation was with medical or radiation oncology, the likelihood of cancer-directed therapy was significantly higher compared with surgery.

INTERPRETATION

A considerable proportion of patients with noncurable pancreatic adenocarcinoma in Ontario did not have a specialized cancer consultation and most did not receive cancer-directed therapy. We identified disparities in specialized cancer consultation and receipt of systemic cancer-directed therapy that indicate potential gaps in assessment.

Impact of Gender on Chemotherapeutic Response and Oncologic Outcomes in Patients Treated With Radical Cystectomy and Perioperative Chemotherapy for Bladder Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Female patients with bladder cancer (BCa) have had more advanced disease than their male counterparts at diagnosis and have experienced worse oncologic outcomes. However, the effect of gender on the chemotherapeutic response and oncologic outcomes after radical cystectomy (RC) and perioperative chemotherapy remains to be elucidated. We performed a systematic literature search to identify eligible studies that had investigated the effect of gender on the chemotherapeutic response and oncologic outcomes after RC and perioperative chemotherapy. We identified 15 studies reported from 2008 to 2019. For the patients who had received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), female gender was not associated with a complete response (pooled odds ratio [OR], 0.94; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.69-1.26) nor a complete or partial response (pooled OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.73-1.27). In addition, women experienced had less upstaging (pooled OR, 0.3; 95% CI, 0.14-0.68) at RC compared with their male counterparts. Moreover, female patients who had undergone RC and NAC were likely to have better disease recurrence and cancer-specific mortality rates than were the male patients (pooled hazard ratio [HR], 0.66 and 95% CI, 0.44-0.98; and pooled HR, 0.49 and 95% CI, 0.29-0.81, respectively). For the patients who had undergone adjuvant chemotherapy, female gender was not associated with overall mortality (pooled HR, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.7-1.89), disease recurrence (pooled HR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.74-1.23), or cancer-specific mortality (pooled HR, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.81-1.43). Female patients with BCa seem to benefit more from NAC than do their male counterparts. This potential differential sensitivity of female BCa to cisplatin-based combination chemotherapy might help close the gender gap in BCa, suggesting that gender could be a biomarker to help select the best systemic therapy for patients with advanced BCa.

Pancreatic cancer treatment costs, including patient liability, by phase of care and treatment modality, 2000-2013

OBJECTIVES

Our study provides phase-specific cost estimates for pancreatic cancer based on stage and treatment. We compare treatment costs between the different phases and within the stage and treatment modality subgroups.

METHODS

Our cohort included 20,917 pancreatic cancer patients from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare database diagnosed between 2000 and 2011. We allocated costs into four phases of care-staging (or surgery), initial, continuing, and terminal- and calculated the total, cancer-attributable, and patient-liability costs in 2018 US dollars. We fit linear regression models using log transformation to determine whether costs were predicted by age and calendar year.

RESULTS

Monthly cost estimates were high during the staging and surgery phases, decreased over the initial and continuing phases, and increased during the three-month terminal phase. Overall, the linear regression models showed that cancer-attributable costs either remained stable or increased by year, and either were unaffected by age or decreased with older age; continuing phase costs for stage II patients increased with age.

CONCLUSIONS

Our estimates demonstrate that pancreatic cancer costs can vary widely by stage and treatment received. These cost estimates can serve as an important baseline foundation to guide resource allocation for cancer care and research in the future.

Disparities in Pancreatic Cancer Treatment and Outcomes

Purpose: Pancreatic cancer remains a major health concern; in the next 2 years, it will become the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Health disparities in the treatment of pancreatic cancer exist across many disciplines, including race and ethnicity, socioeconomic status (SES), and insurance. This narrative review discusses what is known about these disparities, with the goal of highlighting targets for equity promoting interventions.

Methods: We performed a narrative review of health disparities in pancreatic cancer spanning greater than ten areas, including epidemiology, treatment, and outcome, using the PubMed NIH database from 2000 to 2019 in the Unites States.

Results: African Americans (AAs) tend to present at diagnosis with later stage disease. AAs and Hispanics have lower rates of surgical resection, are more likely to be treated at low volume hospitals, and often experience higher rates of morbidity and mortality compared to white patients, although control for confounders is often limited. Insurance and SES also factor into the delivery of treatment for pancreatic cancer.

Conclusion: Disparities by race and SES exist in the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer that are largely driven by race and SES. Improved understanding of underlying causes could inform interventions.

HIFU is safe, effective, and feasible in pancreatic cancer patients: a monocentric retrospective study among 523 patients

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical value of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) combined with gemcitabine (GEM) in treating unresectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

Patients and methods

A total of 523 unresectable PDAC patients were recruited from December 30, 2007 to January 30, 2015 at Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center. Among them, 347 received HIFU combined with GEM (with regional intra-arterial chemotherapy [RIAC] or with systemic chemotherapy) and the remaining patients received GEM only. Postoperative complications were observed, and overall survival was recorded.

Results

The median overall survival of patients who received HIFU combined with GEM vs GEM alone was 7.4 vs 6.0 months (P=0.002); the 6-month, 10-month, 1-year, and 2-year survival rates for patients in these two groups were 66.3% vs 47.5% (P<0.0001), 31.12% vs 15.9% (P<0.0001), 21.32% vs 13.64% (P=0.033), and 2.89% vs 2.27% (P=0.78), respectively. In the combined therapy group, the most obvious survival benefits were obtained among patients who received HIFU plus RIAC and systemic chemotherapy (used in the intervals between RIAC treatments). There were no severe complications in patients undergoing HIFU treatment.

Conclusion

We demonstrated the survival benefit of HIFU among PDAC patients treated with GEM. The benefit was most obvious in PDAC patients treated with HIFU plus RIAC and systemic chemotherapy.

SPECIFIC MOLECULAR RECOGNITION AS A STRATEGY TO DELINEATE TUMOR MARGIN USING TOPICALLY APPLIED FLUORESCENCE EMBEDDED NANOPARTICLES

The Thomsen-Friedenreich (TF) antigen is a tumor-associated antigen consistently expressed on the apical surface of epithelial-based cancer cells, including pancreatic cancer. In this work, we report the development of multimodal imaging probe, the tripolymer fluorescent nanospheres, whose surface was fabricated with peanut agglutinin (PNA) moieties as TF molecular recognition molecules. Here, we demonstrate that the probe is able to detect TF antigen in human pancreatic cancer tissues and differentiate from normal tissue. What is most noteworthy regarding the probe is its ability to visualize tumor margins defined by epithelial TF antigen expression. Further, in vivo preclinical studies using an orthotopic mouse model of pancreatic cancer suggest the potential use of the nanospheres for laparoscopic imaging of pancreatic cancer tumor margins to enhance surgical resection and improve clinical outcomes.

Chemotherapy in patients with unresected pancreatic cancer in Australia: A population-based study of uptake and survival

AIM

Palliative chemotherapy improves symptom control and prolongs survival in patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer, but there is a paucity of data describing its use and effectiveness in everyday practice. We explored patterns of chemotherapy use in patients with unresected pancreatic cancer in Australia and the impact of use on survival.

METHODS

We reviewed the medical records of residents of New South Wales or Queensland, Australia, diagnosed with unresectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma between July 2009 and June 2011. Associations between receipt of chemotherapy and sociodemographic, clinical and health service factors were evaluated using logistic regression. We used Cox proportional hazards models to analyze associations between chemotherapy use and survival.

RESULTS

Data were collected for 1173 eligible patients. Chemotherapy was received by 44% (n = 184/414) of patients with localized pancreatic cancer and 53% (n = 406/759) of patients with metastases. Chemotherapy receipt depended on clinical factors, such as performance status and comorbidity burden, and nonclinical factors, such as age, place of residence, multidisciplinary team review and the type of specialist first encountered. Consultation with an oncologist mitigated most of the sociodemographic and service-related disparities in chemotherapy use. The receipt of chemotherapy was associated with prolonged survival in patients with inoperable pancreatic cancer, including after adjusting for common prognostic factors.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings highlight the need to establish referral pathways to ensure that all patients have the opportunity to discuss treatment options with a medical oncologist. This is particularly relevant for health care systems covering areas with a geographically dispersed population.

Guideline-concordant Care Improves Overall Survival for Locally Advanced Non-Small-cell Lung Carcinoma Patients: A National Cancer Database Analysis

BACKGROUND

Current evidence-based guideline-concordant care (GCC) for locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with good performance status is concurrent chemoradiation. In this study we evaluated factors associated with lack of GCC and its effects on overall survival (OS).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Unresectable stage III NSCLC patients, diagnosed from 2005 to 2013 with a Charlson-Deyo score of 0, were identified from the National Cancer Database. Primary outcomes were receipt of GCC, defined as concurrent chemoradiation (thoracic radiotherapy, starting within 2 weeks of chemotherapy, to at least 60 Gy), and OS. Multivariable logistic regression modeling identified variables associated with non-GCC. Cox proportional hazard modeling was used to examine OS.

RESULTS

Twenty-three percent of patients (n = 10,476) received GCC. Uninsured patients were more likely to receive non-GCC (odds ratio [OR], 1.54; P < .001) compared with privately insured patients. Other groups with greater odds of receiving non-GCC included: patients treated in the western, southern, or northeastern United States (ORs, 1.39, 1.37, and 1.19, respectively; all Ps < .001) compared with the Midwest; adenocarcinoma histology (OR, 1.48; P < .001) compared with squamous cell carcinoma; and women (OR, 1.08; P = .002). Those who received non-GCC had higher death rates compared with those who received GCC (hazard ratio [HR], 1.42; P < .001). The uninsured (HR, 1.53; P < .001), patients treated in the western, southern, or northeastern United States (HRs, 1.56, 1.41, and 1.34, respectively; P < .001), adenocarcinomas (HR, 1.39; P < .001), and women (HR, 1.44; P < .001) also all had lower OS for non-GCC versus GCC.

CONCLUSION

Socioeconomic factors, including lack of insurance and geography, are associated with non-GCC. Patient- and disease-specific factors, including increasing adenocarcinoma histology and sex, are also associated with non-GCC. Non-GCC diminishes OS.

Sex disparities in use of chemotherapy and survival in patients with advanced bladder cancer

BACKGROUND

Women with advanced bladder cancer have inferior survival compared with men. However, women treated on clinical trials do not appear to have a survival disadvantage. Less frequent administration of systemic chemotherapy in women with advanced bladder cancer may contribute to their inferior survival.

METHODS

The authors identified patients diagnosed with stage IV bladder cancer from 1998 through 2010 using the National Cancer Data Base, a national outcomes database that includes 70% of all newly diagnosed cancer cases in the United States. Sex differences in demographics, systemic chemotherapy administration, and overall survival (OS) were compared.

RESULTS

A total of 23,981 patients were identified (35% of whom were female). Compared with men, women were older, more likely to be black, and less likely to be insured (P<.01 for all). The Charlson-Deyo comorbidity score did not differ between men and women. Women were less likely to receive systemic chemotherapy than men (45% vs 52%; adjusted relative risk, 0.91 [95% confidence interval (95% CI), 0.88-0.94]). Women had a lower median OS compared with men (8.0 months [95% CI, 7.7-8.3 months] vs 9.8 months [95% CI, 9.5-10.0 months]; P<.001). OS remained lower for women on multivariable analysis, even after adjusting for the administration of systemic chemotherapy (hazard ratio for death, 1.11 [95% CI, 1.08-1.15]).

CONCLUSIONS

Women are less likely than men to receive systemic chemotherapy for advanced bladder cancer and this difference may partially account for the poorer OS observed in women. However, OS remains lower in women independent of chemotherapy use, and may be related to unmeasured comorbidities, functional status, or tumor biology. Cancer 2016;122:2012-20. © 2016 American Cancer Society.