Exploring important service characteristics of telephone cancer information and support services for callers: protocol for a systematic review of qualitative research

INTRODUCTION

As cancer incidence continues to rise, challenges remain in how to communicate accurate, timely information to people with cancer, their families and healthcare professionals. One option is to provide support and comprehensive, tailored information via a telephone cancer information and support service (CISS). This systematic review aims to summarise the service characteristics of telephone CISS and identify what aspects of services are important from callers' perspectives.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A comprehensive literature search will be conducted for articles published from database inception to 30 March 2023 (OVID MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO and SocINDEX). Published, peer-reviewed, articles reporting qualitative research on the service characteristics of telephone CISS important to callers in any language will be included. One researcher will complete the searches, two researchers will independently screen results for eligible studies and a third researcher will resolve any disagreement. A narrative and thematic synthesis of studies will be provided. Study characteristics will be independently extracted by one researcher and checked by a second. Included studies' methodological quality will be evaluated independently by two researchers using the 2022 Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Qualitative Studies Checklist. Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation-Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research tool will assess the confidence of the review findings.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethics approval is not required for this research as it is a planned systematic review of published literature. Findings will be presented at leading cancer, health economic and supportive care conferences, published in a peer-reviewed journal, and disseminated via websites and social media.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42023413897.

The experience of bereaved cancer carers in rural and regional areas: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the potential of peer support

BACKGROUND

Caring for someone with cancer during end of life care can be a challenging and complex experience. Those living in rural and regional areas are less likely to have local healthcare services and may be physically isolated. Even where support services such as respite do exist, they may be less likely to be accessed due to the time burden in travelling to services. This was compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic.

AIM

To understand the potential benefits of peer support for bereaved carers of people with cancer from rural and regional locations during the COVID-19 period.

METHODS

Phone interviews were conducted with bereaved cancer carers living in rural and regional areas in Victoria. Semi-structured interviews were used, and participants were asked about their experience as a carer, bereavement and the potential for peer support. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim; transcripts were coded and a thematic analysis was conducted.

FINDINGS

12 interviews were conducted. Carers were mostly female (85%) and were on average 58 years of age (range 42-71). Interviews lasted an average of 58 minutes (range 53-91 minutes). Three themes were derived from the data; 1) Supportive care needs while caring and the impact of COVID-19; 2) Isolation during bereavement compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic; and 3) Peer support requires flexibility to meet diverse needs.

CONCLUSION

Peer support has potential to assist bereaved carers of people with cancer. A co-design approach may be beneficial for developing a flexible model for supporting and linking carers together.

983 LEARNING FROM THE EXPERIENCES OF NURSES IN CARE HOMES DURING COVID-19 (THRIVE STUDY): STEERING THE SHIP THROUGH THE STORM

Background

Nurses practising in older people’s care homes are often the only trained nurse on shift, undertaking leadership roles while also supporting residents with complex clinical needs. The study aimed to explore Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)-registered nurses’ experiences of working in older people’s care homes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Method

Recruitment used direct contact with care homes, social media and links provided by national partners, then purposive sampling for age, gender, type of care home and location. Data collected through one-to-one on-line interviews using a topic guide developed collaboratively with care home nurses, focusing on how COVID-19 impacted on nurses’ resilience and mental well-being. Data were analysed thematically.

Results

18 nurses interviewed between March–July 2021: female 16, majority aged between 46–55 years; mean time registered with NMC 19 years (range 18 months-45 years); one had not nursed residents with COVID-19. Preliminary findings indicate that nurses developed enhanced clinical skills, which increased their professional standing. Many nurses were in leadership roles responsible for processing and sharing rapidly-changing guidance, making judgements on how to manage infection risk within the home. Nurses reported balancing information-assimilation and reporting with providing direct care due to staff shortages. All nurses provided emotional support to other staff. They sought support from their peers, namely nurses inside and outside their workplace. As leaders, many of the nurses spoke about the emotional impact of having to manage relatives’ expectations and make decisions on whether a relative could be with a dying resident.

Conclusion

Understanding the types of support that might best increase resilience and well-being for nurses in care homes now and in the future is essential to maintain a healthy, stable workforce. Support for nurses will likely benefit other care workers either directly through wider roll-out, or indirectly through improved well-being of the nurse leaders.

Codesigning a supportive online resource for Australian cancer carers: a thematic analysis of informal carers' and healthcare professionals' perspectives about carers' responsibilities and content needs

OBJECTIVE

To gather preliminary qualitative data that will assist in the codesign and development of a new informational and supportive website to assist informal cancer carers in Australia.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Utilising a previously tested codesign process, informal carers' experiences and perspectives, including those of healthcare professionals', were examined via focus groups and/or interviews. Data were analysed via thematic analysis.

PARTICIPANTS

Rural (n=9) and urban (n=11) carers', and healthcare professionals' (n=8) perspectives were collected. Carers participated in a focus group (n=9) or telephone interview (n=11). Healthcare professionals completed an interview (n=6) or online survey (n=2).

RESULTS

Rural and urban carers typically felt ill prepared for their multitudinal caregiving responsibilities. Supporting patient-to-healthcare professional liaisons could especially challenge. Carers' biopsychosocial and fiscal strains were affected by patients' hardships and available informal supports. Rural carers described greater social support than urban carers. Both rural and urban carers also described discontentment related to a carer neglecting healthcare system. Both carers and healthcare professionals endorsed the need for a user-friendly, carer-specific website encompassing practical information and resources, peer-driven advice and evidence-based illness information, tailored to the Australian context.

CONCLUSIONS

Carers and healthcare professionals recognise the pressing need for an Australian, cancer carer-specific online resource. Findings will inform the next phase, where a resource will be designed, developed and tested.

Translating research into practice: outcomes from the Healthy Living after Cancer partnership project

BACKGROUND

Healthy Living after Cancer (HLaC) was a national dissemination and implementation study of an evidence-based lifestyle intervention for cancer survivors. The program was imbedded into existing telephone cancer information and support services delivered by Australian state-based Cancer Councils (CC). We report here the reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance of the program.

METHODS

In this phase IV study (single-group, pre-post design) participants - survivors of any type of cancer, following treatment with curative intent - received up to 12 nurse/allied health professional-led telephone health coaching calls over 6 months. Intervention delivery was grounded in motivational interviewing, with emphasis on evidence-based behaviour change strategies. Using the RE-AIM evaluation framework, primary outcomes were reach, indicators of program adoption, implementation, costs and maintenance. Secondary (effectiveness) outcomes were participant-reported anthropometric, behavioural and psychosocial variables including: weight; physical activity; dietary intake; quality-of-life; treatment side-effects; distress; and fear of cancer recurrence and participant satisfaction. Changes were evaluated using linear mixed models, including terms for timepoint (0/6 months), strata (Cancer Council), and timepoint x strata.

RESULTS

Four of 5 CCs approached participated in the study. In total, 1183 cancer survivors were referred (mostly via calls to the Cancer Council telephone information service). Of these, 90.4% were eligible and 88.7% (n = 791) of those eligible consented to participate. Retention rate was 63.4%. Participants were mostly female (88%), aged 57 years and were overweight (BMI = 28.8 ± 6.5 kg/m2). Improvements in all participant-reported outcomes (standardised effect sizes of 0.1 to 0.6) were observed (p < 0.001). The program delivery costs were on average AU$427 (US$296) per referred cancer survivor.

CONCLUSIONS

This telephone-delivered lifestyle intervention, which was feasibly implemented by Cancer Councils, led to meaningful and statistically significant improvements in cancer survivors' health and quality-of-life at a relatively low cost.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) - ACTRN12615000882527 (registered on 24/08/2015).

Many Parents Would Accept Sexually Transmitted Infection Screening for Their Adolescent at a Pediatric Office Visit

PURPOSE

Sexually active adolescents are at risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), yet screening is infrequently performed during pediatric visits. Lack of parent support and confidentiality are barriers. We explored whether parents of 15- to 17-year-olds would accept chlamydia and gonorrhea screening for their adolescent during a pediatric visit and assessed parental views on the importance of sexual health services.

METHODS

A survey of 168 parents of adolescents was conducted during an outpatient pediatric office visit in Western Pennsylvania.

RESULTS

Most parents (63%) accept STI screening for their adolescent during a pediatric visit, and 73% think it is important that adolescents spend time alone with their provider. Parents ranked the importance of discussing sexual health as high as other preventive health topics.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the burden of STIs among adolescents, pediatricians should use this information to facilitate STI screening during office visits, secure time alone with their patients, and offer sexual health counseling.

Implementing Systematic Screening and Structured Care for Distressed Callers Using Cancer Council's Telephone Services: Protocol for a Randomized Stepped-Wedge Trial

Background

Structured distress management, comprised a 2-stage screening and referral model, can direct supportive care resources toward individuals who are most likely to benefit. This structured approach has yet to be trialed in Australian community-based services such as Cancer Council New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria Cancer Information and Support (CIS) 13 11 20 lines who care for a large community of cancer patients and caregivers.

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of structured screening and referral in (1) increasing the proportion of distressed CIS callers who accept supportive care referrals and (2) reducing distress levels at 6-month follow-up.

Methods

In this stepped-wedge trial, Cancer Council NSW and Victoria CIS consultants are randomized to deliver structured care during inbound 13 11 20 calls in accordance with 3 intervention periods. Eligible callers are patients or caregivers who score 4 or more on the Distress Thermometer; NSW or Victorian residents; aged 18 years or older; and English proficient. Study data are collected via computer-assisted telephone interviews (CATIs) at 3- and 6-month follow-up and CIS record audit. CATIs include demographic and service use items and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) to assess distress. An economic analysis of the structured care model will be completed.

Results

The structured care model was developed by guideline review and identification of service characteristics to guide mapping decisions; place-card methodology; and clinical vignettes with think-aloud methodology to confirm referral appropriateness. The model includes an additional screening tool (Patient Health Questionnaire-4) and a referral model with 16-20 CIS services. Descriptive statistics will be used to assess referral uptake rates. Differences between GHQ-28 scores for structured and usual care callers will be tested using a generalized linear mixed model with fixed effects for intervention and each time period. The trial will recruit 1512 callers. The sample size will provide the study with approximately 80% power to detect a difference of 0.3 SD in the mean score of the GHQ-28 at an alpha level of .05 and assuming an intra-cluster correlation of .04. A random sample of recorded calls will be reviewed to assess intervention fidelity and contamination. To date, 1835 distressed callers have been invited to participate with 60.71% (1114/1835) enrolled in the study. A total of 692 participants have completed 6-month CATIs. Recruitment is anticipated to end in late 2019.

Conclusions

This trial is among the first to rigorously test the outcomes of a community-based structured approach to distress management. The model is evidence-informed, practice-ready, and trialed in a real-world setting. The study outcomes will advance the understanding of distress management internationally for both patients and caregivers.

Trial Registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry ACTRN12617000352303; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=372105&isReview=true (Archived by WebCite on http://www.webcitation.org/78AW0Ba09)

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/12473

Abstract P3-01-16: Micro-cavity array system for size-based enrichment of circulating tumor cells and circulating cancer associated fibroblasts from blood of patients with breast cancer

Background:Circulating Tumor Cells(CTCs) have prognostic implications in patients with metastatic breast cancer(MBC).During the Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition(EMT), CTCs acquire a more mesenchymal phenotype. Hence, methodologies such as the Cell search that rely on the expression of an epithelial marker EpCAM in CTCs fail to capture a subset of CTCs undergoing the process of EMT and therefore do not adequately represent the true circulatory metastatic load. Hitachi chemicals has invented a size based micro cavity array (MCA) system that allows for the isolation of tumor cells based on the differences in size and deformability between tumor and blood cells. Photolithography and the metal plating can precisely control the filter pore size of our system. Our platform is more sensitive than the Cell Search method in detecting CTCs in Lung Cancer. Cancer Associated Fibroblasts (CAFs) are a major component of the breast tumor microenvironment. Using a micro filter capture technique, our co-authors have demonstrated that CAFs can be enumerated as circulating CAFs (cCAFs). Hitachi's Micro cavity Array System has not been evaluated in the detection of CTCs and cCAFs in patients with Breast Cancer. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate that CTCs and cCAFs can be enumerated using our platform and the cCAFs can serve as biomarkers of metastasis simultaneously with CTCs.

Method:We undertook a Pilot study of 20 patients each with breast cancer across Stage I, Stage II, Stage III and Stage IV. A total of 10ml of peripheral blood was obtained from each patient. Enumeration of CTCs and cCAFs was carried out by the size based mircocavity array system invented by Hitachi Chemicals. Identification of these cells was done by a triple Immunofluorescence staining for pan-CK (cytokeratin), FAP (Fibroblast Activated Protein) and CD45. CTCs were identified as CK+, CD45-, FAP- cells and cCAFs were identified as FAP+, CK- and CD 45 negative cells.

Result:Our method had a high cell recovery rate (90%or higher) and efficient white blood cells depletion rate (99.99%). We present the data from a total of 13 patients in this abstract, (two with stage III and eleven with stage IV breast cancer) . Data from rest of the subjects will be presented at the actual meeting. We detected the presence of CTCs in 11/11(100%) in patients with stage IV(mean of 44) and in 2 out of 2 (100%) patients with Stage III Breast Cancer. We detected the presence of cCAFs in 1 out of 2 patients( 50%) with stage III and in 8 of 11(81.8%) (mean of 9)patients with stage IV breast cancer( Fisher's exact test p-value= 0.42). The number of CTCs and cCAFs was significantly elevated in patients with MBC and the number was clinically associated with a high metastatic burden.

Conclusions:CTCs and cCAFs can be enumerated using a size based size based micro cavity array invented by Hitachi Chemicals that does not rely on the expression of epithelial markers in CTCs. CTCs and cCAFs can be detected in patients with stage III and stage IV breast cancer. CTCs and cCAFs were associated with high metastatic burden and their numbers were significantly elevated in patients with MBC. cCAFs could serve as biomarkers alongside of CTCs in MBC.

Citation Format: Parajuli R, Ly R, Ziogas A, Eapen A, Lane K, Chen J, Lin E, Mehta R, Tsai A. Micro-cavity array system for size-based enrichment of circulating tumor cells and circulating cancer associated fibroblasts from blood of patients with breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-01-16.

Immune activation and response to pembrolizumab in POLE-mutant endometrial cancer

Antibodies that target the immune checkpoint receptor programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) have resulted in prolonged and beneficial responses toward a variety of human cancers. However, anti-PD-1 therapy in some patients provides no benefit and/or results in adverse side effects. The factors that determine whether patients will be drug sensitive or resistant are not fully understood; therefore, genomic assessment of exceptional responders can provide important insight into patient response. Here, we identified a patient with endometrial cancer who had an exceptional response to the anti-PD-1 antibody pembrolizumab. Clinical grade targeted genomic profiling of a pretreatment tumor sample from this individual identified a mutation in DNA polymerase epsilon (POLE) that associated with an ultramutator phenotype. Analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) revealed that the presence of POLE mutation associates with high mutational burden and elevated expression of several immune checkpoint genes. Together, these data suggest that cancers harboring POLE mutations are good candidates for immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy.

Implementation and evaluation of a transit dosimetry system for treatment verification

PURPOSE

To evaluate a formalism for transit dosimetry using a phantom study and prospectively evaluate the protocol on a patient population undergoing 3D conformal radiotherapy.

METHODS

Amorphous silicon EPIDs were calibrated for dose and used to acquire images of delivered fields. The measured EPID dose map was back-projected using the planning CT images to calculate dose at pre-specified points within the patient using commercially available software, EPIgray (DOSIsoft, France). This software compared computed back-projected dose with treatment planning system dose. A series of tests were performed on solid water phantoms (linearity, field size effects, off-axis effects). 37 patients were enrolled in the prospective study.

RESULTS

The EPID dose response was stable and linear with dose. For all tested field sizes the agreement was good between EPID-derived and treatment planning system dose in the central axis, with performance stability up to a measured depth of 18cm (agreement within -0.5% at 10cm depth on the central axis and within -1.4% at 2cm off-axis). 126 transit images were analysed of 37 3D-conformal patients. Patient results demonstrated the potential of EPIgray with 91% of all delivered fields achieved the initial set tolerance level of ΔD of 0±5-cGy or %ΔD of 0±5%.

CONCLUSIONS

The in vivo dose verification method was simple to implement, with very few commissioning measurements needed. The system required no extra dose to the patient, and importantly was able to detect patient position errors that impacted on dose delivery in two of cases.

"FIND Technology": investigating the feasibility, efficacy and safety of controller-free interactive digital rehabilitation technology in an inpatient stroke population: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background

Stroke results in significant disability, which can be reduced by physical rehabilitation. High levels of repetition and activity are required in rehabilitation, but patients are typically sedentary. Using clinically relevant and fun computer games may be one way to achieve increased activity in rehabilitation.

Methods/design

A single-blind randomized controlled trial will be conducted to evaluate the feasibility, efficacy and safety of novel stroke-specific rehabilitation software. This software uses controller-free client interaction and inertial motion sensors. Elements of feasibility include recruitment into the trial, ongoing participation (adherence and dropout), perceived benefit, enjoyment and ease of use of the games. Efficacy will be determined by measuring activity and using upper-limb tasks as well as measures of balance and mobility. The hypothesis that the intervention group will have increased levels of physical activity within rehabilitation and improved physical outcomes compared with the control group will be tested.

Discussion

Results from this study will provide a basis for discussion of feasibility of this interactive video technological solution in an inpatient situation. Differences in activity levels between groups will be the primary measure of efficacy. It will also provide data on measures of upper-limb function, balance and mobility.

Trial registration

ACTRN12614000427673. Prospectively registered 17 April 2014.

Healthy Living after Cancer: a dissemination and implementation study evaluating a telephone-delivered healthy lifestyle program for cancer survivors

BACKGROUND

Given evidence shows physical activity, a healthful diet and weight management can improve cancer outcomes and reduce chronic disease risk, the major cancer organisations and health authorities have endorsed related guidelines for cancer survivors. Despite these, and a growing evidence base on effective lifestyle interventions, there is limited uptake into survivorship care.

METHODS/DESIGN

Healthy Living after Cancer (HLaC) is a national dissemination and implementation study that will evaluate the integration of an evidence-based lifestyle intervention for cancer survivors into an existing telephone cancer information and support service delivered by Australian state-based Cancer Councils. Eligible participants (adults having completed cancer treatment with curative intent) will receive 12 health coaching calls over 6 months from Cancer Council nurses/allied health professionals targeting national guidelines for physical activity, healthy eating and weight control. Using the RE-AIM evaluation framework, primary outcomes are service-level indicators of program reach, adoption, implementation/costs and maintenance, with secondary (effectiveness) outcomes of patient-reported anthropometric, behavioural and psychosocial variables collected at pre- and post-program completion. The total participant accrual target across four participating Cancer Councils is 900 over 3 years.

DISCUSSION

The national scope of the project and broad inclusion of cancer survivors, alongside evaluation of service-level indicators, associated costs and patient-reported outcomes, will provide the necessary practice-based evidence needed to inform future allocation of resources to support healthy living among cancer survivors.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR)--ACTRN12615000882527 (registered on 24/08/2015).

Hepatitis E virus in patients with decompensated chronic liver disease: a prospective UK/French study

BACKGROUND

In developed countries, hepatitis E is a porcine zoonosis caused by hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotype 3. In developing countries, hepatitis E is mainly caused by genotype 1, and causes increased mortality in patients with pre-existing chronic liver disease (CLD).

AIM

To determine the role of HEV in patients with decompensated CLD.

METHODS

Prospective HEV testing of 343 patients with decompensated CLD at three UK centres and Toulouse France, with follow-up for 6 months or death. IgG seroprevalence was compared with 911 controls.

RESULTS

11/343 patients (3.2%) had acute hepatitis E infection, and three died. There were no differences in mortality (27% vs. 26%, OR 1.1, 95% CI 0.28-4.1), age (P = 0.9), bilirubin (P = 0.5), alanine aminotransferase (P = 0.06) albumin (P = 0.5) or international normalised ratio (P = 0.6) in patients with and without hepatitis E infection. Five cases were polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positive (genotype 3). Hepatitis E was more common in Toulouse (7.9%) compared to the UK cohort (1.2%, P = 0.003). HEV IgG seroprevalence was higher in Toulouse (OR 17, 95% CI 9.2-30) and Truro (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.4-4.6) than in Glasgow, but lower in cases, compared to controls (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.41-0.86).

CONCLUSIONS

Hepatitis E occurs in a minority of patients with decompensated chronic liver disease. The mortality is no different to the mortality in patients without hepatitis E infection. The diagnosis can only be established by a combination of serology and PCR, the yield and utility of which vary by geographical location.

The importance of an independent oversight committee to preserve treatment fidelity, ensure protocol compliance, and adjudicate safety endpoints in the ATACH II trial

In response to growing trends and accepted U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidance, the ATACH II trial leadership developed the independent oversight committee (IOC) as a mechanism to adjudicate the trial safety endpoints and to evaluate treatment fidelity and protocol compliance. To accomplish these tasks, the IOC reviews the first three subjects enrolled at each study center and all serious adverse events that occur across all study centers. The IOC makes recommendations to the steering committee regarding the aggregation of, or trend in, adverse events at particular sites and discusses homogeneity, or lack thereof, in the principles and intensity of the overall care. Based on the IOC findings, the steering committee will contact individual sites, as needed, to discuss potential remedial measures.

Abstract LB-420: Long circulating 18F-labeled liposomes for PET imaging

Liposomes are lipid nanoparticles comprised of phospholipid bilayers with an aqueous interior. They have emerged as promising multi-modality imaging agents and engender significant interest as drug delivery vehicles, e.g. doxorubicin liposomes. Although a number of methods for radiolabeling liposomes with various radionuclides have been developed, 18F is the most useful for PET imaging. In this study, preformed maleimide-PEG functionalized liposomes with a mean diameter of 70 nm were obtained by sonication of a lipid mixture consisting of DPPC, cholesterol, and DSPE-PEG2000-Mal (61:30:9) in acetate buffer (pH 6.5) followed by extrusion. 18F labeled 2-(2-(2-(2-fluoroethoxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)ethanethiol was prepared, followed by conjugation with the maleimide-PEG functionalized liposome in 0.1M acetate buffer (0.1% EDTA), pH 6.5-8.0. Liposome sizes did not differ significantly before and after the 18F labeling. The overall radiochemical yield of the reaction was 10-25% (n= 12, uncorrected) in a 180 minute radiolabeling time. Micro PET imaging of rats was done at various times, up to 4 hrs, following IV injection of the 18F liposomes and their bio-distribution was also investigated. Our imaging studies with 18F liposomes appear comparable to images from previously described labeling methods with 18F liposomes remaining in the blood pool at 4 hrs. Our results indicate that this will allow the ready availability of 18F liposomes for vascular imaging and also potentially for cancer imaging. Research Support: This study was funded by the intramural program of the National Institutes of Health.

Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-420. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-LB-420

Preliminary results from a comparative effectiveness study of breast cancer survivorship care: A University of California (UC) ATHENA Breast Health Network project

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Background: The ATHENA Breast Health Network collaboration is a large scale, UC system-wide project initiated with the intent to drive innovation in breast cancer prevention, screening and treatment. An IRB approved research protocol was developed to examine survivorship care across Network sites, which includes key informant interviews at each site and patient/survivor surveys. This abstract presents preliminary analyses from the key informant interviews.

Methods: Investigators at each site conducted semi-structured interviews with oncology specialists and primary care providers (PCPs). Interviews used case study examples and open and closed-ended questions on the delivery of post-treatment breast cancer care. Informant responses were manually recorded by the interviewer, compiled in a database, then coded and analyzed using NVIVO9 software.

Results: There were 39 key informants across five participating UC sites: 14 medical oncologists, 7 radiation oncologists, 11 surgeons, 3 oncology nurses, and 4 PCPs. Care coordination is a major unprompted theme identified in the interviews. 85% of all participants reported using shared care coordination between PCP and oncology for post-treatment follow-up. 49% report the need for greater care coordination in general, and 28% report the need for greater care coordination within oncology, particularly to help avoid duplication of follow-up care and services. The responses demonstrate wide variability among provider types and institutions (Table). Additional analyses from this study will be updated in our presentation.

Conclusions: These preliminary results identify the need for focus on care coordination during the post-treatment phase of breast cancer care within the UC system.

[Table: see text]

Effect of airplane travel on women treated for breast cancer

Abstract #1119

Background: Many patient materials promulgate lifestyle adaptations purported to minimize risk of lymphedema. One factor often mentioned is development or exacerbation of lymphedema due to airplane travel. The aim of this study was to describe prospectively the effect of airplane travel on women treated for breast cancer, traveling to Caloundra, Qld., Australia to attend a dragon boat regatta.&#x2028; Methods: Pre and post data were obtained from 63 women traveling from Canada to Australia, and from 12 women traveling within Australia. 54% were treated for breast cancer on their dominant side, 63% underwent mastectomy with or without reconstruction, 77% underwent axillary node dissection, and 21% wore a compression sleeve during flight; 94% trained at a moderate to vigorous intensity for the regatta. Single frequency bioimpedance analysis (BIA; XCA; Impedimed Inc.®) was used to determine the inter-limb difference in upper limb extracellular fluid. BIA is highly reliable and has high sensitivity and specificity for increased extracellular fluid accumulation. Change in ratio &gt;0.05 for women without lymphoedema is of clinical significance. Women were measured within 2 weeks of their flight to Caloundra, immediately on arrival in Caloundra, and for 46 women, within 6 weeks of return to Canada.&#x2028; Results: Airplane travel did not have a significant effect on the upper limb BIA ratio, either between the pre and post flight (t75= -0.355; p=0.72) or between the pre and follow-up measures (t44=.241; p=0.811).&#x2028; &#x2028; Overall, the BIA post ratio increased from the pre measure by ≤0.02 in 48 women; 0.02 to &lt;0.05 in 12 women; 0.05 to &lt;0.10 in 10 women; and &gt;0.10 in 5 women (Fig 1). In Figure 1, symbols in grey-shaded area represents women who did not have lymphedema prior to flight but presented with it post flight and the dashed lines indicate previously established cut-offs for criteria for detection of lymphedema. Dotted line on each graph is the line of agreement. The 6 symbols in the grey shaded area (Fig 1) represent women from the international group; their change in BIA ranged from 0.05 to 0.28. Follow-up measures were available on 5 of these women, and indicated that 4 were below the cut-offs for lymphedema. All 6 women had undergone mastectomy and axillary clearance of their lymph nodes and for 5, surgery was on their dominant side. Only 3 of the women wore a compressive sleeve on the plane.&#x2028; Discussion: For the majority of women who undertake moderate to vigorous upper limb exercise, airplane travel did not have a significant impact on extracellular fluid ratio. Acknowledgment: Impedimed for funding and equipment.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(2 Suppl):Abstract nr 1119.

Evaluation and management of pediatric orbital fractures in a primary care setting

OBJECTIVE

To review and evaluate the management of white-eyed blowout fractures (WEBOF) from Emergency Department (ED) triage through surgical repair.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review of consecutive cases of pediatric orbital blowout fracture requiring surgical repair at a large ophthalmologic referral center. The characteristics of patients with WEBOF and those with conventional orbital blowout fractures were compared, including: mechanism of injury, clinical presentation, ED management and referral patterns, and time to definitive treatment.

RESULTS

Sixteen patients comprised the WEBOF study group, and 14 patients with conventional blowout fractures comprised the control group. All WEBOF had pain with eye movement, limited ductions and diplopia, and 75% had nausea and vomiting. These symptoms were present in significantly lower frequencies in control patients (64%, 64%, 7%, 14%, respectively). Compared to controls, WEBOF patients were younger; had injury more often resulting from sports and play; were less likely to undergo orbital imaging in the ED; were more likely to be diagnosed with concussion in the ED; were less likely to be seen urgently by an ophthalmologist; and were told to follow-up with an ophthalmologist 4-5 days later than control patients.

CONCLUSIONS

WEBOF is a clinical diagnosis consisting of vertical diplopia, gaze restriction and nausea and/or vomiting in the setting of peri-orbital trauma in the pediatric and young-adult age group. The paucity of external signs of trauma may lead to initial misdiagnosis and delay in treatment. All patients who meet WEBOF criteria should undergo dedicated orbital CT as part of the ED evaluation. If WEBOF is suspected, a prompt referral to an ophthalmologist should be made.

Association between the serum anion gap and blood pressure among patients at Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates

Animal and human data suggest a link between endogenous acid production with elevations in blood pressure and the development of hypertension; increases in endogenous organic acid production can lead to a higher anion gap. We studied the cross-sectional association between the serum anion gap and blood pressure among 1057 non-diabetic patients who were not taking antihypertensive drugs, and who received their care at a multisite, multispecialty group practice in eastern Massachusetts. Using linear regression controlling for age, sex, race, BMI, estimated GFR and presence of impaired fasting glucose, every 1 mEq l(-1) higher serum anion gap was associated with a 0.27 mm Hg (P=0.08) higher systolic, 0.20 mm Hg (P=0.05) higher diastolic and 0.22 mm Hg (P=0.04) higher mean arterial pressure; these results suggest that endogenous acid production may raise the risk of hypertension.

Resting energy expenditure and body mass changes in women during adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer

Weight gain is a commonly reported side effect of adjuvant chemotherapy. A change in resting energy expenditure during treatment has been a suggested mechanism for weight gain. We prospectively measured resting energy expenditure, weight change, and body composition (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) in 10 women undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer. There was no change in resting energy expenditure across cycles of chemotherapy (P =.78) or from baseline to the end of treatment (1,189.68 +/- 80.27 vs 1,205.76 +/- 56.71 kcal/d; P =.74). Overall, participants did not gain weight across treatment. However, there was an overall trend toward weight gain (66.3 +/- 5.1 vs 68.2 +/- 5.0 kg; P =.09), and participants did show an increase in total fat mass (24.2 +/- 3.8 vs 26.5 +/- 3.2 kg; P =.04), whereas muscle mass remained the same. Although no change in resting energy expenditure was seen, the observed increase in total fat mass is consistent with a decrease in physical activity level commonly reported with adjuvant chemotherapy treatment of breast cancer, and these body composition changes may have important health implications for survivors.

Erlotinib-associated trichomegaly

A 70-year-old woman presented with a corneal ulcer resulting from aberrant and exuberant eyelash growth. She had recently been diagnosed with recurrent non-small-cell lung cancer for which she had begun a chemotherapeutic regimen that included erlotinib HCl. After several months of treatment, she noted the onset of escalating ocular irritation, which culminated in her presentation. Examination of her ocular adnexa revealed coarse, brittle, irregular aberrant eyelash growth. She has been successfully treated with regular epilation and eyelash trimming and has remained symptom free.

Prevalence and characterization of enteric adenoviruses in the South of Ireland

Enteric adenoviruses have been shown to be a substantial cause of pediatric gastroenteritis in various parts of the world, and are considered to be the second most common cause of viral gastroenteritis, next to rotavirus in young children. Genetic characterization of 95 adenovirus isolates obtained from patients with acute gastroenteritis between 2002 and 2007 from the southern regions of Ireland, were characterized by PCR analysis, restriction endonuclease (RE) analysis and sequencing analysis. All isolates were found to be of adenovirus type 41 origin. Genetic analysis of seven hypervariable regions (HVRs) located within the hexon gene has revealed a high level of amino acid sequence homology in samples over the course of this study, with a very close relationship to the D22 genome type. The D22 genome type has been detected in several other countries, thus suggesting Irish isolates have common genome types with other stains worldwide. This is the first such study undertaken in the south of Ireland, to type and genetically characterize adenoviral gastroenteritis isolates, and has revealed a high level of conservation within the isolated analyzed.

The effect of a whole body exercise programme and dragon boat training on arm volume and arm circumference in women treated for breast cancer

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a whole body exercise programme and dragon boat training on changes in arm volume in breast cancer survivors. A total of 16 female breast cancer survivors with no clinical history of lymphoedema volunteered. The 20-week exercise programme consisted of resistance and aerobic exercise with the addition of dragon boat training at week 8. Arm circumference at two sites (CIRC10, CIRC15), arm volume (VOL), and upper body strength (1-RM) were measured at baseline (T1), week 8 (T2), and week 20 (T3). All statistical tests were two-sided (alpha < or = 0.05). No significant differences between the ipsilateral and contralateral upper extremities at any of the three time points were found. All variables significantly increased from T1 to T3 (CIRC10: difference, d = 0.49 cm, 95% confidence interval, CI = 0.25-0.73, P = 0.000; CIRC15: d = 1.33 cm, CI = 0.78-1.88, P = 0.000; VOL: d = 100 mL, CI = 69-130, P = 0.000). As well, 1-RM significantly increased from T1 to T3 (d = 10.8 kg, CI = 5.6-16.1; P = 0.000). In summary, participation in a whole body exercise programme and dragon boat training resulted in a significant increase in upper extremity volume over time. However, the changes were consistent for both arms and the significant gain in upper body muscular strength likely accounted for the increase in arm volume.