Impact of adverse events on independence in daily functioning of older adults with advanced cancer treated with systemic therapy

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Background: Older adults with advanced cancer are at increased risk of treatment-related toxicities, which can compromise physical performance and independence in daily functioning. However, studies evaluating the relationship of toxicities with functional capacity in this population are scarce. The aim of this analysis is to assess the effect of clinician-reported toxicities (CRTs) and patient-reported symptomatic toxicities (PRSTs) on physical performance and independence in daily functioning. Methods: This is a secondary analysis of GAP 70+ (NCT02054741, n = 718), a cluster randomized trial of older patients (70+ years) with advanced cancer initiating a new systemic therapy regimen. Impairments in physical performance [measured by Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB)], and functional independence [measured by activities of daily living (ADL), and instrumental ADL (IADL)] were classified by established cut points. CRTs were collected by Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) and PRSTs by Patient-Reported Outcome version of CTCAE (PRO-CTCAE). PRST grade was determined by severity of the items (0 = none, 1 = mild, 2 = moderate, 3 = severe, 4 = very severe). To count as a PRST event, symptom severity had to increase from pre-treatment level (baseline adjusted method). Patients without baseline impairment in SPPB, IADL, and ADL (n = 104, 308, 461, respectively), who provided data after baseline were included in the analysis. To assess the association of experiencing toxicity within 3 months and developing functional impairment within 6 months, generalized estimating equation (GEE) modeling was used. Models were adjusted for practice sites (random effect) and the study arm. Results: Patients were 70-96 years old (mean 77), 56% were male, and majority (87%) were white. Gastrointestinal (34%) and lung (25%) were the most common cancer types. During treatment, impairments in SPPB developed in 57.7% (60/104), in IADL 47.4% (146/308), and in ADL 31.0% (143/461). There was no association of CRT grade with developing impairment in SPPB (p = 0.92). A greater proportion of patients who experienced grade ≥ 3 CRT, compared to those with grade 2 and grade ≤ 1 CRT, developed impairment in IADL (54.4 vs 38.3 vs 25.2%, p = 0.01) and also in ADL (34.8 vs 23.9 vs 22.7%, p = 0.02). Patients who experienced grade ≥ 3 PRST, compared to those with grade 2 and grade ≤ 1 PRST, were more likely to developed impaired SPPB (73.6 vs 50.4 vs 27.8%, p = 0.01), IADL (50.8 vs 45.4 vs 31.5%, p = 0.20), and ADL (38.1 vs 18.5 vs 19.7%, p < 0.01). Conclusions: Assessing both patient- and clinician-reported toxicity provides insight into loss of independent functioning. Information patients provide about symptoms can help with early detection of decline in physical performance in older adults. These findings may help to guide interventions to mitigate functional decline. Clinical trial information: NCT02054741.

Modifiable risk factors for falls among older adults with advanced cancer

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Background: Older adults with cancer are more likely to fall than those without cancer, but the factors driving this increased risk are not fully understood. Falls may lead to injury, dependence, hospitalization, and death. Given the interventions available to reduce fall risk, identifying risk factors amenable to intervention for older adults with cancer is critical to provide targeted care and improve health outcomes. Methods: To examine factors associated with patient-reported falls within a 6 month follow up period, we analyzed data previously collected in a nationwide cluster randomized trial (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02107443; PI: Mohile, NCORP UG1CA189961). Patients were eligible if age ≥70, stage III/IV solid tumor or lymphoma with palliative treatment intent, and ≥1 geriatric assessment impairment (GA). A GA summary with tailored recommendations was given to oncologists in practices randomized to the intervention, but not usual care. We combined intervention and usual care groups and evaluated baseline risk factors for falls over a 6 month follow up including: prior falls, fear of falling (FOF), activity limitation due to FOF, activities of daily living, Short Physical Performance Battery, Timed Up and Go (TUG), Older Americans Resources Survey (physical health scale), cognition, polypharmacy, potentially inappropriate medications (PIM), and neurotoxic treatment agents. Incidence rate ratios (IRR) were estimated using generalized linear mixed models controlling for the study arm and practice site. Fully adjusted multivariable models were built for factors associated with follow up falls (p≤0.15) in bivariate. Results: Of 541 patients (mean age: 77, SD: 5.27), 140 (26%) patients had prior falls in the past 6 months. Over 6 months of follow up 467 (86%) had falls data for ≥ 1 follow up timepoint and 344 (64%) had complete follow up. Of those contributing any follow up data 103 patients (22%) reported at least one fall. In adjusted models prior falls, impaired TUG, and number of PIM were associated with higher incidence of falls over 6 months (see Table). Conclusions: Prior falls, TUG, and PIM are prospectively associated with falls among older adults with advanced cancer. These factors are feasible to assess and amenable to interventions such as rehabilitation or deprescribing. Future studies focused on implementation of fall risk reduction in the oncology setting are needed to determine the most effective ways to reduce fall risk in this vulnerable population. Clinical trial information: NCT02107443. [Table: see text]

Protocol paper: Multi-site, cluster-randomized clinical trial for optimizing functional outcomes of older cancer survivors after chemotherapy

BACKGROUND

Cancer survivors over the age of 65 have unique needs due to the higher prevalence of functional and cognitive impairment, comorbidities, geriatric syndromes, and greater need for social support after chemotherapy. In this study, we will evaluate whether a Geriatric Evaluation and Management-Survivorship (GEMS) intervention improves functional outcomes important to older cancer survivors following chemotherapy.

METHODS

A cluster-randomized trial will be conducted in approximately 30 community oncology practices affiliated with the University of Rochester Cancer Center (URCC) National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) Research Base. Participating sites will be randomized to the GEMS intervention, which includes Advanced Practice Practitioner (APP)-directed geriatric evaluation and management (GEM), and Survivorship Health Education (SHE) that is combined with Exercise for Cancer Patients (EXCAP©®), or usual care. Cancer survivors will be recruited from community oncology practices (of participating oncology physicians and APPs) after the enrolled clinicians have consented and completed a baseline survey. We will enroll 780 cancer survivors aged 65 years and older who have completed curative-intent chemotherapy for a solid tumor malignancy within four weeks of study enrollment. Cancer survivors will be asked to choose one caregiver to also participate for a total up to 780 caregivers. The primary aim is to compare the effectiveness of GEMS for improving patient-reported physical function at six months. The secondary aim is to compare effectiveness of GEMS for improving patient-reported cognitive function at six months. Tertiary aims include comparing the effectiveness of GEMS for improving: 1) Patient-reported physical function at twelve months; 2) objectively assessed physical function at six and twelve months; and 3) patient-reported cognitive function at twelve months and objectively assessed cognitive function at six and twelve months. Exploratory health care aims include: 1) Survivor satisfaction with care, 2) APP communication with primary care physicians (PCPs), 3) completion of referral appointments, and 4) hospitalizations at six and twelve months. Exploratory caregiver aims include: 1) Caregiver distress; 2) caregiver quality of life; 3) caregiver burden; and 4) satisfaction with patient care at six and twelve months.

DISCUSSION

If successful, GEMS would be an option for a standardized APP-led survivorship care intervention.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.govNCT05006482, registered on August 9, 2021.

Association of polypharmacy and potential drug-drug interactions with adverse outcomes in older adults with advanced cancer receiving systemic treatment

12053

Background: Polypharmacy (PP) is common in older adults starting cancer treatment and associated with increased risk of potential drug-drug interactions (PDI). PP and PDI may affect treatment-related outcomes in older patients. This study evaluates the association of PP and PDI with systemic treatment adverse outcomes in older adults with advanced cancer. Methods: This secondary analysis of prospectively collected data from the GAP 70+ Trial (NCT02054741; PI: Mohile) enrolled patients aged 70+ with advanced (i.e. incurable) cancer; had ≥1 geriatric assessment domain impairment; and planned to start a new chemotherapy regimen or another regimen with high risk of toxicity. PP was assessed prior to initiation of treatment and defined as concurrent use of ≥8 medications (meds). PDI among all drugs were reviewed prior to initiation of treatment using Lexi-Interact® Online with category D and X considered “major PDI”. Study outcomes were assessed within 3 months of treatment initiation and included: 1) total number of Grade ≥2 toxicities according to National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria; 2) total number of Grade ≥3 toxicities; and 3) early treatment discontinuation due to toxicity. Multivariable linear and logistic regression models were used to examine the association of PP and PDI with treatment adverse-outcomes adjusted for age, gender, cancer type, comorbidity, physical function, social support, and study arm. Results: Among 718 participants, the mean age was 77 (range 70-96); 43% were females; and 57% had lung or gastrointestinal cancers. The median number of meds was 5 (range 0-24); 28% received ≥8 concurrent meds; and 25% had ≥1 major PDI. The mean number of Grade ≥2 toxicities for patients with PP was 9.8 versus 7.7 in patients without PP (adjusted β=1.87, standard error [SE]=0.71, P<0.01). The mean number of Grade ≥3 toxicities for patients with PP was 2.9 versus 2.2 in patients without PP (adjusted β=0.59, SE=0.29, P=0.04). Patients with ≥1 major PDI had 59% higher odds of early treatment discontinuation versus those without major PDI (adjusted odds ratio 1.59, 95% confidence interval=1.03-2.46, P=0.03). There was no significant association between PP and early treatment discontinuation. Major PDI were not significantly associated with toxicity (Ps>0.05). Conclusions: In a cohort of vulnerable older adults with advanced cancer, PP and PDI are associated with increased risk of systemic treatment adverse outcomes. Providing meaningful screening and interventional tools to optimize medication use may improve treatment outcomes in these patients. Funding:UG1CA18996, U01CA233167.

Factors associated with the evaluation of geriatric assessment (GA) domains by oncology specialists in Mexico

12050

Background: Use of GA by oncology specialists is low in Mexico, with some of the domains of the GA more frequently assessed than others in everyday practice. We aimed to explore factors associated to the evaluation of individual GA domains by Mexican cancer care providers. Methods: Secondary analysis of a mixed-methods study which consisted of an online cross-sectional survey of Mexican oncology specialists and follow-up interviews on the use of GA in cancer care. We performed multiple logistic regression analyses with frequency of evaluation of specific GA domains as the dependent variable (dichotomized as never/sometimes vs most of the time/always). Independent variables included age, gender, medical specialty, and practice size of the survey respondent, presence of a geriatrician in main practice site, and perceived confidence in managing common situations in older adults relevant for each GA domain (dichotomized as not at all/mildly vs very/completely). A p-value of < 0.05 was considered significant in each model. Results: Of 196 survey respondents, 62% were male, 50% surgical oncologists, 51% took care of > 10 patients per day, and 61.7% had access to a geriatrician at their main practice site. Frequently (most of the time/always) evaluated domains included: comorbidities (94.4%), daily function (72.9%), nutrition (67.3%), cognition (54.1%), depression (42.9%) and falls (42.3%). Self-perceived confidence in managing dementia (OR 2.72; 95% CI 1.42-5.51, p = 0.008) and being a surgical oncologist (OR 2.80; 95% CI 1.29-5.72, p = 0.003) were associated with increased evaluation of cognition. For nutrition, only self-perceived confidence in nutritional evaluation was associated (OR 3.86; 95% CI 2.0-7.46, p < 0.001). For comorbidities, self-perceived confidence in managing osteoporosis (OR 5.61; 95% CI 1.03-30.4, p = 0.046). For falls, significant factors included age (OR 1.04; 95% CI 1.01-1.07, p = 0.004), practice size (OR 0.46; 95% CI 0.23-0.91, p = 0.026), and self-perceived confidence in evaluation and prevention of falls (OR 6.31; 95% CI 3.19-12.46, p < 0.001). Age (OR 1.03; 95% CI 1.01-1.06, p = 0.011) and self-perceived confidence in managing depression (OR 2.52; 95% CI 1.33-4.78, p = 0.005) were associated with evaluation of depression. For daily function, no variables were significantly associated. Follow-up interviews showed quality and appropriateness of evaluations may not be ideal, such as asking only about orientation and level of consciousness when evaluating cognition. Conclusions: Self-perceived confidence in evaluating and managing common situations in older adults is associated with the evaluation of GA domains as part of everyday practice among cancer care providers in Mexico. This analysis supports the use of educational interventions to boost knowledge and confidence regarding the proper use of validated GA tools among oncology specialists.

Phase II study of exercise and low-dose ibuprofen for cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) during chemotherapy

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Background: CRCI is a debilitating consequence of cancer and its treatment, including difficulties in attention, memory, and executive function. Though CRCI can develop during the course of chemotherapy, interventions targeting CRCI during chemotherapy have not been investigated. Inflammation contributes to CRCI and thus reducing inflammation may ameliorate CRCI. Using a biobehavioral approach, we investigated 2 promising interventions that reduce inflammation: exercise and low-dose ibuprofen. Methods: This is a Phase II RCT with a 2:2 factorial design. Eligible participants were patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy who self-reported cognitive difficulties. Participants were stratified by disease type (breast cancer; gastrointestinal cancer; other) and were randomized to 1 of 4 groups for 6 weeks: exercise alone (+ placebo), ibuprofen alone, exercise + ibuprofen, or placebo only. The exercise intervention, delivered by an exercise physiologist, was Exercise for Cancer Patients (EXCAP), an individually tailored, home-based prescription of walking and resistance band training. Ibuprofen/placebo was over-encapsulated for blinding; 200mg was taken 2 times per day. Participants completed 7 cognitive assessments probing attention, memory, and executive function including the Trail Making Test (TMT) and self-report (FACT-Cog) at baseline and post-intervention. ANCOVA, controlling for baseline, assessed overall Arm effects at post-intervention. Results: Of the 110 who consented to the study, 86 participants (mean age=54; 88% female; 76% breast cancer, 21% GI; 73% Stage I-III) completed baseline assessments and were randomized to one of four study arms. Ninety percent (78/86) of those completed post-intervention. Average pill compliance across all 4 groups was balanced and averaged 90.8%. Participants in the exercise and exercise + ibuprofen arms increased 2,414 and 1,073 steps respectively compared to those in placebo and ibuprofen arms increased only 464 and 412 steps respectively from pre- to post-intervention. No study-related adverse events occurred. Intent to treat ANCOVA analyses revealed a significant improvement in attention (TMT) in exercise alone compared to placebo (21.57 seconds better; p=0.003), ibuprofen alone compared to placebo (11.27 seconds better; p=0.0475), and trend for exercise + ibuprofen (7.98 seconds better; p=0.122). Those participating in both exercise arms exhibited significant improvements in the FACT-Cog Comments from Others subdomain (p<0.05). Conclusions: Exercise and low-dose ibuprofen during chemotherapy improved attention in patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy. Exercise improved self-reported cognitive functioning. These results suggest possible treatment options for ameliorating CRCI during chemotherapy. Phase III trials are needed to confirm these findings. K07CA16888; DP2CA195765. Clinical trial information: NCT01238120.

The effects of geriatric assessment on oncologist-patient communication regarding functional status and physical performance in older adults with cancer: A secondary analysis of a 541-subject nationwide URCC NCORP (NCI Community Oncology Research Program) cluster randomized trial

12010

Background: Despite high prevalence of functional status (FS) and physical performance (PP) impairments among older adults with cancer, standardized assessments and interventions are not routinely used in oncology care. This study characterized how oncologist knowledge of Geriatric Assessment (GA) results influenced conversations and GA-guided recommendations addressing FS and PP concerns. Methods: Data were from a NCORP funded (UG1CA189961) nationwide cluster randomized controlled trial (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02107443; PI: Mohile), with inclusion criteria: age ≥70, stage III/IV solid tumor or lymphoma with palliative treatment intent, and ≥1 GA domain impairment. All subjects underwent baseline GA including standardized FS ([instrumental] activities of daily living) and PP (Timed Up and Go, Short Physical Performance Battery, Older Americans Resources and Services Physical Health scale, falls in past 6 months) measures. Oncologists in Intervention arm practices received full GA results and validated recommendations for each patient, while those in the usual care (UC) arm were only notified of depression or severe cognitive impairment. One clinical encounter per patient within 4 weeks of GA was audio-recorded, transcribed and blind coded using a priori content-analysis scheme to categorize conversations and oncologist response (dismissed, acknowledged, or addressed with recommendation) by GA domain. Frequencies, raw and adjusted (for site using generalized linear mixed models) proportions were compared using the Chi square test. Results: 541 patients (mean age: 77, range 70-96) were included. More FS and PP conversations occurred in Intervention (PP=532, FS=164) than UC (PP=183, FS=87) arm (p<.0001). The adjusted proportion of all patients having one or more FS or PP conversations reached 85.8% in the Intervention arm but only 58.6% in UC (p<.0001). Intervention oncologists were more likely to address FS and PP concerns than UC oncologists (42.6% vs 16.5%, p=0.0003), and to use referrals (Intervention=23.5%, UC=5.0%, p<.0001) or information (Intervention=22.3%, UC=3.8%, p=0.0006) to address them. Conclusions: Providing oncologists a GA report with recommended interventions enhances oncologist-patient communication regarding FS and PP-related concerns in older adults with advanced cancer. FS and PP-related issues were more likely to be addressed by those oncologists receiving the GA report, demonstrating the utility of GA as a tool in creating tailored interventions for FS and PP concerns. Our findings support use of GA as an important tool in caring for patients with impairments in physical performance and function. Funding: NIH/NCI UG1CA189961, T32CA102618. Clinical trial information: NCT02107443.

Prognostic understanding, hospitalization, and hospice use among older patients with advanced cancer

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Background: Poor prognostic understanding of curability is associated with lower hospice use in patients with advanced cancer. Little is known if this holds true for older adults specifically. In addition, prognostic understanding are variably assessed and defined in prior studies. We evaluated the associations of poor prognostic understanding and patient-oncologist discordance in both curability and survival estimates with hospitalization and hospice use in older patients with advanced cancer. Methods: We utilized data from a national geriatric assessment cluster-randomized trial (URCC 13070: PI Mohile) that recruited 541 patients aged ≥70 with incurable solid tumor or lymphoma considering any line of cancer treatment and their oncologists. At enrollment, patients and oncologists were asked about their beliefs about cancer curability (options: 100%, > 50%, 50/50, < 50%, 0%, and uncertain) and estimates of patient’s survival (options: 0-6 months, 7-12 months, 1-2 years, 2-5 years, and > 5 years). Non-0% options were considered poor understanding of curability (uncertain was removed from the analysis) and > 5 years was considered poor understanding of survival estimates. Any difference in response options was considered discordant. We used generalized estimating equations to estimate adjusted odds ratios (AOR) assessing associations of poor prognostic understanding and discordance with hospitalization and hospice use at 6 months, adjusting for covariates and practice clusters. Results: Poor prognostic understanding of curability and survival estimates occurred in 59% (206/348) and 41% (205/496) of patients, respectively. Approximately 60% (202/336) and 72% (356/492) of patient-oncologist dyads were discordant in curability and survival estimates, respectively. In the first 6 months after enrollment, 24% were hospitalized and 15% utilized hospice. Poor prognostic understanding of survival estimates was associated with lower odds of hospice use (AOR 0.30, 95% CI 0.16-0.59) (Table). Discordance in survival estimates was associated with greater odds of hospitalization (AOR 1.64, 95% CI 1.01-2.66). Conclusions: Prognostic understanding may be associated with hospitalization or hospice use depending on how patients were queried about their prognosis and whether oncologists’ estimates were considered.[Table: see text]

Patterns and predictors of rehabilitation therapy among older patients with advanced cancer admitted to nursing homes: A SEER-Medicare analysis

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Background: Functional impairments affect > 40% of hospitalized patients (pts) with advanced cancer. After hospital discharge, about 20% of pts received rehabilitation (rehab) in nursing homes (NHs) to maintain functional independence. There is evidence from broad pt cohorts that Medicare Prospective Payment (PP) financially incentivizes NHs to provide extra rehab. This study examines rehab utilization among pts with advanced cancer admitted to NHs. Methods: The 2011-2016 SEER-Medicare data were linked with NH Minimum Data Set 3.0 data, which includes sociodemographic and clinical characteristics at admission. Study cohort included traditional Medicare pts with stage IV breast, lung, and colorectal cancer who were admitted to NHs after hospital discharge. Outcomes: total weekly rehab minutes of physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology; ultra-high rehab (≥720 min/wk); and rehab within 10 minutes of threshold (720-730 min/wk). Function and cognition were assessed by Activities of Daily Living (ADL) [7 domains; total score ranges 0 to 28 (higher = dependent)] and Cognitive Function Scale (intact, mild, moderate, severe impairment). Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and survival from NH admission were computed. Generalized linear mixed models examined predictors of rehab outcomes adjusting for NH random effects. Results: A total of 7,453 pts were included (mean age 78.0, 85.8% White, 74.1% lung/ 16.1% colorectal/ 9.7% breast cancer; 76.1% had surgery, 8.9% had chemotherapy; mean CCI 1.9). The mean ADL score was 18.0, with on average 4.7 impairments; 40.2% reported ≥ mild cognitive impairment. Pts received on average 498 (SD = 245) min/wk rehab, but the distribution was trimodal. The number of pts who received 720-730 min/wk rehab was 2.7 times of the secondary peak at 500-510. From 2011-2016, the proportion of pts receiving ultra-high therapy (19.5%-48.4%) and within-threshold rehab (11.0%-32.0%) more than doubled. Only 5.9% of pts were documented on admission as having a life expectancy < 6 months, yet 32.1% and 74.3% died in 30 days and 6 months, respectively. Multivariable regressions indicate that compared to pts with ≥6 months’ expectancy, those with < 6 months’ expectancy received less rehab (β = -117.6), especially ultra-high rehab (odds ratio = 0.31). Pts with cognitive impairments received less rehab. Conclusions: Rehab utilization in older NH pts with advanced cancer mirrors patterns found in broader cohorts. Under PP, rehab minutes provided strongly followed payment thresholds. Over 5 years, more pts were provided 720-730 min/wk rehab, and 1/3 of these pts were at the end of life. Poor prognostication might contribute to the use of ultra-high rehab. Future work should evaluate whether the new Patient Driven Payment Model avoids excessive rehab use in patients with limited life expectancies.

Associations of quality of social support and beliefs in curability among older adults with advanced cancer

12049

Background: Prior studies suggest that social support plays a role in disease understanding of older patients with advanced cancer. In this study, we examined the association of quantity and quality of social support with belief in curability among older patients with advanced incurable cancer. Methods: We performed a secondary analysis of a cluster-randomized geriatric assessment trial (URCC 13070: PI Mohile) that recruited older adults (≥70) with advanced incurable cancer and caregivers. At enrollment, patients completed the Older Americans Resources and Services (OARS) Medical Social Support form to measure both quantity (number of close friends and relatives) and quality of social support. Quality of social support was measured using twelve questions, each ranged from 1 (none of the time) to 5 (all of the time). Higher cumulative scores indicated greater quality of support. For beliefs in curability, patients were asked, “What do you believe are the chances that your cancer will go away and never come back with treatment?” Responses were 0%, <50%, 50/50, >50%, and 100%. Ordinal logistic regression was used to investigate the association of social support with beliefs in curability, adjusting for adjusting for age, gender, education, race, number of Geriatric Assessment (GA) impairments, cancer type, and locality (rural versus urban). Results: We included 347 patients; mean age was 76.4 years, 91% were white, 52% were male, 46% had household income <$50,000, and 55% had high school degree or higher. For every unit increase in OARS Medical Social Support score, the odds of believing in curability decreases by 36.4% [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) 0.733, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): (0.555, 0.969)], after controlling for covariates. Quantity of social support was not associated with belief in curability [AOR 1.033 95% CI: (0.921, 1.156)]. Conclusions: Our study revealed that older patients with advanced cancer who felt more supported by their social network were more likely to report that their cancer was not curable. Interventions that improve quality of social support may also affect disease understanding. Funding: Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) 4634 and NIH K24 AG056589 to SGM, NCI UG1CA189961, T32CA102618, NCI K99CA237744 to Loh.

Use of the geriatric assessment in clinical practice in Mexico: A survey of cancer providers

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Background: Despite the growing burden of cancer in older adults in Mexico, it is unknown how many cancer care providers in Mexico use information obtained through a geriatric assessment (GA) and/or geriatric oncology principles in their everyday clinical practice. Methods: We administered a cross-sectional survey to oncology providers in Mexico via the Mexican Society of Oncology mailing list (n = 1240). The survey included questions on demographics, awareness about geriatric oncology principles, and the use of the GA and other geriatric clinical tools. The primary outcome was to estimate the proportion of providers using GA tools through the question: “For your patients ≥65 years, do you perform a multidimensional geriatric assessment using validated tools?”. We hypothesized that ≤10% of respondents would give a positive answer. We used descriptive statistics and X2 tests to compare groups of respondents. Results: We obtained 196 answers (response rate 15.8%). 121 (62%) respondents were male; median age 42. 98 (50%) were surgical oncologists, 59 (30%) medical oncologists, and 38 (19%) radiation oncologists. Median time in practice was 8 years, with 39% practicing in Mexico City. A third had their practice at a public institution, 26% at a private institution, and 38% in both. The proportion of patients aged 65-79 and ≥80 seen on an average clinic day by the respondents was 30% and 10%, respectively. 121 (62%) reported having a geriatrician available at their practice site. 37 respondents (19%) reported using validated GA tools to evaluate older adults with cancer in their practice. The proportion of respondents who evaluated each GA domain is shown in Table 1. Male respondents (p=0.03), medical oncologists (p<0.01), and those with a less busy practice (≤10 patients/day) (p=0.01) were more likely to use validated tools to perform a GA. Regarding barriers for implementing GA, 37% reported lack of time, 49% lack of qualified personnel, 44% lack of knowledge of geriatric tools, 6% patient unwillingness to undergo a GA, and 8% prohibitive cost. Only 17 (9%) thought that information obtained through a GA would not lead to practice changes. Conclusions: According to our survey, the proportion of Mexican oncology providers using validated tools to perform a GA is 19%, which is higher than expected. Some GA domains, such as comorbidity and functional status, were commonly assessed, while others, such as fall history, were seldom evaluated. Common barriers for GA implementation were lack of qualified personnel and of knowledge about geriatric tools. We plan to further explore these barriers and potential facilitators through focused interviews in order to guide future interventions.[Table: see text]

Association of changes of pro-inflammatory markers with physical function in women with breast cancer receiving chemotherapy

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Background: Chemotherapy adversely affects the immune system and physical function. Inflammation is independently associated with functional decline. Compared to the individual cytokines [e.g., interleukin-6 (IL-6)], the pro-inflammatory index, IL-6/IL-10 ratio, is a better predictor of poor outcomes and mortality in many diseases. Other markers of inflammation such as soluble tumor necrosis factor (sTNFR) I, and sTNFRII have also been shown to be predictive of poor outcomes. We have previously reported a significant increase in sTNFRI/II with chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer. However, it is not yet understood if chemotherapy-related changes to inflammatory makers is associated with physical function after treatment. In this study, we assessed the relationship between changes of pro-inflammatory markers during chemotherapy with physical function after completing chemotherapy. Methods: This was a secondary analysis of a large nationwide cohort study in women with stage I-III breast cancer (NCT01382082). Serum levels of IL6, IL10, sTNFRI, and sTNFRII were measured ≤7 days before chemotherapy (T1) and ≤1 month after chemotherapy (T2), and the IL6/IL10 ratio was calculated. Absolute changes (T2-T1) of sTNFR-I and sTNFRII (reported in pg/mL) and the IL6/IL10 ratio were calculated. Physical function was measured by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy: General – physical well being (FACT-PWB) at T1 and T2 and contains 7-items, each using a 5-point rating scale ranging from 0 (Not at all) to 4 (Very much), with a total score ranging from 0-28; higher scores represent higher physical function. ANOVA was used to compare means of FACT-PWD scores and mean changes of pro-inflammatory markers. Multivariate linear regressions were used to determine if increased pro-inflammatory markers were associated with lower FACT-PWD at T2, controlling for baseline FACT-PWD, age, race, education, and marital status. Results: We included 580 patients (mean age=53 years, range 22-81). Physical function significantly and clinically declined from T1-T2 (mean=22.2, SE=0.23 vs mean=19.4, SE=0.25; p<0.001). From T1-T2, there was a significant increase in IL6/IL10 (average change = 0.32, SE=0.09; p=0.004). A greater increase in pro-inflammatory markers from T1 to T2 was associated with lower FACT-PWD score at T2; sTNFRI (β=-3.92, SE=1.4), sTNFRII (β=-14.9, SE=7.1), and IL6/IL10 (β=-0.17, SE=0.06); all p<0.05. Conclusions: Serum pro-inflammatory markers increased from pre-chemotherapy to post-chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer. Greater increases in pro-inflammatory markers are associated with lower physical function within one month of the completion of chemotherapy. Pro-inflammatory markers; sTNFRI, sTNFRII, and IL6/IL10, may serve as useful biomarkers to help identify patients at risk of reduced physical function after chemotherapy.

Treatment decision-making in acute myeloid leukemia: a qualitative study of older adults and community oncologists

Little is known about the characteristics of patients, physicians, and organizations that influence treatment decisions in older patients with AML. We conducted qualitative interviews with community oncologists and older patients with AML to elicit factors that influence their treatment decision-making. Recruitment was done via purposive sampling and continued until theoretical saturation was reached, resulting in the inclusion of 15 patients and 15 oncologists. Participants' responses were analyzed using directed content analysis. Oncologists and patients considered comorbidities, functional status, emotional health, cognition, and social factors when deciding treatment; most oncologists evaluated these using clinical gestalt. Sixty-seven percent of patients perceived that treatment was their only option and that they had not been offered a choice. In conclusion, treatment decision-making is complex and influenced by patient-related factors. These factors can be assessed as part of a geriatric assessment which can help oncologists better determine fitness and guide treatment decision-making.

Assessment of Financial Toxicity Among Older Adults With Advanced Cancer

Importance

Financial toxicity (FT), unintended and unanticipated financial burden experienced by cancer patients undergoing cancer care, is associated with negative consequences and increased risk of mortality. Older patients (≥70 years) with cancer are at risk for FT, yet data are limited on FT and whether oncologists discuss FT with their patients.

Objective

To examine the prevalence of FT in older adults with advanced cancer, its association with health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and cost conversations between oncologists and patients.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional secondary analysis was performed on baseline data from the Improving Communication in Older Cancer Patients and Their Caregivers study, a cluster randomized trial from 31 community oncology practices across the US that was conducted from October 29, 2014, to April 28, 2017. Participants included 536 patients with advanced cancer who answered 3 questions regarding financial toxicity. Data were analyzed from September 1, 2019, to May 1, 2020.

Exposure

Older patients undergoing cancer care treatments.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcome looked at FT and its association with HRQoL. Three questions were used to identify patients 70 years or older experiencing FT. Multivariable linear regression models were used to assess the independent associations of FT with HRQoL. A single audio-recorded clinic transcript was analyzed within 4 weeks of enrollment for patients with FT. The framework method was used to identify frequency and themes related to cost conversations.

Results

This study evaluated 536 patients 70 years or older with advanced cancer. Ninety-eight patients (18.3%) reported FT; mean (SD) age was 76.4 (5.4) years; 59 (60.2%) were female, 14 (14.3%) were Black/African American, 91 (92.9%) were not employed, and 29 (29.6%) had Medicare as their sole insurance coverage. On multivariate regression analyses, FT was associated with higher levels of depression (β = 0.81; 95% CI, 0.15-1.48), anxiety (β = 1.67; 95% CI, 0.74-2.61), and distress (β = 0.73; 95% CI, 0.08-1.39) and lower HRQoL (β = -5.30; 95% CI, -8.92 to -1.69). Among those who reported FT, 49% had a conversation with their health care professional about costs. Most conversations (79%) were initiated by oncologists or patients. Four themes were generated from cost conversations: statements regarding cost of care, ability to afford medical prescriptions, indirect consequences associated with inability to work and provide for family, and cost burden in nontreatment domains.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this study, among older adults with advanced cancer, FT is associated with worse HRQoL. Almost half of conversations among patients reporting FT demonstrated costs are being actively discussed. Resources and interventions are needed to manage FT.

A geriatric assessment (GA) intervention for older patients with advanced cancer: Secondary outcomes from a University of Rochester cancer center NCI community oncology research program cluster randomized controlled trial (CRCT)

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Background: GA evaluates aging-related domains (e.g., function) known to be associated with cancer treatment toxicity. We found that providing a GA summary with management recommendations to oncologists reduces clinician-rated toxicity in older patients (pts) with advanced cancer receiving high risk treatment (presented @ASCO2020). Herein, we report secondary outcomes on the effects of the GA intervention on aging-related outcomes. Methods: Pts aged ≥ 70 with incurable solid tumors or lymphoma and ≥ 1 impaired GA domain starting a new treatment regimen were enrolled. Community oncology practices were randomized to intervention (oncologists received GA summary/recommendations) or usual care (none given). Secondary analyses examined effects of the intervention on functional outcomes (patient-reported falls, instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), short physical performance battery (SPPB), geriatric depression scale (GDS), and medications [total and prescription]). Outcomes were analyzed using linear mixed effects model, logistic or Poisson regression adjusted for baseline values, time, and site effects as appropriate. Results: From 2013-19, 718 pts were enrolled from 41 practices. Age (mean 77 yrs), sex (43% women), number of impaired GA domains (median 4/8), and treatment type (chemotherapy 88%) were not different by arm. More pts in intervention were black (12% vs 3%, p<0.01), had GI cancer (38% vs 31%, p<0.01), and had prior chemotherapy (31% vs 23%, p=0.02). Overall, 16.4% of all pts had one new fall over 3 months; patients in the intervention arm were significantly less like to fall over 3 months (11.7% vs 20.7%; Risk Ratio 0.58; 95% CI 0.40-0.84, p=0.004). There was no difference in the total number of medications (mean 5.86 vs 5.79, p=0.80) and prescriptions (mean 4.26 vs 4.20, p=0.70) at baseline. More medications (adjusted mean 0.23 vs 0.09, p=0.03) and prescriptions (0.19 vs 0.07, p=0.05) were discontinued during intervention, although there was no difference at 3 month follow up. There were no significant between-arms differences in IADL, SPPB, and GDS. Conclusions: Providing GA information to oncologists reduces the proportion of older pts who experience a fall over 3 months and improves polypharmacy; both of these endpoints are of clinical importance to older adults with aging-related conditions and advanced cancer undergoing palliative treatment. Funding: R01CA177592, U01CA233167, UG1CA189961. Clinical trial information: NCT02054741 .

Effects of a geriatric assessment (GA) intervention on symptomatic toxicity burden reported by older adults with advanced cancer during treatment

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Background: GA evaluates aging-related domains (e.g., function) known to be associated with cancer treatment toxicity. We found that providing a GA summary with management recommendations to oncologists reduces clinician-rated toxicity in older patients with advanced cancer receiving high risk treatment (presented at ASCO2020). Herein, we report on the effects of the GA intervention on symptomatic toxicities measured by Patient-Reported Outcomes Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events [PRO-CTCAE]. Methods: In the national cluster randomized clinical trial eligible patients (n=718) had age>70, advanced solid tumors or lymphoma, 1+ GA impairment, and were initiating a new treatment regimen with high risk of toxicity. Severity grade of 24 PRO-CTCAE items was collected on a 0-4 scale at enrollment, 4-6 weeks, 3, and 6 months. Of 24 items, 11 (e.g. fatigue, dyspnea) were classified as core (Reeve 2014). Baseline adjusted method (Basch 2016) was used to determine symptomatic toxicities: if the severity of any item increased after baseline to grade 2 or higher, the patient was classified as experiencing grade ≥2 event (similarly for grade ≥ 3 events). The effects of GA intervention on symptomatic toxicities were assessed using generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) with random effect for the practice cluster. Results: Mean age was 77 years (range 70-96); 43% female, 87% white; 34% had gastrointestinal and 25% had lung cancer; 27% received prior chemotherapy. 710 patients provided PRO-CTCAE data (366 usual care, 344 intervention), 85.6% reported grade ≥2 and 49.4% grade ≥3 events at baseline. After baseline, compared to usual care, patients in the GA intervention arm reported fewer grade ≥2 overall symptomatic toxicities (76.5% vs. 84.7%) and fewer core symptomatic toxicities (grade ≥2: 71.8% vs. 82.0%; grade ≥3: 46.2% vs. 53.6%). Specifically, less dyspnea and less fatigue was reported in GA-arm (Table). Conclusions: GA intervention resulted in fewer symptomatic toxicities as evaluated by PRO-CTCAE. Clinical trial information: NCT02054741 . [Table: see text]

Caregiver-oncologist concordance in patient prognosis, caregiver depression, and caregiver mastery

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Background: Caregivers of older adults with advanced cancer often have a different understanding of the patient’s prognosis compared with their oncologist. Among patients, accurate prognostic awareness is associated with greater depressive symptoms, except when patients utilize more adaptive coping skills. We examined the relationship between caregiver-oncologist prognostic concordance and caregiver depressive symptoms and explored whether this relationship differed by caregiver mastery, the capacity to cope, adjust, and adapt to problems. Methods: We utilized data from a national geriatric assessment cluster-randomized trial (URCC 13070: PI Mohile) that recruited patients aged ≥70 with incurable cancer considering any line of cancer treatment at community oncology practices, their caregivers, and oncologists. At enrollment, caregivers and oncologists estimated the patient’s prognosis (0-6 months, 7-12 months, 1-2 years, 2-5 years, > 5 years); same response was considered concordant. Caregivers completed Ryff’s mastery subscale (range 7-35, higher is better) at enrollment and depression screen (the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-2 (range 0-6) 4-6 weeks later. To assess the association of prognostic concordance with caregiver depressive symptoms, we used generalized estimating equations in models adjusted for cancer type, study arm, practice sites, and caregiver demographics. We then assessed moderation effect of caregiver mastery on this association. Results: Among 410 caregiver-oncologist dyads, mean caregiver age was 66.5, 75% were female, and 26% were caregivers of patients with lung cancer. Mean mastery score at enrollment was 27.6 (SD 4.7) and 19% screened positive on PHQ-2 at week 4-6. Among dyads who provided response (N = 370), 28% were concordant. Prognostic concordance was associated with higher caregiver depressive symptoms (β = 0.30; p = 0.04). Significant moderation effect was found between concordance and mastery for caregiver depressive symptoms (p = 0.02). Among caregivers with low mastery ( < median), prognostic concordance was associated with higher depressive symptoms (β = 0.68; p = 0.003). Among caregivers with high mastery (≥median), concordance was not associated with depressive symptoms (β = -0.06; p = 0.67). Conclusions: There is a need to study how prognostic understanding might lead to depression in at-risk caregivers. Interventions targeting caregiver prognostic understanding need to consider its relationship with depressive symptoms, while seeking to increase caregiver mastery.

Using machine learning to identify older adults at high risk for hospitalization and mortality via the Patient-Reported Outcomes version of the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (PRO-CTCAE)

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Background: PRO-CTCAE captures symptomatic adverse events (e.g. pain, fatigue) and may indicate poor treatment tolerability in older patients (pts) with advanced cancer. Using unsupervised machine learning which can detect unknown patterns in data, we aimed to evaluate if clusters identified based on PRO-CTCAE severity were associated with hospitalization and survival. Methods: We included pts randomized to the control arm of GAP 70+ (URCC 13059; PI: Mohile), which enrolled pts aged ≥70, with incurable solid tumors or lymphoma, and ≥1 geriatric assessment (GA) domain impairment starting a new treatment regimen. Measures included 24 PRO-CTCAE items (v1.0) with severity attributes (item 0-4; total score 0-96, higher score = greater severity). The unsupervised algorithm (K-means with Euclidean Distance) clustered pts at baseline based on similarities of severities of the 24 items. We examined if the clusters were associated with treatment-related hospitalization within 3 months and lower survival at 6 months using Logistic and Cox regressions. Results: Of the 369 control pts, 366 completed GA and PRO-CTCAE at baseline (mean age 77.2, 94.3% white, 30.9% with GI and 31.4% with lung cancer; mean number of impaired GA 4.4). By PRO-CTCAE, the most prevalent symptoms were fatigue (82.7%), pain (60.9%), and decreased appetite (58.7%). Greater GA impairment was associated with 20 PRO-CTCAE items (fatigue, pain, and decreased appetite having the strongest associations; all Pearson's r > 0.33). Three clusters were identified: Low Severity (51.4%); Moderate Severity (34.4%), and High Severity (14.2%). Mean total severity score was 6.9 (low), 16.9 (moderate), and 28.7 (high), respectively (p < 0.01). No difference in demographics was found among clusters. Percent of pts hospitalized were 21.3% (low), 36.5% (moderate), and 38.5% (high) (p < 0.01); survival rates were 81.9% (low), 71.4% (moderate), and 55.3% (high) (p < 0.01). Controlling for cancer type and GA, compared to pts in Low Severity cluster, pts in Moderate and High Severity were more likely to be hospitalized (odds ratio = 1.77, p = 0.03); pts in High Severity cluster were more likely to die (hazard ratio = 2.23, p = 0.01). Conclusions: Unsupervised machine learning was able to partition pts into different PRO-CTCAE severity clusters; pts with higher baseline severity were more likely to be hospitalized or die. PRO-CTCAE provides additional information to GA. Funding: R01CA177592, U01CA233167, UG1CA189961.

Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials of Exercise Interventions Using Digital Activity Trackers in Patients With Cancer

Background: Exercise can ameliorate cancer- and treatment-related toxicities, but poor adherence to exercise regimens is a barrier. Exercise interventions using digital activity trackers (E-DATs) may improve exercise adherence, but data are limited for patients with cancer. We conducted a systematic review examining the feasibility of E-DATs in cancer survivors and effects on activity level, body composition, objective fitness outcomes, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), self-reported symptoms, and biomarkers. Methods: We identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of E-DATs in adult cancer survivors published in English between January 1, 2008, and July 27, 2017. Two authors independently reviewed article titles (n=160), removed duplicates (n=50), and reviewed the remaining 110 articles for eligibility. Results: A total of 12 RCTs met eligibility criteria, including 1,450 patients (mean age, 50-70 years) with the following cancers: breast (n=5), colon or breast (n=2), prostate (n=1), acute leukemia (n=1), or others (n=3). Duration of E-DATs ranged from 4 to 24 weeks, and the follow-up period ranged from 4 to 52 weeks, with retention rates of 54% to 95%. The technology component of E-DATs included pedometers (n=8); pedometers with smartphone application (n=1), Wii Fit (n=1), heart rate monitor (n=1); and a wireless sensor with accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer (n=1). Adherence by at least one measure to E-DATs was >70% in 8 of 8 RCTs. Compared with controls, E-DATs significantly improved patients' step count in 3 of 5 RCTs, activity level in 6 of 9 RCTs, and HRQoL in 7 of 9 RCTs (all P≤05), with no significant changes in biomarkers (eg, interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor α, C-reactive protein, c-peptide, lipid panel) in 3 RCTs. Duration of E-DAT was not significantly correlated with adherence or study retention. Conclusions: This systematic review shows that E-DATs are feasible to implement in cancer survivors. Future research should examine the optimal type, dose, and schedule of E-DATs for cancer survivors.

Communication about comorbidities among 527 older patients with advanced cancer and their oncologists and caregivers: A multisite cluster-randomized controlled trial

12040

Background: Older patients with advanced cancer often have comorbidities that increase the risk of toxicity from neoplastic therapy but are not always considered in treatment planning. We assessed the utility of a geriatric assessment (GA) intervention to increase the number and quality of discussions about comorbidities among oncologists, older patients, and caregivers. Methods: This multi-site trial enrolled patients who were ≥70 years, had advanced solid tumors or lymphoma, had ≥1 GA impairment, and who were considering or receiving cancer treatment. All patients received the GA and completed an Older Americans Resources and Services Comorbidity survey, which evaluated 15 conditions and interference with activities (clinical impairment = ≥3 comorbidities or ≥1 highly interfering). Oncology practices were randomized to intervention (GA with a summary with management recommendations provided to oncologists) or usual care (GA only). The clinic visit after GA was audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded for GA topics including comorbidity. Generalized linear mixed models adjusting for site (random effect) were used to assess the effect of the intervention. Results: Patients (n=527 evaluable, 76.6±5.2 years, 49% female) and oncologists (n=131, 63 in intervention) were enrolled from 31 sites. In total, 94.5% of patients had ≥1 comorbidity with an average of 3.2±1.9; 64% were clinically impaired by comorbidity (p=0.76 between arms). The intervention arm had twice the number of conversations about comorbidities (1.02 vs. 0.52 conversations per patient, difference 0.50, 95% CI 0.18-0.81, p=0.004) and conversations were more likely to be initiated by the oncologist (p<0.001, Table). Moreover, among patients who had conversations about comorbidities, more patients in the intervention arm had discussions specifically addressing comorbidities (e.g., cancer treatment modification, communication with the primary care physician; 24.3% vs. 7.5%, p=0.003). Conclusions: Providing oncologists with a GA summary and recommendations encouraged them to engage in more discussions about their patients’ comorbidities with the goal of addressing interactions between comorbidities, cancer, and its treatments. Funds: PCORI CD4634, NCI UG1CA189961 Clinical trial information: NCT02107443 . [Table: see text]

Effects of YOCAS yoga, cognitive behavioral therapy, and survivorship health education on insomnia: A URCC NCORP Research Base Phase III RCT in 740 cancer survivors

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Background: Insomnia, a prevalent and troublesome side effect experienced by cancer survivors, significantly impairs recovery and survival. We conducted a nationwide, multicenter, phase III, blinded, randomized controlled trial testing whether 1) yoga is superior to survivorship health education (SHE) and 2) yoga is non-inferior to cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) for treating insomnia in survivors. Methods: The trial was conducted via the University of Rochester Cancer Center NCI Community Oncology Research Program (URCC NCORP) Research Base. Participants were cancer survivors between 2-60 months post adjuvant therapy, with insomnia, no metastatic disease, and no yoga participation during the previous 3 months. Survivors were randomized into 1) YOCAS yoga (2x/wk; 75 min/sess for 4 wks with pranayama, asana, and dhyana, N = 251), 2) CBT-I (1x/wk, 90 min/sess for 8 wks with sleep hygiene, stimulus control, sleep restriction, and cognitive therapy, N = 238), or 3) SHE (2x/wk; 75 min/sess for 4 wks with ASCO-recommended survivorship education, N = 251). Insomnia was assessed pre- and post-intervention via the Insomnia Severity Index. Results: 740 eligible cancer survivors were enrolled (93% female, mean age = 56 + 11, 75% breast cancer). ANCOVAs with baseline values as covariates revealed YOCAS is significantly better than SHE for treating insomnia at post-intervention (CS = change score; CS mean diff = -1.43, SE = 0.42, p < 0.01). Yoga participants demonstrated greater improvements in insomnia from pre- to post-intervention (CS = -3.61, SE = 0.30) compared to SHE participants (CS = -2.19, SE = 0.33, all p < 0.01). Intent-to-treat analyses of non-inferiority (non-inferiority margin set at 1.15 a priori) showed YOCAS is inferior to CBT-I (CS mean diff = 3.52, CI = 2.55 - 4.50, p < 0.01). However, analyses of non-inferiority using the optimal treatment effect in fully compliant survivors were inconclusive regarding whether YOCAS is non-inferior to CBT-I for treating insomnia (CS mean diff = 2.20, CI = 0.42 - 3.98, p = 0.09). Significantly more survivors withdrew from CBT-I and SHE due, in part, to disliking the interventions compared to YOCAS (30%, 25%, and 16%, respectively, p < 0.01). Conclusions: YOCAS yoga is better than SHE and results are inconclusive as to whether yoga is non-inferior to CBT-I for treating insomnia among survivors. Clinicians should consider prescribing YOCAS and CBT-I for survivors reporting insomnia. Funding: NCI UG1CA189961, R01CA181064, T32CA102618. Clinical trial information: NCT02613364 .

A geriatric assessment (GA) intervention to reduce treatment toxicity in older patients with advanced cancer: A University of Rochester Cancer Center NCI community oncology research program cluster randomized clinical trial (CRCT)

12009

Background: GA evaluates aging-related domains (e.g., function) known to be associated with cancer treatment toxicity. In this CRCT, we evaluated if providing a GA summary with management recommendations to oncologists can reduce toxicity in older patients (pts) with advanced cancer receiving chemotherapy and/or other agents with a high reported prevalence of grade 3-5 toxicity. Methods: Pts aged > 70 with incurable solid tumors or lymphoma and > 1 impaired GA domain starting a new treatment regimen were enrolled. Community oncology practices were randomized to intervention (oncologists received GA summary/recommendations for impairments) or usual care (none given). The primary outcome was proportion of pts who experienced any grade 3-5 toxicity (CTCAE v.4) within 3 months. Practice staff prospectively captured toxicities; blinded oncology clinicians reviewed medical records to verify. Secondary outcomes included 6 month overall survival (OS) and treatment intensity (standard vs reduced). Outcomes were analyzed using generalized linear mixed/Cox models with Arm as a fixed effect, controlling for practice. Results: From 2013-19, 718 pts were enrolled from 41 practices. Age (mean 77 yrs), sex (43% women), number of impaired GA domains (median 4/8), and treatment type (chemotherapy 88%) were not different by Arm. More pts in intervention were Black (12% vs 3%, p<0.01), had GI cancer (38% vs 31%, p<0.01), and had prior chemotherapy (31% vs 23%, p=0.02). Pts in intervention experienced a lower proportion of grade 3-5 toxicity (175/349; 50%) than pts in usual care (262/369; 71%). The relative risk (RR: intervention vs usual care) of grade 3-5 toxicity was 0.74 (95% CI: 0.63-0.87; p=0.0002); the difference was mostly driven by non-heme toxicities (RR 0.73; 95% CI: 0.53-1.0, p<0.05). OS was not significantly different (71% vs 74%, p=0.3). More pts in intervention received reduced intensity treatment at cycle 1 (49% vs 35%, RR 0.81, p=0.01). Dose modifications due to toxicity were lower in intervention (42% vs 58%, p<0.0001), but results were not significant after controlling for practice (RR 0.85; 95% CI: 0.67-1.08, p=0.2). Conclusions: Providing GA information to oncologists reduces the proportion of older pts who experience grade 3-5 toxicity from high-risk palliative cancer treatment, without compromising OS. Reduced treatment intensity at cycle 1 may explain these results. Funding: R01CA177592, U01CA233167, UG1CA189961. Clinical trial information: NCT02054741 .

Novel association of pre-chemotherapy immune cell profiles with functional decline and resilience in women with breast cancer receiving chemotherapy

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Background: Chemotherapy adversely affects physical function. While many patients recover after treatment (i.e. are resilient), some are unable to return to their pre-treatment function (i.e. are non-resilient). Since immune dysfunction may play a role in functional decline, we assessed the relationship of pre-chemotherapy immune cell profiles with functional decline and resilience in women with breast cancer receiving chemotherapy. Methods: This study was based on a large nationwide cohort study in women with stage I-III breast cancer. Physical function was measured by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy: General – Physical subscale (FACT-PWB) ≤7 days before chemotherapy (T1), ≤1 month after chemotherapy (T2), and 6 months after T2 (T3). Functional decline at T2 and T3 was defined as > 1 point decrease (clinically meaningful difference) in FACT-PWD score from T1. Patients were considered non-resilient if they had T2 functional decline and did not return to within 1 point of their baseline FACT-PWB score by T3. Immune cell counts, neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and lymphocyte:monocyte ratio (LMR) were obtained at T1. Multivariate logistic regressions were used to determine whether immune cell counts and ratios were associated with functional decline and being non-resilient controlling for baseline FACT-PWD, age, race, education, and marital status. Results: One-third of patients (178/529; mean age 53, range 22-81) had functional decline from T1-T3. Of the 59% (n = 310) of patients with functional decline at T2, 50% (n = 147) did not recover by T3 (i.e. were non-resilient). Patients with a low ( < median) NLR at T1 were twice as likely to have functional decline by T3 than those with a high (≥ median) NLR [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) 1.8, 95% CI: 1.2-2.8, p < 0.01]. Similarly, in patients with functional decline at T2, those with a low NLR at T1 were twice as likely to be non-resilient than those with high NLR (AOR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.1-3.2, p = 0.01). Conversely, patients with high T1 lymphocytes were twice as likely to be non-resilient than those with low lymphocytes (AOR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.1-3.1, p = 0.02). Conclusions: One-third of women with breast cancer have clinically meaningful, persistent functional decline six months after completing chemotherapy. Higher pre-chemotherapy lymphocytes and lower NLR may be useful to identify which women are at increased risk of functional decline and reduced ability to regain baseline physical function. These findings can inform interventions to ameliorate this decline.

Patient-hematologist discordance in perceived chance of cure in hematologic malignancies: A multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Ensuring that patients with hematologic malignancies have an accurate understanding of their likelihood of cure is important for informed decision making. In a multicenter, longitudinal study, the authors examined discordance in patients' perception of their chance of cure versus that of their hematologists, whether patient-hematologist discordance changed after a consultation with a hematologist, and factors associated with persistent discordance.

METHODS

Before and after consultation with a hematologist, patients were asked about their perceived chance of cure (options were <10%, 10%-19%, and up to 90%-100% in 10% increments, and "do not wish to answer"). Hematologists were asked the same question after consultation. Discordance was defined as a difference in response by 2 levels. The McNemar test was used to compare changes in patient-hematologist prognostic discordance from before to after consultation. A generalized linear mixed model was used to examine associations between factors and postconsultation discordance, adjusting for clustering at the hematologist level.

RESULTS

A total of 209 patients and 46 hematologists from 4 sites were included in the current study. Before consultation, approximately 61% of dyads were discordant, which improved to 50% after consultation (P < .01). On multivariate analysis, lower educational level (<college vs postgraduate: odds ratio [OR], 2.24; 95% CI, 1.02-4.92), higher social support-affection subscale score (1-unit change in score: OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.00-1.32), and discordance before consultation (OR, 6.17; 95% CI, 2.99-12.72) were found to be significantly associated with discordance after consultation.

CONCLUSIONS

Patient-hematologist concordance in prognostic understanding appears to improve after a hematology consultation, but approximately one-half of patients' views of their prognoses were found to remain discordant with those of their hematologists. Interventions are needed to improve prognostic understanding among patients with hematologic malignancies.

Integrating Touchscreen-Based Geriatric Assessment and Frailty Screening for Adults With Multiple Myeloma to Drive Personalized Treatment Decisions

PURPOSE

Geriatric assessment (GA) results predict toxicity/survival in older adults, yet GA is not routinely used in care for patients with multiple myeloma (MM). We tested a tablet-based modified GA (mGA) providing real-time results to clinicians.

METHODS

One hundred sixty-five patients with MM aged ≥ 65 years facing a treatment decision from 4 sites completed a tablet-based mGA with Katz Activities of Daily Living (ADL), Lawton Instrumental ADL, Charlson Comorbidity Index, and variables from the Cancer and Aging Research Group's Chemotherapy Toxicity Calculator. Providers reviewed the assessment results at the treatment visit.

RESULTS

Patients were white (72%; n = 86), mean age was 72 years (range, 65-85 years), and averaged 7.71 minutes (range, 2-17 minutes) for survey completion. Providers averaged 3.2 minutes (range, 1-10 minutes) to review mGA results. Using International Myeloma Working Group frailty score, patients were fit (39%; n = 64), intermediate fit (33%; n = 55), or frail (28%; n = 46). Providers selected more aggressive treatments in 16.3% of patients and decreased treatment intensity in 34% of patients; treatment intensification was more common for fit patients and milder treatments for frail patients (χ² = 20.02; P < .0001). Transplant eligibility significantly correlated with fit status and transplant ineligibility with frail status (P = .004). Outcomes on 144 patients 3 months post study visit showed 19.4% (n = 28) had grade ≥ 3 hematologic toxicities, 38.9% (n = 56) had dose modifications, and 18% (n = 26) had early therapy cessation.

CONCLUSION

Limited patient time required for survey completion and provider time for results review show mGA can be easily incorporated into clinical workflow. Real-time mGA results indicating fit/frailty status influenced treatment decisions.

Associations of caregiver-oncologist discordance in prognostic understanding with caregiver-reported therapeutic alliance and anxiety

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Background: Discordance in prognostic understanding between caregivers of adults with cancer and the patient’s oncologist is common. However, the relationship between caregiver-oncologist discordance and caregiver bereavement outcomes is unknown. We evaluated the associations of caregiver-oncologist discordance in beliefs about the patient’s curability and life expectancy with caregiver-reported therapeutic alliance and anxiety. Methods: This is a secondary analysis of a multicenter study that assessed the effect of a communication intervention among patients with advanced cancer and their caregivers. Prior to intervention exposure, caregivers and oncologists were asked about their belief in the patient’s chances for cure and living ≥2 years: 100%, about 90%, about 75%, about 50/50, about 25%, about 10%, and 0%. Discordance was defined as a difference by 2 response levels on each prognostic understanding item. Outcomes at 7 months after patient death included caregiver-reported therapeutic alliance [modified 5-item Human Connection (THC) scale] and anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7). We used multivariable linear regression models to assess the independent associations of discordance with therapeutic alliance and anxiety. Results: We included 97 caregivers (mean age 63, range 22-83). Approximately 40% of caregiver-oncologist dyads had discordant beliefs about curability (caregivers were more optimistic in 100% of dyads) and 63% had discordant beliefs about life expectancy (caregivers were more optimistic in 94% of dyads). On multivariate analysis, discordance in beliefs about prognostic estimates was associated with lower THC score (b = -6.94, SE 3.17, p = 0.03). Discordance in beliefs about curability was associated with lower anxiety levels (b = -1.79, SE 0.90, p = 0.05). Conclusions: Caregiver-oncologist discordance may decrease caregiver-reported therapeutic alliance and anxiety, both of which may shape how caregivers interact with the healthcare system. A better understanding the role of caregivers’ prognostic understanding will guide interventions to improve caregiver-oncologist therapeutic alliance and caregiver anxiety. Clinical trial information: NCT01485627.

The association between social support and chemotherapy-related toxicity in older patients with cancer

OBJECTIVES

The goal of this study was to evaluate the relationship between social support (SS) and grade 3-5 chemotherapy-related toxicities among older adults with cancer.

METHODS

This is a secondary analysis of a prospective longitudinal study of patients aged 65+ with solid cancer which led to the development of a predictive model for grade 3-5 chemotherapy-related toxicity (the Cancer and Aging Research Group [CARG] Chemotherapy Toxicity Risk Score). SS was measured by a modified version of Medical-Outcome Study-Social Support Survey and grade 3-5 hematological and non-hematological toxicities were captured and graded using CTCAE version 3.0. Patients were categorized into those with poor (SS score ≤ 75) and good SS (score of 76-100). Multivariate polychotomous logistic regression was used to examine the associations between SS and chemotherapy-related toxicity with adjustment for the CARG Toxicity Risk Score.

RESULTS

Compared to patients with good SS, those with poor SS were less likely to have grade 3-5 toxicity, especially for non-hematological toxicity (adjusted OR = 0.52, p = .02). Patients who did not have someone to take them to the doctor "most" or "all of the time" were less likely to have grade 3-5 non-hematological toxicity compared to patients who had someone to take them to the doctor most or all of the time (adjusted OR = 0.32, p = .02).

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that patients with poor SS, especially those with less availability of someone to take them to doctors were less likely to have a documented grade 3-5 non-hematological toxicity.

Improving person-centered communication of goals, proxy, and advance directives in older patients with advanced cancer: Secondary analysis from a University of Rochester NCI Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) cluster randomized controlled trial (CRCT)

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Background: Quality person-centered care relies on effective communication between the clinical team and the patient/caregiver eliciting goals and discussing wishes. In a PCORI- and NCI-funded CRCT, we found that providing community-based oncologists with geriatric assessment-guided recommendations led to more and higher quality discussions of age-related issues for older patients with advanced cancer. In this secondary analysis, we assessed whether specific recommendations to oncologists to discuss patient goals, proxy and advance directives resulted in increased communication about these topics. Methods: Patients aged 70+ with advanced solid tumors or lymphoma and at least one impaired geriatric domain (e.g., function, cognition) were enrolled (URCC 13070; PI: Mohile). Oncology practices were randomized to the intervention (oncologists received recommendations to elicit goals and discuss wishes) or usual care. The clinic visit after the oncologist received recommendations was recorded and transcribed; two blinded coders evaluated the transcripts for discussion of the specific topic areas recommended in the intervention. Between arm differences were compared using generalized linear models controlling for practice cluster. Results: From 2014-17, 528 patients (284 intervention) provided transcripts from 31 practices (mean age = 77, range 70-96 years; 49% female; mixed cancer diagnoses). Topics related to patient goals, proxy and advance directive wishes were more often discussed in the intervention arm (goals of care preferences: 9 vs 2%, p = .02, treatment goals: 35 vs 20%. p = .04, elicit caregiver input: 28 vs 3%. p < .01, assess values and goals: 25 vs 7%, p = .07, health care proxy: 40 vs 1%, p = .004, advance directive: 25 vs 1%, p = .002). Conclusions: In this community-based study of older adults providing recommendations to oncologists to discuss specific topics resulted in increased person-centered discussions with patients and caregivers about goals, proxy and advance directive wishes. However, the content areas were discussed in less than half of all visits. Clinical trial information: NCT02107443.

Barriers to clinical trial enrollment of older adults with cancer: A systematic review

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Background: Despite the disproportionate impact of cancer on older adults, older patients are vastly underrepresented in clinical trials that set the standards for cancer treatment. To better understand the reasons for this disparity, we conducted a systematic review of studies that have specifically examined barriers and interventions to improve clinical trial enrollment of older adults with cancer. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive two-step search strategy. First, we consulted an information specialist to develop an electronic search for the following databases from inception to January 15, 2019: PubMed, Ovid/Medline, Embase, Scopus, PsycINFO, and Cochrane library. Second, references of retrieved key articles were screened for relevant studies. Two authors then independently reviewed all titles and abstracts (N = 10,985) and examined studies for full text eligibility (N = 221). Inclusion criteria were: 1) original research; 2) study assessed barriers and/or interventions to enrollment in oncology clinical trials; 3) included patients ≥ 60 years with cancer. Narrative reviews and abstracts without full text were excluded. Data was extracted by independent raters and summarized using a qualitative analysis software, NVivo v12. Results: 12 observational studies examining barriers and 1 randomized intervention were included. Barriers were assessed at the patient level (N = 5 studies), healthcare professional (HCP) level (N = 5), and both patient and HCP levels (N = 2). Stringent eligibility criteria (N = 7) and oncologists’ concerns for toxicity (N = 7) were the most common barriers cited. Patient barriers included transportation (N = 6), time/burden (N = 6), and awareness (N = 6). Although caregiver barriers (N = 4) were identified, none of the studies examined caregiver perceptions. One study evaluated a physician-directed educational intervention and found no significant impact on accrual of older adults. Conclusions: Although several studies have examined the barriers to accrual of older adults with cancer, only one intervention study has attempted to address these barriers. Given the aging of the cancer population, new strategies for including older adults in cancer clinical trials are critically needed.

Evaluating the effects of a structured exercise intervention on physical self-worth in men with prostate cancer: Addressing an unmet need

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Background: Improving body image and self-esteem are top ASCO priorities in the survivorship care of men with prostate cancer (PCa). Body image and global self-esteem, influenced by physical self-worth, are negatively affected by PCa treatment. We investigate whether exercise can improve physical self-worth in men treated for PCa and if improving self-worth is associated with changes in quality of life (QoL) and mental health. Methods: We performed a secondary analysis of a phase II randomized controlled trial comparing the effects of Exercise for Cancer Patients(EXCAP), a structured, 6-week, home-based exercise intervention, to usual care (UC) in men with non-metastatic PCa receiving radiation or Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT). The Physical Self-Perception Profile (PSPP), a valid 30-item questionnaire where higher scores indicate greater physical self-worth, was assessed at pre- and post-intervention. Changes between arms were compared using ANCOVA. Spearman correlations were calculated for pre/post-intervention change scores for PSPP and QoL, depression, and anxiety as measured by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT), Center of Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) scale, and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), respectively. Results: Fifty-eight men were randomized; average age was 67.1 years. Physical self-worth at baseline moderated the effect of the intervention. Compared to UC, EXCAP improved physical self-worth in those with baseline PSPP scores above the median (p < 0.04). Exercisers with baseline PSPP scores in the top quartile demonstrated a more significant improvement over UC (p < 0.01). Improvements in physical self-worth were associated with improved QoL (r = 0.29, p = 0.04), depression (r = -0.28, p = 0.04) and anxiety (r = -0.30, p = 0.03). Conclusions: Exercise significantly improves physical self-worth in men with PCa on radiation or ADT, and greater physical self-worth is associated with improved QoL, depression and anxiety. Those with higher baseline physical self-worth derived the most benefit from exercise. Exercise should be prescribed to boost self-esteem and body image in men receiving radiation or ADT for PCa. Clinical trial information: NCT00815672.

Capacity to provide specialized care for older adults in community oncology practices: Results of the NCI Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) Landscape survey

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Background: American Society of Clinical Oncology guidelines recommend that patients ≥65 years of age starting chemotherapy undergo a geriatric assessment (GA) to inform and guide management; however, little is known about resources available in community oncology practices to facilitate geriatric specialty care and implement these guidelines. Methods: Community oncology practices were electronically surveyed in 2017 regarding the availability of various providers, supportive services, and practice characteristics, as part of a larger survey of cancer care delivery research (CCDR) capacity at NCORP sites. Designated CCDR leads provided information about their site. Descriptive statistics were used to report prevalence of resources available at each community practice. Results: Of the 925 NCORP practice locations, 504 (54%) responded to the survey, representing 227 practice groups. Of respondents, 58% included a free-standing clinic or private/group practice and 82% included inpatient services. The median number of new cancer cases per year ≥65 years of age was 443 (Interquartile range [IQR] 220-903). The median number of medical oncology providers was 5 (IQR 3-11). Only 1.8% of practices had a dual fellowship trained geriatric oncologist on staff. Geriatricians were available for consultation or co-management for 34% of sites, but only 13% of those had availability within the oncology clinic. Among those with access to geriatricians, consultations were primarily outpatient (90%) versus inpatient (54%). Ancillary services that could support GA were variably available onsite: social work (83%), nurse navigators (78%), pharmacist (77%), dietician (69%), supportive caregiver services (62%), rehabilitative medicine (57%), psychologist (41%), and psychiatrist (39%). Most sites utilized electronic health record systems (84%) and patient portals (89%). Conclusions: Availability of geriatric-trained providers is limited in community oncology practices. Use of primarily self-administered GA tools that direct referrals to available ancillary services may be an effective implementation strategy for guideline-based care.

Pilot randomized trial of a transdisciplinary geriatric intervention for older adults with cancer

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Background: Oncologists often struggle with managing the unique care needs of older adults with cancer. We sought to determine the feasibility of delivering a transdisciplinary geriatric intervention designed to address the geriatric (physical function & comorbidity) and palliative care (symptoms & prognostic understanding) needs of older adults with cancer. Methods: We randomly assigned patients age ≥65 with newly diagnosed incurable gastrointestinal (GI) or lung cancer to receive a transdisciplinary geriatric intervention or usual care. Intervention patients received two visits with a geriatrician who was trained to address patients’ palliative care needs in addition to conducting a geriatric assessment. We defined the intervention as feasible if > 70% of patients enrolled in the study and > 75% completed study visits and surveys. At baseline and week 12, we assessed patients’ quality of life (QOL, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy General), symptoms (Edmonton Symptom Assessment System), and communication confidence (Perceived Efficacy in Patient Physician Interactions). As this was a pilot study, we calculated mean change scores in outcomes and estimated intervention effect sizes (ES). Results: From 2/2017-6/2018, we randomized 62 patients (55.9% enrollment rate [most common reason for refusal was feeling too ill]; median age = 72.3 [range 65.2-91.8]; 45.2% female; cancer types: 56.5% GI, 43.5% lung). Among intervention patients, 82.1% attended the first visit and 76.2% attended both. Overall, 77.8% completed all study surveys. Compared to usual care, intervention patients had less decrement in QOL scores (-0.77 vs -3.84, ES = .21), greater reduction in the number of moderate/severe symptoms (-0.69 vs +1.04, ES = .58), and more improvement in communication confidence (+1.06 vs -0.80, ES = .38). Conclusions: In this trial of older adults with advanced cancer, more than half enrolled in the study and over 75% of those who enrolled completed all study visits and surveys. Our effect size estimates suggest that a transdisciplinary intervention targeting patients’ geriatric and palliative care needs may be a promising approach to improve patients’ QOL, symptom burden, and communication confidence. Clinical trial information: NCT02868112.

Barriers and facilitators to oncology clinical trial accrual: Comparing perceptions of community and academic oncologists

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Background: Multiple studies have described the barriers and facilitators to oncology clinical trial accrual in academic practices. However, few studies have been done in community settings, even though the majority of patients with cancer receive their care in the community. We examined and compared community and academic oncologists’ perceptions of the barriers and facilitators to cancer clinical trial accrual. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted from March to June 2018 with 44 medical oncologists at City of Hope (24 in academia; 20 in community sites). Purposive sampling was used to ensure participant diversity. Primary measures were oncologists’ self-reported perceptions of the barriers and facilitators to clinical trial accrual. Responses were recorded digitally, transcribed, and de-identified. Data was managed using NVivo v12. Two analysts coded the interview data using thematic content analysis (kappa = 0.74). A third analyst adjudicated discrepancies. Results: Of the 44 participants, 36% were women, and 68% had > 10 years of experience. Compared to academic oncologists, community oncologists more often cited barriers due to the lack of protocols suitable for community patients’ histology and stage (13% vs. 6%) and insufficient trial personnel support (13% vs. 9%). Compared to community oncologists, academic oncologists more often cited barriers due to limited time (14% vs. 8%) and overly stringent eligibility criteria (14% vs. 9%). Community oncologists more commonly reported extrinsic facilitators (e.g. reminders of available protocols from trial support staff) (91% vs. 76%) while academic oncologists more commonly reported intrinsic facilitators for offering clinical trials (e.g. self-motivation to prioritize clinical trials) (24% vs. 9%). Conclusions: Community oncologists more often reported facing barriers to accrual due to limited suitable trials and insufficient personnel support compared to academic oncologists. Additionally, community oncologists cite the need for more infrastructure to support accrual. Interventions to increase trial accrual must be tailored to address the unique needs of both community and academic practices.

Social media for oncology clinical trial recruitment: Oncologists’ attitudes and perceptions

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Background: Social media may be an effective strategy to improve public awareness of oncology clinical trials and increase accrual. How oncologists perceive the role of social media in clinical trials now and in the future remains unknown. We explored oncologists’ attitudes and perceptions related to social media and clinical trial recruitment. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 44 medical oncologists at City of Hope from March to June 2018. Primary measures were oncologists’ self-reported benefits, concerns, and future interventions to leverage social media for trial recruitment. Secondary measures were facilitators and barriers to social media use for professional purposes. Responses were recorded digitally, transcribed, and de-identified. Data was managed using NVivo v12. Two analysts coded interview data using thematic content analysis (kappa = 0.7). Results: Of the 44 participants, 55% were academic and 45% were community oncologists, 36% were women, and 68% had > 10 years of experience. The most commonly cited benefit was increased awareness and visibility (63%). The most commonly cited concerns were: lack of time or support (31%), misinformation or oversimplification (31%), and lack of guidance (regulatory/ethical oversight) (28%). Oncologists reported a desire for an institutional-level intervention (e.g., personnel support with social media expertise) to facilitate trial recruitment using social media (50%). Oncologists’ perceptions of the facilitators to social media use for professional purposes were centered on networking (40%) and staying up to date in the field (33%). Perceived barriers were clustered around lack of comfort, training, time (38%), and lack of evidence of benefit (25%). No differences were identified between academic and community oncologists. Conclusions: Oncologists are hopeful that social media can increase awareness and visibility of cancer clinical trials. However, they have numerous concerns about the application of social media in clinical trials due to lack of time, support, and risk of misinformation. Further research is needed to examine whether social media can facilitate recruitment to oncology clinical trials.

Prognostic understanding in hematologic malignancies: A multicenter longitudinal study

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Background: Accurate prognostic understanding facilitates the receipt of goal-concordant medical care. Few studies have evaluated prognostic understanding in patients with hematologic malignancies. In this secondary analysis of a multicenter, longitudinal study of patients with hematologic malignancies referred for a second opinion hematology subspecialty consultation, we assessed changes in prognostic understanding after consultation, and predictors of post-consultation patient-oncologist prognostic discordance. Methods: Patients were recruited from 4 academic centers. Before and 1-7 days after consultation, patients were asked about their perceived chance of cure (options < 10%, 10-19%, and up to 90-100% in 10% increments, and “do not wish to answer”). Oncologists were asked the same question after consultation. Discordance was defined as a difference in response by 2 levels in the patient-oncologist dyads. We used multivariate analysis to assess the demographic and clinical predictors of patient-oncologist discordance. Results: We included 216 patients (median age 55 years, range 22-79) and 46 oncologists (47, 30-70). Overall, ≥On multivariate analysis, discordance before consultation [Odds Ratio (OR) 6.05, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 2.96-12.36) and < college education (vs. post-graduate education; OR 2.34, 95% CI 1.09-5.14) were associated with discordance after consultation. Other patient demographics, comorbidity, cancer type, psychological distress, social support, decision-making preference, and coping strategies were not associated with discordance. Conclusions: Patient-oncologist concordance in prognostic understanding improved after subspecialty consultation, but over half of patients’ views of their prognosis remained discordant with those of their oncologists. Interventions to improve patient-oncologist communication about prognosis are needed, especially in patients with lower education level.

Identifying patient-reported anxiety and depression in older adults with cancer

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Background: Anxiety and depression are associated with decreased quality of life, treatment adherence, and survival in patients with cancer. Mental Health Inventory (MHI-17) is a validated screening tool for psychological well-being, but cut points for older adults with cancer are unknown. The goal of this study is to identify cut points on MHI-17 Anxiety (MHI-A) and Depression (MHI-D) subscales which correlate with patient-reported anxiety and depression in older adults with cancer. Methods: This is a secondary analysis of baseline data from a randomized controlled trial in adults aged 65+ with solid tumors starting chemotherapy. At baseline, patients completed MHI-17. MHI-A and MHI-D were calculated (range 0-100; higher scores represent better mental health). Self-reported anxiety was obtained from single-item Linear Analog Scale Assessment (0-5 = low, 6-10 = high). Self-reported depression was obtained from Yale Depression Screen, “Do you often feel sad or depressed?” The association of MHI-A and MHI-D with the patient-reported outcomes was analyzed using logistic regression. Youden’s index was used to determine the optimal cut points for MHI-A and MHI-D for identifying patients with high anxiety and depression. Results: 458 patients (median age 71 (range 65-91), 57% female, 55% non-Hispanic white) were included in this analysis. The most common cancer types were: GI (31%), breast (19%), GU (18%), and pulmonary (16%); 75% had stage IV cancer. Twenty-four percent (N = 110) reported high anxiety and 21% (N = 97) depression. Median scores for MHI-A and MHI-D were 75 (range 0-100) and 80 (range 0-100). The optimal cut point for high anxiety on MHI-A was 65; this had an accuracy of 76.1%, a sensitivity of 71.8%, and a specificity of 77.5%. The optimal cut point for depression on MHI-D was 70; this had an accuracy of 80.1%, a sensitivity of 80.4%, and a specificity of 79.8%. Conclusions: The current study identified optimal cut points for MHI-Anxiety and MHI-Depression subscales to identify older adults with cancer starting chemotherapy with self-reported anxiety and depression. In the absence of patient-reported anxiety and depression, these cut points could be used to identify older patients with cancer at risk for poor mental health.

A phase II study of enzalutamide (Enz) with dutasteride (Dut) or finasteride (Fin) in men ≥ 65 years with hormone-naive systemic prostate cancer (HNSPCa): Tolerability and geriatric asssessment (GA) results

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Background: Older men are at a high risk for adverse events (AEs) from androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). In this phase II study, we evaluated Enz and Dut/Fin in lieu of ADT for at-risk older patients with HNSPCa. Methods: Eligible patients were ≥65 years (y); at high risk of AEs from ADT by GA or treating physicians; metastatic (M1) or non-metastatic (M0) HNSPCa with a PSA doubling time ≤ 9 months and testosterone > 50ng/dl. They received Enz 160 mg/day and Dut 0.5 mg/day or Fin 5 mg/day until disease progression. GA was performed at baseline and week (wk) 61 and/or at the time of progression. GA included validated tests: Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), fall history, Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA). The prevalence of impairment for each assessment was calculated; change in prevalence from baseline to wk 61 was analyzed using paired sample t-test. Results: 43 patients were enrolled in the study. Median age at enrollment was 78 y (range 66-94) and 93% were ECOG 0-1; 37% (n = 16) had M0 and 63% (n = 27) had M1 HNSPCa, with the majority (67%) having Gleason 6 or 7 disease. At baseline, 18.6% met the cutoff for impairment for IADLs, 53.7% for SPPB, 7.9% for GDS and 64.3% for MOCA; 9.8% had a recent fall. Median baseline PSA was 11.38 ng/ml (range: 2-145). At the time of analysis, 29 men (67.4%) remain on study treatment. 95.3%, 74.4% and 46.5% of patients reported at least one Grade 1, 2 or 3 AE respectively. No patient had a Grade 4 AE and one Grade 5 AE was reported but was an unrelated event. The most common Grade 3 AEs were hypertension (27.8%), GI (19.4%), and cardiac (8.3%); all Grade 3 GI AEs reported were deemed unrelated to the study drugs. Only impairment in ≥ 1 IADL showed a statistically significant increase in prevalence at wk 61 of treatment (40.6%) compared to baseline (18.6%, p = 0.036). Conclusions: For older men with HNSPCa, Enz with Dut/Fin demonstrated efficacy with reasonable toxicity profile, and no significant impact on the majority of GA domains. Clinical trial information: NCT02213107.

Associations of uncertainty with psychological status and quality of life (QoL) among 527 older patients with advanced cancer

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Background: Older patients with advanced cancer face considerable uncertainty related to their disease and treatment. The aim of our study was to evaluate the associations of uncertainty with psychological status and QoL. Methods: This is a secondary analysis of baseline data from a national geriatric assessment (GA) cluster randomized trial (URCC 13070; PI: Mohile). Patients aged ≥70 years with ≥1 GA domain impairment (e.g., function, cognition) and advanced cancer who were considering or receiving any line of cancer treatment were enrolled (n=541). Uncertainty was measured using the modified 9-item Mishel Uncertainty in Illness (MUIS), where respondents with higher scores perceive more uncertainty (range 9-45). QoL and psychological measures consisted of Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G), emotional wellbeing (EWB; FACT-G subscale), distress (distress thermometer), anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7), and depression (Geriatric Depression Scale-15). Multiple linear regressions were used to evaluate the associations of MUIS scores with each measure, adjusted for demographics, cancer type, and number of impaired GA domains. Results: Mean age was 77 years (SD 5, range 70-96); 26% had gastrointestinal cancer and 26% had lung cancer. Mean number of GA domain impairments was 4 (SD 1, range 1-7). Mean MUIS score was 20 (SD 5, range 9-37). On multivariate analyses, higher MUIS score was associated with lower QoL (β=-1.08, SE=0.11) and EWB (β=-0.29, SE=0.03), as well as higher distress (β=0.12, SE=0.02), anxiety (β=0.11, SE=0.04), and depression (β=0.09, SE=0.03; all P<0.01). Conclusions: Distress associated with uncertainty was common in a vulnerable population of frail older patients with advanced cancer and ≥1 GA domain impairment. A higher degree of uncertainty was associated with poorer psychological health and QoL. Our results underscore the important role that uncertainty plays in older patients' psychological status. Previous tested uncertainty management interventions (mainly including information and coping strategies) could be revised, tailored and tested to meet the unique needs of older patients with cancer. Clinical trial information: NCT02107443.

The Influence of Patient Race and Activation on Pain Management in Advanced Lung Cancer: a Randomized Field Experiment

BACKGROUND

Pain management racial disparities exist, yet it is unclear whether disparities exist in pain management in advanced cancer.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effect of race on physicians' pain assessment and treatment in advanced lung cancer and the moderating effect of patient activation.

DESIGN

Randomized field experiment. Physicians consented to see two unannounced standardized patients (SPs) over 18 months. SPs portrayed 4 identical roles-a 62-year-old man with advanced lung cancer and uncontrolled pain-differing by race (black or white) and role (activated or typical). Activated SPs asked questions, interrupted when necessary, made requests, and expressed opinions.

PARTICIPANTS

Ninety-six primary care physicians (PCPs) and oncologists from small cities, and suburban and rural areas of New York, Indiana, and Michigan. Physicians' mean age was 52 years (SD = 27.17), 59% male, and 64% white.

MAIN MEASURES

Opioids prescribed (or not), total daily opioid doses (in oral morphine equivalents), guideline-concordant pain management, and pain assessment.

KEY RESULTS

SPs completed 181 covertly audio-recorded visits that had complete data for the model covariates. Physicians detected SPs in 15% of visits. Physicians prescribed opioids in 71% of visits; 38% received guideline-concordant doses. Neither race nor activation was associated with total opioid dose or guideline-concordant pain management, and there were no interaction effects (p > 0.05). Activation, but not race, was associated with improved pain assessment (ẞ, 0.46, 95% CI 0.18, 0.74). In post hoc analyses, oncologists (but not PCPs) were less likely to prescribe opioids to black SPs (OR 0.24, 95% CI 0.07, 0.81).

CONCLUSIONS

Neither race nor activation was associated with opioid prescribing; activation was associated with better pain assessment. In post hoc analyses, oncologists were less likely to prescribe opioids to black male SPs than white male SPs; PCPs had no racial disparities. In general, physicians may be under-prescribing opioids for cancer pain.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT01501006.

Willingness to bear adversity and beliefs about the curability of advanced cancer

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Background: Older patients with advanced cancer who are certain that they could be cured pose unique challenges for physicians who wish to help them prepare for death. By estimating the prevalence of absolute certainty about curability (ACC) and examining its correlates we aim to inform the development of interventions to improve end of life care. We hypothesized that patients who report greater willingness to bear adversity in exchange for longevity will be more likely to demonstrate ACC. Methods: This is a cross-sectional analysis of a nationwide geriatric assessment trial. Patients were asked: “What are the chances the cancer will go away and never come back with treatment [100% (ACC), > 50%, 50/50, < 50%, 0%, or unclear].” We assessed willingness to bear adversity using two types of trade-off questions. For trade-offs between treatment-related adverse reactions and survival, five statements on specific adverse reactions (nausea/vomiting, assistance with activities, bedbound state, confusion, worsening memory) were administered. For trade-off preferences between quality of life (QoL) and survival, patients answered the following statement: “Maintaining my QoL is more important to me than living longer”. Logistic regression was used to assess the independent associations of patient trade-off preferences with ACC, after controlling for covariates. Results: 349 older patients were included; 8.0% had ACC. 7.4% of respondents disagreed/strongly disagreed with the statement “Maintaining my QoL is more important than living longer.” Patients who were willing to trade QoL for survival were more likely to demonstrate ACC (AOR 4.43, 95% CI 1.13-17.42). Trade-off preferences between adverse reactions and survival were not associated with ACC. Non-white race, < high school education, lower household income, lack of social support, intact functional status, and no polypharmacy were associated with ACC (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Patients with advanced cancer who are more willing to accept a decreased QoL for survival are more likely to be certain that they will be cured. Beyond sharing prognosis, clinicians might help patients improve prognostic understanding by helping them identify and articulate their values and beliefs.

The impact of financial toxicity on quality of life in older patients with cancer: Baseline data from the University of Rochester NCI Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP)

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Background: Financial toxicity (FT), or the stress and strain patients (pts) experience as a result of paying for cancer care, can have profound negative impacts on pts’ overall quality of life (QoL). This study examined associations of FT with anxiety, depression, and QoL in older pts with advanced cancer. Methods: This is a secondary analysis of baseline data from a Geriatric Assessment intervention study conducted by UR NCORP across 31 practice sites (PI: Mohile). Pts were categorized as experiencing FT if they reported any one of the following: delaying medications due to cost, insufficient income in a typical month for food and housing, or insufficient income in a typical month for other basic needs. Pts also completed the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD7, score 0-21) to evaluate anxiety, the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS, score 0-15) to assess depression, and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy- Generation (FACT-G, score 0-108), to measure overall QoL. Associations of FT with anxiety, depression, and QoL were assessed in separate multivariate linear regression models controlling for covariates at p < 0.1. Results: Among 542 pts (mean age 77; range 70-96, 49% female), 18% (98 pts) experienced FT. In separate regression analysis, FT was significantly associated with all 3 outcome measures. On average, pts experiencing FT scored 1.76 higher (p < 0.01) on the GAD7 (indicating greater anxiety severity), 0.76 points higher (p = 0.02) on the GDS (indicating greater depression severity), and 5.16 points lower (p < 0.01) on the FACT-G (indicating lower QoL). Conclusions: Older pts with advanced cancer who experience income and cost-related barriers to quality cancer care reported worse anxiety, depression, and QoL than those without FT. Given the association between FT and these outcomes, these 3 FT questions may help identify vulnerable older pts and allow providers to intervene sooner and thereby enhance the quality of care pts receive.

Improving communication with older patients with cancer using geriatric assessment (GA): A University of Rochester NCI Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) cluster randomized controlled trial (CRCT)

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Background: GA includes validated measures that assess age-related health domains (e.g., function, cognition) known to increase adverse outcomes. In this PCORI and NCI funded CRCT, we evaluated if providing a GA summary and recommendations for GA-guided interventions improves communication about age-related concerns for older patients (pts) with cancer. Methods: Pts aged ≥ 70 with advanced solid tumors or lymphoma and at least 1 impaired GA domain were enrolled. Oncology practices were randomized to intervention (oncologists received GA summary) or usual care (no summary provided). The primary outcomes were: 1) number of discussions about age-related concerns (the clinic visit after GA was audio-recorded and transcribed; 2 blinded coders evaluated quality of communication and plan for follow-up interventions) and 2) telephone surveys of patient satisfaction (modified Health Care Climate Questionnaire [HCCQ-age] scored 7-35). Outcomes were analyzed using linear mixed models with arm as the fixed effect, controlling for practice. Results: From 2014-17, 544 pts (295 in GA) were enrolled from 31 practices. There were no differences in demographics by arm (mean age 77 yrs; 49% female). More patients in usual care had impaired physical performance (96% vs 92%, p = 0.03) and social support (33% vs 25%, p = 0.05). In 530 evaluable pts, the overall mean number of discussions was 6.3 (SD: 4.0). The GA arm had 3.5 more discussions about age-related concerns (95%CI: 2.28-4.72, p = 10-6; intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.24) compared to usual care; of these, in the GA arm, 2.0 more discussions on average had higher quality communication (95%CI: 1.20-2.69; p = 6x10-6) and 1.9 more led to interventions (95% CI: 1.14-2.73; p = 1.6x10-5). The GA arm had significantly more discussions for almost all GA domains. In 511 pts with HCCQ-age, the mean score was 22.9 (SD 4.5); the score was 1.12 points higher in the GA arm (95%CI: 0.23-2.03; p = .027; ICC = 0.02). Conclusions: Providing a GA summary to oncologists increases the number and quality of discussions about age-related concerns and improves pt satisfaction. Clinical trial information: NCT02107443.

Association between patient-reported hearing and visual impairments and functional, psychological, and cognitive status among older adults with cancer

BACKGROUND

Hearing and visual impairments are common among community-dwelling older adults, and are associated with psychological, functional, and cognitive deficits. However, to the authors' knowledge, little is known regarding their prevalence among older patients with cancer.

METHODS

The current study was a secondary analysis combining 2 prospective cohorts of adults aged ≥65 years with solid tumors who were receiving chemotherapy. The authors assessed the association between patient-reported hearing and/or visual impairment (defined as fair/poor grading by self-report) and physical function, instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), anxiety, depression, and cognition. Descriptive analyses were conducted to summarize patient and treatment characteristics. One-way analysis of variance and chi-square tests were conducted as appropriate to examine differences between patients with and without sensory impairments. Logistic regression was used to analyze associations between sensory impairments and outcomes.

RESULTS

Among 750 patients with a median age of 72 years who had solid tumors (29% with breast/gynecological tumors, 28% with lung tumors, and 27% with gastrointestinal tumors), approximately 18% reported hearing impairment alone, 11% reported visual impairment alone, and 7% reported dual sensory impairment. Hearing impairment was associated with IADL dependence (odds ratio [OR], 1.9), depression (OR, 1.6), and anxiety (OR, 1.6). Visual impairment was associated with IADL dependence (OR, 1.9), poor physical function (OR, 1.9), and depression (OR, 2.5). Dual impairment was associated with IADL dependence (OR, 2.8), anxiety (OR, 2.3), depression (OR, 2.5), and cognitive impairment (OR, 3.2).

CONCLUSIONS

Sensory impairment is common among older adults with cancer. Patients with sensory impairment are more likely to have functional, psychological, and cognitive deficits. Interventions aimed at improving the vision and hearing of older adults with cancer should be studied. Cancer 2018. © 2018 American Cancer Society.