Abstract 4767: Regional strategies for expanding the evolving continuum of Physical Sciences-Oncology Network (PS-ON) research advocacy experiences

Background: The National Cancer Institute (NCI) Physical Sciences-Oncology Network (PS-ON), initiated in 2009, is an interdisciplinary hub currently consisting of eighteen regions across the nation to support the emergence of new scientific frontiers, principles, and opportunities within physical sciences and oncology. Based on the belief that the increasing momentum for cross-disciplinary connectivity between biologists, physicists, mathematicians, chemists, biomedical engineers, and oncologists would be enriched and enhanced by vigorous and diverse public and/or advocacy support, the PS-ON leadership, at program inception, incorporated the advocate voice in setting a national research agenda.

Methods: While the regional advocacy programs operate independently and utilize multilevel, multimethod strategies to expand the evolving umbrella of research advocacy experiences, they are connected through an administrative structure that communicates NCI program priorities to enhance capacity in the approaches utilized across the eighteen PS-ON regions.

Impact: As integral team members, advocates bring real-time diverse patient experiences, diverse professional expertise, and concerns into pioneering, innovative research practices. PS-ON regional engagement/communication strategies include: 1) integrating advocate perspectives to shape basic science research agendas, 2) developing conceptual models/roadmaps to holistic engagement focusing on organizational foundations and best practice strategies, 3) applying guiding frameworks and toolkits for setting the terms of principled engagement/shared governance/bidirectional collaboration, 4) implementing education, outreach, and professional development programs for early-stage investigators, students, and patient communities, and 5) translating, communicating and disseminating laboratory innovations into society.

Discussion: To better understand and fully address the complexities of intersecting physical sciences and oncology advocacy engagement, we explore the unique culture and guidelines set by selected participating institutions. Meeting key challenges regarding programmatic scope and policy impact requires a shift to a new, rapidly evolving paradigm. In parallel to incentives and policy measures created through federal and professional organizations, we offer recommendations for strengthening regional programs and encouraging equitable partnerships for advocates at earlier stages of research to help propel convergent science innovation.

Citation Format: Susan Samson, Nastaran Zahir, Sheila M. Judge, Stuart Cornew, Bob Riter, Jeri Francoeur, Anne Meyn, Laurie Cynkin, Jason J. Northey, Valerie M. Weaver, Carole Baas. Regional strategies for expanding the evolving continuum of Physical Sciences-Oncology Network (PS-ON) research advocacy experiences [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 4767.

Abstract C95: Cancer health disparities in the U.S

Florida Breast Cancer Foundation and Susan G. Komen have similar missions in that they both are dedicated to ending breast cancer through advocacy, education and research and empowering others and ensuring quality care for all. Komen is at a global level whole Florida Breast Cancer Foundation is the State's breast cancer organization as it received the majority of its funds through the state license plate. This poster shows cancer disparities in the US, what they are, needs, and possible solutions. It will indicate the areas where more work is needed and hopefully will encourage others to become more involved through advocacy.

Citation Format: Jeri Francoeur. Cancer health disparities in the U.S. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eighth AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 13-16, 2015; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2016;25(3 Suppl):Abstract nr C95.

CSF shunt infections: a fifteen-year experience with emphasis on management and outcome

A retrospective study of patients with cerebrospinal fluid shunt infections was undertaken from 1975 to 1989 in a university hospital. The data were analyzed with emphasis on the choice of treatment and outcome. There were 44 infectious episodes in 38 patients for an overall rate of 2.6%, including 30 ventriculoperitoneal, 11 ventriculoatrial and 3 lumboperitoneal shunts. The most frequently isolated pathogens were staphylococci in 61% of the cases followed by gram-negative bacilli in 25%. Different modalities of treatment were used: support (2), intravenous antibiotics alone (6), intravenous antibiotics and shunt revision (3), intravenous antibiotics and shunt removal with or without prior externalization of the distal end (33: 13 + 20). The cure rate was 94% (31/33) with this last modality of treatment. Only 3 patients received intraventricular antibiotics. All deaths occurred in patients treated with support only (2) or with antibiotics alone (1). Four of the six recurrent episodes occurred in patients treated with antibiotics alone (2) or with a shunt revision (2). We conclude that carefully chosen intravenous antibiotics combined with shunt removal preceded or not by externalization of the distal end as an alternative therapy to repeated ventricular taps or insertion of an external ventricular drainage device is an appropriate therapy.

The effect of fleroxacin on hepatic drug metabolism in the rat

Pretreatment of rats with repeated i.p. doses of fleroxacin had no effect on the hepatic O- and N-demethylation of p-nitroanisole (PN) and aminopyrine (A) respectively, on the p-hydroxylation of aniline or on the hepatic levels of cytochrome P-450 and protein content. Addition of fleroxacin directly to incubation mixtures reduced PN O-demethylase activity significantly but did not affect the other two oxidative reactions. The N-oxide metabolite increased PN O-demethylation by 16% whereas the N-demethylated metabolite decreased the N-demethylation of A by 10%. Concomitant administration or pretreatment with fleroxacin had no effect on antipyrine's elimination kinetic parameters.

Intracranial dysgerminomas

We have reported three cases of intracranial dysgerminoma. The origin of these tumors has been controversial for a long time. It is now accepted that they develop from germ cells. The diagnosis is often difficult to confirm because of the varity of signs. If their origin is now accepted, the best way to deal with these lesions is still controversial. They can be macroscopically removed if they are in the pineal region. Such treatment is not possible for suprasellar tumors. Since these tumors can metastasize, radiation should be administered as soon as a pathological diagnosis is obtained. It is our belief that it should be administered to the whole spinal axis.