Oncology Center Research Articles

Association between food insecurity and healthcare utilization among patients at a breast oncology center.

143 Background: A breast cancer (BC) diagnosis often creates or exacerbates financial stress. As a result, many patients with BC struggle with a lack of consistent access to nutritious food due to limited resources, a condition termed “food insecurity” (FI). We investigated the association between FI and healthcare utilization among breast oncology patients at our urban academic medical center. Methods: Screening for health-related social needs (HRSN) was conducted primarily through the electronic patient portal, at appointment registration for a breast oncology clinic visit. The 8-item HRSN survey included 2 questions on access to food resources and 1 question quantifying emergency department (ED) visits over the past year. Any level of food hardship or concern constituted a positive FI screen. We conducted a retrospective analysis among patients evaluated between 11/2/22 and 4/20/24. Clinical and demographic data were obtained from the electronic health record (EHR). We evaluated the association between FI and health care utilization measures (ED visits, inpatient admissions) with a Pearson's Chi-squared test and univariate logistic regression. Results: A total of 2820 patients were screened for HRSN and provided responses to at least 1 FI question, of which 19.7% (555) reported some level of FI. Food-insecure patients self-reported significantly higher rates of ED visits in the past 12 months compared to food-secure patients: 43.2% vs 22.6% reported at least 1 ED visit, respectively (p<0.001), and 25.0% vs 8.45% reported multiple ED visits, respectively (p<0.001). Overall, FI was associated with 2.5 times the odds of self-reporting at least 1 ED visit (univariate OR 2.47, p<0.001). Similarly, on review of EHR data, 33.3% of food-insecure patients had at least 1 ED visit (vs 20.0% of food-secure patients, p<0.001), and 6.13% had 3 or more ED visits (vs 2.83%, p<0.001) during the study period. On univariate analysis, food-insecure patients had double the odds of having at least 1 ED visit documented in the EHR (univariate OR 2.00, p<0.001). We examined reasons for ED presentations among 186 food-insecure patients with ED visits during the study period, and found that 23.8% had at least 1 cancer-related complaint (oncological treatment-related (16.8%) and/or BC symptom-related (8.6%)). The incidence of inpatient admissions during the study period was similar among food-insecure vs food-secure patients (19.8% vs 18.4%, p=0.467). Conclusions: In this analysis of FI and health care delivery measures, ED utilization was significantly higher among food-insecure patients. A quarter of food-insecure patients who presented to the ED had oncological complaints. FI may be a marker of unmet healthcare needs in patient with cancer, and targeted interventions focused on symptom monitoring and management are warranted to optimize healthcare utilization.

Strengthening vaccination assessment at a southern oncology center: A quality improvement endeavor.

322 Background: The 2013 revision of the Standards for Adult Immunization Practice by the National Vaccine Advisory Committee (NVAC) mandated healthcare professionals to evaluate and ensure adult patients' immunization. Additionally, the 2024 recommendations from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) stressed the importance of determining vaccination status of adults newly diagnosed with cancer, to safeguard against vaccine-preventable diseases. Our 2022-2023 cumulative assessment rate for flu vaccination was 64%, and COVID-19 vaccination status was not being assessed in the electronic medical record (EMR). This prevented us from identifying patients who would benefit from vaccination. Methods: A quality improvement initiative was initiated at Norton Cancer Institute – Downtown Office, focusing on enhancing vaccination assessment. Launching in October 2024, the initiative targeted flu and COVID-19 vaccination assessment, with updates to flu assessment questions and the implementation of a COVID-19 assessment flowsheet in the EMR. Best practice advisories (BPAs) were employed to prompt nurse clinicians and providers to order vaccines based on patient responses. Staff compliance was reinforced through tailored training sessions for medical assistants responsible for initial patient assessments, with an emphasis on reconciling external records to improve assessment accuracy. A de-identified data set was created to analyze workflow compliance, the data was abstracted from the relational databases of our institution's EMR system. Abstraction queries were written in SQL using the Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio platform. Results: Following the implementation of the initiative, there was an increase in vaccination assessment completion rates for both Flu and Covid-19. Flu assessment rates improved from 64% at the end of the 2022-2023 flu season to 76% during the 2023-2024 flu season. The implementation of Covid-19 Vaccination assessment workflow also resulted in increased assessment rates each month of the initiative, starting in October with initial rate of 36% and ending in March with 67% cumulative assessment rate. Conclusions: The targeted intervention increased vaccination assessment practices within the oncology setting; by improving clinical workflow to better align with NVAC guidelines and ASCO recommendations for assessment of vaccination status. By Improving vaccination assessment processes our hope is to improve rates of vaccination for oncology patients.

BAFF as a Potential Marker for Toxoplasma Gondii Seroprevalence Among Cancer Patients on Chemotherapy

Background: Toxoplasmosis is a global zoonotic disease, that is mainly asymptomatic in healthy persons, but critical and life-threatening in immunocompromised patients. The infection is caused by an opportunistic obligate intracellular parasite protozoon “Toxoplasma gondii” (T. gondii) that can cause fatal complications in immunosuppressed patients. Cancer patients are being immunocompromised from the cancer itself and on the other hand cancer therapy they receive may reactive a latent T. gondii infection that leaves them at high risk. The B-cell activating Factor (BAFF) is a cytokine that plays an essential role in the activation, maturation, and survival of B cells. It is vital for the appropriate functioning of the immune system. Monitoring BAFF levels in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy could be important for preventing or controlling infections in these vulnerable patients. Objectives: This study aimed to detect seroprevalence of T. gondii in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and assess the levels of BAFF in those patients. Materials and Methods: 150 serum samples were collected from oncology patients having different types of cancer and receiving chemotherapy, from different ages. And 30 samples from healthy people for control. In this cross-sectional study, samples were collected from the 1st of October 2023 to the 1st of March 2024, at Kirkuk Oncology and Hematology center. The method used was the Sandwich Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (Sandwich-ELISA) technique. Results: the overall anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM seropositive samples were found to be 67 (37.2%) in the total study population and 67(44.7%) in cancer patients. BAFF levels were elevated in cancer patients infected with T. gondii compared with the cancer patients with no infection and the healthy control group. A significant difference was indicated with (p-value 0.0004). Conclusions: A high rate of T. gondii seroprevalence was revealed among oncology patients receiving chemotherapy with elevated levels of BAFF associated with T. gondii infection in those patients.

DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE AND RISK FACTORS OF HEAD AND NECK SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA IN NATIONAL ONCOLOGY CENTER IN ADEN, YEMEN: PROSPECTIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a significant health concern in Yemen, with a notable impact on the population. Major risk factors for HNSCC in this region include qat chewing, cigarette smoking, and tobacco. The goal of our study was to analyze the correlation between demographic profiles, affected anatomical sites, and risk factors. A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted using data extracted from the medical records of patients diagnosed with HNSCC at the National Oncology Center (NOC) in Aden, Yemen, covering the period from January 2023 to December 2023. Information on patient demographics, primary tumor locations, family history, and exposure to risk factors such as qat chewing and cigarette smoking was collected through a structured questionnaire. The study included 100 patients, with a male-to-female ratio of 2.45:1. The mean age of the patients was 53.2 ± 14.7 years, with a significant portion (41%) falling in the 36–54 age group and (40%) falling in the 55–73 age group. The most commonly affected site was the nasopharynx, accounting for 48% of cases. Qat chewing was the predominant risk factor among patients (74%), followed by cigarette smoking (50%) and tobacco (28%). Middle-aged individuals, particularly men aged 36–54 and 55–73 years, are disproportionately affected by HNSCC in Yemen. The nasopharynx emerges as the most prevalent site of cancer. Qat chewing stands out as a prevalent risk factor among patients, followed by cigarette smoking and tobacco. Public education on the risk factors associated with HNSCC is essential for effective disease management and prevention efforts in Yemen.

Prognostic impact of body mass index on metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer survival

Background. The association between body mass index and prognosis in patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer (mBC) is unclear. Purpose – the first purpose of our study was to determine whether BMI is an independent prognostic factor for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in HER2-positive mBC patients. The second objective was to assess the mutual impact of baseline clinicopathological characteristics on survival outcomes. Materials and Methods. The study group included patients treated at the Sumy Regional Clinical Oncology Center. We considered the underweight patients if their BMI was <18.5 kg/m2, normal weight 18.5–24.9 kg/m2, overweight 25.0–29.9 kg/m2, and obese ≥ 30 kg/m2. The following formula was used for calculations: weight/height2 (kilograms/meter2). Information about the height, weight, and other clinicopathological characteristics of the patient at the time of the start of drug therapy was taken from the primary medical documentation. Pearson’s test and Chi2 test for categorical variables were used to compare baseline clinicopathological characteristics in groups with normal, overweight, and obesity. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to establish the medians of PFS and OS. Cox regression analysis assessed the mutual impact on the survival of various clinicopathological characteristics. The statistical significance threshold was considered P ≤0.05. Results. Seventy-eight patients with HER2-positive mBC were enrolled and categorized according to their BMI in normal weight, overweight, and obese groups. BMI had a different impact on PFS and OS. Median PFS was 14.9, 11.9, and 14.2 months for normal-weight, overweight, and obese patients, respectively. There is no statistically significant difference in PFS between groups (Р = 0.110). Multivariable regression analysis confirmed no impact of BMI on PFS. Nevertheless, metastases in bones and kidneys and the nuclear grade were statistically significant determinants of PFS. Median OS was 26.4, 28.8, and 37.9 months for normal-weight, overweight, and obese patients, respectively. BMI, kidney metastases, and nuclear grade were prognostically significant determinants of OS. Conclusions. BMI is an independent prognostic factor of OS in patients with HER2-positive mBC. Obesity is associated with better OS but does not impact PFS. Metastases in bones and kidneys and the nuclear grade can predict survival outcomes.

Assessment of the economic benefit of smoking cessation in cancer patients

Introduction. In 2021, the results of the first large-scale prospective cohort study were published showing the negative impact of post-diagnosis smoking on the prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer (I-IIIа). The purpose of the study is to assess the possible benefits of postdiagnosis smoking cessation of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSLC) stage I–IIIa to both the health care system society as a whole. Materials and methods. A mathematical model (calculator) has been developed to calculate the economic benefits of smoking cessation among patients with a confirmed diagnosis of NSCLC (I–IIIa). The calculator uses indicators characterizing the postdiagnosis smoking status of patients with stage I–IIIa NSCLC, the probability of disease progression and survival in the groups of those who continue to smoke and those who quit smoking. These data were obtained from the prospective epidemiologic study performed in the department of clinical epidemiology, N. N. Blokhin NMRC of oncology in cooperation with the IARC. The calculator takes into account the average cost of treating patients with late-stage NSCLC (IIIb-IV stage) in 2020–2022, which is calculated based on an analysis of the medical records of patients who were treated in the Department of Medical Cancer Therapy No. 3 of the of the Federal State Budgetary Institution «N. N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology» (Head K. K. Laktionov), statistical data on incidence and mortality from NSCLC in Russia, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita indicator, and the MINEC Forecast of socio-economic development of the Russian Federation for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Results. Stopping smoking after diagnosis of NSCLC stage I–IIIa results in cost savings due to a reduced likelihood of relapses and an increased number of patients who avoid relapses when quitting smoking. Taking into account the fact that the average cost of treatment for patients with stage IIIb–IV NSCLC is 4,000,000 rubles, savings on treatment due to a decrease in the likelihood of relapses and as a result of an increase in the number of relapse-free patients who quit smoking amounted to 3,321 million rubles. and 9,251 million rubles, respectively, per year. Thus, the total cost savings on treatment will amount to 12,588 million rubles or slightly more than 2.3 million rubles per patient who quit smoking. The second source of saving is maintaining the economically active potential of some patients diagnosed with stage I–IIIa NSCLC, due to increased progression free survival as a result of smoking cessation аmounts to 3 304 million rubles per year in terms of per capita GDP. If 100 % of patients with stage I–IIIa NLCLC hypothetically quit smoking, the potential budget savings could reach a significantly greater value of 29,480 million rubles per year. The economic benefit to society in the total metric of per capita GDP, obtained as a result of increased survival and possible preservation of labor activity, could exceed 14 billion rubles over a 5-year period. Conclusion. Smoking cessation in cancer patients is accompanied not only by clinical benefits, i. e. it reduces mortality and improves survival rates, but also by economic benefits for the healthcare system and the country as a whole.

Postchemotherapy Robot-Assisted Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection for Metastatic Testicular Cancer: Initial Experience at a Brazilian Oncology Center

Postchemotherapy Robot-Assisted Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection for Metastatic Testicular Cancer: Initial Experience at a Brazilian Oncology Center

Systematic development of a patient-reported ONCOlogical-ROUTinE-Screening (ONCO-ROUTES) procedure at the University Cancer Center Regensburg.

The evaluation of treatment success and progression in oncology patient-reported outcomes (PROs) is playing an increasingly important role. Meanwhile, PROs are a component of the certification requirements of the German Cancer Society for oncology centers. PROs are used to provide supportive therapy. There is currently no instrument that fully covers the requirements. At the University Hospital Regensburg (UKR), a digital ONCOlogical-ROUTinE-Screening (ONCO-ROUTES) procedure was developed in order to assess the need for supportive therapy in a standardized way and to provide patients with supportive interventions tailored to their needs. On the basis of current requirements and guidelines, the development of ONCO-ROUTES was supported by experts in focus groups and interviews, and digitalization was carried out in connection with the IT infrastructure. A Needs-based, Quality-of-life (QoL) and Symptoms Screening (NQS2) tool already established in the routine at the UKR was further developed into ONCO-ROUTES, which is made up of the domains therapy phase, nutrition, tobacco use, alcohol use, quality of life, general condition/functional status, physical activity, psychooncology, social services, and further support needs. By linking the digitized questionnaire to the hospital information system, the results are available for immediate use in routine operations and thus for the referral of patients for further supportive therapy. The digital PRO application ONCO-ROUTES is designed to involve patients in monitoring additional supportive needs and thus, improves supportive interdisciplinary treatment.

Real-Life Experience with Entrectinib in Neurotrophic Tyrosine Receptor Kinase Fusion-Positive Solid Tumors: A Multicenter Retrospective Trial.

Neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase (NTRK) gene fusions represent rare somatic mutations in many types of cancer and have enabled the use of promising targeted therapies. In clinical studies, increased response rates to tropomyosin receptor kinase inhibitors have been demonstrated in NTRK fusion-positive cancer types; however, real-world experiences on these targeted agents are scarce. We evaluated the clinical characteristics and treatment responses of NTRK fusion-positive patients who received entrectinib treatment within the scope of an early access program in Turkey. This multicenter, retrospective analysis involved 17 patients with solid tumors harboring NTRK fusions or rearrangements from 14 oncology centers between June 2019 and 31 March 2024. Demographic and clinical data were obtained via retrospective review of medical records with a cutoff date of 31 March 2024. The median age at diagnosis of the patients in our study was 42 [interquartile range (IQR) 33-60] years. Nine different types of solid tumors were diagnosed in these patients. The most common NTRK gene rearrangements involved NTRK1 (n=8), followed by NTRK3 (n=7). The median duration of entrectinib usage was 6.9 (IQR 3.1-16.1) months. Dose reductions due to side effects were performed in four patients: two due to leukopenia, one due to visual disturbance, and one due to troponin elevation. Leukopenia was the most commonly observed side effect. The objective response rate (ORR) was 35.3% (95% confidence interval (CI) 14.2-62.7), with complete response (CR) achieved in four patients. The duration of response (DOR) in patients who responded after initiating entrectinib was 9.8 (95% CI 0-30.7) months, the median overall survival (mOS) in all patients was 20.8 (95% CI 0-48.5) months, and the time-to-treatment failure (TTF) was 6.4 (95% CI 0-13.5) months. In this retrospective study, we aimed to obtain real-world data concerning the use of entrectinib in patients with solid tumors harboring NTRK fusion genes. Although our findings are partially similar to the results of clinical studies, prospective studies in larger patient groups with more diverse tumor types and different demographic characteristics are needed to confirm the findings.

Factors affecting the effectiveness of conservative treatment of locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses

Background. Currently, the main method of treatment of locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses is surgical treatment with subsequent radiation/chemoradiation therapy. However, the survival rate of patients has not changed significantly in the last 20 years. Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is highly sensitive to chemotherapy and radiation which allows to perform treatment even in cases of locally advanced squamous cell carcinomas of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. However, the question of prognostic factors of the effect of chemoradiation therapy remains open. Therefore, determination of these factors is an important problem. Aim. To evaluate the effectiveness of conservative treatment of locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal cavity and paranasalsinuses. Materials and methods. The retrospective analysis included 55 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses (stages III–IVA) who were under observation and receiving treatment at the N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology between 2000 and 2020. In 50 (90.9 %) patients, treatment began with induction chemotherapy with subsequent radiation therapy per the radical program. In this patient group, treatment effectiveness was evaluated per the RECIST 1.1 (Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors) criteria. Results. Five-year overall and progression free survival rates were 49.5 and 22.5 %, respectively. Objective response rate after treatment was achieved in 65.5 % of cases: complete response was observed in 38.2 % of cases (n = 21); partial response in 27.3 % (n = 15); stable disease in 18.2 % of cases (n = 10); disease progression in 16.4 % (n = 9). Conclusion. According to the results of the study, conservative treatment is a promising approach in locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. Patients with complete response to treatment have the highest odds of cure and improved long-term outcomes.

Diagnostic errors in suspicion for lung tumor

Using clinical cases of patients observed at the Endoscopic Division of the N. N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, we want do demonstrate that while diagnostic radiology has achieved high quality, videoendoscopic examination remains the most objective and usually definitive method in evaluation of contentious situations of differential diagnosis even in cases of seemingly obvious clinical and radiological picture.

Sustainability in radiation oncology: opportunities for enhancing patient care and reducing CO2 emissions in breast cancer radiotherapy at selected German centers.

Radiotherapy often entails asubstantial travel burden for patients accessing radiation oncology centers. The total travel distance for such treatments is primarily influenced by two factors: fractionation schedules and the distances traveled. Specific data on these aspects are not well documented in Germany. This study aims to quantify the travel distances for routine breast cancer patients of five radiation oncology centers located in metropolitan, urban, and rural areas of Germany and to record the CO2 emissions resulting from travel. We analyzed the geographic data of breast cancer patients attending their radiotherapy treatments and calculated travelling distances using Google Maps. Carbon dioxide emissions were estimated assuming astandard 40-miles-per-gallon petrol car emitting 0.168 kg of CO2 per kilometer. Addresses of 4198breast cancer patients treated between 2018 and 2022 were analyzed. Our sample traveled an average of 37.2 km (minimum average: 14.2 km, maximum average: 58.3 km) for each radiation fraction. This yielded an estimated total of 6.2 kg of CO2 emissions per visit, resulting in 156.2 kg of CO2 emissions when assuming 25visits (planning, treatment, and follow-up). Our study highlights the environmental consequences associated with patient commutes for external-beam radiotherapy, indicating that reducing the number of treatment fractions can notably decrease CO2 emissions. Despite certain assumptions such as the mode of transport and possible inaccuracies in patient addresses, optimizing fractionation schedules not only reduces travel requirements but also achieves greater CO2 reductions while keeping improved patient outcomes as the main focus.

Accessing breast cancer care in a protracted conflict: Qualitative exploration of the perspectives of women with breast cancer in northwest Syria

BackgroundWomen with breast cancer in northwest Syria, an area of protracted armed conflict, face multiple intersecting challenges to accessing care which may relate to gender, social structures, and financial constraints. Our aim was to explore the perspectives of women with breast cancer in northwest Syria about the impact of their diagnosis and experiences of accessing care. MethodsWomen who accessed diagnosis or clinical care at the Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) oncology centre in Idlib city during 2022 were identified from hospital records; they were invited to participate in semi-structured interviews conducted in Arabic by four local female-trained researchers. Participation was voluntary and informed consent was sought. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in August and September 2022 until thematic saturation was reached. Data were audio recorded and transcribed in Arabic before translation and thematic analysis using Nvivo to identify key emerging themes. Results22 women with breast cancer were interviewed. Findings were categorised into three themes: 1. Challenges to accessing oncology care in northwest Syria 2. Interactions with healthcare workers 3. The role of community and society. All participants noted the financial strains which the breast cancer diagnosis placed on them and their families. Most also noted the additional strains of travelling long distances, either in northwest Syria or to Turkey, where referral would entail additional costs, bureaucracy or isolation from family or social support. Some participants described social impacts including the expectation that they would continue with household chores and childcare even while ill. Patients reported that strong faith, having children, compassion from healthcare staff and peer support as being important factors for coping with their diagnosis and treatment. ConclusionThough there have been improvements to breast cancer care in northwest Syria, stock-outs and the lack of availability of radiotherapy may still force women to travel to Turkey for further investigations or treatment. Our findings suggest increased support for women with breast cancer as well as their families is required. This work is a starting point for future research on this topic both in northwest Syria and other areas in Syria.

Total Neoadjuvant Therapy Versus Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer: A Multi-Institutional Real-World Study.

Total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) has emerged as a promising approach for managing locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC), aiming to enhance resectability, increase pathological complete response (pCR), improve treatment compliance, survival, and sphincter preservation. This study compares the clinical outcomes of TNT, with either induction or consolidation chemotherapy, to those of the standard chemoradiotherapy (CRT). In this retrospective multi-institutional study, patients with stage II-III LARC who underwent CRT or TNT from seven oncology centers between 2021 and 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. The TNT group was categorized into induction or consolidation groups based on the sequence of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Clinical and pathological data and treatment outcomes, including pCR, event-free survival (EFS), and overall survival (OS), were analyzed. Among the 276 patients, 105 received CRT and 171 underwent TNT. The TNT group showed significantly higher pCR (21.8% vs. 2.9%, p < 0.001) and lower lymphatic (26.3% vs. 42.6%, p = 0.009), vascular (15.8% vs. 32.7%, p = 0.002), and perineural invasion rates (20.3% vs. 37.6%, p = 0.003). Furthermore, 16.9% of TNT patients opted for non-operative management (NOM), compared to 0.9% in the CRT group (p < 0.001). The median interval between the end of radiotherapy and surgery was longer in the TNT group (17.6 weeks vs. 8.8 weeks, p < 0.001). The 3-year EFS was 58.3% for CRT and 71.1% for TNT (p = 0.06). TNT is associated with higher pCR, lower lymphatic and vascular invasion rates, and higher rates of NOM compared to CRT. This supports the use of TNT as a viable treatment strategy for LARC, offering potential benefits in quality of life.

Abstract C070: Barriers to genomic testing reduce clinical trial eligibility for diverse populations

Abstract Tumor genomic testing and cancer clinical trials expand access to precision therapeutics, enhancing patient experience. However, physician and patient barriers impact participation of historically underrepresented patients (HUP), limiting generalizability for those most negatively affected by cancer. We interviewed patients to identify factors impacting genomic testing uptake and clinical trial enrollment. From 09/2021 - 12/2021 we interviewed 16 HUP diagnosed with cancer seen at an ambulatory oncology center: 3 spoke a language other than English, 9 identified as Black, 6 Hispanic/Latinx, 3 other race, and 3 older adult (age 70+). Individual interviews utilized a structured interview guide and lasted 45 minutes. Participants were recruited until thematic saturation was reached and transcripts were coded for major themes. Patients were unsure if they received genomic testing or if testing was recommended (citing possible confusion with medical information). Barriers included education (unclear benefit to participation, investigational drug/device identity, procedures involved), mistrust of research (data privacy concerns), and logistical accessibility (cost, time away from work, transportation). Those tested found it to be an easy process. Several cited that a patient advocate would be a beneficial resource to navigate the process. Barriers around clinical trial enrollment included education (risks of participating, size of the study, investigational drug/device identity), mistrust of research (data privacy, inclusion of HUP in trial, loss of autonomy in decision-making), and logistical accessibility (time commitment). HUP who participated in a trial appreciated additional psychosocial support and clinical monitoring. Patients were emphatically interested in genomic testing and cancer clinical trials when presented as the best course of care, though concerns about side effects from trials persisted. Patient barriers to genomic testing and clinical trials center around education, mistrust in research, and logistical accessibility. Patients who participated in genomic testing and clinical trials had a positive experience. Barriers may be addressed with tailored education, including supportive resources referral. Citation Format: Nadine J. McCleary. Barriers to genomic testing reduce clinical trial eligibility for diverse populations [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr C070.

Psychological Distress Among Women With Breast Cancer in Saudi Arabia: A Phenomenological Study.

Breast cancer has a negative impact on the psychological status of women.. In Saudi Arabia, there is limited research exploring the experience of women with breast cancer regarding the psychological influence of breast cancer. To explore the experience of women with breast cancer regarding the psychological distress of breast cancer in Saudi Arabia. A descriptive phenomenological study was used. Semi-structured interviews were utilized to gather information from a purposive sample of 11 patients with breast cancer who were receiving treatment at the Princess Noorah Oncology Center (PNOC) at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The study employed thematic analysis to discern significant themes concerning psychological stress. Results: The study revealed that patients' psychological distress was a significant factor influencing their daily lives. This study also revealed four themes: psychological distress from the diagnosis and treatment side effects of breast cancer, daily and work-related activities reduction, the importance of social support, and the coping strategies employed by women with cancer. Breast cancer leads to significant psychological distress. Interventional programs are needed to address the psychological distress that women with cancer experience and provide the necessary support for them to employ positive coping strategies.

Clinical Usefulness of Fagotti’s Predictive Index Value, and Its Correlation with CT Based Peritoneal Cancer Index: Experience from a Tertiary Care Oncology Center in South India

Clinical Usefulness of Fagotti’s Predictive Index Value, and Its Correlation with CT Based Peritoneal Cancer Index: Experience from a Tertiary Care Oncology Center in South India

Side Effect Profile of Arimidex vs. Femara: A Comparison Study

Background: Background: Aromatase inhibitors, Arimidex (anastrozole) and Femara (letrozole), are commonly used in the treatment of hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Despite similar efficacy, these drugs have different side effect profiles that impact patient compliance and quality of life.Objective: To compare the incidence and severity of side effects between Arimidex and Femara in postmenopausal women with HR+ breast cancer.Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted involving 1,000 postmenopausal women with HR+ breast cancer from multiple oncology centers. Participants were divided into two groups: Arimidex (n=500) and Femara (n=500). Side effects were assessed via patient self-reports, clinical evaluations, and standardized questionnaires. Data were analyzed using chi-square tests, t-tests, and logistic regression models, with p-values &lt;0.05 considered significant.Results: Arimidex was associated with higher rates of joint pain (45% vs. 30%, p&lt;0.001) and muscle pain (38% vs. 25%, p&lt;0.01). Femara showed increased rates of hypertension (28% vs. 20%, p&lt;0.05) and significant bone density loss (18% vs. 12%, p&lt;0.05).Conclusion: Arimidex and Femara exhibit distinct side effect profiles, suggesting the need for personalized treatment approaches based on patient risk factors.

Standardizing Chemotherapy Education to Improve Patient Satisfaction at an Ambulatory Oncology Center.

This quality improvement project implemented a standardized chemotherapy class for newly diagnosed patients receiving oncology care at an urban ambulatory oncology center. Results showed high scores on patient satisfaction qu.

Equipoise Lost? Trial Conduct Challenges in an Era of Breakthrough Therapies.

FDA Oncology Center's @Falleh_Fallah and colleagues discuss loss of equipoise and other trial conduct challenges in an era of breakthrough therapies - via @JCO_ASCO.