National Cancer Institute Center Research Articles

Abstract LB139: Disparities in oral precancerous lesion surveillance in the United States upper Midwest

Abstract Objective: To determine whether geographic representation and race of patients in a regional oral cancer surveillance program (University of Minnesota Cancer Active Surveillance Population (UMN CASP)) mirror characteristics in the corresponding National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated comprehensive cancer center catchment. Introduction: Oral cancer poses a significant public health concern that may be mitigated through lesion surveillance. Representation of patients for clinical trials throughout an NCI cancer center catchment area is a crucial goal to promote improved health outcomes. This study investigates the demographic landscape of patients with preneoplastic oral lesions seen at the CASP. Methods: Through the UMN Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, we queried 30 International Classification of Disease (ICD) 9 and 10 codes corresponding to 120 unique mucosal oral precancerous lesion descriptors of CASP patients. Automated extraction of electronic medical record (EMR) data for 4,496 patients treated by the senior author between 2011 and 2023 identified 1,375 patients with preneoplastic lesions. The proportion of patients residing in three-digit zip code regions of Minnesota were compared to 2021 American Community Survey state population data. Additionally, race data were compared between CASP patients and the UMN Masonic Cancer Center (MCC) patient catchment data. Results: CASP patients were over-represented relative to state population distributions within the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area and surrounding suburbs (region 554 p<0.0001 and region 551 p<0.0001). Under-representation of CASP patients was observed in all western and southern border regions (regions 559 p<0.0001, 560 p<0.0001, 561 p<0.0001, 562 p=0.0037, 565 p<0.0001, and 567 p=0.0006) as well as portions of central (563 p<0.0001), northern (566 p=0.0015), and north-eastern (558 p<0.0001) Minnesota. Proportional representation was observed in several regions of central (553 and 564), eastern (550), and north-eastern (557 and 556) Minnesota. Comparisons of CASP race data revealed a higher proportion of black patients (CASP 8.59% [95% CI 7.17-10.27%] vs. MCC 7.16% [95% CI 7.14-7.17%]) and a lower proportion of Asian/Pacific Islander patients (CASP 3.74% [95% CI 2.82-4.94%] vs. MCC 5.32% [95% CI 5.30-5.34%]) relative to MCC catchment patients. White, American Indian/Alaskan Native, and mixed-race groups were proportionally represented in both data sets. Conclusions: These data show that system wide EMR searches can be implemented to identify patients in an NCI cancer center catchment area with precancerous or other at-risk conditions for cancer. Importantly, Native patients were proportionally represented in the screening program while several rural locations were under-represented. This information can instruct the expenditure of additional resources for under-represented groups and permit streamlined enrollment of patients for cancer prevention clinical trials. Citation Format: Alexander J. Dwyer, Lindsey Mortensen, Beverly R. Wuertz, Frank G. Ondrey. Disparities in oral precancerous lesion surveillance in the United States upper Midwest [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 2 (Late-Breaking, Clinical Trial, and Invited Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(7_Suppl):Abstract nr LB139.

A safety net for safety net hospitals: Affiliation with cancer centers and survival outcomes in patients with metastatic genitourinary cancers.

543 Background: Safety net hospitals (SNH) care for a substantial proportion of medically vulnerable populations (MVP). Addressing health disparities at a hospital level through partnerships with cancer centers is a potential strategy to improve outcomes of MVPs. We thus compared outcomes for metastatic prostate (mPCa), kidney (mKCa), and urothelial cancer (mUCC) among National Cancer Institute centers (NCI), NCI affiliated SNH (NCI-SNH), and non-affiliated SNH using the Texas Cancer Registry (TCR). Methods: The TCR has 98% case ascertainment of all cancers diagnosed in Texas. The TCR can identify each facility where a patient was diagnosed and treated, allowing detailed hospital level comparisons of outcomes. The TCR was queried from 2004-2017 for mPCa, mKCa, and mUCC. Publicly available data identified Texas NCIs. The top quartile of Disproportionate Share Hospital Index values identified SNH. SNH with established relationships to NCI were designated NCI-SNH and remainder were SNH. Non-SNH were hospitals not affiliated with NCI nor SNH. MVPs were defined as age > 75, non-US natives, non-whites, and uninsured or Medicaid patients. Cox multivariable regression was used to assess overall mortality (OM). Results: Of the 1,048,464 patients in TCR, MVPs accounted for 44.7% of cases. The SNHs and NCI-SNHs accounted for 53.1% of all MVP cancer care statewide. MVPs were the majority of cases within NCI-SNH compared to other SNH or NCI (80% vs 45% vs 37.1%, p<0.01). TCR identified 20,503 metastatic genitourinary (GU) cancers. For mPCa, rates of hormone therapy were similar between NCI-SNH (76.7%) and NCI (76.2%), but greater than SNH (51.5%) or non-SNH (49.7%) ( p<0.01). Receipt of chemotherapy or immunotherapy was greater at NCI-SNH compared to other SNH or non-SNH for both mKCa (36.1% vs 31.1% vs 27.1%, p<0.01) and mUCC (44.0% vs 36.7% vs 33.2%, p<0.01). On multivariable cox analysis, equivalent OM between NCI and NCI-SNH for any metastatic GU cancer (Table). OM was worse at other SNH and non-SNH compared to NCI (Table). Conclusions: Medically vulnerable patients made up almost half of cancer care in Texas and majority were cared for at SNH. NCI-SNHs had equivalent OM to NCI and superior OM compared to other SNH. Future initiatives to improve cancer care should focus on strengthening existing relationships between NCI and SNH, and examine mechanisms to centralize care of MVPs to these facilities.[Table: see text]

Implementation of Virtual Integrative Oncology Shared Medical Appointment Series (VIOSMAS) Within Mixed Diagnosis Population.

Integrative oncology [IO] is sought-after by patients, endorsed by clinical guidelines, and valued within National Cancer Institute Centers. Shared Medical Appointments [SMA] leverage health education and social connection to deliver enhanced patient experience, population health, cost-reduction, and clinician well-being. Integrative Oncology Shared Medical Appointments increase access to integrative medicine but delivering these services via telehealth have not been evaluated. We created, and pilot tested a Virtual Integrative Oncology Shared Medical Appointment Series (VIOSMAS) to assess its feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy at an urban academic teaching hospital. The 7-session hour-long Living Well with and after Cancer series included didactics, multi-disciplinary experiential sessions, and group discussion. Topics included (1) Introduction, (2) Herbs/Botanicals/Fungi, (3) Mindful Movement, (4) Acupuncture, (5) Narratives and Nature, (6) Diet and Culinary Medicine, and (7) Vitamins/Supplements. Virtual visits via telehealth were offered to enhance patient participation during the pandemic. Outcome measures included recruitment, retention, pre/post-series patient survey and qualitative clinician feedback. Between 9/2021 and 4/2023, 72 unique patients were recruited to 5 cohorts and had a total of 332 VIOSMAS visits. A total of 50 patients (69%) attended 4 or more of the 7-session series; 60 (83% were women); patients ranged in age from 28 to 93 years (median 66); 36 (50%) lived outside the city center; the most common cancer diagnoses were breast, lymphoma, and lung cancer. Patients were from diverse demographics. Pre-program, patients reported desiring assistance in addressing diverse symptoms including fatigue, insomnia, pain, gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, anxiety, and depression. Post-series, patients reported that the VIOSMAS addressed their goals and symptoms; they also reported incorporating recommended lifestyle changes in diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management; they were satisfied with the number of sessions and telehealth format. The participating clinicians reported high levels of satisfaction with VIOSMAS. Revenue to the institution from VIOSMAS exceeded the revenue potential of equivalent time spent for individual visits while supporting extended physician-patient contact. VIOSMAS is feasible for patients and clinicians, addresses patients' symptoms and questions about lifestyle and complementary therapies, and generates more revenue than individual visits. Larger implementation trials with appropriate comparison groups are recommended.

Impact of Specialized Treatment Setting on Survival in Adolescent and Young Adult ALL.

Unlike children with ALL who receive cancer care primarily at specialized cancer centers (SCCs; National Cancer Institute and/or Children's Oncology Group centers), adolescents and young adults (AYAs; 15-39 years) receive care in a variety of settings. Using population-based data, we describe where AYAs with ALL receive treatment and determine associations with overall survival (OS). Data from the 2004 to 2018 California (CA, n = 2,283), New York (NY, n = 795), and Texas (TX, n = 955) state cancer registries were used to identify treatment setting of AYAs with newly diagnosed ALL. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models evaluated associations with OS. Seventy percent were older than 18 years, and 65% were male. A majority in CA (63%) and TX (64%) were Hispanic while most in NY were non-Hispanic White (50%). Treatment at an SCC occurred in 48.2% (CA), 44.4% (NY), and 19.5% (TX). Across states, AYAs who were older or uninsured were less likely to receive treatment at an SCC. Treatment at an SCC was associated with superior OS in CA (hazard ratio [HR], 0.73; 95% CI, 0.63 to 0.85) and TX (HR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.45 to 0.83); a nonsignificant association was seen in NY (HR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.64 to 1.08). Only 20%-50% of AYA patients with ALL received frontline treatment at SCCs. Treatment of ALL at an SCC was associated with superior survival, highlighting the importance of policy efforts to improve access and reduce inequities in AYA ALL care.

National Cancer Institute Centers With Environmental Sustainability Plans for Climate Change

This qualitative study investigates environmental sustainability plans at National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Centers and affiliated institutions.

Creating and Activating an Implementation Community to Drive HPV Vaccine Uptake in Texas: The Role of an NCI-Designated Cancer Center.

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, a comprehensive cancer center designated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), defines its service population area as the State of Texas (29.1 M), the second most populous state in the country and the state with the greatest number of uninsured residents in the United States. Consistent with a novel and formal commitment to prevention as part of its core mission, alongside clear opportunities in Texas to drive vaccine uptake, MD Anderson assembled a transdisciplinary team to develop an institutional Framework to increase adolescent HPV vaccination and reduce HPV-related cancer burden. The Framework was developed and activated through a four-phase approach aligned with the NCI Cancer Center Support Grant Community Outreach and Engagement component. MD Anderson identified collaborators through data-driven outreach and constructed a portfolio of collaborative multi-sector initiatives through review processes designed to assess readiness, impact and sustainability. The result is an implementation community of 78 institutions collaboratively implementing 12 initiatives within a shared measurement framework impacting 18 counties. This paper describes a structured and rigorous process to set up the implementation of a multi-year investment in evidence-based strategies to increase HPV vaccination that solves challenges preventing implementation of recommended strategies and to encourage similar initiative replication.

Abstract 41: Global Oncology Projects at NCI-Designated Cancer Centers: A Focus on Implementation Science

Abstract Purpose: Advancing global cancer research and control in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is a key priority for the U.S. National Cancer Institute (NCI) Center for Global Health (CGH). As a part of this work CGH supports a network of 71 NCI-Designated Cancer Centers in their international activities, and regularly surveys cancer centers to understand their global oncology related activities. For the 2021 survey, CGH asked cancer centers to indicate which of their global oncology projects focused on implementation science (IS), a CGH strategic priority that relates to the theme of ASGCR 2023. Methods: CGH fielded an online survey from July 2021 through January 2022 to understand cancer centers’ non-NIH-funded global oncology programs, activities, and projects. Global oncology leads and principal investigators (PIs) were asked to report project details and areas of focus. Analysis was conducted in Microsoft Excel and Python. Comparable NIH-funded awards were sourced from NIH internal systems. Results: 52 cancer centers reported details of 447 non-NIH funded global oncology projects, of which, 33 cancer centers reported 125 IS projects. IS projects covered all six Common Scientific Outline (CSO) codes, with the top code being Early Detection, Diagnosis, and Prognosis (86 projects). All coded project types were reported (research, capacity building/training, and clinical practice), with most projects categorized as research (96 projects). IS projects included collaborators from 48 countries, including 32 LMICs. These data were compared to fiscal year 2021 grants to cancer centers from the NIH Dissemination and Implementation Research (DIRH) program. While the DIRH program is not the only IS funding from NIH, only one DIRH grant to a cancer center included a foreign collaborator, suggesting that cancer centers are mostly using non-NIH funding for IS work. Conclusion: A substantial proportion of cancer centers’ non-NIH funded global oncology work is focused on IS, and further analysis of these projects is warranted. CGH will use these and other results of this survey to inform research priorities and encourage collaboration between cancer centers and international partners. These data can be used by the global oncology community to further advance NCI-Designated Cancer Center-led work in IS. Citation Format: Allison Frank, Elise Garton, Linsey Eldridge, Mishka Kohli Cira, Kalina Duncan. Global Oncology Projects at NCI-Designated Cancer Centers: A Focus on Implementation Science [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 11th Annual Symposium on Global Cancer Research; Closing the Research-to-Implementation Gap; 2023 Apr 4-6. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 41.

Performance of standardised colposcopy to detect cervical precancer and cancer for triage of women testing positive for human papillomavirus: results from the ESTAMPA multicentric screening study

Colposcopy, currently included in WHO recommendations as an option to triage human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive women, remains as the reference standard to guide both biopsy for confirmation of cervical precancer and cancer and treatment approaches. We aim to evaluate the performance of colposcopy to detect cervical precancer and cancer for triage in HPV-positive women. This cross-sectional, multicentric screening study was conducted at 12 centres (including primary and secondary care centres, hospitals, laboratories, and universities) in Latin America (Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Honduras, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay). Eligible women were aged 30-64 years, sexually active, did not have a history of cervical cancer or treatment for cervical precancer or a hysterectomy, and were not planning to move outside of the study area. Women were screened with HPV DNA testing and cytology. HPV-positive women were referred to colposcopy using a standardised protocol, including biopsy collection of observed lesions, endocervical sampling for transformation zone (TZ) type 3, and treatment as needed. Women with initial normal colposcopy or no high-grade cervical lesions on histology (less than cervical intraepithelial neoplasia [CIN] grade 2) were recalled after 18 months for another HPV test to complete disease ascertainment; HPV-positive women were referred for a second colposcopy with biopsy and treatment as needed. Diagnostic accuracy of colposcopy was assessed by considering a positive test result when the colposcopic impression at the initial colposcopy was positive minor, positive major, or suspected cancer, and was considered negative otherwise. The main study outcome was histologically confirmed CIN3+ (defined as grade 3 or worse) detected at the initial visit or 18-month visit. Between Dec 12, 2012, and Dec 3, 2021, 42 502 women were recruited, and 5985 (14·1%) tested positive for HPV. 4499 participants with complete disease ascertainment and follow-up were included in the analysis, with a median age of 40·6 years (IQR 34·7-49·9). CIN3+ was detected in 669 (14·9%) of 4499 women at the initial visit or 18-month visit (3530 [78·5%] negative or CIN1, 300 [6·7%] CIN2, 616 [13·7%] CIN3, and 53 [1·2%] cancers). Sensitivity was 91·2% (95% CI 88·9-93·2) for CIN3+, whereas specificity was 50·1% (48·5-51·8) for less than CIN2 and 47·1% (45·5-48·7) for less than CIN3. Sensitivity for CIN3+ significantly decreased in older women (93·5% [95% CI 91·3-95·3] in those aged 30-49 years vs 77·6% [68·6-85·0] in those aged 50-65 years; p<0·0001), whereas specificity for less than CIN2 significantly increased (45·7% [43·8-47·6] vs 61·8% [58·7-64·8]; p<0·0001). Sensitivity for CIN3+ was also significantly lower in women with negative cytology than in those with abnormal cytology (p<0·0001). Colposcopy is accurate for CIN3+ detection in HPV-positive women. These results reflect ESTAMPA efforts in an 18-month follow-up strategy to maximise disease detection with an internationally validated clinical management protocol and regular training, including quality improvement practices. We showed that colposcopy can be optimised with proper standardisation to be used as triage in HPV-positive women. WHO; Pan American Health Organization; Union for International Cancer Control; National Cancer Institute (NCI); NCI Center for Global Health; National Agency for the Promotion of Research, Technological Development, and Innovation; NCI of Argentina and Colombia; Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social; National Council for Science and Technology of Paraguay; International Agency for Research on Cancer; and all local collaborative institutions.

Social Determinants of Health Associated with How Cannabis is Obtained and Used in Patients with Cancer Receiving Care at a Cancer Treatment Center in Pennsylvania.

Despite increased rates of cannabis use among patients with cancer, there are gaps in our understanding of barriers to accessing cannabis. Social determinants of health (SDoH) are associated with access to healthcare, but few studies have evaluated how SDoH relate to cannabis access and use among cancer patients. We examined whether access to and modes of cannabis use differed across indicators of SDoH among patients receiving treatment from a large National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated cancer center. This anonymous cross-sectional survey was developed in collaboration with the NCI Cannabis Supplement consortium, which funded 12 supplements to NCI Center Core Grants across the United States. We evaluated the association of race, gender, income, and age with mode of cannabis use, source of obtaining cannabis, what influences their purchase, and medical cannabis certification status. Overall, 1,053 patients receiving treatment for cancer in Pennsylvania completed the survey and 352 (33.4%) reported using cannabis since their cancer diagnosis. Patients who identified as Black/African-American were less likely to have medical cannabis certifications (p=0.04). Males and Black/African-Americans were more likely to report smoking cannabis (vs other forms, ps<0.01) and to purchase cannabis from an unlicensed dealer/seller (p<0.01). Lower-income patients were more likely to be influenced by price and ease of access (ps<0.05). Although cannabis users were younger than non-users, age was not associated with any outcomes. The current data shed light on how critical drivers of health disparities (such as race, gender, and income) are associated with where patients with cancer obtain cannabis, what forms they use, and what may influence their purchase decisions.

Patient, Physician, Hospital Factors Associated With Readmission After Radical Cystectomy

Patient and clinical factors are the most commonly identified variables associated with hospital readmission after radical cystectomy, but other factors may be important drivers of outcomes, such as hospital and physician characteristics. This study investigates the contribution of patient, physician, and hospital factors in hospital readmission after radical cystectomy. This was a retrospective review of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare database focusing on bladder cancer patients who underwent radical cystectomy between 2007 and 2016. Medicare claims were identified using International Statistical Classification of Diseases-9/-10 or Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System codes from Medicare Provider Analysis and Review or National Claims History claims, from which the annual hospital/physician volumes were calculated and classified as low, medium, and high. A multivariable analysis was done for 90-day readmission as the outcome using a multilevel model to explore the association between readmission and characteristics of patient, hospital, and physician. Models with random intercepts were constructed to consider the variation from hospital and physician. Of 3,530 patients, 1,291 (36.6%) were readmitted within 90 days of the index surgery. On multilevel multivariable analysis, factors significantly associated with readmission included continent urinary diversion (OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.21, 2.00), greater National Cancer Institute comorbidity index (2<4 vs 0-<2, OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.05, 1.75; 4+ vs 0-<2, OR 1.76, 95% CI 1.20, 2.58), American Joint Committee on Cancer stage (P = .04), and hospital region (P = .05). Neither hospital volume, physician volume, teaching hospital status, nor National Cancer Institute center designation was associated with hospital readmission. The main source of variation was determined to be the patient factors (95.89%), followed by the physician (1.43%), and then hospital (2.68%) factors. Patient-specific factors are the most important in impacting the odds of readmission after radical cystectomy, while hospital and physician factors contribute minimally to this outcome.

Are National Cancer Centers Prepared to Deliver Climate-Smart, Resilient Healthcare? An Overview and Analysis of Organizations' Sustainability Plans

<h3>Purpose/Objective(s)</h3> Climate change will be the greatest global health threat of the 21st century. The impact on human health is well-documented and expected to increase if mitigation efforts remain inadequate. The health care sector and oncologists are on the front line of this crisis with vulnerable and marginalized patients bearing the burdens of a changing climate. Equally important, healthcare significantly contributes to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In the U.S., healthcare is responsible for nearly 8.5% of GHG emissions and the loss of 388,000 disability-adjusted life-years annually. Cancer care encapsulates a significant portion of hospital resources. Therefore, it is imperative and urgent that cancer centers actively engage in transitioning to delivering climate-smart, resilient healthcare. Today, centers' engagement in sustainability planning remains largely unknown. This comprehensive review reports on the existence of publicly available sustainability plans at National Cancer Institute (NCI) Cancer Centers and their affiliations. <h3>Materials/Methods</h3> An online review of 64 NCI designated Comprehensive/Cancer Centers and affiliated hospitals/universities was performed using standardized search terms to identify organizations' publicly accessible sustainability plans. Quality of the plans was assessed based on the existence of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Scope 1, 2, 3 emissions. Key personnel and hospital leaders were identified and contacted to understand the centers' involvement in affiliated hospital/university plans. Independent t-tests were utilized to assess the relationship between state cancer incidence rates/per capita and the presence of a sustainability plan. <h3>Results</h3> Amongst the 64 Cancer Centers, only two centers (3%) had independent sustainability plans, although 7 (11%) centers mentioned sustainability on their homepage. A total of 55 of the affiliated hospitals/universities had publicly available sustainability plans (36 university, 12 hospital, and 7 joint hospital/university). A majority (77%) of hospitals with plans also had appointed sustainability leadership. In states where a hospital had a sustainability plan, there was a higher cancer incidence rate (p = 0.052), but there were no significant relationships with specific cancer disease sites (breast [p=0.090], colon [p=0.078], lung [p=0.088], prostate [p=0.696]). <h3>Conclusion</h3> Our findings highlight the critical gap in NCI Cancer Centers' involvement in transitioning to environmentally sustainable and resilient healthcare that will be necessary as cancer patients are affected by the imminent changes of climate. While most centers do not independently report on sustainability efforts, the majority (84%) of their affiliations have publicly accessible sustainability plans. Thus, highlighting the opportunity for centers to partner with their affiliated organizations, and together, ensure a future of climate-smart care for all patients and communities.

Mapping global oncology priorities: A survey of the directors of the NCI-designated cancer centers.

11008 Background: By 2040, an estimated 69% of all cancer deaths globally will occur in LMICs. Recognizing this, ASCO formed the Academic Global Oncology Task Force in 2017 to help formalize the global oncology (GO) field. Their recommendations included: better engagement with the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Center for Global Health (CGH), increased funding, and development of forums to highlight global cancer research and control activities. To further clarify how GO programs are defined and to better understand the perspectives and needs of cancer research leaders, CGH conducted a survey of the 71 Directors at the NCI-Designated Cancer Centers (NDCC). Methods: A 19-question survey was designed using Microsoft Forms and sent to the NDCC Directors via email. Responses were collected from July to September 2021. Two coders reviewed the qualitative responses to categorize the data into thematic areas. Analyses were conducted in Microsoft Excel. Results: Seventy of 71 (99%) NDCC Directors responded to the survey. 41 NDCCs (59%) reported dedicated GO programs or plans to create such a program within 5 years. Additionally, 16 Directors reported GO activities without a dedicated program, while 13 reported no GO activities. The Directors described GO as having high/extremely high (39%) or moderate (50%) importance relative to other priorities, across all types of NDCCs (basic, clinical, or comprehensive). Eight NDCCs (11%) described GO as a low priority or non-priority. 31 NDCCs (44%) reported dedicated funding for GO activities. Directors estimated interest in GO to be higher among junior faculty and trainees than senior and mid-career faculty. Future goals for established or developing GO programs included: recruitment of leadership, formalizing a strategic vision, establishing partnerships, and increasing the number of activities with international collaborations. Barriers noted were limited funding, limited capacity and expertise, and prioritizing the needs in domestic NDCC catchment areas. Conclusions: Despite variation across NDCCs, GO interest is strong as expressed by Center Directors. Strategic planning, increased funding, and improved collaboration within and between NDCCs were reported as necessary to strengthen GO at NDCCs. Continued leadership from ASCO, the NCI, and other international organizations can help facilitate dialogue and increase the prioritization of GO activities at NDCCs.

Exploring perceptions of gender bias in oncology: A survey study.

11056 Background: Gender inequalities contribute to burnout and have contributed to an ongoing exodus of women from academic oncology. Our aim was to explore the perceptions and experiences of oncology professionals regarding gender bias in the workplace with the hope of providing critical information to support equity initiatives. Methods: An anonymous, 22-question survey was sent via Survey Monkey to 1512 physicians with oncology-related specialties from National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated cancer centers whose emails were publicly available. Likert-scale questions (never-rarely-sometimes-often-very often) were analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon rank sum tests (percentages shown as frequency of having responded “sometimes-often-very often”). Chi-square test was used for categorical variables. Results: A total of 274 physicians completed the survey (response rate 18%): 152 (55.5%) self-identified as female (F); 112 (42%) as male (M); 7 (2.6%) as gender non-conforming or transgender; 3 (1.1%) chose not to answer. Most were White (59.9%), followed by Asian (20.4%), Middle Eastern (5.8 %), Multiracial (5.1%), Hispanic (3.6%), and Black (1.5%). The plurality (n = 103; 37.6%) were &lt; 40 years old. Primary fields of practice included 118 (43.1%) in adult oncology, 45 (16.4%) in combined hematology/oncology, 44 (16.1%) in radiation oncology, 44 (16.1%) in adult hematology, and 23 (8.4%) in other specialties. Female gender was associated with experiencing gender bias more often than male gender in the following areas: clinical practice (80.9% F vs 20.6% M), research activities (73.0% F vs 15.2% M), having difficulty balancing work and non-work responsibilities (95.4% F vs 78.6% M), being held to higher standards compared to physicians of other genders (73.1% F vs 14.2% M), being mistaken as a non-physician (78.9% F vs 6.3% M), and being scrutinized by others while tending to childcare needs (48.8% F vs 23.2% M) (all p &lt;.001). Female gender was associated with using techniques to navigate gender challenges more often than male gender, including wearing a white coat (55% F vs 7% M; p &lt;.001), ensuring that “Doctor” is written on identification (33% F vs 3% M; p =.002), emphasizing a professional look (53% F vs 10% M; p =.003) and working harder to establish expertise in the field (72% F vs 18% M; p =.003). When asked about strategies to address workplace gender-related bias, 63% would like policies on gender-related discrimination, (66.4% F vs 65.2% M; p =.93), 62% would like policies that prioritize leadership representation (74.3% F vs 51.8% M; p &lt;.001), and relatively few (37%) would prefer formal lectures/instruction for staff (38.2% F vs 37.5% M; p &gt;.99). Conclusions: Self-identified female academic oncologists at NCI Cancer Centers reported facing gender-related challenges in daily practice at much higher rates than men. There is a clear need to identify root causes and create initiatives to promote gender equity in the field of oncology.

Variation of use of targeted therapies and molecular diagnostic testing by practice type for non-small cell lung cancer and colorectal cancer.

6551 Background: Targeted therapies are important first-line treatments for many patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and colorectal cancer (CRC). All patients with newly-diagnosed metastatic NSCLC and CRC should undergo molecular diagnostic testing to guide treatment selection. Methods: We used 100% Medicare fee-for-service data from 2015 through 2019 to identify beneficiaries with incident metastatic NSCLC or CRC receiving systemic therapy and to assign beneficiaries to oncology practices. We then assessed for use of molecular diagnostic testing and targeted therapies in these cohorts. We used linear mixed effects models to assess patient and practice characteristics associated with molecular diagnostic testing and targeted therapy use. Results: Rates of molecular diagnostic testing increased between 2015 and 2019 for NSCLC and CRC. In 2019, rates of molecular diagnostic testing were 85% and 65% for NSCLC and CRC, respectively. Rates of targeted therapy use did not increase over time for NSCLC or CRC, and were 8% and 5%, respectively, in 2019. Compared to National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer centers, rates of molecular diagnostic testing for CRC were 3.7 percentage points lower at practices associated with non-academic hospitals and 10.6 percentage points lower at small independent practices. Rates of targeted therapy use for NSCLC were 4.8, 5.9 and 5.5 percentage points lower at academic medical centers, large independent practices and small independent practices, respectively, compared to NCI centers. Conclusions: Rates of molecular diagnostic testing for NSCLC and CRC increased in recent years, but testing rates remain below recommended levels, and targeted therapy use remains low. Substantial variation in testing and targeted therapy use by practice type suggest that the practice where a patient is treated may impact access to recommended testing and efficacious treatments. [Table: see text]

An evaluation of trends in the representation of patients by age, sex, and diverse race/ethnic groups in bladder and kidney cancer clinical trials.

To determine the representation of women, minorities, and the elderly groups in clinical trials and whether participation has changed over time. Retrospective study in the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Clinical Data Update System and Center for Disease Control and Prevention United States Cancer Statistics 2000 to 2019. We compared cancer incidence proportion to proportion of patients enrolled in an NCI trial when stratified by race/ethnicity, sex, and age. We performed multivariable analysis to determine the odds of participating in a clinical trial in 2015 to 2019 when compared to 2000 to 2004. This study included 14,094 patients, 12,169 (86.3%) non-Hispanic White patients, 662 (4.7%) Black patients, and 660 (4.7%) Hispanic patients. There were 3,701 (26.3%) female patients and 10,393 (73.7%) male patients. For bladder cancer clinical trials, Black patients and Hispanic patients were underrepresented in clinical trials compared to Non-Hispanic White patients (odds ratio [OR] 0.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.57-0.88, P = 0.002) and (OR 0.69, 95%CI 0.54-0.88, P = 0.003), respectively. For kidney cancer trials, Black and Hispanic patients were underrepresented in clinical trials compared to Non-Hispanic White patients (OR 0.42, OR 0.33-0.54, P < 0.001) and (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.55-0.83, P < 0.001), respectively. Women were underrepresented in kidney cancer trials compared to men (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.72-0.89) and similarly for bladder cancer trials (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.64-0.81, P < 0.001). For bladder cancer trials, the participation of Black patients over time (OR 1.04, P = 0.814) and female patients over time (OR 1.03, P = 0.741) were unchanged. For kidney cancer trials, the participation of Black patients over time (OR 1.17, P = 0.293) and female patients over time (OR 1.03, P = 0.663) participation was also unchanged. In this study of clinical trials in bladder and kidney cancer, we identified that Blacks, Hispanics, and females were underrepresented. Additionally, Black and female participation was unchanged over the span of 20 years.

MP03-17 PATIENT, PHYSICIAN, HOSPITAL FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH READMISSION AFTER RADICAL CYSTECTOMY

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 May 2022MP03-17 PATIENT, PHYSICIAN, HOSPITAL FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH READMISSION AFTER RADICAL CYSTECTOMY Kassem Faraj, Lanyu Mi, and Mark Tyson Kassem FarajKassem Faraj More articles by this author , Lanyu MiLanyu Mi More articles by this author , and Mark TysonMark Tyson More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000002515.17AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Radical Cystectomy (RC) is associated with significant morbidity and a result, high complication rates. Patient, or clinical factors, are the most commonly identified variables associated with hospital readmission. Other factors that may be important include hospital and physician characteristics, which have been suggested as contributing factors for readmission in other major surgeries. This study investigates the contribution of patient, physician and hospital factors on hospital readmission after RC. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER)-Medicare database focusing on bladder cancer patients who underwent RC between 2007-2016. These claims were identified using ICD-9/ICD-10 or HCPCS codes from MEDPAR or NCH claims, from which the annual hospital and physician volumes were calculated and classified as low, medium and high. Univariate and multivariable analyses were done for 90-day readmission as the outcome using a multilevel model to explore the association between readmission and characteristics of patient, hospital, and physician. Models with random intercepts were constructed to consider the variation from hospital and physician. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for hospital, physician and patient levels were also calculated. RESULTS: In 3530 patients, 1291 (36.6%) were readmitted within 90 days of the index surgery. On univariate analysis, continent urinary diversion (OR 1.533), greater NCI comorbidity score (OR 1.460 for NCI 2-4 vs <2; OR 1.754 for NCI >4 vs <2), robotic approach (OR 1.210), AJCC stage (stage III vs stage I, OR 0.777), hospital length of stay (OR 1.037), Northeast vs Western hospital location (OR 4.19), and any postoperative complication (OR 6.790) were significantly (p <0.05) associated with 90-day hospital readmission. On multilevel multivariable analysis, factors significantly (p <0.05) associated with 90-day readmission included continent urinary diversion (OR 1.462), robotic approach (OR 1.299), and any postoperative complication (OR 6.865). Neither hospital volume, physician volume, hospital region, teaching hospital status, nor NCI center designation were associated with hospital readmission. The main source of variation was determined to be at the patient (92.5%), followed by the physician (5.1%), and then hospital (2.4%) levels. CONCLUSIONS: Ninety-day hospital readmission at the time of RC is high, with around one-third of patients requiring a readmission. Patient-specific factors are the most important in impacting the odds of readmission, while hospital and physician factors contribute minimally to this outcome. Consequently, efforts to reduce readmission rates should focus on the patient level. Source of Funding: This study was supported by Grant Number P30 CA015083 from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) from the Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for Health Care Delivery Science (M.D.T.), the Christian Haub Family Career Development Award for Cancer Research Honoring Dr Richard Emslander (M.D.T.), and the Eric and Gail Blodgett Foundation (M.D.T.). Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official view of the NIH © 2022 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 207Issue Supplement 5May 2022Page: e27 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2022 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Kassem Faraj More articles by this author Lanyu Mi More articles by this author Mark Tyson More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF DownloadLoading ...

Clinical significance of sentinel lymph node biopsy in differentiated thyroid cancer

Differentiated thyroid cancers are the most common endocrine malignancy and include three main entities: papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC), and Hürthle cell carcinoma (HCC). Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is the most common histologic subtype. Was to review different sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) techniques in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer. We also will compare the detection rates and sensitivity of the different detection methods in these patients and assessment of feasibility and side effects of the different techniques. This study was a cross sectional study, Surgical Oncology Department of National Cancer Institute, Cairo University and Damietta Cancer Center, Ministry of Health and Population. Radionuclide technique (lymphoscintigraphy and gamma probe scanning) was successful in 94.6 % (35/37) of the patients as shown in table 4 and relation between SLN and identification by gamma probe. In the 37 patients, the intraoperative frozen biopsy indicated that 22 patients were experiencing SLN metastases, while post-operative routine pathological examination was able to diagnose three additional patients with lymph node metastases.

Specific TCR V–J gene segment recombinations leading to the identification pan-V–J CDR3s associated with survival distinctions: diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

In the diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) setting, we examined lymph node biopsy, T-cell receptor features, and the DLBLC patient human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles, to provide a basis for assessing survival distinctions represented by the National Cancer Institute Center for Cancer Research (NCICCR) dataset. While previous analyses of other cancer datasets have indicated that specific T-cell receptor (TCR) V or J gene segments, independently, can be associated with a survival distinction, we have here identified V–J recombinations, representing specific V and J gene segments associated with survival distinctions. As specific V–J recombinations represent relatively conserved complementarity determining region-3 (CDR3) amino acid sequences, we assessed the entire DLBCL NCICCR dataset for such conserved CDR3 features. Overall, this approach indicated the opportunity of identifying DLBCL patient subpopulations with TCR CDR3 features, and HLA alleles, with significant survival distinctions, possibly identifying cohorts more likely to benefit from a given immunotherapy.

Abstract PO-211: 2020 Impact on research productivity survey: The Geographic Management of Cancer Health Disparities Program (GMaP) regional response

Abstract Purpose: The Geographic Management of Cancer Health Disparities Program is a national program funded by the National Cancer Institute's Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities (CRCHD). The seven GMaP regions use a multipronged engagement approach to increase recruitment/retention of diverse investigators and to strengthen professional development. This survey was designed to assess if and how the events of 2020 (COVID, racial or political unrest, others) impacted current research productivity, applications for future funding, and publication submission. Methods: A REDCap survey was sent out to each of the GMaP regional listservs in October 2020 and was completed by 150 researchers by early stage (71, 50.0%) and established investigators (36, 25.4%). Half (51%) identified as a non-white race, and 17.8% identifying as Hispanic or Latino. 22.7% of respondents were from Region 4. Responses were recorded via 6 point Likert scale (No Impact, Minimal, Neutral, Significant Impact, Work Stoppage, Expanded Scope) and allowed for qualitative responses. Summary of Results for Region 4: More than half stated the pandemic created “Significant or Work Stoppage” on their current research. Only 11.8% were able to submit intended publications on time. Only 21.2% still planned to submit applications for future funding on their intended timeline. Systemic racism/social unrest was identified as Significant Impact to 50%, along with 47.1% by local/national politics. Qualitative responses provided profound examples of the difficulties researchers have experienced in 2020. Respondents indicated that pilot awards (76.7%) and research support awards (40%) are the best methods to support their career development. Recommendations: The GMaP network with its regional approach is well placed to continue to support the career development needs of their researchers. GMaP opened their trainings to virtual national audiences, and adapted travel award programs to provide smaller Research Support awards (21 awarded) and larger Pilot Awards (4 awarded). GMaP shared the stories of their members with NCI, and advocated for support. These data further inform and enhance specific GMaP program offerings, and help us better advocate for our researchers at the institutional and national level. Citation Format: Carrie Norbeck, Linda Fleisher. 2020 Impact on research productivity survey: The Geographic Management of Cancer Health Disparities Program (GMaP) regional response [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Conference: 14th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2021 Oct 6-8. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022;31(1 Suppl):Abstract nr PO-211.

The Prevalence of Dissemination and Implementation Research and Training Grants at National Cancer Institute–Designated Cancer Centers

BackgroundDissemination and implementation (D&I) research is a key factor in the uptake and use of evidence-based cancer control interventions. National Cancer Institute (NCI)–designated cancer centers are ideal settings in which to further D&I knowledge. The purpose of this study was to summarize the characteristics of NCI-funded D&I science grants in the nation’s cancer centers to understand the nature, extent, and opportunity for this key type of translational work.MethodsWe used the National Institutes of Health Research Portfolio Online Reporting Tool to identify active NCI-funded grants in D&I science at NCI clinical cancer centers (n = 13) and comprehensive cancer centers (n = 51) as well as their academic affiliates. Active projects were eligible for inclusion if they 1) were awarded directly to an NCI cancer center or an academic or research affiliate, and 2) identified D&I content in the abstract. Portfolio data were collected in February 2021.ResultsWe identified 104 active NCI-funded D&I research or training grants across the 64 cancer centers; 57.8% of cancer centers had at least 1 NCI-funded D&I grant. Most awards (71.1%) were for research grants. Training grants constituted 29.1% of D&I-focused grants. Overall, 50.0% of grants (n = 52) concentrated on specific cancers. Almost two-thirds of grants (n = 68, 65.4%) had a stated health equity focus.ConclusionsMore than one-half of NCI-designated cancer centers have active funding in D&I science, reflecting a substantial investment by NCI. There remains considerable room for further development, which would further support NCI’s translational mission.