Accuracy of patient race and ethnicity data in a central cancer registry

PURPOSE

Race and Hispanic ethnicity data can be challenging for central cancer registries to collect. We evaluated the accuracy of the race and Hispanic ethnicity variables collected by the Utah Cancer Registry compared to self-report.

METHODS

Participants were 3,162 cancer survivors who completed questionnaires administered in 2015-2022 by the Utah Cancer Registry. Each survey included separate questions collecting race and Hispanic ethnicity, respectively. Registry-collected race and Hispanic ethnicity were compared to self-reported values for the same individuals. We calculated sensitivity and specificity for each race category and Hispanic ethnicity separately.

RESULTS

Survey participants included 323 (10.2%) survivors identifying as Hispanic, a lower proportion Hispanic than the 12.1% in the registry Hispanic variable (sensitivity 88.2%, specificity 96.5%). For race, 43 participants (1.4%) self-identified as American Indian or Alaska Native (AIAN), 32 (1.0%) as Asian, 23 (0.7%) as Black or African American, 16 (0.5%) Pacific Islander (PI), and 2994 (94.7%) as White. The registry race variable classified a smaller proportion of survivors as members of each of these race groups except White. Sensitivity for classification of race as AIAN was 9.3%, Asian 40.6%, Black 60.9%, PI 25.0%, and specificity for each of these groups was > 99%. Sensitivity and specificity for White were 98.8% and 47.4%.

CONCLUSION

Cancer registry race and Hispanic ethnicity data often did not match the individual's self-identification. Of particular concern is the high proportion of AIAN individuals whose race is misclassified. Continued attention should be directed to the accurate capture of race and ethnicity data by hospitals.

Material financial hardship and insurance-related experiences among Utah's rural and urban cancer survivors

PURPOSE

Describe material financial hardship (e.g., using savings, credit card debt), insurance, and access to care experienced by Utah cancer survivors; investigate urban-rural differences in financial hardship.

METHODS

Cancer survivors were surveyed from 2018 to 2021 about their experiences with financial hardship, access to healthcare, and job lock (insurance preventing employment changes). Weighed percentage responses, univariable and multivariable logistic regression models for these outcomes compared differences in survivors living in rural and urban areas based on Rural-Urban Commuting Area Codes.

RESULTS

The N = 1793 participants were predominantly Non-Hispanic White, female, and 65 or older at time of survey. More urban than rural survivors had a college degree (39.8% vs. 31.0%, p = 0.04). Overall, 35% of survivors experienced ≥ 1 financial hardship. In adjusted analyses, no differences were observed between urban and rural survivors for: material financial hardship, the overall amount of hardship reported, insurance status at survey, access to healthcare, or job lock. Hispanic rural survivors were less likely to report financial hardship than Hispanic urban survivors (odds ratio (OR) = 0.24, 95%CI = 0.08-0.73)). Rural survivors who received chemo/immune therapy as their only treatment were more likely to report at least one instance of financial hardship than urban survivors (OR = 2.72, 95%CI = 1.08-6.86).

CONCLUSIONS

The relationship between rurality and financial hardship among survivors may be most burdensome for patients whose treatments require travel or specialty medication access.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

The impact of living rurally on financial difficulties after cancer diagnoses is complex. Features of rurality that may alter financial difficulty after a cancer diagnosis may vary geographically and instead of considering rurality as a stand-alone factor, these features should be investigated independently.

Validation of a Genomic Classifier in the NRG Oncology/RTOG 0521 Phase III Trial of Docetaxel with Androgen Suppression and Radiotherapy for Localized High-Risk Prostate Cancer

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Decipher is a prognostic genomic classifier (GC) validated in several prospective NRG Oncology Phase III trials. Herein, we validate the GC in pre-treatment biopsy samples for risk stratification in a cohort of high-risk men treated with definitive radiotherapy and androgen suppression with or without docetaxel chemotherapy.

MATERIALS/METHODS

As per a pre-specified and approved NCI analysis plan (Navigator #1061), we obtained available formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue from biopsy specimens from the NRG biobank from patients enrolled on the NRG/RTOG 0521 randomized phase III trial. After central review, the highest-grade tumors were profiled on clinical-grade whole-transcriptome arrays (Veracyte, San Diego, CA) and GC scores were obtained. Pre-specified categorical GC scores, adjusted for archival tissue analysis, were used to define higher (>0.46) and lower (≤0.46) risk groups. The primary objective was to validate the independent prognostic ability of GC for metastasis-free survival (MFS) with Cox multivariable analyses (MVA).

RESULTS

Samples were obtained from 283 consented, evaluable patients with tissue (50% of trial) yielding 183 (65%) GC scores that passed quality metrics, 91 from control and 92 from the interventional arm. Median age was 66 years, median PSA was 19.3 ng/uL (IQR: 8.1-41.4), 81% had clinical stage ≥T2 and 80% had Gleason score ≥8 (47% ≥9). Median GC score was 0.55 (IQR: 0.38-0.78) and overall the arms were balanced for key covariates. With a median follow-up of 9.9 years (IQR: 9.3, 10.7), 67 MFS events including 34 distant metastases (DM) were observed. On MVA, only the GC (per 0.1 unit) was independently associated with MFS (HR 1.12, 95% CI 1.01-1.25) as well as DM (sHR 1.22, 95% CI 1.06-1.41), whereas the 4 pre-defined trial risk groups used for stratification (based on Gleason score, T-stage and PSA), randomization and patient age were not. For categorical GC, on MVA, higher-risk GC patients (65%) had worse DM (sHR 2.82, 95% CI 1.1-7.3) compared to those with lower GC. Cumulative incidence of DM at 10-years was 27% for higher GC vs 9% (95% CI 7-18%) for lower GC. No biomarker-by-treatment interaction with GC and the addition of docetaxel was detected.

CONCLUSION

In pre-treatment biopsy samples from a randomized Phase 3 trial cohort, GC demonstrated its ability to further risk stratify clinically high-risk men demonstrating an independent association of GC score with DM and MFS. High-risk prostate cancer is a heterogeneous disease state and GC can improve risk stratification to help personalize shared decision-making. NRG-GU009/PREDICT-RT (NCT04513717) aims to determine the optimal therapy based on GC score for high-risk prostate cancer.

Transcriptomic Heterogeneity of Metastatic Disease Timing within Metastatic Castration-Sensitive Prostate Cancer

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC) is commonly partitioned into high- and low-volume subgroups which have demonstrated differential biology, prognosis, and response to therapy. Timing of metastasis has similarly demonstrated differences in clinical outcomes, however less is known about any potential underlying biologic differences between these disease states. Herein we aim to compare transcriptomic differences between synchronous and metachronous mCSPC and identify any differential responses to therapy.

MATERIALS/METHODS

We performed an international multi-institutional retrospective review of men with mCSPC who completed RNA expression profiling evaluation of their primary tumor. Patients were stratified according to disease timing (synchronous vs metachronous). The primary endpoint was to identify differences in transcriptomic profiles between disease time. Median genomic scores between groups were compared with Mann-Whitney U test. Secondary analyses included determining clinical and transcriptomic variables associated with overall survival (OS) from time of metastasis. Survival analysis was performed with the Kaplan-Meier Method and Multivariable Cox regression.

RESULTS

A total of 252 patients were included with a median follow-up of 39.6 months. Patients with synchronous disease experienced worse 5-yr OS (39% vs 79%, p<0.01) and demonstrated lower median Androgen Receptor Activity (AR-A) (11.78 vs 12.64, p<0.01) and Hallmark Androgen Response (HAR) (3.15 vs 3.32; p<0.01). Multivariable cox-regression identified only high-volume disease (HR = 4.97, 95% CI 2.71-9.10; p<0.01) and HAR score (HR = 0.51, 95% CI 0.28-0.88; p = 0.02 significantly associated with OS. Finally, patients with synchronous (HR = 0.47, 95% CI 0.30-0.72; <0.01) but not metachronous (HR = 1.37, 95% CI 0.50-3.92; p = 0.56) disease were found to have better OS with Androgen Receptor (AR) + non-AR combination therapy as compared to monotherapy (p value for interaction = 0.05).

CONCLUSION

We have demonstrated a potential biologic difference between metastatic timing of mCSPC. Specifically, for patients with low volume disease, those with metachronous low volume disease have a more hormone dependent transcriptional profile and exhibit a better prognosis than synchronous low volume disease.

Multi-Institutional Analysis of Metastasis Directed Therapy with or without Androgen Deprivation Therapy in Oligometastatic Castration Sensitive Prostate Cancer

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Several prospective trials in oligometastatic castration sensitive prostate cancer (omCSPC) have shown metastasis-directed therapy (MDT) can delay time to progression and initiation of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) compared to observation. However, the optimal integration of ADT with MDT remains unclear. Here we report a multi-national, multi-institutional retrospective cohort of omCSPC treated with MDT to characterize the long-term outcomes of patients treated with MDT alone or in combination with ADT.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Patients with a controlled primary site and omCSPC (defined as ≤ 5 lesions on conventional imaging) treated with MDT with or without concurrent ADT and with at least 36 months follow-up were retrospectively screened across 13 institutions. The primary endpoints included biochemical progression free survival (bPFS) and radiographic progression free survival (rPFS) calculated using Kaplan-Meier method and stratified by treatment group (MDT alone vs MDT + ADT). Multivariable Cox regression was performed adjusted for variables found to be prognostic on univariate analysis.

RESULTS

Among 414 patients screened, a total of 263 patients treated between 2003 and 2018 met inclusion criteria and included. Of these, 105 received MDT alone and 158 received MDT+ADT, with median follow-up of 49.5 and 54.5 months, respectively. The majority were metachronous (90%) and had bone lesions (60%). Median ADT duration was 21.3 months (IQR 12.0- 31.9). Patients who received ADT vs. no ADT had poorer prognostic features including 23% vs. 1% synchronous (p<0.001), and 55% vs 40% Gleason 8-10 (p = 0.012). ADT use was associated with a better 5-year bPFS 24% vs 11% (p<0.0001) and rPFS 41% vs 29% (p<0.001). On multivariable Cox regression adjusting for post-MDT PSA nadir and salvage therapy, ADT use maintained significance for both bPFS (HR 0.51 (0.36, 0.71), p<0.001) and rPFS (HR 0.67, 95% CI 0.46-0.96, p = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

Long-term outcomes with MDT alone suggest a small proportion of patients experience sustained disease control. The addition of ADT appears to improve rPFS, however prospective studies are needed in order to allow for personalization of care in patients with omCSPC.

Transcriptomic and clinical heterogeneity of metastatic disease timing within metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

Metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC) is commonly classified into high- and low-volume subgroups which have demonstrated differential biology, prognosis, and response to therapy. Timing of metastasis has similarly demonstrated differences in clinical outcomes; however, less is known about any underlying biologic differences between these disease states. Herein, we aim to compare transcriptomic differences between synchronous and metachronous mCSPC and identify any differential responses to therapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We performed an international multi-institutional retrospective review of men with mCSPC who completed RNA expression profiling evaluation of their primary tumor. Patients were stratified according to disease timing (synchronous versus metachronous). The primary endpoint was to identify differences in transcriptomic profiles between disease timing. The median transcriptomic scores between groups were compared with the Mann-Whitney U test. Secondary analyses included determining clinical and transcriptomic variables associated with overall survival (OS) from the time of metastasis. Survival analysis was carried out with the Kaplan-Meier method and multivariable Cox regression.

RESULTS

A total of 252 patients were included with a median follow-up of 39.6 months. Patients with synchronous disease experienced worse 5-year OS (39% versus 79%; P < 0.01) and demonstrated lower median androgen receptor (AR) activity (11.78 versus 12.64; P < 0.01) and hallmark androgen response (HAR; 3.15 versus 3.32; P < 0.01). Multivariable Cox regression identified only high-volume disease [hazard ratio (HR) = 4.97, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.71-9.10; P < 0.01] and HAR score (HR = 0.51, 95% CI 0.28-0.88; P = 0.02) significantly associated with OS. Finally, patients with synchronous (HR = 0.47, 95% CI 0.30-0.72; P < 0.01) but not metachronous (HR = 1.37, 95% CI 0.50-3.92; P = 0.56) disease were found to have better OS with AR and non-AR combination therapy as compared with monotherapy (P value for interaction = 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

We have demonstrated a potential biologic difference between metastatic timing of mCSPC. Specifically, for patients with low-volume disease, those with metachronous low-volume disease have a more hormone-dependent transcriptional profile and exhibit a better prognosis than synchronous low-volume disease.

Cancer survivorship experiences in Utah: an evaluation assessing indicators of survivors' quality of life, health behaviors, and access to health services

PURPOSE

The 2016-2020 Utah Comprehensive Cancer Prevention and Control Plan prioritized strategies to address cancer survivorship experiences. In this paper we present estimates for nine indicators evaluating these priorities, trends over time, and assess disparities in survivorship experiences across demographic subgroups.

METHODS

We surveyed a representative sample of Utah cancer survivors diagnosed between 2012 and 2019 with any reportable cancer diagnosis. We calculated weighted percentages and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for each indicator. We assessed change over time using a test for trend across survey years in a logistic regression model and used Rao-Scott F-adjusted chi-square tests to test the association between demographic characteristics and each survivorship indicator.

RESULTS

Most of the 1,793 respondents (93.5%) reported their pain was under control, 85.7% rated their overall health as good, very good, or excellent, but 46.5% experienced physical, mental, or emotional limitations. Only 1.7% of survivors aged 75 or older were current smokers, compared to 5.8% of 65-74-year-olds and 7.9% of survivors aged 55-74 (p < 0.006). No regular physical activity was reported by 20.6% and varied by survivor age and education level. The proportion who received a survivorship care plan increased from 34.6% in 2018 to 43.0% in 2021 (p = 0.025). However, survivors under age 55 were significantly less likely to receive a care plan than older survivors.

CONCLUSION

This representative survey of cancer survivors fills a gap in understanding of the cancer survivorship experience in Utah. Results can be used to evaluate and plan additional interventions to improve survivorship quality of life.

Global survival trends for brain tumors, by histology: analysis of individual records for 556,237 adults diagnosed in 59 countries during 2000-2014 (CONCORD-3)

BACKGROUND

Survival is a key metric of the effectiveness of a health system in managing cancer. We set out to provide a comprehensive examination of worldwide variation and trends in survival from brain tumors in adults, by histology.

METHODS

We analyzed individual data for adults (15-99 years) diagnosed with a brain tumor (ICD-O-3 topography code C71) during 2000-2014, regardless of tumor behavior. Data underwent a 3-phase quality control as part of CONCORD-3. We estimated net survival for 11 histology groups, using the unbiased nonparametric Pohar Perme estimator.

RESULTS

The study included 556,237 adults. In 2010-2014, the global range in age-standardized 5-year net survival for the most common sub-types was broad: in the range 20%-38% for diffuse and anaplastic astrocytoma, from 4% to 17% for glioblastoma, and between 32% and 69% for oligodendroglioma. For patients with glioblastoma, the largest gains in survival occurred between 2000-2004 and 2005-2009. These improvements were more noticeable among adults diagnosed aged 40-70 years than among younger adults.

CONCLUSIONS

To the best of our knowledge, this study provides the largest account to date of global trends in population-based survival for brain tumors by histology in adults. We have highlighted remarkable gains in 5-year survival from glioblastoma since 2005, providing large-scale empirical evidence on the uptake of chemoradiation at population level. Worldwide, survival improvements have been extensive, but some countries still lag behind. Our findings may help clinicians involved in national and international tumor pathway boards to promote initiatives aimed at more extensive implementation of clinical guidelines.

Measurement of the ν_{e}-Nucleus Charged-Current Double-Differential Cross Section at ⟨E_{ν}⟩=2.4 GeV Using NOvA

The inclusive electron neutrino charged-current cross section is measured in the NOvA near detector using 8.02×10^{20} protons-on-target in the NuMI beam. The sample of GeV electron neutrino interactions is the largest analyzed to date and is limited by ≃17% systematic rather than the ≃7.4% statistical uncertainties. The double-differential cross section in final-state electron energy and angle is presented for the first time, together with the single-differential dependence on Q^{2} (squared four-momentum transfer) and energy, in the range 1  GeV≤E_{ν}<6  GeV. Detailed comparisons are made to the predictions of the GENIE, GiBUU, NEUT, and NuWro neutrino event generators. The data do not strongly favor a model over the others consistently across all three cross sections measured, though some models have especially good or poor agreement in the single differential cross section vs Q^{2}.

Occupational health screening during Gurkha Central Selection: a retrospective cohort study

Objective

The selection process to the British Army’s Brigade of Gurkhas is rigorous, demanding and competitive. The ethos of recruitment to the Gurkhas is grounded in an overarching tenant: that selection is free, fair and transparent. The aim of this study was to retrospectively review reasons for potential recruits (PRs) to be deemed medically unsuitable or deferred suitability on medical grounds for selection to the Brigade of Gurkhas.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted by extracted data from published post-exercise reports for the past four years to ascertain numbers of PRs deemed medically fit, medically unsuitable or deferred suitability on medical grounds. The International Classification of Disease version 11 (ICD-11) codes were retrospectively assigned to code medical reasons for non-progression. Rates of medical non-progression were compared by year.

Results

A total of 3154 PRs were analysed between 2018 and 2021. There was no significant difference between PRs deemed medically fit and those deemed medically suitable or deferred on medical grounds over the study period (p=0.351). There was a significant difference in the ratio of PRs deferred on medical grounds and those deemed medically unsuitable over the study period (p<0.05).

Conclusion

Selection to the Gurkhas is extremely competitive. These data demonstrate that, overall, reasons for medical deferral or unsuitability have remained constant despite the impact of a global pandemic. These data reinforce the central tenant of Gurkha selection; that it continues to be free, fair, and transparent.

Adherence to Guideline-Recommended cancer screening among Utah cancer survivors

BACKGROUND

Adherence to cancer screening is important for cancer survivors because they are at high risk of subsequent cancer diagnoses or recurrence. We assessed adherence to breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer-(CRC)-screening guidelines and evaluated demographic disparities among a population-based sample of survivors.

METHODS

A representative sample of Utah survivors diagnosed from 2012-2018 with any reportable invasive cancer was selected from central cancer registry records for a survey about survivorship needs. We estimated the proportion of eligible survivors adhering to U.S. Preventive Services Task Force screening guidelines and calculated risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Analyses were age-adjusted and weighted to account for sample design and nonresponse.

RESULTS

And 1421 survivors completed the survey (57.2% response rate). Screening adherence was 74.4% for breast, 69.4% for cervical, and 79.7% for CRC. Rural residents were more likely to adhere to breast cancer screening than urban residents (86.1% vs. 72.7%; adjusted RR = 1.19, CI = 1.05, 1.36). Higher educational attainment was associated with increased adherence to cervical and colorectal cancer screening. Younger age was associated with greater adherence to cervical cancer screening (p = 0.006) but lower adherence to CRC screening (p = 0.003). CRC screening adherence was lower among the uninsured and those without a primary care provider (45.6%) compared to those with a regular provider (83.0%; adjusted RR = 0.57, CI = 0.42, 0.79).

CONCLUSIONS

Surveys based on samples from central cancer registries can provide population estimates to inform cancer control. Findings demonstrate work is needed to ensure all Utah cancer survivors obtain recommended cancer screenings. Efforts should focus particularly on increasing uptake of breast and cervical cancer screening and reducing demographic disparities in CRC screening.

PRECIS

Despite high risk for subsequent cancer diagnosis, Utah cancer survivors are not all obtaining recommended breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screenings. This presents a significant healthcare gap.

Search for Active-Sterile Antineutrino Mixing Using Neutral-Current Interactions with the NOvA Experiment

This Letter reports results from the first long-baseline search for sterile antineutrinos mixing in an accelerator-based antineutrino-dominated beam. The rate of neutral-current interactions in the two NOvA detectors, at distances of 1 and 810 km from the beam source, is analyzed using an exposure of 12.51×10^{20} protons-on-target from the NuMI beam at Fermilab running in antineutrino mode. A total of 121 of neutral-current candidates are observed at the far detector, compared to a prediction of 122±11(stat.)±15(syst.) assuming mixing only between three active flavors. No evidence for ν[over ¯]_{μ}→ν[over ¯]_{s} oscillation is observed. Interpreting this result within a 3+1 model, constraints are placed on the mixing angles θ_{24}<25° and θ_{34}<32° at the 90% C.L. for 0.05  eV^{2}≤Δm_{41}^{2}≤0.5  eV^{2}, the range of mass splittings that produces no significant oscillations at the near detector. These are the first 3+1 confidence limits set using long-baseline accelerator antineutrinos.

What can Europe learn from HCP knowledge and attitudes towards hepatitis A vaccination in the US?

Background

An estimated &gt;100 million new hepatitis A (hepA) infections occur annually worldwide. Centres for disease control and prevention reported 38795 hepA cases in the US since 2016, and 4475 outbreak-confirmed cases in Europe between 2016-2018. HepA outbreaks resulted mainly from person-to-person contact, especially among homeless, illegal drug users (IDU) and men who have sex with men (MSM). In 2020, we surveyed US health care providers (HCPs) to understand their knowledge and attitudes towards hepA vaccination in these populations at higher risk of infection and complications.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional, web-based survey of 400 HCPs (primary care providers, nurse practitioners, gastroenterologists, internal medicine and infectious disease specialists [IDs], emergency room physicians [ERs]) who had recommended and/or administered hepA vaccines to ≥ 19-year-olds.

Results

85% of 371 HCPs reported recommending hepA vaccine to homeless, 87% of 393 to IDU and 83% of 397 to MSM, although vaccination may not actually occur after recommendation. Results varied by specialty, 16% fewer ERs than IDs reported recommending the vaccine in these at-risk populations. Moreover, 64%, 75% and 71% of all (400) HCPs reported extremely important that homeless, IDU and MSM, respectively, get vaccinated for hepA, while 6%, 7% and 8% of all HCPs reported this as slightly, or not important. Reasons for not recommending hepA vaccine to homeless, IDU and MSM included uncertainty on guidelines (reported by 22/56, 24/50 and 29/66 HCPs, respectively) and low risk of infection (reported by 20/56, 30/50 and 27/66 HCPs, respectively).

Conclusions

Despite recent hepA outbreaks and strengthened recommendations for vaccination in at-risk populations, knowledge gaps persist among US HCPs. This survey may motivate European countries to reinforce national hepA vaccination recommendations and, in parallel, consider efforts to raise vaccination awareness.

Funding

GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals SA

Key messages

Education on hepatitis A vaccination recommendations in at-risk populations is needed. Health care providers’ vaccination knowledge plays a critical role to control the hepatitis A outbreak in the US and preventing hepatitis A in Europe.

Atmospheric Carbon and Transport - America (ACT-America) Data Sets: Description, Management, and Delivery

The ACT-America project is a NASA Earth Venture Suborbital-2 mission designed to study the transport and fluxes of greenhouse gases. The open and freely available ACT-America data sets provide airborne in situ measurements of atmospheric carbon dioxide, methane, trace gases, aerosols, clouds, and meteorological properties, airborne remote sensing measurements of aerosol backscatter, atmospheric boundary layer height and columnar content of atmospheric carbon dioxide, tower-based measurements, and modeled atmospheric mole fractions and regional carbon fluxes of greenhouse gases over the Central and Eastern United States. We conducted 121 research flights during five campaigns in four seasons during 2016-2019 over three regions of the US (Mid-Atlantic, Midwest and South) using two NASA research aircraft (B-200 and C-130). We performed three flight patterns (fair weather, frontal crossings, and OCO-2 underflights) and collected more than 1,140 h of airborne measurements via level-leg flights in the atmospheric boundary layer, lower, and upper free troposphere and vertical profiles spanning these altitudes. We also merged various airborne in situ measurements onto a common standard sampling interval, which brings coherence to the data, creates geolocated data products, and makes it much easier for the users to perform holistic analysis of the ACT-America data products. Here, we report on detailed information of data sets collected, the workflow for data sets including storage and processing of the quality controlled and quality assured harmonized observations, and their archival and formatting for users. Finally, we provide some important information on the dissemination of data products including metadata and highlights of applications of ACT-America data sets.

Abstract 795: County-level radon and smoking exposure and lung cancer risk by histotype, sex, and race/ethnicity

Background: Radon and smoking synergistically increase risk of lung cancer, particularly for small cell and squamous cell carcinoma; however, associations by sex and race/ethnicity have not been reported.

Methods: We used data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and SEER21, excluding Alaska, to investigate the associations between county-level radon and smoking prevalence with lung cancer incidence by histotype, sex, and race/ethnicity (2006-2016). We only examined Non-Hispanic (NH) White and NH Black race/ethnicities due to the small proportion of cases from other groups. We used tertiles of sex-specific smoking prevalence estimates (1996-2000) from the BRFSS and EPA-defined radon zones of low, moderate, and high, to categorize 729 counties by both radon levels and smoking prevalence by sex. We fit generalized linear models using modified Poisson regression with Huber-White robust standard errors to compute rate ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) associating radon exposure, stratified by smoking tertile with histotype-specific lung cancer incidence.

Results: The smoking prevalence captured by each tertile was considerably lower for women (Low=9.0-22.4%, Moderate&gt;22.4-25.3, High&gt;25.3-36.6) than men (Low=14.4-27.3, Moderate&gt;27.3-31.6, High&gt;31.6-40.3). Among women, we observed the most pronounced associations between high radon and lung cancer risk compared to low radon within the highest female smoking tertile. These associations were evident among NH Black women, particularly for small cell carcinoma (RR=1.34, 95% CI: 1.05-1.71) and squamous cell carcinoma (RR=1.41, CI: 1.14-1.74), but were smaller and non-significant among NH White women. For men, the associations with radon were observed even in counties with low male smoking prevalence. For example, in counties in the lowest tertile of male smokers, associations of high radon with squamous cell and small cell lung cancer were observed among NH Black men (RR=1.27, 95% CI: 1.11-1.44, and RR=1.37, 95% CI:1.15-1.63, respectively) and NH White men (RR=1.18, 95% CI: 1.11-1.26, and RR=1.20, 95% CI: 1.11-1.29, respectively). When we considered that the percent of current smokers in the lowest smoking tertile for men overlaps the highest tertile for women, we observed radon-associated small cell and squamous cell lung cancer risk for NH Black men and women at comparable absolute smoking prevalence, and a similar but attenuated pattern in NH White men and women.

Discussion: While our analysis is limited by the ecological nature of the radon and smoking data, this research suggests that previously reported associations between radon and smoking exposure and histotype-specific lung cancer risk may differ by race and sex. Further research is needed to understand the impact of combined radon and smoking exposure on lung cancer risk in other racial and ethnic groups.

Citation Format: Rachel McCarty, Lindsay Collin, Laurie Grieshober, Judy Ou, Carol Sweeney, Mollie E. Barnard, Jennifer A. Doherty. County-level radon and smoking exposure and lung cancer risk by histotype, sex, and race/ethnicity [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 795.

POS1060 A PROSPECTIVE, LONGITUDINAL STUDY TO EVALUATE REAL-WORLD PATIENT EXPERIENCES AND TREATMENT SATISFACTION WITH SECUKINUMAB FOR PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS

Background:

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an inflammatory disease that impairs quality of life. Despite therapeutic advances, up to a third of patients do not respond or are unable to sustain a treatment response. Thus, data on patient treatment experience in PsA is critical.

Objectives:

To assess real-world experiences of patients with PsA treated with secukinumab.

Methods:

This is an ongoing 12-month, prospective, longitudinal, web-based survey study of patients with PsA initiating secukinumab. Patient demographics and medical history are collected at baseline using a rheumatologist case report form. Patient experience data are collected at baseline, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months by patient surveys. The primary endpoint is change in the Psoriatic Arthritis Impact of Disease 12-item questionnaire (PsAID12) from baseline to 3 months. In addition, this study will explore other changes at 3 months, including PsA symptoms, treatment satisfaction with secukinumab, and other patient-reported outcome measures. Baseline and available month 3 data from patients enrolled to date were analyzed descriptively.

Results:

Baseline demographic and medical history data were available for 72 patients; 32 (44.4%) were male, 59 (81.9%) were White, and 15 (20.8%) reported modifying their diet because of PsA. The mean (SD) time since symptom onset (n = 29) and since PsA diagnosis (n = 53) was 56.3 (45.6) and 34.4 (44.7) months, respectively. More than half of the patients who started treatment with secukinumab were biologic experienced (38/62; 61.3%). Primary and secondary loss of effectiveness were the main reasons for previous biologic discontinuation (Table 1). At 3 months (n = 49), the mean (SD) PsAID12 change from baseline was –1.8 (1.8) points. Additionally, 24.5% of patients reported their PsA symptoms to be “much better,” 40.8% reported “moderately better,” and 32.7% “a little better” compared with baseline; none reported “no change” or worsened symptoms. On a scale of 1-10, patients rated their overall satisfaction with secukinumab treatment at month 3 with a mean (SD) score of 6.8 (2.1). Patients were also highly satisfied with their symptom improvement, speed to symptom improvement, and the mode and frequency of secukinumab administration (Table 1).

Table 1.

Summary of Prior PsA Treatment and Treatment Satisfaction with Secukinumab at Month 3

Physician-reported treatment characteristicsBaseline measure(N = 62)Most recent PsA biologic prior to secukinumab, n (%)n = 31Adalimumab12 (38.7)Certolizumab pegol8 (25.8)Etanercept6 (19.4)Infliximab, including -dyyb3 (9.7)Golimumab1 (3.2)Unknown/not sure1 (3.2)Primary reasons for discontinuing previous PsA biologic treatment, n (%)an = 30Primary and secondary loss of effectiveness25 (83.3)Disease progression6 (20.0)Worsening of or new comorbidities1 (3.3)How the medication was taken2 (6.7)Adverse effects/intolerance4 (13.3)Otherb1 (3.3)Patient-reported treatment satisfaction with secukinumab, mean (SD)cMonth 3 (N = 49)Symptom improvement6.7 (2.3)Speed of symptom improvement6.9 (2.0)Dose frequency7.4 (1.9)cMethod of administration7.2 (1.5)Ease of use8.2 (1.5)Side effects, if any7.9 (1.9)Patient support services by manufacturer8.3 (1.7)

PsA, psoriatic arthritis.

a Rheumatologists may list > 1 reason. Data tabulated based on the number of case report forms received from rheumatologists at analysis cutoff (n = 30).

b Other reasons included availability of new treatment, patient request, or family history of disease.

c n = 48.

Conclusion:

Most patients were biologic experienced and reported primary or secondary loss of effectiveness as the main reason for discontinuation of their previous biologic. Patients reported overall symptom improvement and satisfaction with secukinumab treatment at 3 months after initiation.

Disclosure of Interests:

M Elaine Husni Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Janssen, Novartis, Eli Lilly, UCB, and Regeneron, Michael Bozyczko Employee of: National Psoriasis Foundation, Daniel Wolin Employee of: RTI Health Solutions, Carolyn Sweeney Employee of: RTI Health Solutions, Eric Davenport Employee of: RTI Health Solutions, Steven Hass Employee of: Novartis, Esther Yi Employee of: Novartis, Peter Hur Employee of: Novartis, Linda Grinnell-Merrick Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen (previously Celgene), Novartis, Pfizer, and Regeneron.

Longitudinal Changes in Prorenin and Renin in the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort

INTRODUCTION

Prorenin, a precursor of renin, and renin play an important role in regulation of the renin-angiotensin system. More recently, receptor-bound prorenin has been shown to activate intracellular signaling pathways that mediate fibrosis, independent of angiotensin II. Prorenin and renin may thus be of physiologic significance in CKD, but their plasma concentrations have not been well characterized in CKD.

METHODS

We evaluated distribution and longitudinal changes of prorenin and renin concentrations in the plasma samples collected at follow-up years 1, 2, 3, and 5 of the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) study, an ongoing longitudinal observational study of 3,939 adults with CKD. Descriptive statistics and multivariable regression of log-transformed values were used to describe cross-sectional and longitudinal variation and associations with participant characteristics.

RESULTS

A total of 3,361 CRIC participants had plasma available for analysis at year 1. The mean age (±standard deviation, SD) was 59 ± 11 years, and the mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR, ± SD) was 43 ± 17 mL/min per 1.73 m2. Median (interquartile range) values of plasma prorenin and renin at study entry were 4.4 (2.1, 8.8) ng/mL and 2.0 (0.8, 5.9) ng/dL, respectively. Prorenin and renin were positively correlated (Spearman correlation 0.51, p < 0.001) with each other. Women and non-Hispanic blacks had lower prorenin and renin values at year 1. Diabetes, lower eGFR, and use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, statins, and diuretics were associated with higher levels. Prorenin and renin decreased by a mean of 2 and 5% per year, respectively. Non-Hispanic black race and eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m2 at year 1 predicted a steeper decrease in prorenin and renin over time. In addition, each increase in urinary sodium excretion by 2 SDs at year 1 increased prorenin and renin levels by 4 and 5% per year, respectively.

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS

The cross-sectional clinical factors associated with prorenin and renin values were similar. Overall, both plasma prorenin and renin concentrations decreased over the years, particularly in those with severe CKD at study entry.

Impact of rurality on melanoma diagnosis in Utah

Aim

To analyze trends in Utah melanoma diagnosis and study the impact of rurality.

Patients & methods

State-wide melanoma incidence was calculated using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results data (2005-2013). A subset of 5199 patients treated in an integrated healthcare system was further stratified for urban or rural residence.

Results

Early-stage tumors accounted for most of the increase in melanoma incidence over time. Age-adjusted melanoma incidence rate was higher in rural counties (46.7 vs 39.4). Anatomic site and stage did not differ between rural and urban patients. Rural patients were more commonly diagnosed by a local primary care provider.

Conclusion

Rurality had an impact on melanoma diagnosis in the specialty and location of the diagnosing provider.

Pathology Laboratory Policies and Procedures for Releasing Diagnostic Tissue for Cancer Research

CONTEXT.—

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) cancer registry program is currently evaluating the use of archival, diagnostic, formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue obtained through SEER cancer registries, functioning as honest brokers for deidentified tissue and associated data. To determine the feasibility of this potential program, laboratory policies for sharing tissue for research needed to be assessed.

OBJECTIVE.—

To understand the willingness of pathology laboratories to share archival diagnostic tissue for cancer research and related policies.

DESIGN.—

Seven SEER registries administered a 27-item questionnaire to pathology laboratories within their respective registry catchment areas. Only laboratories that processed diagnostic FFPE specimens and completed the questionnaire were included in the analysis.

RESULTS.—

Of the 153 responding laboratories, 127 (83%) responded that they process FFPE specimens. Most (n = 88; 69%) were willing to share tissue specimens for research, which was not associated with the number of blocks processed per year by the laboratories. Most laboratories retained the specimens for at least 10 years. Institutional regulatory policies on sharing deidentified tissue varied considerably, ranging from requiring a full Institutional Review Board review to considering such use exempt from Institutional Review Board review, and 43% (55 of 127) of the laboratories did not know their terms for sharing tissue for research.

CONCLUSIONS.—

This project indicated a general willingness of pathology laboratories to participate in research by sharing FFPE tissue. Given the variability of research policies across laboratories, it is critical for each SEER registry to work with laboratories in their catchment area to understand such policies and state legislation regulating tissue retention and guardianship.

Improving Central Cancer Registry Surveillance through Interstate Data Exchange of Electronic Pathology Reports

When a cancer case is diagnosed or treated in one US state, but the patient resides in another, the case report abstract is shared with the central cancer registry in the state of residence through interstate data exchange. However, the records shared may not include pathology reports. Cases diagnosed in another state that would be ascertained only from pathology reports may thus be missed. Utah Cancer Registry received many electronic pathology (e-path) records for nonresident cases that were not being shared. In 2019, Utah Cancer Registry implemented workflow changes and created a novel data extract process to share e-path records in a North American Association of Central Cancer Registries (NAACCR) HL7 format. Utah Cancer Registry shared e-path records for an estimated 2,773 cases with other states for the diagnosis year 2018. Of these cases, both an e-path record and NAACCR-format abstract were shared for 1,709 (61.6%), whereas e-path record only was shared for 1,064 (38.4%). The largest number of e-path records went to 2 adjacent states: Idaho (n = 1,084) and Wyoming (n = 621). Receiving registries reported success importing the files. The e-path data stream resulted in ascertainment of 96 new cases for Idaho and 89 for Wyoming for diagnosis year 2018. Whereas most shared e-path records represented cases already known to the receiving registry, registry staff provided feedback that it was beneficial to obtain the additional documentation. Linking and reviewing the shared e-path records did represent additional workload. Central cancer registries can adopt this process for sharing e-path records via interstate data exchange to support complete case ascertainment in collaborating states.

Utilizing SEER Cancer Registries for Population-Based Cancer Survivor Epidemiologic Studies: A Feasibility Study

BACKGROUND

While the primary role of central cancer registries in the United States is to provide vital information needed for cancer surveillance and control, these registries can also be leveraged for population-based epidemiologic studies of cancer survivors. This study was undertaken to assess the feasibility of using the NCI's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program registries to rapidly identify, recruit, and enroll individuals for survivor research studies and to assess their willingness to engage in a variety of research activities.

METHODS

In 2016 and 2017, six SEER registries recruited both recently diagnosed and longer-term survivors with early age-onset multiple myeloma or colorectal, breast, prostate, or ovarian cancer. Potential participants were asked to complete a survey, providing data on demographics, health, and their willingness to participate in various aspects of research studies.

RESULTS

Response rates across the registries ranged from 24.9% to 46.9%, with sample sizes of 115 to 239 enrolled by each registry over a 12- to 18-month period. Among the 992 total respondents, 90% answered that they would be willing to fill out a survey for a future research study, 91% reported that they would donate a biospecimen of some type, and approximately 82% reported that they would consent to have their medical records accessed for research.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated the feasibility of leveraging SEER registries to recruit a geographically and racially diverse group of cancer survivors.

IMPACT

Central cancer registries are a source of high-quality data that can be utilized to conduct population-based cancer survivor studies.

21-gene recurrence score testing utilization among older women from different races: A population-based study

OBJECTIVES

The influence of older age at diagnosis in combination with race/ethnicity on utilization and results of the 21-gene recurrence score (RS) assay for breast cancer (BC) patients is not fully understood. Our objectives were to evaluate the utilization of RS among older women with BC, the likelihood of a high-risk RS, and factors associated with breast cancer-specific mortality (BCSM) among older patients across different races.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We utilized the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Results (SEER) database with linked RS results to evaluate women with estrogen receptor-positive BC diagnosed 2004-2015. Multivariable logistic regression was used to describe the differences in utilization of RS testing and the association of high-risk RS according to patient characteristics. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to analyze factors associated with BCSM.

RESULTS

We found that 20.4% (109,244/536,555) of all women ≥18 and 14.3% (33,584/235,171) of women ≥65 underwent RS testing. Non-whites had lower odds of RS testing at younger ages whereas among women ≥65 there was no significant difference. After taking into account stage and grade, being ≥65 reduced the odds of high-risk RS in all races except American Indian/Alaskan Native. Age ≥ 65 was independently associated with increased hazard BCSM. Among women ≥65 with high-risk RS, chemotherapy was associated with lower hazard of BCSM in all races.

CONCLUSIONS

Older women are less likely to be tested for RS, but also less likely to have high-risk RS. Older women with high-risk RS, when given chemotherapy have reduced BCSM across all races.

Feasibility of Capturing Cancer Treatment Data in the Utah All-Payer Claims Database

PURPOSE

Incompleteness of treatment data is a recognized limitation of cancer registry data. An all-payer claims database (APCD) is a tool that states use to capture health care information across systems and payer. We linked the Utah Cancer Registry (UCR) records to Utah's statewide APCD and evaluated how this linkage led to improvements in the capture of cancer treatment information.

METHODS

We linked cancers diagnosed and reported to the UCR with Utah APCD claims for the calendar years 2013 and 2014 using LinkPlus Software. For patients with breast or colorectal cancers, manual abstraction was completed to provide a gold-standard comparison for the treatment data obtained from the claims.

RESULTS

Among 10,759 reportable cancer occurrences linked to the APCD, the claims identified additional patients with cancer who received therapies that had been unknown to the registry, increasing the proportion treated with chemotherapy from 23.7% to 27.6%, hormone therapy from 14.1% to 18.8%, immunotherapy from 4.3% to 13.2%, and radiation therapy from 24.9% to 27.5%. The APCD increased the sensitivity of treatment variables compared with the abstraction gold standard. Notably, sensitivity of hormonal therapy for breast cancer increased from 78.6% to 95.2% when augmented with APCD claims data. However, the APCD alone did not achieve as high specificity for treatment data as did the data collected through traditional registry methods.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study, to our knowledge, showing that linking cancer registry data with a statewide claims database that covers multiple insurance companies improves cancer treatment data collection. Linking of cancer registry and APCD data can improve comprehensiveness of cancer registry treatment data.

Family Study Designs Informed by Tumor Heterogeneity and Multi-Cancer Pleiotropies: The Power of the Utah Population Database

BACKGROUND

Previously, family-based designs and high-risk pedigrees have illustrated value for the discovery of high- and intermediate-risk germline breast cancer susceptibility genes. However, genetic heterogeneity is a major obstacle hindering progress. New strategies and analytic approaches will be necessary to make further advances. One opportunity with the potential to address heterogeneity via improved characterization of disease is the growing availability of multisource databases. Specific to advances involving family-based designs are resources that include family structure, such as the Utah Population Database (UPDB). To illustrate the broad utility and potential power of multisource databases, we describe two different novel family-based approaches to reduce heterogeneity in the UPDB.

METHODS

Our first approach focuses on using pedigree-informed breast tumor phenotypes in gene mapping. Our second approach focuses on the identification of families with similar pleiotropies. We use a novel network-inspired clustering technique to explore multi-cancer signatures for high-risk breast cancer families.

RESULTS

Our first approach identifies a genome-wide significant breast cancer locus at 2q13 [P = 1.6 × 10-8, logarithm of the odds (LOD) equivalent 6.64]. In the region, IL1A and IL1B are of particular interest, key cytokine genes involved in inflammation. Our second approach identifies five multi-cancer risk patterns. These clusters include expected coaggregations (such as breast cancer with prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, and melanoma), and also identify novel patterns, including coaggregation with uterine, thyroid, and bladder cancers.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest pedigree-informed tumor phenotypes can map genes for breast cancer, and that various different cancer pleiotropies exist for high-risk breast cancer pedigrees.

IMPACT

Both methods illustrate the potential for decreasing etiologic heterogeneity that large, population-based multisource databases can provide.See all articles in this CEBP Focus section, "Modernizing Population Science."

Abstract P2-08-15: 21-gene recurrence score testing utilization among older women from different races: A surveillance, epidemiology and end results (SEER) study

Background: About 50% of breast cancers (BrCa) occur in women over the age of 65. Although chemotherapy improves survival in patients with estrogen receptor (ER) positive BrCa, benefits of chemotherapy in older woman must be weighed against the risks of morbidity associated with chemotherapy and non-BrCa associated mortality at older ages. OncotyeDX, 21-gene Recurrence Score (RS) identifies patients who may benefit from chemotherapy. In this study we looked at utilization of RS testing and likelihood of high-risk RS score in the older population across different races. Materials and Methods: We used Surveillance Epidemiology and End Result (SEER) data, linked to RS scores by the SEER program, to identify women older than 18 diagnosed with ER positive BrCa between the years 2004 and 2015. Patients with Stage 4 disease and T4 tumors were excluded. Patients were stratified into low (RS &lt;11), intermediate (RS 11-25), and high-risk (RS&gt;25) groups following TAILORx trial cut offs. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with utilization of RS testing and association with high-risk RS. Results: Of 539,693 patients older than 18 years of age with ER positive, stage I-III BrCa identified between 2004 and 2015 in SEER registries, 109,835 (20.35%) had RS testing performed. The odds of having RS testing done was lower among women ≥65 compared to younger women in all races. The characteristics that increased odds of testing included progesterone receptor positive tumors, later years of diagnosis (2010-2015 compared to 2004-2009), negative nodes, T1 tumors, and Grade 1-2 (compared to Grade 3) tumors, were largely consistent across race groups. Blacks and American Indian/Alaskan Natives had higher odds of high-risk RS compared to non-Hispanic whites, after adjusting for stage, grade, and age. Being age 65 and older reduced the odds of having high-risk RS by odds ratio (OR) 0.58 in non-Hispanic whites, adjusted for progesterone receptor status, tumor size, positive nodes, and grade. The reduced odds of high-risk RS associated with being age 65 and older was more pronounced among black women, adjusted OR 0.44 (0.37 - 0.51) and among Asian or Pacific Islander women OR 0.44 (0.37 - 0.51). Conclusion: Older women of all races are less likely to be tested for 21-gene RS. Among women who were tested, those age 65 and older were less likely to have high-risk RS result. Blacks and American Indian/Alaskan Natives have higher risk of having high-risk RS after controlling for stage, age and other clinical and pathologic predictors.

Citation Format: Evin Gulbahce, Sandra White, Gregory J Stoddard, Kim Herget, Carol Sweeney. 21-gene recurrence score testing utilization among older women from different races: A surveillance, epidemiology and end results (SEER) study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2019 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2019 Dec 10-14; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-08-15.

Abstract P2-08-10: Mammographic breast density changes with endocrine therapy (ET) in women with hormone receptor positive (HR+) breast cancer in a Utah population

Introduction: Women with extremely dense breast tissue on mammography have a higher risk of breast cancer compared to similarly-aged women with less dense breast tissue. Tamoxifen therapy has been observed to reduce breast density among both pre- and postmenopausal women with HR+ breast cancer and may predict benefit of therapy. Studies of aromatase inhibitor (AI) therapy and breast density change, however, are limited and results inconclusive. Factors associated with breast density change with ET, and effect of duration of ET on breast density change, have not been well studied.

Methods: Using the Utah Population Database, women were identified who underwent screening mammography in 2005-2016 and who had no personal history of breast cancer. Those who were subsequently diagnosed with HR+ breast cancer and treated in one of the major health care systems in Utah (Intermountain Healthcare or University of Utah Health) were included in the analysis. ET prescription information and duration of ET were obtained from provider records and the Utah All-Payer Claims Database. Women with mammography results in the electronic medical record both before and within 3 years after the breast cancer diagnosis were included. BI-RADS density classification from mammogram reports 6-12 months, 13-24 months, and 25-36 months after ET initiation were compared to pre-diagnosis BI-RADS density classification. Breast density reduction was defined as a decrease of ≥1 BI-RADS category compared to baseline. Fisher’s exact test was used to examine ET and breast density reduction among women ≥55y and &lt;55y.

Results: In total, 1328 women with HR+ breast cancer and baseline BI-RADS breast density categories B-D were included. Women with BI-RADS density category A(almost entirely fatty) were excluded. A majority (61%) were age ≥55y at diagnosis, were non-Hispanic white (90%), and had BMI ≥25 kg/m2 (56%); 15% had a first-degree family history of breast cancer. At baseline, 602 (44%) women had scattered fibroglandular densities (BI-RADS category B), 697 (50%) had heterogeneously dense breasts (BI-RADS category C), and 83 (6%) had extremely dense breasts (BI-RADS category D). Half were treated with AI only (49%), 21% with tamoxifen only, and 29% with both during follow-up. In both the age ≥55y and &lt;55y groups, women with BI-RADS category D at baseline were more likely to experience a reduction in breast density with ET compared to women with either BI-RADS categories B or C (Table 1). There were no significant differences in breast density reduction observed between women treated with AI only compared to those treated with tamoxifen only, irrespective of age and baseline density. Breast cancer family history also had no effect on breast density reduction with ET.

Conclusion: Baseline breast density is associated with a demonstrable reduction in breast density during ET. Our findings suggest that AI therapy can reduce breast density similar to that seen with tamoxifen therapy.

Table 1 Breast Density (BD) changes among women who underwent mammography 6-12 months, 13-24 months, and 25-36 months after ET initiationBaseline BDN≥55 years oldPTotal&lt;55 years oldPNo BD reduction N(%)BD reduction N(%)No BD reduction N(%)BD reduction N(%)6-12 months after ET initiationScattered157152(97)5(3)5452(96)2(3)Heterogeneous148115(78)33(22)10477(74)27(26)Dense144(29)10(71)&lt;0.0001248(33)16(67)&lt;0.0001Total319271(85)48(15)182137 (75)45(25)13-24 months after ET initiationScattered232214(92)18(8)8473(87)11(13)Heterogeneous211144(68)67(32)155107(69)48(31)Dense172(12)15(88)&lt;0.0001287(25)21(75)&lt;0.0001Total460360(78)100(22)267187(70)80(30)25-36 months after ET initiationScattered248220(89)28(11)8374(89)9 (11)Heterogeneous203133(66)70(35)16097(61)63(39)Dense162(13)14(88)&lt;0.00013213(41)19 (59)&lt;0.0001Total467355(76)112(24)275184(67)91(33)

Citation Format: Mei Wei, Lisa Pappas, Emily Guinto, Carol Sweeney, Nicola Camp, Phoebe Freer, Saundra Buys, N. Lynn Henry, Karen Curtin. Mammographic breast density changes with endocrine therapy (ET) in women with hormone receptor positive (HR+) breast cancer in a Utah population [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2019 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2019 Dec 10-14; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-08-10.

The feasibility of web surveys for obtaining patient-reported outcomes from cancer survivors: a randomized experiment comparing survey modes and brochure enclosures

Background

Central cancer registries are often used to survey population-based samples of cancer survivors. These surveys are typically administered via paper or telephone. In most populations, web surveys obtain much lower response rates than paper surveys. This study assessed the feasibility of web surveys for collecting patient-reported outcomes via a central cancer registry.

Methods

Potential participants were sampled from Utah Cancer Registry records. Sample members were randomly assigned to receive a web or paper survey, and then randomized to either receive or not receive an informative brochure describing the cancer registry. We calculated adjusted risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals to compare response likelihood and the demographic profile of respondents across study arms.

Results

The web survey response rate (43.2%) was lower than the paper survey (50.4%), but this difference was not statistically significant (adjusted risk ratio = 0.88, 95% confidence interval = 0.72, 1.07). The brochure also did not significantly influence the proportion responding (adjusted risk ratio = 1.03, 95% confidence interval = 0.85, 1.25). There were few differences in the demographic profiles of respondents across the survey modes. Older age increased likelihood of response to a paper questionnaire but not a web questionnaire.

Conclusions

Web surveys of cancer survivors are feasible without significantly influencing response rates, but providing a paper response option may be advisable particularly when surveying older individuals. Further examination of the varying effects of brochure enclosures across different survey modes is warranted.

The feasibility of web surveys for obtaining patient-reported outcomes from cancer survivors: a randomized experiment comparing survey modes and brochure enclosures

BACKGROUND

Central cancer registries are often used to survey population-based samples of cancer survivors. These surveys are typically administered via paper or telephone. In most populations, web surveys obtain much lower response rates than paper surveys. This study assessed the feasibility of web surveys for collecting patient-reported outcomes via a central cancer registry.

METHODS

Potential participants were sampled from Utah Cancer Registry records. Sample members were randomly assigned to receive a web or paper survey, and then randomized to either receive or not receive an informative brochure describing the cancer registry. We calculated adjusted risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals to compare response likelihood and the demographic profile of respondents across study arms.

RESULTS

The web survey response rate (43.2%) was lower than the paper survey (50.4%), but this difference was not statistically significant (adjusted risk ratio = 0.88, 95% confidence interval = 0.72, 1.07). The brochure also did not significantly influence the proportion responding (adjusted risk ratio = 1.03, 95% confidence interval = 0.85, 1.25). There were few differences in the demographic profiles of respondents across the survey modes. Older age increased likelihood of response to a paper questionnaire but not a web questionnaire.

CONCLUSIONS

Web surveys of cancer survivors are feasible without significantly influencing response rates, but providing a paper response option may be advisable particularly when surveying older individuals. Further examination of the varying effects of brochure enclosures across different survey modes is warranted.

Population prevalence of individuals meeting criteria for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer testing

Background

Personal cancer diagnosis and family cancer history factor into which individuals should undergo genetic testing for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) syndrome. Family history is often determined in the research setting through kindreds with disease clusters, or clinically from self‐report. The population prevalence of individuals with diagnostic characteristics and/or family cancer history meeting criteria for HBOC testing is unknown.

Methods

Utilizing Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) cancer registry data and a research resource linking registry records to genealogies, the Utah Population Database, the population‐based prevalence of diagnostic and family history characteristics meeting National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) criteria for HBOC testing was objectively assessed.

Results

Among Utah residents with an incident breast cancer diagnosis 2010‐2015 and evaluable for family history, 21.6% met criteria for testing based on diagnostic characteristics, but the proportion increased to 62.9% when family history was evaluated. The proportion of cases meeting testing criteria at diagnosis was 94% for ovarian cancer, 23% for prostate cancer, and 51.1% for pancreatic cancer. Among an unaffected Utah population of approximately 1.7 million evaluable for family history, 197,601 or 11.6% met testing criteria based on family history.

Conclusions

This study quantifies the population‐based prevalence of HBOC criteria using objectively determined genealogy and cancer incidence data. Sporadic breast cancer likely represents a portion of the high prevalence of family cancer history seen in this study. These results underline the importance of establishing presence of a deleterious mutation in an affected family member, per NCCN guidelines, before testing unaffected relatives.

Investigation of the skin microbiome: swabs vs. biopsies

BACKGROUND

Human skin is populated by diverse bacteria and there is increasing evidence that resident bacteria play a key role initiating immune responses in cutaneous diseases such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa. Bacteria are present at all layers of the skin but many studies have relied on swabs to profile the skin microbiota.

OBJECTIVES

As the pathogenesis of many skin conditions is dermal, we wanted to compare the microbiota obtained in swabs (surface) and biopsies (dermis).

METHODS

Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing we established the microbial profiles of skin swabs and skin biopsies in 16 patients.

RESULTS

We found differences in both diversity and taxonomic composition of the microbiome obtained from swabs and biopsies of the same individual. Several taxa were found to be more abundant in the swabs, which displayed significantly higher community richness, but Clostridiales and Bacteroidetes were significantly enriched in the biopsies. Most published research on cutaneous microbiota has been based on skin swabs, which represent the surface of the skin.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrated a clear difference between the microbiome observed from skin swabs and skin biopsies. These findings may be highly relevant in disorders such as psoriasis where pathogenesis arises in the dermis. What's already known about this topic? 16S RNA gene sequencing has facilitated study of the skin microbiome. Several studies have sequenced the microbiome sampled by skin swabs. What does this study add? The microbiome data obtained using swabs and biopsies were different. Diseases that are predominantly dermal should be studied using both swabs and biopsies.

Predictors of Response Outcomes for Research Recruitment Through a Central Cancer Registry: Evidence From 17 Recruitment Efforts for Population-Based Studies

When recruiting research participants through central cancer registries, high response fractions help ensure population-based representation. We conducted multivariable mixed-effects logistic regression to identify case and study characteristics associated with making contact with and obtaining cooperation of Utah cancer cases using data from 17 unique recruitment efforts undertaken by the Utah Cancer Registry (2007-2016) on behalf of the following studies: A Population-Based Childhood Cancer Survivors Cohort Study in Utah, Comparative Effectiveness Analysis of Surgery and Radiation for Prostate Cancer (CEASAR Study), Costs and Benefits of Follow-up Care for Adolescent and Young Adult Cancers, Study of Exome Sequencing for Head and Neck Cancer Susceptibility Genes, Genetic Epidemiology of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, Impact of Remote Familial Colorectal Cancer Risk Assessment and Counseling (Family CARE Project), Massively Parallel Sequencing for Familial Colon Cancer Genes, Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC) Surveillance Study, Osteosarcoma Surveillance Study, Prostate Cancer Outcomes Study, Risk Education and Assessment for Cancer Heredity Project (REACH Project), Study of Shared Genomic Segment Analysis and Tumor Subtyping in High-Risk Breast-Cancer Gene Pedigrees, Study of Shared Genomic Segment Analysis for Localizing Multiple Myeloma Genes. Characteristics associated with lower odds of contact included Hispanic ethnicity (odds ratio (OR) = 0.34, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.27, 0.41), nonwhite race (OR = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.35, 0.60), and younger age at contact. Years since diagnosis was inversely associated with making contact. Nonwhite race and age ≥60 years had lower odds of cooperation. Study features with lower odds of cooperation included longitudinal design (OR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.41, 0.61) and study brochures (OR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.54, 0.90). Increased odds of cooperation were associated with including a questionnaire (OR = 3.19, 95% CI: 1.54, 6.59), postage stamps (OR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.21, 2.12), and incentives (OR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.02, 2.57). Among cases not responding after the first contact, odds of eventual response were lower when >10 days elapsed before subsequent contact (OR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.59, 0.85). Obtaining high response is challenging, but study features identified in this analysis support better results when recruiting through central cancer registries.

Predictors of Response Outcomes for Research Recruitment Through a Central Cancer Registry: Evidence From 17 Recruitment Efforts for Population-Based Studies

When recruiting research participants through central cancer registries, high response fractions help ensure population-based representation. We conducted multivariable mixed-effects logistic regression to identify case and study characteristics associated with making contact with and obtaining cooperation of Utah cancer cases using data from 17 unique recruitment efforts undertaken by the Utah Cancer Registry (2007-2016) on behalf of the following studies: A Population-Based Childhood Cancer Survivors Cohort Study in Utah, Comparative Effectiveness Analysis of Surgery and Radiation for Prostate Cancer (CEASAR Study), Costs and Benefits of Follow-up Care for Adolescent and Young Adult Cancers, Study of Exome Sequencing for Head and Neck Cancer Susceptibility Genes, Genetic Epidemiology of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, Impact of Remote Familial Colorectal Cancer Risk Assessment and Counseling (Family CARE Project), Massively Parallel Sequencing for Familial Colon Cancer Genes, Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC) Surveillance Study, Osteosarcoma Surveillance Study, Prostate Cancer Outcomes Study, Risk Education and Assessment for Cancer Heredity Project (REACH Project), Study of Shared Genomic Segment Analysis and Tumor Subtyping in High-Risk Breast-Cancer Gene Pedigrees, Study of Shared Genomic Segment Analysis for Localizing Multiple Myeloma Genes. Characteristics associated with lower odds of contact included Hispanic ethnicity (odds ratio (OR) = 0.34, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.27, 0.41), nonwhite race (OR = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.35, 0.60), and younger age at contact. Years since diagnosis was inversely associated with making contact. Nonwhite race and age ≥60 years had lower odds of cooperation. Study features with lower odds of cooperation included longitudinal design (OR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.41, 0.61) and study brochures (OR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.54, 0.90). Increased odds of cooperation were associated with including a questionnaire (OR = 3.19, 95% CI: 1.54, 6.59), postage stamps (OR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.21, 2.12), and incentives (OR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.02, 2.57). Among cases not responding after the first contact, odds of eventual response were lower when >10 days elapsed before subsequent contact (OR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.59, 0.85). Obtaining high response is challenging, but study features identified in this analysis support better results when recruiting through central cancer registries.

Epidemiological trends of small bowel tumors and changing incidence in Utah

245

Background: The incidence and prevalence of small bowel tumors in particular adenocarcinomas are thought to be rising but updated epidemiological data is lacking. Therefore, in this study we explored the evolving epidemiology of small bowel tumors. Methods: This is a retrospective population based study using Utah Cancer Registry (UCR) and Surveillance Epidemiology, and End Results program (SEER) conducted between 1973-2015. The age adjusted incidence and prevalence was determined. The incidence and prevalence rates were compared to other SEER residents diagnosed with invasive small bowel tumors using ICD codes C17.0 – C17.9). Results: The small bowel tumors have steadily increased from 1990 to 2015. In the UCR, the highest incidence of and small bowel tumors was reported 1.7 per 100,000 in 2015. The prevalence of small bowel tumors in the state of Utah from 1973 – 2014 was 616 including 41 adenocarcinomas, 327 with carcinoid tumors and 248 with other histology’s. There was 1.67% increase in incidence of small bowel tumors in SEER while in Utah we noted 2.81 % annual increase of incidence from 1990 to 2015. Especially, for small bowel adenocarcinomas, Utah has an annual increase of 2.43% from 1990-2015, and SEER had a smaller increase of 0.71% per year over the same time frame. Conclusions: The incidence of small bowel adenocarcinomas between 1995 and 2015 show a steady increase in both UCR and SEER databases. Despite the rarity of these tumors rising incidence warrants increasing awareness and need for better treatments to improve the survival outcomes of these under-studied tumors.

Linkage between Utah All Payers Claims Database and Central Cancer Registry

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the linkage of claims from the Utah All Payers Claims Database (APCD) and Utah Cancer Registry (UCR).

DATA SOURCES

Secondary data from 2013 and 2014 Utah APCD and 2013 UCR cases.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a descriptive analysis of the quality of linkage between APCD claims data and cancer registry cases.

DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS

We used the LinkPlus software to link Utah APCD and UCR data.

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

We were able to link 82.4 percent (9441/11 453) of the UCR reportable cancer cases with APCD claims. Of those linked, 66 percent were perfect matches.

CONCLUSIONS

The quality of identifiers is high, evidence that claims data can potentially supplement cancer registry data for use in research.

Linkage between Utah All Payers Claims Database and Central Cancer Registry

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the linkage of claims from the Utah All Payers Claims Database (APCD) and Utah Cancer Registry (UCR).

DATA SOURCES

Secondary data from 2013 and 2014 Utah APCD and 2013 UCR cases.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a descriptive analysis of the quality of linkage between APCD claims data and cancer registry cases.

DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS

We used the LinkPlus software to link Utah APCD and UCR data.

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

We were able to link 82.4 percent (9441/11 453) of the UCR reportable cancer cases with APCD claims. Of those linked, 66 percent were perfect matches.

CONCLUSIONS

The quality of identifiers is high, evidence that claims data can potentially supplement cancer registry data for use in research.

Differences in molecular features of triple-negative breast cancers based on the age at diagnosis

BACKGROUND

Although the proportion of triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) diagnosed among older women is low, the number of TNBC cases is substantial because of the high incidence of breast cancer after the age of 65 years. The molecular features of TNBC in this age group have not been well described.

METHODS

This study examined a population-based cohort of women with stage I to III TNBC diagnosed between the ages of 25 and 91 years with the PAM50 gene expression subtyping assay. The concordance between the TNBC classification by immunohistochemistry and the gene expression classification by PAM50, the expression of individual genes, and 5-year recurrence and breast cancer mortality in older women (≥65 years old) and younger women (<50 years old) was assessed.

RESULTS

The molecular subtype distribution in TNBC was significantly different according to the age at diagnosis. TNBC was more likely to be classified as basal-like in women younger than 50 years (sensitivity, 0.91; 95% confidence interval, 0.77-0.97) than women 65 years old or older (sensitivity, 0.72; 95% confidence interval, 0.48-0.87); 35% of clinical TNBC cases in the latter group were the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-enriched subtype by molecular classification. Older women with TNBC also had significantly higher expression of ERBB2 and lower expression of all 10 proliferation-associated genes tested (P < .01). The risk of breast cancer death within 5 years was significantly higher in women with TNBC in comparison with women with hormone receptor-positive cancers in all age groups.

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed differences in molecular subtypes among clinical TNBC cases based on patient age. A potentially targetable HER2-enriched group raises the possible need for intrinsic subtyping in older women with TNBC.

Angioedema in chronic spontaneous urticaria is underdiagnosed and has a substantial impact: Analyses from ASSURE-CSU

Background

ASSURE‐CSU revealed differences in physician and patient reporting of angioedema. This post hoc analysis was conducted to evaluate the actual rate of angioedema in the study population and explore differences between patients with and without angioedema.

Methods

This international observational study assessed 673 patients with inadequately controlled chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). Physicians abstracted angioedema data from medical records, which were compared with patient‐reported data. Patients in the Yes‐angioedema category had angioedema reported in the medical record and a patient‐reported source. For those in the No‐angioedema category, angioedema was reported in neither the medical record nor a patient‐reported source. Those in the Misaligned category had angioedema reported in only one source. Statistical comparisons between Yes‐angioedema and No‐angioedema categories were conducted for measures of CSU activity, health‐related quality of life (HRQoL), productivity and healthcare resource utilization (HCRU). Regression analyses explored the relationship between Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) score and angioedema, adjusting for important covariates.

Results

Among evaluable patients, 259 (40.3%), 173 (26.9%) and 211 (32.8%) were in the Yes‐angioedema, No‐angioedema and Misaligned category, respectively. CSU activity and impact on HRQoL, productivity, and HCRU was greater for Yes‐angioedema patients than No‐angioedema patients. After covariate adjustment, mean DLQI score was significantly higher (indicating worse HRQoL) for patients with angioedema versus no angioedema (9.88 vs 7.27, P < .001). The Misaligned category had similar results with Yes‐angioedema on all outcomes.

Conclusions

Angioedema in CSU seems to be under‐reported but has significant negative impacts on HRQoL, daily activities, HCRU and work compared with no angioedema.

Reparameterization of PAM50 Expression Identifies Novel Breast Tumor Dimensions and Leads to Discovery of a Genome-Wide Significant Breast Cancer Locus at 12q15

Background: Breast tumor subtyping has failed to provide impact in susceptibility genetics. The PAM50 assay categorizes breast tumors into: Luminal A, Luminal B, HER2-enriched and Basal-like. However, tumors are often more complex than simple categorization can describe. The identification of heritable tumor characteristics has potential to decrease heterogeneity and increase power for gene finding.Methods: We used 911 sporadic breast tumors with PAM50 expression data to derive tumor dimensions using principal components (PC). Dimensions in 238 tumors from high-risk pedigrees were compared with the sporadic tumors. Proof-of-concept gene mapping, informed by tumor dimension, was performed using Shared Genomic Segment (SGS) analysis.Results: Five dimensions (PC1-5) explained the majority of the PAM50 expression variance: three captured intrinsic subtype, two were novel (PC3, PC5). All five replicated in 745 TCGA tumors. Both novel dimensions were significantly enriched in the high-risk pedigrees (intrinsic subtypes were not). SGS gene-mapping in a pedigree identified a 0.5 Mb genome-wide significant region at 12q15 This region segregated through 32 meioses to 8 breast cancer cases with extreme PC3 tumors (P = 2.6 × 10^-8).Conclusions: PC analysis of PAM50 gene expression revealed multiple independent, quantitative measures of tumor diversity. These tumor dimensions show evidence for heritability and potential as powerful traits for gene mapping.Impact: Our study suggests a new approach to describe tumor expression diversity, provides new avenues for germline studies, and proposes a new breast cancer locus. Similar reparameterization of expression patterns may inform other studies attempting to model the effects of tumor heterogeneity. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 27(6); 644-52. ©2018 AACR.