Lasers in the management of alopecia: a review of established therapies and advances in treatment

Alopecia, also known as hair loss, is a highly prevalent condition affecting millions of men and women in the United States and worldwide, making it one of the most common complaints by patients presenting to a dermatologist. The symptomology on the presentation of alopecia can be highly variable, ranging from diffuse thinning of hair, discrete and localized patches completely absent of hair, or noticing significant shedding when brushing and showering. Although alopecia does not have a direct negative health impact on patients, it is nonetheless a debilitating disease as it can profoundly impact an individual's self-image and psychosocial well-being. There are multiple treatment options available to patients with alopecia, and they are typically tailored to the patient's needs and preferences. The most common of these is the Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs for alopecia, minoxidil, and finasteride. However, both of these are known to be partially efficacious for all patients, so clinicians often use different modalities in conjunction with them, in particular laser-based therapies. This review article will provide a comprehensive assessment of lasers and other light therapies that may be used to manage the two most common types of alopecia: androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata.

Visitor arrivals forecasts amid COVID-19: A perspective from the Africa team

COVID-19 disrupted international tourism worldwide, subsequently presenting forecasters with a challenging conundrum. In this competition, we predict international arrivals for 20 destinations in two phases: (i) Ex post forecasts pre-COVID; (ii) Ex ante forecasts during and after the pandemic up to end 2021. Our results show that univariate combined with cross-sectional hierarchical forecasting techniques (THieF-ETS) outperform multivariate models pre-COVID. Scenarios were developed based on judgemental adjustment of the THieF-ETS baseline forecasts. Analysts provided a regional view on the most likely path to normal, based on country-specific regulations, macroeconomic conditions, seasonal factors and vaccine development. Results show an average recovery of 58% compared to 2019 tourist arrivals in the 20 destinations under the medium scenario; severe, it is 34% and mild, 80%.

1053 Sleep Duration And Timing Associated With History Of Breast Prostate And Skin Cancer: Data From A Nationally-representative Sample

Introduction

Sleep disturbances are a common problem among cancer survivors. Also, cancer patients can have altered circadian rhythms and these changes can continue to affect the patient long after the conclusion of their treatment. This analysis aims to investigate how the sleep and wake times of cancer survivors differ from the rest of the population, depending on the type of cancer.

Methods

Data from the 2015-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used. Population-weighted data on N=5,581 individuals provided complete data. History of breast, prostate, and skin cancer (melanoma or other) was self-reported. Sleep duration was self-reported in half-hour increments, and typical bedtime and waketime was self-reported. Covariates included age, sex, and race/ethnicity. Weighted linear regressions with sleep duration, bedtime and waketime were examined, with each cancer type as predictor.

Results

Prevalence was 1.7% for prostate cancer, 1.5% for breast cancer, 2.3% for non-melanoma skin cancer, and 0.8% for melanoma. In adjusted analyses, prostate cancer was associated with an additional 26.5 minutes of average total sleep (95%CI 2.2,50.9, p=0.03), a 23.1 bedtime minutes earlier (95%CI -40.4,-5.8, p=0.009), and no difference in waketime. Breast cancer was associated with a bedtime that was 41.1 minutes later (95%CI 10.3,72.0, p=0.009) and a waketime that was 48.7 minutes later (95%CI 12.5,84.9, p=0.008), but no difference in sleep duration. No statistically significant effects were seen for either type of skin cancer, melanoma or non-melanoma.

Conclusion

Prostate cancer was associated with an earlier bedtime and associated increased sleep time. Breast cancer, on the other hand, was associated with a phase delay of the sleep period but no change in sleep duration. Skin cancer was not associated with differences in sleep duration or timing. These findings may have implications for not only treatment of sleep problems in different types of cancer, but also possible circadian mechanisms.

Support

Dr. Grandner is supported by R01MD011600

Disparities in the Diagnosis of Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy: A Narrative Review of Current Literature

Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) is a disorder of abnormal thickening of the myocardium that affects 0.2% of the population. HOCM is a frequently implicated cause of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in young athletes. In this manner, this condition has the capacity for tremendous emotional, social, financial, and medical burdens for families and communities across the country. Multiple factors including genetics and hormonal elements are believed to play a role in the development of this cardiomyopathy. HOCM is an autosomal dominant trait with variable expressivity. It is associated with several genetic changes in the myosin heavy chain genes. Current treatment includes optimization of cardiac risk factors and medical management with beta-adrenergic blockade with definitive treatment of surgical intervention to reduce cardiac workload. The demographic most likely to be diagnosed with HOCM based upon clinical registry data is Caucasian boys and men. However, a growing body of data supports increased prevalence in African American populations and percentages equal to, if not higher than, Caucasian males in Hispanic populations. Similarly, males of African American ethnicity that participate in basketball are the most likely demographic to be affected by HOCM based on the data available from the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Further, though rates of diagnosis may be up to 1.5 times higher in males than in females, an increasing number of studies demonstrate an increased prevalence of HOCM in females, often presenting with worse symptoms and an increased incidence of disease progression. Similarly, data suggest that age of diagnosis is associated with various prognostic factors including annual mortality. In addition, consideration of the social determinants of health undoubtedly impacts the rate of diagnosis, access to care, and HOCM-related complications in underserved populations. Effective screening including auscultation and electrocardiography (EKG) with confirmatory echocardiography in these communities supports equitable surveillance and management of HOCM.

Ethnic minority participation in Community Clinical Oncology Program (CCOP) research studies

1550

Background: Low minority participation in clinical research is concerning for both research and for the public health. Objective: The aim of this project was to investigate barriers and successes in minority participation in cancer medical research and cancer clinical trials. More specifically to: (1) determine major environmental, cultural, and economic barriers confronted by minority patients with cancer; and (2) determine the components of an environment that supports greater recruitment and retention of minorities to Clinical Community Oncology Practice (CCOP) cancer studies. Methods: Six focus groups consisting of 8 to 12 current or former minority cancer patients and 18 health care practitioners, from geographically diverse areas, were recruited to participate in this qualitative study. Focus group participants were asked questions about their attitudes and beliefs concerning their cancer and medical research. Health care practitioners were questioned on site recruitment and retention practices. Results: Two major thematic areas emerged for providers: barriers minority recommendation to trials and reasons for why minorities are underrepresented in trials. The three thematic areas for focus group participants were perceptions of medical research, reasons for participation or nonparticipation, and effects of Tuskegee Syphilis Study on participation. Conclusions: The Tuskegee Syphilis Study may have been a major impetus for why many Blacks and other minorities in this sample do not participate in medical research. Providers seem to state what was obviously important in connecting with the community, however, their actions in the community varied. This qualitative study gives voice to communities which mistrust the medical community in general and medical research in particular, and highlights the need for interventions bridging the community and research.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Neuroprotective effect of SSRI among 781 cancer patients receiving chemotherapy: A URCC CCOP Study

9512

Background: Cancer and its treatment impact important areas of cognitive function such as attention and memory, which are essential to patients effective psychosocial functioning and quality of life. Previous studies reported that 17% to 75% of cancer patients reported cognitive dysfunction during and after treatment. Few studies, however, have examined the effectiveness of pharmacological interventions to control cancer-related cognitive dysfunction (CRCD). The present study examines the effect of paroxetine hydrochloride (Paxil, P) on CRCD. Methods: The sample included 574 female and 207 male cancer patients between 22 and 87 years. Memory Problems was assessed using a Self-Reported Memory Problem (SRMP) measures derived from the Fatigue Symptom Checklist that relate to memory dysfunction. Cronbach coefficient alpha (α) and a principal components analysis (PCA) were conducted to determine reliability and appropriateness of the SRMP for this sample. A repeated measure ANOVA (r-ANOVA) and t-tests were used to assess changes in mean scores on the SRMP and the effect of P versus placebo. Depression was assessed using the CESD. Results: Scale reliability assessment showed α = .90, supporting the reliability of the SRMP. The PCA revealed a one-component structure that explained 72% of the variance. The r-ANOVA showed a significant difference between scores on the SRMP at baseline (after first chemotherapy cycle, and before P) and follow-up (after four cycles of chemotherapy, after P) (Wilks' Lambda = .99, F (1, 583) = 5.52, p = 0.02). The t-tests also showed a significant effect of P on CRMP (p < 0.05). P had a significant effect after controlling for depression (p < 0.001) Conclusions: CRCD is a serious problem for patients that can be alleviated by P. Future studies should examine the usefulness of other psychotropic agents and combined behavioral and pharmacologic interventions to control CRCD. Supported by NCI Grants U10CA37420, R25CA102618, and 3U01CA116924–04S1.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Patients’ experiences with navigation for cancer care

e17520

Background: Patient navigation is a promising strategy for improving cancer care. We examined (1) how navigation influences patients’ perspectives on their cancer care and (2) the most effective (i.e., meaningful or valuable) aspects of navigation from the patient's viewpoint. Methods: We conducted post-study patient interviews from a randomized controlled trial (usual care vs. patient navigation services) from cancer diagnosis through treatment completion. Patients were recruited from 11 primary care, hospital and community oncology practices in Monroe County, NY. We interviewed patients about their specific experiences with cancer care including their expectations and experience of patient navigation or, for non-navigated patients, other sources of assistance. Results: Thirty-five patients (32 female, 3 male) newly diagnosed with breast (n = 28) or colorectal (n = 7) cancer who completed the study and were interviewed from May 2007 through March 2008. Patients who received navigation were very positive about their experience. Valued aspects of navigation included emotional support, assistance with information needs and problem-solving (such as with insurance or financial stressors), and logistical coordination of cancer care. Unmet cancer care needs expressed by patients randomized to usual care consisted of lack of assistance or support with childcare, household responsibilities, coordination of care, and emotional support. Conclusions: Cancer patients value navigation. Instrumental benefits were the most important expectations for navigation from navigated and non-navigated patients. However, when describing their actual experience of navigation, navigated patients frequently mentioned receiving emotional support as well as assistance with information needs, problem-solving, and logistical aspects of cancer care coordination.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Cognitive functioning in breast cancer patients during and following chemotherapy

e20571

Background: The development of cognitive difficulties, including memory loss, confusion, and difficulty concentrating following cancer treatment is a significant concern in patients receiving chemotherapy. Methods: This secondary analysis of a study assessing the effects of a RCT of paroxetine on fatigue in cancer patients investigated changes in self-report cognitive functioning over four cycles of chemotherapy and then approximately two years later. Approximately half of the patients were chemotherapy naïve. Questions on 5 point scales anchored by 1 = “absence of” and 5 = “a great deal” evaluating whether patients experienced heavy headedness, muddled thoughts, difficulty thinking, trouble concentrating, and forgetfulness. Each was answered seven days after each treatment and scores from each cycle were summed. Results: Fifty-eight of 84 patients completed questionnaires for all four cycles and are included herein. Paired t-tests showed cognitive difficulties were highest following the 1st on-study chemotherapy cycle (mean=7.9) and were significantly improved at the 3rd (mean=6.9) and 4th (mean=6.6) on-study cycles (both, p<0.005). Independent sample t-tests revealed that paroxetine had no effect on cognitive functioning when compared to placebo at all 4 cycles (all, p>0.54). Fifteen participants were reassessed two years after completing treatement. There was an increase in reported cognitive difficulties from the last cycle (mean=5.9) to the follow-up time-point (mean=7.8) that was not significant (p=0.18). Patients with ≥2 point change in score from the last on-study cycle to follow-up were categorized as “better” or “worse”. Those with <2 point change in score were classified as “no change”. Four (27 %) patients got worse (mean change=9.0), 2 (13 %) got better (mean change=-3.5), and 9 (60%) did not change. Conclusions: These data suggest that self-report cognitive difficulties related to cancer treatment are most pronounced following initial cycles of chemotherapy treatment and improve during the treatment course. Further studies need to include objective neuropsychological examinations and biological correlates of cognitive functioning to understand the extent of cognitive decline due to chemotherapy. Funding: DOD DA17–96-C-6106, NCI R25CA10618.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Communication about physical activity in an underserved patient population

17012

Background: Promoting physical activity may help reduce the incidence of several cancers. The 5A model, used to promote other patient behavior changes in clinical practice, may be applicable to physical activity. Our goal was to determine clinicians’ use of the 5A (Ask, Advise, Agree, Assist, Arrange) guidelines when communicating about physical activity and cancer risk with an underserved patient population. Methods: Analysis of 50 audiotaped transcribed office visits with adult patients and their clinicians in two community health centers in Rochester, NY. We conducted post-visit interviews to assess patient recall of communication about physical activity.We used descriptive statistics to assess patient demographics and the frequency of each of the 5As occurring in the audiotaped visits. Analysis of the transcripts of the visits explored other contextual factors related to use of the 5As for communication about physical activity and cancer risk. Results: Patients were predominantly female (70%) and were African American (50%), Caucasian (35%) and other/mixed ethnicity (15%). In the 50 office visits, there were twelve (24%) Ask, twelve (24%) Advise, three (6%) Agree, two (4%) Assist, and one (2%) Arrange statement. Physical activity communication was mostly (92%) clinician-initiated; the only discussion which included all 5As was patient-initiated. No discussion linked physical activity to cancer risk or cancer prevention. Patients recalling the most communication about physical activity with their clinician reported that it was contextualized to their specific health needs, included support and encouragement, and consisted of clear, simple advice. Conclusions: Communication about physical activity incorporating the Agree and Arrange steps of the 5As was infrequent. Cancer prevention interventions should target these steps and prompt the patient to initiate communication to improve physical activity in underserved populations. This project was supported by a grant from the National Cancer Institute, R25- CA102618.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

A brief measure of patients self-reported chemotherapy-related memory problem: Psychometric studies

19655

Background: Memory is a central component of individuals’ functional systems of behavior, (i.e., cognition, emotionality, and executive functioning) that can be deleteriously affected by cancer treatment. It is important to identify and understand the effects of cancer treatment on memory in order to develop effective interventions to ameliorate these problems. This study involves structural and reliability analyses of a brief measure of chemotherapy-related memory problem to facilitate prompt and reliable preliminary assessments in oncology research and practice. Methods: Patients (N = 821) included in this analysis were part of a larger randomized clinical trial on cancer-related fatigue. These patients completed the Fatigue Symptom Checklist (FSCL) at four time points. Five items from the FSCL that assess memory problems were aggregated into a brief self-report memory problem measure (SRMP). Results: Reliability assessment of the SRMP revealed a Cronbach coefficient alpha of 0.90. The data was found suitable for latent structure analysis using various criteria: Kaiser-Myer-Olkin, Bartlett’s Test of sphericity, Kaiser’s (1959) simplest criterion test of γ >1, and the presence of item-correlation coefficients of r = .30. Principal components analysis showed one component with eigenvalue (γ) exceeding 1, that explained 72% of the variance. Subsequent reliability assessments of the SRMP revealed Cronbach coefficients alpha of 0.90 and above, all with a single component explaining 71.36% to 73.36% of the variances. Conclusions: The results supported the use of the SRMP as a reliable one- dimensional measure of cancer treatment-related memory problem. The SMRP could be used for preliminary assessment of possible underlying memory problems that might need further examinations. Studies to establish the construct validity of the SRMP are under way. Supported by NCI grant R25CA102618.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Self-reported cognitive impairment in cancer patients: A URCC CCOP longitudinal study of 595 patients

8502

Background: Patients undergoing cancer treatment often report cognitive impairment, manifested as problems with concentration and memory. Such cognitive problems may be noticed only by the patient. The purpose of this multicenter longitudinal study was to investigate the frequency and severity of self-reported problems with memory and concentration over time. Methods: Patients undergoing treatment for solid tumors self-rated problems with memory and concentration using an 11-point Likert Scale (0 = Not present to 10 = “As bad as you can imagine”) at baseline before treatment began (T1), at their worst during treatment (T2), and at 6 months following treatment (T3). Any symptom level ≥ 7 was classified as “severe.” T-tests, paired or independent as appropriate, were used to examine differences in symptoms over time and between patients treated with and without chemotherapy. Results: Of 595 participants, 356 (60%) received chemotherapy, with or without radiation and 239 (40%) radiation alone. Concentration problems were reported by 48% of all participants at T1 (5% severe), 67% at T2 (18% severe) and 58% (8% severe) at T3 (p < .001). Memory loss was reported by 53% at T1 (4% severe), 67% (18% severe) at T2 and 68% (11% severe) at T3 (p < .001). The average frequency and severity of both symptoms in patients receiving chemotherapy increased significantly between T1 and T2 (p<.001). Both symptoms were less severe in patients receiving radiation alone at all three measurements (all ps<.001). Symptoms at T3 were significantly higher than T1 for both groups (p<.001). Conclusion: Self-reported problems with memory and concentration are experienced by the majority of cancer patients who receive chemotherapy and radiation. The cognitive problems get worse during treatment and persist at least 6 months following. Controlled studies of interventions for problems of memory loss and concentration are warranted. Supported in part by a supplement from the Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, NCI, to Public Health Service grant U10 CA37420 and by NCI grant 1R25CA102618.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Empowered to stop smoking: The impact of a SDT smoking cessation intervention on economically disadvantaged whites and blacks

1012

Background: Few studies have examined the potential influence of an empowering Self Determination Theory (SDT) intervention on reducing smoking behaviors and outcomes for Whites and Blacks. Objectives: To determine if empowerment to stop smoking is associated with smoking outcomes in Whites and Blacks, and to examine if empowerment to stop smoking improved under the SDT Intervention vs. Usual Care conditions. Methods: A longitudinal randomized trial study was conducted to examine the effect of a SDT and health behavior change intervention for tobacco cessation among adult smokers. Participants were randomized into the SDT Intervention or the Usual Care condition. The present study includes data from a sample of 821 Whites and 177 Blacks who completed anonymous surveys at 1, 6, and 18-months intervals on empowerment to stop smoking (Perceived Competence Scale, Treatment Self-Regulation Questionnaire), demographics, and smoking behaviors. Results: Stepwise logistic regressions showed that empowerment to stop smoking was associated with quitting smoking at 1, 6, and 18 month follow-up for both treatment conditions. At one month, participants in the SDT Intervention with the highest levels of empowerment were 6.3 times more likely to quit smoking as compared with those in the usual care condition who were only 3.15 times as likely to quit smoking. Similar findings were found at 6 months and at 18 months (6- month SDT Intervention Empowerment High: (OR = 8.66, 95% C.I. 4.6, 16.3); 6 month Usual Care Empowerment High: (OR = 3.10, 95% C.I. 1.4, 7.0); 18- month SDT Intervention Empowerment High: (OR = 4.10, 95% C.I. 2.2, 7.5); 18 month Usual Care Empowerment High: (OR = 3.11, 95% C.I. 1.3, 7.7). In the SDT Intervention at 6 months being Black increased successful quitting by 2.4 times. Conclusions: Findings indicate that at each time-point the SDT Intervention empowered more participants to stop smoking than usual care alone. Findings also suggest that Blacks may increase their ability to stop smoking in the SDT Intervention condition. These preliminary findings highlight the need to further investigate the possible roles of empowerment interventions in smoking cessation among Whites and Blacks, especially cancer patients.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Health promotion and cancer screening services for African refugee women

6101

Background: Previous work has shown that refugee women do not receive adequate preventive healthcare services, especially cancer screening. To identify factors that could affect the provision of cancer screening services to African Somali refugee women living in Rochester, NY, we assessed beliefs these women have about health promotion, access to care and use of preventive healthcare services. Methods: Individual in-depth interviews were conducted on a community-based sample of 34 resettled Somali-born women who were older than 18 years. Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. A professional interpreter listened to all audiotaped interviews to check accuracy of transcription and translation. Content was analyzed by a multidisciplinary team using a grounded theory approach. Results: Median age of the women was 27 years. Length of residence in US was two months to nine years. For these women, health maintenance for acute survival took precedence over long-term prevention of disease. All women were familiar with basic health promotion practices, immunizations and routine medical examinations, and participants used both US-based and traditional techniques to prevent illness. Most women (71%, n=24), recognized the importance of maintaining good hygiene (59%, n=20) understood the need to have an adequate source of safe food and water, (74%, n=25) saw the need for access to a regular source of healthcare and (65%, n=22) acknowledged the need to function well at home. Few women understood cancer prevention services. Only three (9%) women recognized that the purpose of the Papanicalaou test was to screen for cervical cancer. Only six women (18%) recognized mammography (either the term or the procedure) and all of them were English-speaking, had lived in the US five years or longer, and had worked in the healthcare field. Conclusions: While traditional beliefs about health promotion did not appear to impede delivery of most preventive services, and participants understood prevention of infectious disease, their familiarity with cancer and cancer screening services was poor. Future health promotion programs need to increase refugee women’s knowledge about these services while building on other positive health-promoting beliefs. Supported by AHRQ 5R03HS014105 and NCI 1R25CA102618

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Cancer patients’ reported illness and treatment related concerns, perception of availability and use of available information: The influence of socio-demographics

6077

Backgrounds: Studies that examine the roles of socio-demographics in illness perception and healthcare communication among cancer patients are relatively absent. Methods: This sample included 973 (904 whites, 69 non-whites) patients undergoing treatment for cancer at 20 geographically separate sites. Concerns over understanding the diagnosis and treatment plan were assessed on a 5-point-scale (“1=no concern” to “5=a great deal of concern”). Patients were also asked if: a) whether or not information was available to them, b) if yes, did they used it or not, and c) would more information have been helpful. χ2-analyses and ANCOVAs, were conducted to examine group differences in education, occupation, and concern over understanding the diagnosis and treatment plan. Logistic regressions were conducted to assess the independent association of race to patients’ beliefs that additional information would have been helpful. Results: χ2 analyses showed no significant difference between whites and non-whites in education and occupation (Ps > .05). Subsequent ANCOVAs showed significant group differences in concerns over understanding the diagnosis (F(1, 967) = 9.13, p = 0.003) and treatment plan (F(1, 967) = 7.95, p = 0.01), after adjusting for education, occupation, age, and gender. Additionally, χ2 showed significant group differences in beliefs that more information would have been helpful (p < .05). More non-whites (70.3%) than whites (53.1%) indicated that additional information would have been helpful to understanding the diagnosis. Similarly, more non-whites (69.4%) than whites (53.4%) indicated that additional information would have been helpful to understanding the treatment plan. Subsequent logistic regressions confirmed that race independently predicted patients’ indications that more information would have been helpful to understanding the diagnosis (OR = 1.96, 95%CI = 1.12, 3.42) and treatment plan (OR = 1.84, 95%CI = 1.05, 3.22). Conclusion: The findings underscore the need for oncology professionals to consider and integrate information about socio-demographics in their intervention and communication with racial/ethnic minority patients. Supported by NHI PHS-grant U10-CA37420

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Chemotherapy-naïve cancer patients’ expectations of developing treatment-related side effects: A URCC CCOP study of 670 patients from community practices

8509

Background: Adequate management of cancer related side effects is important for patients yet challenging for clinical staff. Cancer treatment side effects have been characterized reasonably well in the literature; however, less is known about the relationships among response expectancies, personal characteristics, and side effects development of chemotherapy-naïve patients undergoing doxorubicin treatments. Methods: The present sample included 701 cancer patients from 14 CCOP institutions affiliated with the URCC CCOP research base. Of the total sample, 670 patients provided evaluable data to an item that assessed expectations that they will develop side effects such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and hair loss. Patients indicated their expectations on a 5-point scale (from 1 = “I am certain I will NOT have this” to 5 = “I am certain I WILL have this”). Results: The median number of symptoms expected (any value other than 1) was 4. Hair loss was most expected (98%) and vomiting the least (87%). Older patients (> 53-years, N = 316, ) were less confident they would get nausea (Mold = 2.96, SE = 0.064; Myoung = 3.23, SE = 0.057, p < 0.01) and hair loss (Mold = 4.22, SD = 0.063; Myoung = 4.39, SE = 0.051, p < 0.05). Females (n = 633) were more confident they would get hair loss than males (Mfemale = 4.34, SE = 0.041; Mmale = 3.89, SE = 0.172, p < 0.05). Patients who had some college (n = 397) thought it was more likely they would get hair loss than patients with less education (Mcollege = 4.38, SE = 0.048; Mnocollege = 4.21, SE = 0.069, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Chemotherapy-naïve patients scheduled to take doxorubicin clearly exhibit expectations about treatment side effects, which are influenced by age, gender and education. The findings show that knowledge of patients’ response expectancies and personal characteristics should be considered and integrated into interventions to control treatment side effects. Supported, in part, by a supplement from the Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, NCI, to Public Health Service grant U10 CA37420 and by grant RSG-01-071-PBP from the ACS

[Table: see text]

No significant financial relationships to disclose.