Observation of Single-Top-Quark Production in Association with a Photon Using the ATLAS Detector

This Letter reports the observation of single top quarks produced together with a photon, which directly probes the electroweak coupling of the top quark. The analysis uses 139  fb^{-1} of 13 TeV proton-proton collision data collected with the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider. Requiring a photon with transverse momentum larger than 20 GeV and within the detector acceptance, the fiducial cross section is measured to be 688±23(stat) _{-71}^{+75}(syst)  fb, to be compared with the standard model prediction of 515_{-42}^{+36}  fb at next-to-leading order in QCD.

Observation of the γγ→ττ Process in Pb+Pb Collisions and Constraints on the τ-Lepton Anomalous Magnetic Moment with the ATLAS Detector

This Letter reports the observation of τ-lepton-pair production in ultraperipheral lead-lead collisions Pb+Pb→Pb(γγ→ττ)Pb and constraints on the τ-lepton anomalous magnetic moment a_{τ}. The dataset corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 1.44  nb^{-1} of LHC Pb+Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV recorded by the ATLAS experiment in 2018. Selected events contain one muon from a τ-lepton decay, an electron or charged-particle track(s) from the other τ-lepton decay, little additional central-detector activity, and no forward neutrons. The γγ→ττ process is observed in Pb+Pb collisions with a significance exceeding 5 standard deviations and a signal strength of μ_{ττ}=1.03_{-0.05}^{+0.06} assuming the standard model value for a_{τ}. To measure a_{τ}, a template fit to the muon transverse-momentum distribution from τ-lepton candidates is performed, using a dimuon (γγ→μμ) control sample to constrain systematic uncertainties. The observed 95% confidence-level interval for a_{τ} is -0.057 Collapse

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Strong Constraints on Jet Quenching in Centrality-Dependent p+Pb Collisions at 5.02 TeV from ATLAS

Jet quenching is the process of color-charged partons losing energy via interactions with quark-gluon plasma droplets created in heavy-ion collisions. The collective expansion of such droplets is well described by viscous hydrodynamics. Similar evidence of collectivity is consistently observed in smaller collision systems, including pp and p+Pb collisions. In contrast, while jet quenching is observed in Pb+Pb collisions, no evidence has been found in these small systems to date, raising fundamental questions about the nature of the system created in these collisions. The ATLAS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider has measured the yield of charged hadrons correlated with reconstructed jets in 0.36  nb^{-1} of p+Pb and 3.6  pb^{-1} of pp collisions at 5.02 TeV. The yields of charged hadrons with p_{T}^{ch}>0.5  GeV near and opposite in azimuth to jets with p_{T}^{jet}>30 or 60 GeV, and the ratios of these yields between p+Pb and pp collisions, I_{pPb}, are reported. The collision centrality of p+Pb events is categorized by the energy deposited by forward neutrons from the struck nucleus. The I_{pPb} values are consistent with unity within a few percent for hadrons with p_{T}^{ch}>4  GeV at all centralities. These data provide new, strong constraints that preclude almost any parton energy loss in central p+Pb collisions.

Search for Heavy Neutral Leptons in Decays of W Bosons Using a Dilepton Displaced Vertex in sqrt[s]=13 TeV pp Collisions with the ATLAS Detector

A search for a long-lived, heavy neutral lepton (N) in 139  fb^{-1} of sqrt[s]=13  TeV pp collision data collected by the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider is reported. The N is produced via W→Nμ or W→Ne and decays into two charged leptons and a neutrino, forming a displaced vertex. The N mass is used to discriminate between signal and background. No signal is observed, and limits are set on the squared mixing parameters of the N with the left-handed neutrino states for the N mass range 3  GeV Collapse

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Test of CP Invariance in Higgs Boson Vector-Boson-Fusion Production Using the H→γγ Channel with the ATLAS Detector

A test of CP invariance in Higgs boson production via vector-boson fusion has been performed in the H→γγ channel using 139  fb^{-1} of proton-proton collision data at sqrt[s]=13  TeV collected by the ATLAS detector at the LHC. The optimal observable method is used to probe the CP structure of interactions between the Higgs boson and electroweak gauge bosons, as described by an effective field theory. No sign of CP violation is observed in the data. Constraints are set on the parameters describing the strength of the CP-odd component in the coupling between the Higgs boson and the electroweak gauge bosons in two effective field theory bases: d[over ˜] in the HISZ basis and c_{HW[over ˜]} in the Warsaw basis. The results presented are the most stringent constraints on CP violation in the coupling between Higgs and weak bosons. The 95% C.L. constraint on d[over ˜] is derived for the first time and the 95% C.L. constraint on c_{HW[over ˜]} has been improved by a factor of 5 compared to the previous measurement.

Standards of Care for the Health of Transgender and Gender Diverse People, Version 8

Background: Transgender healthcare is a rapidly evolving interdisciplinary field. In the last decade, there has been an unprecedented increase in the number and visibility of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people seeking support and gender-affirming medical treatment in parallel with a significant rise in the scientific literature in this area. The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) is an international, multidisciplinary, professional association whose mission is to promote evidence-based care, education, research, public policy, and respect in transgender health. One of the main functions of WPATH is to promote the highest standards of health care for TGD people through the Standards of Care (SOC). The SOC was initially developed in 1979 and the last version (SOC-7) was published in 2012. In view of the increasing scientific evidence, WPATH commissioned a new version of the Standards of Care, the SOC-8. Aim: The overall goal of SOC-8 is to provide health care professionals (HCPs) with clinical guidance to assist TGD people in accessing safe and effective pathways to achieving lasting personal comfort with their gendered selves with the aim of optimizing their overall physical health, psychological well-being, and self-fulfillment. Methods: The SOC-8 is based on the best available science and expert professional consensus in transgender health. International professionals and stakeholders were selected to serve on the SOC-8 committee. Recommendation statements were developed based on data derived from independent systematic literature reviews, where available, background reviews and expert opinions. Grading of recommendations was based on the available evidence supporting interventions, a discussion of risks and harms, as well as the feasibility and acceptability within different contexts and country settings. Results: A total of 18 chapters were developed as part of the SOC-8. They contain recommendations for health care professionals who provide care and treatment for TGD people. Each of the recommendations is followed by explanatory text with relevant references. General areas related to transgender health are covered in the chapters Terminology, Global Applicability, Population Estimates, and Education. The chapters developed for the diverse population of TGD people include Assessment of Adults, Adolescents, Children, Nonbinary, Eunuchs, and Intersex Individuals, and people living in Institutional Environments. Finally, the chapters related to gender-affirming treatment are Hormone Therapy, Surgery and Postoperative Care, Voice and Communication, Primary Care, Reproductive Health, Sexual Health, and Mental Health. Conclusions: The SOC-8 guidelines are intended to be flexible to meet the diverse health care needs of TGD people globally. While adaptable, they offer standards for promoting optimal health care and guidance for the treatment of people experiencing gender incongruence. As in all previous versions of the SOC, the criteria set forth in this document for gender-affirming medical interventions are clinical guidelines; individual health care professionals and programs may modify these in consultation with the TGD person.

Observation of WWW Production in pp Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV with the ATLAS Detector

This Letter reports the observation of WWW production and a measurement of its cross section using 139  fb^{-1} of proton-proton collision data recorded at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV by the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider. Events with two same-sign leptons (electrons or muons) and at least two jets, as well as events with three charged leptons, are selected. A multivariate technique is then used to discriminate between signal and background events. Events from WWW production are observed with a significance of 8.0 standard deviations, where the expectation is 5.4 standard deviations. The inclusive WWW production cross section is measured to be 820±100 (stat)±80 (syst)  fb, approximately 2.6 standard deviations from the predicted cross section of 511±18  fb calculated at next-to-leading-order QCD and leading-order electroweak accuracy.

A detailed map of Higgs boson interactions by the ATLAS experiment ten years after the discovery

The standard model of particle physics1-4 describes the known fundamental particles and forces that make up our Universe, with the exception of gravity. One of the central features of the standard model is a field that permeates all of space and interacts with fundamental particles5-9. The quantum excitation of this field, known as the Higgs field, manifests itself as the Higgs boson, the only fundamental particle with no spin. In 2012, a particle with properties consistent with the Higgs boson of the standard model was observed by the ATLAS and CMS experiments at the Large Hadron Collider at CERN10,11. Since then, more than 30 times as many Higgs bosons have been recorded by the ATLAS experiment, enabling much more precise measurements and new tests of the theory. Here, on the basis of this larger dataset, we combine an unprecedented number of production and decay processes of the Higgs boson to scrutinize its interactions with elementary particles. Interactions with gluons, photons, and W and Z bosons-the carriers of the strong, electromagnetic and weak forces-are studied in detail. Interactions with three third-generation matter particles (bottom (b) and top (t) quarks, and tau leptons (τ)) are well measured and indications of interactions with a second-generation particle (muons, μ) are emerging. These tests reveal that the Higgs boson discovered ten years ago is remarkably consistent with the predictions of the theory and provide stringent constraints on many models of new phenomena beyond the standard model.

Search for Lepton-Flavor Violation in Z-Boson Decays with τ Leptons with the ATLAS Detector

A search for lepton-flavor-violating Z→eτ and Z→μτ decays with pp collision data recorded by the ATLAS detector at the LHC is presented. This analysis uses 139  fb^{-1} of Run 2 pp collisions at sqrt[s]=13  TeV and is combined with the results of a similar ATLAS search in the final state in which the τ lepton decays hadronically, using the same data set as well as Run 1 data. The addition of leptonically decaying τ leptons significantly improves the sensitivity reach for Z→ℓτ decays. The Z→ℓτ branching fractions are constrained in this analysis to B(Z→eτ)<7.0×10^{-6} and B(Z→μτ)<7.2×10^{-6} at 95% confidence level. The combination with the previously published analyses sets the strongest constraints to date: B(Z→eτ)<5.0×10^{-6} and B(Z→μτ)<6.5×10^{-6} at 95% confidence level.

Search for New Phenomena in Final States with Two Leptons and One or No b-Tagged Jets at sqrt[s]=13 TeV Using the ATLAS Detector

A search for new phenomena is presented in final states with two leptons and one or no b-tagged jets. The event selection requires the two leptons to have opposite charge, the same flavor (electrons or muons), and a large invariant mass. The analysis is based on the full run-2 proton-proton collision dataset recorded at a center-of-mass energy of sqrt[s]=13  TeV by the ATLAS experiment at the LHC, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 139  fb^{-1}. No significant deviation from the expected background is observed in the data. Inspired by the B-meson decay anomalies, a four-fermion contact interaction between two quarks (b, s) and two leptons (ee or μμ) is used as a benchmark signal model, which is characterized by the energy scale and coupling, Λ and g_{*}, respectively. Contact interactions with Λ/g_{*} lower than 2.0 (2.4) TeV are excluded for electrons (muons) at the 95% confidence level, still far below the value that is favored by the B-meson decay anomalies. Model-independent limits are set as a function of the minimum dilepton invariant mass, which allow the results to be reinterpreted in various signal scenarios.

Search for Displaced Leptons in sqrt[s]=13 TeV pp Collisions with the ATLAS Detector

A search for charged leptons with large impact parameters using 139  fb^{-1} of sqrt[s]=13  TeV pp collision data from the ATLAS detector at the LHC is presented, addressing a long-standing gap in coverage of possible new physics signatures. Results are consistent with the background prediction. This search provides unique sensitivity to long-lived scalar supersymmetric lepton partners (sleptons). For lifetimes of 0.1 ns, selectron, smuon, and stau masses up to 720, 680, and 340  GeV, respectively, are excluded at 95% confidence level, drastically improving on the previous best limits from LEP.

Longitudinal Flow Decorrelations in Xe+Xe Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.44 TeV with the ATLAS Detector

The first measurement of longitudinal decorrelations of harmonic flow amplitudes v_{n} for n=2-4 in Xe+Xe collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.44  TeV is obtained using 3  μb^{-1} of data with the ATLAS detector at the LHC. The decorrelation signal for v_{3} and v_{4} is found to be nearly independent of collision centrality and transverse momentum (p_{T}) requirements on final-state particles, but for v_{2} a strong centrality and p_{T} dependence is seen. When compared with the results from Pb+Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV, the longitudinal decorrelation signal in midcentral Xe+Xe collisions is found to be larger for v_{2}, but smaller for v_{3}. Current hydrodynamic models reproduce the ratios of the v_{n} measured in Xe+Xe collisions to those in Pb+Pb collisions but fail to describe the magnitudes and trends of the ratios of longitudinal flow decorrelations between Xe+Xe and Pb+Pb. The results on the system-size dependence provide new insights and an important lever arm to separate effects of the longitudinal structure of the initial state from other early and late time effects in heavy-ion collisions.

Search for Dark Matter Produced in Association with a Dark Higgs Boson Decaying into W^{±}W^{∓} or ZZ in Fully Hadronic Final States from sqrt[s]=13 TeV pp Collisions Recorded with the ATLAS Detector

Several extensions of the Standard Model predict the production of dark matter particles at the LHC. An uncharted signature of dark matter particles produced in association with VV=W^{±}W^{∓} or ZZ pairs from a decay of a dark Higgs boson s is searched for using 139  fb^{-1} of pp collisions recorded by the ATLAS detector at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV. The s→V(qq[over ¯])V(qq[over ¯]) decays are reconstructed with a novel technique aimed at resolving the dense topology from boosted VV pairs using jets in the calorimeter and tracking information. Dark Higgs scenarios with m_{s}>160  GeV are excluded.

Medium-Induced Modification of Z-Tagged Charged Particle Yields in Pb+Pb Collisions at 5.02 TeV with the ATLAS Detector

The yield of charged particles opposite to a Z boson with large transverse momentum (p_{T}) is measured in 260  pb^{-1} of pp and 1.7  nb^{-1} of Pb+Pb collision data at 5.02 TeV per nucleon pair recorded with the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider. The Z boson tag is used to select hard-scattered partons with specific kinematics, and to observe how their showers are modified as they propagate through the quark-gluon plasma created in Pb+Pb collisions. Compared with pp collisions, charged-particle yields in Pb+Pb collisions show significant modifications as a function of charged-particle p_{T} in a way that depends on event centrality and Z boson p_{T}. The data are compared with a variety of theoretical calculations and provide new information about the medium-induced energy loss of partons in a p_{T} regime difficult to measure through other channels.

Observation and Measurement of Forward Proton Scattering in Association with Lepton Pairs Produced via the Photon Fusion Mechanism at ATLAS

The observation of forward proton scattering in association with lepton pairs (e^{+}e^{-}+p or μ^{+}μ^{-}+p) produced via photon fusion is presented. The scattered proton is detected by the ATLAS Forward Proton spectrometer, while the leptons are reconstructed by the central ATLAS detector. Proton-proton collision data recorded in 2017 at a center-of-mass energy of sqrt[s]=13  TeV are analyzed, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 14.6  fb^{-1}. A total of 57 (123) candidates in the ee+p (μμ+p) final state are selected, allowing the background-only hypothesis to be rejected with a significance exceeding 5 standard deviations in each channel. Proton-tagging techniques are introduced for cross-section measurements in the fiducial detector acceptance, corresponding to σ_{ee+p}=11.0±2.6(stat)±1.2(syst)±0.3(lumi) and σ_{μμ+p}=7.2±1.6(stat)±0.9(syst)±0.2(lumi)  fb in the dielectron and dimuon channel, respectively.

Search for Heavy Resonances Decaying into a Photon and a Hadronically Decaying Higgs Boson in pp Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV with the ATLAS Detector

This Letter presents a search for the production of new heavy resonances decaying into a Higgs boson and a photon using proton-proton collision data at sqrt[s]=13  TeV collected by the ATLAS detector at the LHC. The data correspond to an integrated luminosity of 139  fb^{-1}. The analysis is performed by reconstructing hadronically decaying Higgs boson (H→bb[over ¯]) candidates as single large-radius jets. A novel algorithm using information about the jet constituents in the center-of-mass frame of the jet is implemented to identify the two b quarks in the single jet. No significant excess of events is observed above the expected background. Upper limits are set on the production cross-section times branching fraction for narrow spin-1 resonances decaying into a Higgs boson and a photon in the resonance mass range from 0.7 to 4 TeV, cross-section times branching fractions are excluded between 11.6 fb and 0.11 fb at a 95% confidence level.

Search for Higgs Boson Decays into a Z Boson and a Light Hadronically Decaying Resonance Using 13 TeV pp Collision Data from the ATLAS Detector

A search for Higgs boson decays into a Z boson and a light resonance in two-lepton plus jet events is performed, using a pp collision dataset with an integrated luminosity of 139  fb^{-1} collected at sqrt[s]=13  TeV by the ATLAS experiment at the CERN LHC. The resonance considered is a light boson with a mass below 4 GeV from a possible extended scalar sector or a charmonium state. Multivariate discriminants are used for the event selection and for evaluating the mass of the light resonance. No excess of events above the expected background is found. Observed (expected) 95% confidence-level upper limits are set on the Higgs boson production cross section times branching fraction to a Z boson and the signal resonance, with values in the range 17-340 pb (16_{-5}^{+6}-320_{-90}^{+130}  pb) for the different light spin-0 boson mass and branching fraction hypotheses, and with values of 110 and 100 pb (100_{-30}^{+40} and 100_{-30}^{+40}  pb) for the η_{c} and J/ψ hypotheses, respectively.

Maintaining treatment volumes during the COVID-19 pandemic

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Background: Uninterrupted care is essential for optimal outcomes in cancer care. The COVID-19 pandemic presented numerous challenges in providing continuity of care for many facilities. Our practice was able to deliver ongoing treatment for a large volume of our patients while maintaining a safe environment. Methods: A practice-wide effort to continue therapy in cancer patients undergoing active treatment began in March 2020 as the peak of the pandemic was beginning in Tennessee. Those patients who were receiving active treatment continued the planned treatment while reducing non-acute treatment visits. We assessed the volume of patients receiving treatments in our facilities for two periods: JanuaryDecember 2019 and January-May 2020. We compared the aggregate number of chemotherapy infusions, therapeutic infusions and injections as well as total treatments. Results: Overall, treatments remained relatively stable without a significant change in treatment volumes. There was a 3.69% decline in total treatment with therapeutic infusions (-9.68%) and injections (-7.85%) which accounted for the majority of deferred treatments. Chemotherapy infusions remained stable with an average increase (1.90%) in treatments. Conclusions: During the COVID-19 pandemic, our facility was able to maintain stable treatment numbers while providing safe care to our patients. We had no known diagnosed COVID-19 cases from potential exposures in our clinics. Decreases in treatment reflected less critical therapies. There did seem to be a delay for chemotherapy/immunotherapy that seemed to resolve as the peak passed for this region. Offloading of less critical treatments can result in continued treatment of cancer patients during a pandemic. [Table: see text]

Dijet Resonance Search with Weak Supervision Using sqrt[s]=13 TeV pp Collisions in the ATLAS Detector

This Letter describes a search for narrowly resonant new physics using a machine-learning anomaly detection procedure that does not rely on signal simulations for developing the analysis selection. Weakly supervised learning is used to train classifiers directly on data to enhance potential signals. The targeted topology is dijet events and the features used for machine learning are the masses of the two jets. The resulting analysis is essentially a three-dimensional search A→BC, for m_{A}∼O(TeV), m_{B},m_{C}∼O(100  GeV) and B, C are reconstructed as large-radius jets, without paying a penalty associated with a large trials factor in the scan of the masses of the two jets. The full run 2 sqrt[s]=13  TeV pp collision dataset of 139  fb^{-1} recorded by the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider is used for the search. There is no significant evidence of a localized excess in the dijet invariant mass spectrum between 1.8 and 8.2 TeV. Cross-section limits for narrow-width A, B, and C particles vary with m_{A}, m_{B}, and m_{C}. For example, when m_{A}=3  TeV and m_{B}≳200  GeV, a production cross section between 1 and 5 fb is excluded at 95% confidence level, depending on m_{C}. For certain masses, these limits are up to 10 times more sensitive than those obtained by the inclusive dijet search. These results are complementary to the dedicated searches for the case that B and C are standard model bosons.

CP Properties of Higgs Boson Interactions with Top Quarks in the tt[over ¯]H and tH Processes Using H→γγ with the ATLAS Detector

A study of the charge conjugation and parity (CP) properties of the interaction between the Higgs boson and top quarks is presented. Higgs bosons are identified via the diphoton decay channel (H→γγ), and their production in association with a top quark pair (tt[over ¯]H) or single top quark (tH) is studied. The analysis uses 139  fb^{-1} of proton-proton collision data recorded at a center-of-mass energy of sqrt[s]=13  TeV with the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider. Assuming a CP-even coupling, the tt[over ¯]H process is observed with a significance of 5.2 standard deviations. The measured cross section times H→γγ branching ratio is 1.64_{-0.36}^{+0.38}(stat)_{-0.14}^{+0.17}(sys)  fb, and the measured rate for tt[over ¯]H is 1.43_{-0.31}^{+0.33}(stat)_{-0.15}^{+0.21}(sys) times the Standard Model expectation. The tH production process is not observed and an upper limit on its rate of 12 times the Standard Model expectation is set. A CP-mixing angle greater (less) than 43 (-43)° is excluded at 95% confidence level.

Search for Heavy Higgs Bosons Decaying into Two Tau Leptons with the ATLAS Detector Using pp Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

A search for heavy neutral Higgs bosons is performed using the LHC Run 2 data, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 139  fb^{-1} of proton-proton collisions at sqrt[s]=13  TeV recorded with the ATLAS detector. The search for heavy resonances is performed over the mass range 0.2-2.5 TeV for the τ^{+}τ^{-} decay with at least one τ-lepton decaying into final states with hadrons. The data are in good agreement with the background prediction of the standard model. In the M_{h}^{125} scenario of the minimal supersymmetric standard model, values of tanβ>8 and tanβ>21 are excluded at the 95% confidence level for neutral Higgs boson masses of 1.0 and 1.5 TeV, respectively, where tanβ is the ratio of the vacuum expectation values of the two Higgs doublets.

Central sulcus is a barrier to causal propagation in epileptic networks

the functional interactions of different brain regions are dependent of their underlying structural connectivity. These interactions are important for normal brain activity as well as in epileptic disorders where spontaneous epileptic discharges are generated. To understand the effects of brain topography on both normal and epileptic functional networks, we evaluated propagation frequency with respect to geodesic distance and the specific role of sulcal patterns in modulating these functional connections. We implemented a multimodal approach combining Electrocorticography (ECoG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to evaluate the relationships between epileptic and non-epileptic networks as they are related to structural connectivity in the human brain. We analyzed interictal ECoG along with MRI 3D reconstructions from seven epileptic patients and found that interictal full-dataset network propagations travel to both nearby and distant cortical locations, however with longer distance the propagations occurrence attenuates dramatically. We also discovered that the central sulcus acts as a strong barrier allowing only 30% of the propagation to cross central sulcus whereas the rest of the 70% propagations are observed on the same side of the sulcus. Epileptic spike propagations, however, were more highly localized with significantly less distant spread and had further reduction in spread across sulci. This is a novel approach to explore the structural influence of brain topography on the functional network and would help understand the interaction of different brain regions and how these are altered in patients with epilepsy. This approach could assist physician decision making during epilepsy surgery by revealing an appropriate brain network and cortical interactions.

Partnership with an independent genetic counselor and standardized screening: Effect on the identification, referral, and genetic testing of eligible patients in a community oncology clinic

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Background: A nine provider, community oncology clinic had limited local access to genetic counseling. Additionally, the practice had no process for identifying appropriate patients for genetic counseling or testing and no method to track referrals and test results. The practice partnered with a contracted genetic counselor and a study was completed to standardize screening and follow-up and to increase referrals and testing. Methods: Baseline data on genetic testing performed in 2018 was obtained from three major genetic testing labs. Based on the NCCN guidelines for genetic assessment, the practice created automated screening reports from the EMR, supplemented by manual chart review, to identify appropriate patients for genetic counseling. Front office, clinical and billing workflows were created. Patients were scheduled to see the counselor via in-person appointments or remotely via a HIPAA compliant telemedicine platform. The genetic counseling sessions included education and consent for testing followed by review and discussion of results. Consultations and genetic testing results were documented in the practice’s EMR. Results: Baseline data showed that the clinic tested 7 patients in 2018; 2 patients in the first quarter. During the pilot from Jan-Mar 2019, 34 patients were referred for genetic counseling; 30 consented to testing. This is a 329% increase over 2018; 1400% for the first quarter. Of the 30 patients tested during the pilot, 6 were positive for a pathogenic mutation. Conclusions: By contracting with a genetic counselor, and establishing procedures for screening, counseling, consenting, testing and follow-up, the practice was able to increase the number of appropriate genetic testing considerably. This process will be scaled to multiple sites of a community practice.

Impact of community practice on providing in-patient oncology and hematology consults via telemedicine to remote rural hospital

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Background: A rural oncology/hematology clinic located a far distance from the local community hospital was not able to provide hospital consultation support. Collaboration between the practice and the hospital resulted in a telemedicine pilot study to provide oncology and hematology consults to in-patients using a telemedicine robot that connected patients to a hematologist/oncologist (heme/onc) over the internet. Methods: When an appropriate patient was identified at the hospital, a referring provider contacted the heme/onc for a consult. The heme/onc determined and relayed the appropriate time to schedule and perform the telemedicine consult. The referring provider arranged for hospital staff to deliver the telemedicine robot to the patient’s room at the scheduled time. The heme/onc reviewed clinical data in the hospital EMR and logged into the telemedicine robot to speak in consultation with the patient. Notes and orders were placed in the EMR. Out-patient follow-up at the oncology/hematology clinic was scheduled as needed. Supporting front-office and clinical workflows were developed, and policy and procedure established. Surveys were sent to patients and referring providers. Results: At baseline, hospital consults were not provided. In 2018, there were 27 oncology/hematology consults, of which 89% (24 of 27) were for malignancies. 52% (14 of 27) were seen in the clinic after discharge. To date 40 telemedicine consults have been completed. Patient and referring physician satisfaction are inconclusive due to low survey return. Conclusions: Telemedicine provides an effective means to provide specialty consultative support to rural hospitals by remote community providers. Despite the complexity and sensitive nature of oncology and hematology concerns, the technology has been embraced by referring providers and patients.

Launch of telemedicine in community oncology practice

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Background: Tennessee Oncology (TO) is a community medical, radiation and gynecology oncology practice with 90 physicians and 40 advanced practice providers (APPs) in 33 locations in Tennessee. TO participates in the Oncology Care Model (OCM), a CMMI experimental payment model to improve access, quality of care, patient experience and lower costs. Methods: To promote provider-patient communication to improve outcomes and lower healthcare costs, TO launched a telemedicine pilot. The pilot was designed to understand Tennessee’s rules and regulations, reimbursement policies for Medicare, Medicaid and commercial payers and technology requirements. As survivorship was aligned with clinical workflow, supported by existing technology and required minimal staff training, the Survivorship Program for OCM was selected as proof of concept for telemedicine. Education surrounding Survivorship is required as part of the OCM model. A portion of the MEOS payment was considered as reimbursement for this initiative. The goal was to increase the delivery and review of survivorship documents to eligible breast cancer patients using the telemedicine platform from 0% to 80%. Results: 4000 potential patients were eligible for survivorship visits within TO. The selection was narrowed to include only OCM patients with breast cancer. TO identified 4 APPs who were given special training. TO’s front office staff coordinated scheduling of the technology, provider and space available. There were 99 patients eligible for a Telemedicine visit. 36 patients completed a Telemedicine visit with 23 patients declining. 19 patients did not respond to requests for these visits. 10 patients completed surveys and were 100% satisfied with their visits. The APPs felt Telemedicine visits were more productive than in person visits. Conclusions: Telemedicine is an effective tool for delivery of health care. There are challenges that make this technology difficult to implement such as reimbursement and limitations to the use of technology in elderly. In our pilot we found that the APPs and patients found this to be an effective way of communication and delivery of care. In the future telemedicine could answer some of the shortages in health care delivery and could also improve coordination of care.

Care coordination for oral oncolytics through pharmacy integration and cycle 1-day 1 documentation

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Background: The growing number of oral oncolytic therapies (OOTs) necessitates a standardized EMR workflow that integrates pharmacy activities for dispense and patient management and standardizes cycle-1/day-1 (C1D1) documentation. Our practice’s treatment plans contain appropriately timed OOT follow-up activities including labs, physician follow-up visits, and pharmacy calls for toxicity and adherence checks, however complications in prescription fulfillment such as prior authorization, co-pay assistance, or inability of in-practice pharmacy to dispense limit the predictability of C1D1 dates of OOTs. Methods: An EMR query identified patients at a single clinic location of 5-medical oncologists (MDs) for whom oral oncolytic treatment plans were entered from January 1 to June 30, 2018. C1D1 date entered by the MD in the EMR was compared to the pharmacy processing system dispense date. Ten patients were identified, and 10% (1/10) had an accurate C1D1 documented within the EMR. As part of the ASCO Quality Training Program, to improve the accuracy of C1D1 documentation, a new workflow was implemented whereby: (1) a “hold” activity was added to new EMR treatment plans so that C1D1 remained pending until patients had received medication; (2) clinic checkout staff provided patients with information on the in-practice pharmacy and expectations for next steps; (3) pharmacists utilized existing reporting tools to identify newly entered treatment plans and transcribed orders into e-prescriptions sent to our practice pharmacy; (4) the pharmacy workflow ensued with pharmacy staff leading patient engagement, drug counseling; (5) pharmacists confirm C1D1, document within EMR (6) subsequent treatment plan activities were scheduled. Results: Following education and process changes within the clinic and pharmacy, accurate C1D1 documentation occurred in 90% (9/10) of patients initiating OOTs. Conclusions: Including pharmacy fulfillment time in EMR workflow can improve C1D1 documentation accuracy and associated management of OOTs. Education regarding roles and processes of prescribing MDs, pharmacy staff and clinic staff will be required to scale this process improvement throughout the organization.

Understanding the challenges for oncologists in predicting the end-of-life phase of care in cancer patients with advanced solid tumor diagnoses

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Background: Early advanced care planning and palliative care improves outcomes during the end-of-life phase of care (EOL) for metastatic cancer patients. Identifying patients who are likely to transition to EOL is a necessary step to prioritize limited palliative care resources and is integral to success in value-based payment models. We analyzed whether physician documentation of prognosis in a clinical pathways system (CPS) could reliably predict when patients are nearing EOL for a large community oncology practice of more than 70 medical oncologists. Methods: Tennessee Oncology (TO) requires physicians to use CPS for all Medicare patients. CPS prompts physicians to answer the “prognostic question” “would you be surprised if this patient died in the next year?” for all OCM patients with advanced solid tumors at the beginning of treatment or at the time of a change in treatment plan. Prognostic question responses were compared to actual dates of death documented in the practice management system. Results: A total of 5,266 distinct patients were expected to trigger an OCM episode during 2017. The CPS prompted a response to the prognostic question for 1,228 (23%) of these OCM patients. There were 665 (54%) positive prognoses (expect patient to live more than 1 year) and 563 (46%) negative prognoses (expect patient to die within 1 year). Physicians documented accurate prognoses in 712 (58%) of cases. For patients with positive prognosis 557 (84%) were accurate. For patients with negative prognosis 155 (21.8%) were accurate. Conclusions: We found that for patients with terminal cancer, it is difficult for physicians to accurately predict prognosis. These findings support the importance of ASCO guidelines pertaining to patient access to palliative care during the entirety of cancer treatment for all patients with metastatic cancer.

[Table: see text]

The effect of guideline-concordant novel therapy use on meeting cost targets in OCM: Results from a large community oncology network

6635

Background: The Oncology Care Model (OCM) is intended to incentivize physicians to improve the quality and reduce the cost of cancer care. In OCM, providers are accountable for all costs during six month episodes of care relative to target costs (TC) derived from a baseline spending period (BSP; 2013-2015). This accountability is intended to foster care coordination to reduce preventable emergency department visits and hospitalizations (EDH). Benefits of reducing EDH may be diluted when new treatment indications for costly immunotherapies (IO) are introduced into clinical practice after BSP. Methods: We identified all non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and bladder cancer (BC) OCM episodes attributed to Tennessee Oncology (TO), a large community oncology network of over 90 oncologists, during performance period 2 (PP2; the most recent PP with available data). We selected NSCLC and BC because both diseases have IO indications that became standard of care after BSP. Using claims data analytics software, we identified all NSCLC and BC episodes with spending above TC, and found a subset of these above target episodes (ATEs) without any EDH that remained above TC due to IO use. Two medical oncologists reviewed these cases in duplicate to assess guideline concordance of IO. Results: During PP2 there were 2,623 OCM episodes attributed to TO, including 240 NSCLC and 31 BC episodes. Spending was above TC in 118 (49%) and 13 (42%) of NSCLC and BC episodes, respectively. For these NSCLC and BC ATEs, EDH was prevented in 62 (53%) and 5 (38%) of cases, respectively. In NSCLC and BC ATEs without EDH, 43 (69%) and 5 (100%) of episodes included IO, respectively. Clinician review in duplicate (S.M.S.; C.A.W.) found that the use of IO was NCCN guideline concordant in 33 (77%) and 4 (80%) of these NSCLC and BC cases, respectively (K = 0.87). Conclusions: Guideline-concordant use of expensive IO as its treatment indications expand poses substantial challenges to meeting cost targets in OCM, even when practices prevent EDH. [Table: see text]

Does site-of-care for oncology infusion therapy influence treatment patterns, cost, and quality in the United States?

BACKGROUND

The increase in hospital acquisition of community oncology clinics in the US has led to a shift in the site-of-care (SOC) for infusion therapy from the physician office (PO) to the hospital outpatient (HO) setting.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate differences by SOC in treatment patterns, quality, and cost among patients with cancer undergoing first-line infusion therapy.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This retrospective analysis identified adult patients from Humana medical claims who initiated infusion therapy from 2008-2012 for five common cancer types in which infusion therapy is likely, including early stage breast cancer; metastatic breast, lung, and colorectal cancers; and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma or chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Differences by SOC in first-line treatment patterns and quality of care at end-of-life, defined as infusions or hospitalizations 30 days prior to death, were evaluated using Wilcoxon-Rank Sum and Chi-square tests where appropriate. Differences in cost by SOC were evaluated using risk-adjusted generalized linear models.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Treatment patterns, quality of care at end of life, healthcare costs.

RESULTS

There were differences in duration of therapy and number of infusions for some therapy regimens by SOC, in which patients in the HO had shorter duration of therapy and fewer infusions. There were no differences in quality of care at end-of-life by SOC. Total healthcare costs were 15% higher among patients in HO ($55,965) compared with PO ($48,439), p < .0001.

LIMITATIONS

Analyses was restricted to a claims-based population of cancer patients within a health plan.

CONCLUSION

This study, in an older, predominantly Medicare Advantage oncology cohort, found differences by SOC in treatment patterns and cost, but not quality. Where differences were found, patients receiving care in the HO had shorter duration of therapy and fewer infusions for specific treatment regimens, but higher healthcare costs than those treated in a PO.

Quality of life in a trial of short stretch versus four-layer bandaging in the management of chronic venous ulceration

Objective: To evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in a prospective randomized trial of patients suffering from venous ulceration comparing a generic four-layer elastic bandage (4LB) with a new cohesive short stretch bandage system (CSSB).

Methods: Randomized prospective open parallel groups trial in community leg ulcer clinics within twelve trusts in England and Northern Ireland. Patients newly presenting for treatment suffering from chronic venous ulceration, with ankle brachial pressure index (ABPI) >0.8 were entered into the trial. Patients were asked to complete the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) at entry, at end of trial period (withdrawal or healing), and at 24 weeks. Principal analysis was the comparison of final NHP scores using linear regression with baseline scores entered as a covariate.

Results: In all, 154 of the 156 patients who entered the trial completed the initial questionnaire, with 139/154 (90.2%) patients completing at least one follow-up questionnaire. Improvements were noted for all scores after 24 weeks. The improvements were significantly greater in the 114 patients whose ulcers had healed compared with the 40 whose ulcers remained open in the domains of bodily pain (mean difference [d]=13.2, 95% CI 3.6-22.9, P =0.008), emotional reactions (d=10.5, 95% CI 2.8-18.1, P =0.007) and social isolation (d=8.5, 95% CI 1.2-15.9, P =0.024). There were similar mean scores between the 72 patients treated with the 4LB and the 82 patients treated with CSSB for all domains of the NHP, the largest adjusted difference favoured CSSB for energy (d=3.6, 95% CI-4.3-11.4, P =0.37).

Conclusions: Patients suffering from leg ulceration show improvements in perceived health following effective ulcer management. The two bandage systems achieved similar improvements in perceived health over 24 weeks.

Does oncology patient-reported healthcare experience vary by site of care (SOC)?

71

Background: Patients with cancer are increasingly receiving chemotherapy infusions in a hospital outpatient (HO) as compared to the physician practice setting (PO). Previous research has focused on SOC differences in economic measures, such as healthcare costs, in commercially insured populations. This study investigates SOC differences in patients’ reported healthcare experience for a mostly Medicare population. Methods: A convenience sample of 2,604 Humana members with cancer of the breast, lung, colon/rectum or NHL/CLL and treated in 2014 received a survey by mail to capture patient reported healthcare experiences. We implemented the Consumer Assessment of Health Care Providers and Systems (CAHPS) for Cancer Care survey’s 5 domains (“affective” communication, shared decision making, patient self-management, exchanging information and access to care and information) and ad hoc travel and wait time questions. Average composite scores for each CAHPS domain were weighted and adjusted by age and health status (1 = excellent - 5 = poor). Differences in responses were tested using chi-square and t-tests. Results: The response rate was 25.0% (N = 651). Survey respondents were mostly female (75.0%) and Medicare beneficiaries (87.9%) with a mean age of 68.7. HO patients reported slightly worse health status than PO patients (2.9 vs 3.0, p= 0.028) CAHPS for cancer domain scores indicated a similar patient perceived experience across all domains except for access to care and information (1-3 scale): HO = 2.6 vs PO = 2.5, p= 0.007. This difference was driven mainly by items related to contacting the health care team for certain symptoms and after hours care. More HO patients traveled > 30 minutes for treatment (39.0% vs 25.9%, p= 0.004) and reported wait times > 15 minutes (72.2% vs 63.8%, p= .054). Patient perceived acceptability of these travel and wait times were similar (HO: 61.9% vs PO: 66.7%, p= .782 and HO: 60.4% vs PO: 63.1%, p= .919). Conclusions: Analysis of the new CAHPS for cancer care survey showed comparable patient perceived experiences by site of care. However, access to the health care team for certain symptoms and after hours care was better for HO patients, though HO patients also had longer travel and waiting time.

Abstract P1-16-04: First-line chemotherapy for breast cancer patients by site of care (SOC): Treatment patterns, cost and quality indicators

Background: Previous studies found differences in treatment patterns and costs by SOC for first-line chemotherapy treatment for both early stage and metastatic breast cancer (esBC and mBC) in commercial populations. This study extends the research to a predominantly Medicare population comparing chemotherapy treatment patterns, cost and quality of care in physician office (PO) and hospital outpatient (HO) centers.

Methods: First-line chemotherapy or biologic therapy for esBC and mBC patients was compared by SOC. Patients initiating infusion therapy in 2008–2012 were identified in Humana medical claims data. First-line length of therapy (LOT) in days and number of infusions (NI) were calculated. SOC cohort (HO vs PO) was based on where the patient received ≥90% of their infusions. Total healthcare costs based on medical and pharmacy claims were assessed. Differences in quality indicators, use of infusions or hospitalizations 30 days prior to death were evaluated. SOC differences were assessed using X2, T-tests and Wilcoxon Rank Sum (Wil) tests. P-values are for X2 and Wil tests. Cost-related results are from generalized linear models adjusted for age, sex, comorbidity and geographic region. LOT and NI are presented as median (IQR).

Results: A total of 2,784 esBC patients (73% PO and 27% HO) and 1,602 mBC patients (64% PO and 36% HO) were identified. Most patients (67%) were Medicare beneficiaries. Mean comorbidity index was similar by SOC for esBC patients (PO 4.2, HO 4.1, p=0.3308) but higher in HO for mBC patients (PO 7.5, HO 7.9, p=0.0003). LOT in days for esBC was greater in the PO for anthracycline-based therapy, PO 64(43-72), HO 47(43-64), p=0.0420 and taxane-based therapy, PO 64(64-106), HO 64(64-76), p=0.0005. NI for esBC was greater in the PO for patients on biologic and cytotoxic therapy, PO 21(17-29), HO 18(16-25), p=0.038 and taxane–based therapy PO 4(4-6), HO 4(4-4), p=0.0005.

No difference in LOT by SOC was seen for mBC patients; however, patients on taxane-based therapy had a greater NI at the PO 6(4-12) vs HO 5.5(4-9), p=0.0225.

Total healthcare costs were higher in the HO vs PO setting for esBC and mBC patients. Costs were 22% higher in the HO $51,191 vs PO $41,943, p&lt;0.0001 for esBC patients and 17% higher in the HO $58,105 vs PO $49,591, p&lt;0.0001 for mBC patients.

There were no statistically significant differences in use of infusions or hospitalizations 30 days prior to death among Medicare patients. Among 223 esBC and 369 mBC Medicare patients who died, use of infusions prior to death was 24% for HO and 16% for PO among esBC, p=0.2357 and 23% for HO and 26% for PO among mBC, p=0.5319. Hospitalizations prior to death were 59% for HO and 59% for PO for esBC, p=0.9940 and 60% for HO and 55% for PO for mBC, p=0.3105.

Conclusion: Differences by site of care, particularly in healthcare costs, were found in a mostly Medicare population of esBC and mBC patients. Patients in the HO setting had shorter length of therapy and fewer infusions, but had higher total healthcare costs than those in the PO setting. Quality indicators, infusions and hospitalizations prior to death were similar by site of care. Future research will focus on other quality indicators and patient satisfaction.

Citation Format: Masaquel A, Hopson S, Casebeer A, Drzayich-Jankus D, Tao Z, Stemkowski S, Howe A, Patton J, Small A, Barnett B. First-line chemotherapy for breast cancer patients by site of care (SOC): Treatment patterns, cost and quality indicators. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-16-04.

A Phase I Study of the Hsp90 Inhibitor AUY922 plus Capecitabine for the Treatment of Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors

BACKGROUND

This phase I study determined the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of AUY922 with capecitabine in advanced solid tumors.

METHODS

Capecitabine 1000 mg/m(2) PO BID was administered with escalating doses of AUY922 IV; the MTD of AUY922 was combined with capecitabine 1250 mg/m(2) (DL6).

RESULTS

23 patients were treated at 5 dose levels (22 mg/m(2)-70 mg/m(2)). No DLTs were observed until DL6 (grade 3 diarrhea). Reversible vision darkening was seen in 26%. Four patients had partial response; 2 previously progressed on fluorouracil. Eight patients had stable disease (median 25.5 weeks).

CONCLUSION

AUY922 plus capecitabine was well-tolerated up to 70 mg/m(2) with encouraging preliminary efficacy.

Phase I study of the HSP90 inhibitor AUY922 in combination with capecitabine as treatment for patients with advanced solid tumors

3564

Background: Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) is a molecular chaperone involved in the maintenance and function of client proteins, many of which are integral to key oncogenic processes. AUY922 is a competitive inhibitor of HSP90. Preclinical evidence suggests potential synergy between HSP90 inhibition and fluorouracil. This phase I study was designed to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of AUY922 in combination with standard dose of capecitabine as treatment for patients with advanced solid tumors. Methods: Pts with refractory solid tumors received AUY922 with capecitabine in a standard 3+3 dose escalation. Dose levels were capecitabine 1000mg/m2 PO BID d 1-14 of 21-day cycles, with escalating doses of AUY922 IV days 1, 8, and 15; the 6th dose level combined the MTD of AUY922 with capecitabine 1250mg/m2. Dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs), safety, and efficacy were evaluated. Results: 23 pts were treated at 6 dose levels: 22mg/m2 (n = 3); 28mg/m2 (n = 3); 40mg/m2 (n = 3); 55mg/m2 (n = 5); 70mg/m2 (n = 3); 70mg/m2 with capecitabine 1250mg/m2 (n= 6). No DLTs were observed until the 6th dose level (grade 3 diarrhea). Related adverse events (% grade 1/2; % grade 3/4) included: diarrhea (43%; 17%), fatigue (30%; 13%), nausea (39%; 0), hand-foot skin reaction (30%; 5%), anorexia (30%; 4%), vomiting (30%; 0), and darkening vision (26%; 0). Vision darkening, a class effect of HSP90 inhibitors, was reversible with drug hold and retreatment was possible. Two pts (9%) had hematologic G 3/4 events of neutropenia. Of the 19 pts evaluable for response, partial response was noted in 4 patients (colorectal, 2; breast, 1; stomach, 1); 2 had progressed on prior fluorouracil, and remained on treatment for 13-35 wks. Stable disease was noted in 8 pts (35% [colorectal, 5; pancreas, 2; breast, 1]) with a median duration of 25.5 wks (range: 11-44+). All 5 colorectal pts were refractory to 5-FU. Conclusions: The addition of AUY922 to standard dose capecitabine was well-tolerated at doses of up to 70mg/m2. Preliminary efficacy is encouraging, particularly as seen in pts previously resistant to fluorouracil, and warrants further investigation of this regimen. Clinical trial information: NCT01226732.

Phase I study of the HSP90 inhibitor AUY922 in combination with capecitabine as treatment for patients with advanced solid tumors

475

Background: Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) is a molecular chaperone involved in the maintenance and function of client proteins, many of which are integral to key oncogenic processes. AUY922 is a competitive inhibitor of HSP90, with demonstrated activity in a variety of preclinical models. Further preclinical evidence suggests potential synergy between inhibition of HSP90 and fluorouracil treatment (Burkitt et al. 2007). This phase I study was designed to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of AUY922 in combination with standard dose of capecitabine as treatment for patients with advanced solid tumors. Methods: Patients with refractory solid tumors for which capecitabine was an appropriate therapy received AUY922 with capecitabine in a standard 3+3 dose escalation. Capecitabine 1000mg/m2 was administered twice daily for days 1-14 of 21-day cycles, with escalating doses of AUY922 administered by intravenous (IV) infusion on days 1, 8, and 15; the 6th dose level combined the MTD of AUY922 with capecitabine 1250mg/m2. Dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs), safety, and efficacy were evaluated. Results: 23 patients were treated at 6 dose levels: 22mg/m2 (n = 3); 28mg/m2 (n = 3); 40mg/m2 (n = 3); 55mg/m2 (n = 5); 70mg/m2 (n = 3); 70mg/m2 with capecitabine 1250mg/m2 (n = 6). There were no DLTs observed until the 6th dose level (grade 3 diarrhea). Common adverse events (all grades) included: diarrhea (61%), nausea (57%), fatigue (43%), hand-foot skin reaction (39%), anorexia (39%), vomiting (35%), rash (30%), and darkening vision (22%). Myelosuppression was uncommon, with no instances of grade ≥3 thrombocytopenia, and only 2 patients (9%) with grade 3/4 neutropenia (1 patient each). Of the 19 patients evaluable for response per RECIST 1.1, unconfirmed partial response (PR) was noted in 3 patients (13%; colorectal, 1; breast, 1; stomach, 1), with 1 additional confirmed PR (4%; colorectal); two of these had progressed on prior fluorouracil. Stable disease was noted in 8 patients (35%). Conclusions: The addition of AUY922 to standard dose capecitabine was well-tolerated at doses of up to 70mg/m2. Preliminary efficacy is encouraging, and warrants further investigation of this regimen. Clinical trial information: NCT01226732.

Negative energy balance and hepatic gene expression patterns in high-yielding dairy cows during the early postpartum period: a global approach

In high-yielding dairy cows the liver undergoes extensive physiological and biochemical changes during the early postpartum period in an effort to re-establish metabolic homeostasis and to counteract the adverse effects of negative energy balance (NEB). These adaptations are likely to be mediated by significant alterations in hepatic gene expression. To gain new insights into these events an energy balance model was created using differential feeding and milking regimes to produce two groups of cows with either a mild (MNEB) or severe NEB (SNEB) status. Cows were slaughtered and liver tissues collected on days 6–7 of the first follicular wave postpartum. Using an Affymetrix 23k oligonucleotide bovine array to determine global gene expression in hepatic tissue of these cows, we found a total of 416 genes (189 up- and 227 downregulated) to be altered by SNEB. Network analysis using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis revealed that SNEB was associated with widespread changes in gene expression classified into 36 gene networks including those associated with lipid metabolism, connective tissue development and function, cell signaling, cell cycle, and metabolic diseases, the three most significant of which are discussed in detail. SNEB cows displayed reduced expression of transcription activators and signal transducers that regulate the expression of genes and gene networks associated with cell signaling and tissue repair. These alterations are linked with increased expression of abnormal cell cycle and cellular proliferation associated pathways. This study provides new information and insights on the effect of SNEB on gene expression in high-yielding Holstein Friesian dairy cows in the early postpartum period.

Differences in the expression of genes involved in the somatotropic axis in divergent strains of Holstein-Friesian dairy cows during early and mid lactation

Differences in genetic selection criteria for dairy cows internationally have led to divergence in the Holstein-Friesian breed. The objective of this study was to compare hepatic expression of genes of the somatotropic axis in the North American Holstein-Friesian and the New Zealand Holstein-Friesian strains of dairy cow at early and mid lactation. Mature cows of both the North American Holstein-Friesian (n = 10) and New Zealand Holstein-Friesian (n = 10) strains were selected. Liver tissue was collected by percutaneous punch biopsy from all cows at 35 and 140 d postpartum, representing early and mid lactation, respectively. Total RNA was extracted and the hepatic expression of genes involved in the control of the somatotropic axis was examined. Abundance of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 mRNA was greater in the New Zealand strain, concomitant with a tendency for increased expression of acid-labile subunit mRNA. Across strains, mRNA abundance of IGF-binding protein-1, IGF-binding protein-2, and growth hormone receptor 1A decreased from d 35 to 140 postpartum, whereas expression of IGF-1 and acid-labile subunit tended to increase. Abundance of suppressor of cytokine signaling-3 mRNA was increased at d 140 postpartum. Both the strain of Holstein-Friesian cow and the stage of lactation influenced expression of genes controlling the somatotropic axis in hepatic tissue.

Tracheoesophageal fistula formation in patients with lung cancer treated with chemoradiation and bevacizumab

PURPOSE Tracheoesophageal fistulae are rare complications of thoracic cancers and their treatments. Novel antiangiogenic agents in cancer treatment such as bevacizumab potentially impact wound healing and may contribute to tracheoesophageal fistula development. PATIENTS AND METHODS We conducted two independent phase II clinical trials in small-cell lung cancer and non-small-cell lung cancer using bevacizumab in combination with chemotherapy and radiation. Both trials were intended to assess preliminary efficacy and safety outcomes. Results For the limited-stage small-cell lung cancer trial, 29 patients were enrolled beginning April 2006, and closed early due to toxicity in March 2007 (14-month median follow-up). The locally advanced, non-small-cell lung cancer trial opened with enrollment limited to five patients in February 2007, and closed early due to safety in December 2007. In each trial, we observed tracheoesophageal fistulae development and related morbidity and mortality, prompting early trial closures, US Food and Drug Administration warnings, and a change in bevacizumab labeling. CONCLUSION The current data from the final reports from these two trials suggest bevacizumab and chemoradiotherapy are associated with a relatively high incidence of tracheoesophageal fistulae formation in both small-cell lung cancer and non-small-cell lung cancer settings. Strategies to safely incorporate novel antiangiogenic agents into combined-modality therapy in lung cancer are needed.

Pleiotropic effects of negative energy balance in the postpartum dairy cow on splenic gene expression: repercussions for innate and adaptive immunity

Increased energy demands to support lactation, coupled with lowered feed intake capacity results in negative energy balance (NEB) and is typically characterized by extensive mobilization of body energy reserves in the early postpartum dairy cow. The catabolism of stored lipid leads to an increase in the systemic concentrations of nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) and β-hydroxy butyrate (BHB). Oxidation of NEFA in the liver result in the increased production of reactive oxygen species and the onset of oxidative stress and can lead to disruption of normal metabolism and physiology. The immune system is depressed in the peripartum period and early lactation and dairy cows are therefore more vulnerable to bacterial infections causing mastitis and or endometritis at this time. A bovine Affymetrix oligonucleotide array was used to determine global gene expression in the spleen of dairy cows in the early postpartum period. Spleen tissue was removed post mortem from five severe NEB (SNEB) and five medium NEB (MNEB) cows 15 days postpartum. SNEB increased systemic concentrations of NEFA and BHB, and white blood cell and lymphocyte numbers were decreased in SNEB animals. A total of 545 genes were altered by SNEB. Network analysis using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis revealed that SNEB was associated with NRF2-mediated oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum stress, natural killer cell signaling, p53 signaling, downregulation of IL-15, BCL-2, and IFN-γ; upregulation of BAX and CHOP and increased apoptosis with a potential negative impact on innate and adaptive immunity.

Final results of a first line multicenter phase II metastatic breast cancer trial of vinflunine monotherapy and in combination with trastuzumab in HER2+ patients

Abstract #3148

Background: Vinflunine (VFL) is a novel microtubule inhibitor agent of the vinca alkaloid class that inhibits tubulin polymerization without stabilization, resulting in cell cycle arrest in mitosis and apoptosis. Weak tubulin binding at the vinca-binding site accounts for its reduced neurotoxicity. VFL has demonstrated activity in anthracycline and taxane pretreated patients (pts) and in combination with capecitabine. This trial evaluates the activity and safety of VFL monotherapy and in combination with trastuzumab (T) in HER2+ pts as 1st line therapy metastatic breast cancer (MBC).&#x2028; Methods: Eligibility: 0 prior regimens for MBC, &gt; 6 mo from adjuvant therapy, RECIST criteria measurable disease, ECOG PS 0-2, adequate organ function, peripheral neuropathy &lt; G2. Treatment: HER2 unspecified: VFL 320 mg/m2 IV q3 wks; FISH HER2+ pts: VFL 280 mg/m2 plus T 6 mg/kg q3 wks. Response evaluations q9 wks; treatment continued until disease progression or toxicity.&#x2028; Results: Due to termination of VFL licensing between BMS and Pierre Fabre Medicament, the study closed prematurely with only 31 evaluable pts of a planned 48 pts in each treatment arm of VFL monotherapy or VFL in combination with T. 10 pts received VFL and 21 pts were treated with VFL + T. Median age: 59 yrs (35-78). ECOG PS 0-18 pts, 1-11 pts, 2-2 pts. 48% were ER+. Prior adjuvant anthracyclines and taxanes noted in 17 and 19 pts respectively. 4 pts presented with de novo stage IV disease, all HER2 positive. 45% had 3 or more metastatic disease sites with bone (17 pts), liver (16 pts) and lung (15 pts) predominating. Median of # cycles: 4 (range 1-19). There were 10 PRs (32%), all in VFL + T, and 9 pts (29%) with PD (VFL-4 pts, VFL + T-5pts). SD was reported in 10 pts (32%). 2 pts (7%) were unevaluable, divided equally between the two arms. G3/4 neutropenia occurred in 11 pts (35%); none with fever. G3 nonhematologic toxicity consisted of pain, attributed to treatment in 5 pts (16%) (sites: abdomen-2, chest, back, and infusion site each in 1 pt), and GI toxicity characterized by N/V 3 pts (10%) as well as abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, occurring each in 2 pts (6%). There were no G4 events. 10 pts were hospitalized (GI -4 pts, pain 2 pts, pulmonary 2 pts, and other 2 pts). Median PFS was 3.5 months for VFL and 6.6 months for VFL + T. Median overall survival was 9 months for VFL and has not been reached for VFL + T.&#x2028; Conclusions: The combination of vinflunine and trastuzumab is active in the first line treatment of MBC, producing a 48% response rate. Adverse events were as expected, manageable and consisted primarily of neutropenia, pain and GI toxicity. This encouraging activity compares favorably with other trastuzumab combination regimens and merits further evaluation.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(2 Suppl):Abstract nr 3148.

Endometrial expression of the insulin-like growth factor system during uterine involution in the postpartum dairy cow

Rapid uterine involution in the postpartum period of dairy cows is important to achieve a short interval to conception. Expression patterns for members of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) family were determined by in situ hybridisation at day 14+/-0.4 postpartum (n=12 cows) to investigate a potential role for IGFs in modulating uterine involution. Expression in each uterine tissue region was measured as optical density units and data were analysed according to region and horn. IGF-I mRNA was localized to the sub-epithelial stroma (SES) of inter-caruncular and caruncular endometrium. Both IGF-II and IGF-1R expression was detected in the deep endometrial stroma (DES), the caruncular stroma and myometrium. IGFBP-2, IGFBP-4 and IGFBP-6 mRNAs were all localised to the SES of inter-caruncular and caruncular uterine tissue, and in the DES and caruncular stroma, with IGFBP-4 mRNA additionally expressed in myometrium. IGFBP-3 mRNA was only detectable in luminal epithelium. IGFBP-5 mRNA was found in myometrium, inter-caruncular and caruncular SES and caruncular stroma. These data support a role for IGF-I and IGF-II in the extensive tissue remodelling and repair which the postpartum uterus undergoes to return to its non-pregnant state. The differential expression of binding proteins between tissues (IGFBP-3 in epithelium, IGFBP-2, -4, -5 and -6 in stroma and IGFBP-4 and -5 in myometrium) suggest tight control of IGF activity within each compartment. Differential expression of many members of the IGF family between the significantly larger previously gravid horn and the previously non-gravid horn may relate to differences in their rate of tissue remodelling.