Has the HCV cascade of care changed among people who inject drugs in England since the introduction of direct-acting antivirals?

BACKGROUND

In England, over 80 % of those with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection have injected drugs. We quantified the HCV cascade of care (CoC) among people who inject drugs (PWID) in England and determined whether this improved after direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) were introduced.

METHODS

We analysed data from nine rounds of national annual cross-sectional surveys of PWID recruited from drug services (2011-2019; N = 12,320). Study rounds were grouped as: 'Pre-DAAs' (2011-2014), 'Prioritised DAAs' (2015-2016) and 'Unrestricted DAAs' (2017-2019). Participants were anonymously tested for HCV antibodies and RNA and completed a short survey. We assessed the proportion of PWID recently (current/previous year) tested for HCV. For participants ever HCV treatment eligible (past chronic infection with history of treatment or current chronic infection), we assessed the CoC as: HCV testing (ever), received a positive test result, seen a specialist nurse/doctor, and ever treated. We used logistic regression to determine if individuals progressed through the CoC differently depending on time-period, whether time-period was associated with recent testing (all participants) and lifetime HCV treatment (ever eligible participants), and predictors of HCV testing and treatment in the Unrestricted DAAs period.

RESULTS

The proportion of ever HCV treatment eligible PWID reporting lifetime HCV treatment increased from 12.5 % in the Pre-DAAs period to 25.6 % in the Unrestricted DAAs period (aOR:2.40, 95 %CI:1.95-2.96). There were also increases in seeing a specialist nurse/doctor. The largest loss in the CoC was at treatment for all time periods. During the Unrestricted DAAs period, recent (past year) homelessness (vs never, aOR:0.66, 95 %CI:0.45-0.97), duration of injecting (≤3 years vs >3 years; aOR:0.26, 95 %CI:0.12-0.60), never (vs current, aOR:0.31, 95 %CI:0.13-0.75) or previously being prescribed OAT (vs current, aOR:0.67, 95 %CI:0.47-0.95), and never using a NSP (vs past year, aOR:0.27, 95 %CI:0.08-0.89) were negatively associated with lifetime HCV treatment. The proportion of PWID reporting recent HCV testing was higher during Unrestricted DAAs (56 %) compared to Pre-DAAs (48 %; aOR:1.28, 95 %CI:1.06-1.54).

CONCLUSION

COC stages from seeing a specialist onwards improved after DAAs became widely available. Further improvements in HCV testing are needed to eliminate HCV in England.

A rapid review of antenatal hepatitis C virus testing in the United Kingdom

BACKGROUND

The United Kingdom (UK) has committed to the World Health Organization's viral hepatitis elimination targets. New case finding strategies, such as antenatal testing, may be needed to achieve these targets. We conducted a rapid review to understand hepatitis C-specific antibody (anti-HCV) and HCV RNA test positivity in antenatal settings in the United Kingdom to inform guidance.

METHODS

Articles and conference abstracts published between January 2000 and June 2022 reporting anti-HCV testing in antenatal settings were identified through PubMed and Web of Science searches. Results were synthesised using a narrative approach.

RESULTS

The search identified 2,011 publications; 10 studies were included in the final synthesis. Seven studies used anonymous testing methods and three studies used universal opt-out testing. Anti-HCV test positivity ranged from 0.1 to 0.99%, with a median value of 0.38%. Five studies reported HCV RNA positivity, which ranged from 0.1 to 0.57% of the testing population, with a median value of 0.22%. One study reported cost effectiveness of HCV and found it to be cost effective at £9,139 per quality adjusted life years.

CONCLUSION

The relative contribution of universal opt-out antenatal testing for HCV should be reconsidered, as antenatal testing could play an important role in new case-finding and aid achieving elimination targets.

Survival Outcomes in Women with Unilateral, Triple-Negative, Breast Cancer Correlated with Contralateral Prophylactic Mastectomy

BACKGROUND

Despite increased utilization of contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM), there is insufficient evidence that it improves survival in average-risk women with unilateral breast cancer. CPM may be of heightened interest to patients with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) because these patients are more likely to have BRCA1 mutation-associated disease and are not candidates for the chemoprevention benefits of adjuvant endocrine therapy.

METHODS

Survival and recurrence outcomes were evaluated for all TNBC patients from a multi-institutional database (1999-2018) at two academic cancer programs in two metropolitan cities of the Northeast and Midwest. Median follow-up time was 3.7 years.

RESULTS

Seven hundred and nighty six TNBC patients were evaluated and 15.45% underwent CPM. Women undergoing CPM were more likely to be white (p < 0.001), younger (p < 0.001), and underwent genetic testing (p < 0.001). A borderline survival benefit was observed for TNBC patients undergoing CPM (5-year overall survival 95.1% vs. 85.0%; p = 0.05). There was no difference in survival when BRCA mutation carriers were excluded (5-year overall survival 94.1% vs. 85.2%; p = 0.12). For BRCA mutation carriers, a numeric trend was observed for improved survival for patients undergoing CPM (5-year overall survival 97.2% vs. 84.1%; p = 0.35). Among patients not undergoing CPM, the rate of developing a new primary breast cancer was 2.2% (15/673). Among these 15 patients, 20% (3/15) were known BRCA mutation carriers.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data demonstrate no survival benefit for TNBC patients without BRCA1/2 mutations undergoing CPM.

Clinical Utility of Universal Germline Genetic Testing for Patients With Breast Cancer

IMPORTANCE

National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines currently recommend germline testing for high-risk genes in selected patients with breast cancer. The clinical utility of recommending testing all patients with breast cancer with multigene panels is currently under consideration.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the implications of universal testing of patients with breast cancer with respect to clinical decision-making.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Patients from a previously reported cohort were assessed as in-criteria or out-of-criteria according to the 2017 guidelines and underwent testing with a multigene germline panel between 2017 to 2018. Patients were women and men aged 18 to 90 years, with a new and/or previous diagnosis of breast cancer who had not undergone either single or multigene testing. Clinicians from 20 community and academic sites documented patient clinical information and changes to clinical recommendations made according to test findings. Association between prevalence of pathogenic or likely pathogenic germline variants and previously unreported clinical features, including scores generated by the BRCAPRO statistical model, was determined. Data were analyzed from April 2020 to May 2022.

EXPOSURE

New and/or previous diagnosis of breast cancer.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Disease management recommendations that were changed as a result of genetic testing results are reported.

RESULTS

Clinicians were asked to assess changes to clinical management as a result of germline genetic testing for 952 patients. Informative clinician-reported recommendations were provided for 939 (467 in-criteria and 472 out-of-criteria) of the patients with breast cancer (936 [99.7%] female; 702 [74.8%] White; mean [SD] age at initial diagnosis, 57.6 [11.5] years). One or more changes were reported for 31 of 37 (83.8%) in-criteria patients and 23 of 34 (67.6%) out-of-criteria patients with a pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant. Recommendations were changed as a result of testing results for 14 of 22 (63.6%) out-of-criteria patients who had a variant in a breast cancer predisposition gene. Clinicians considered testing beneficial for two-thirds of patients with pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants and for one-third of patients with either negative results or variants of uncertain significance. There was no difference in variant rate between patients meeting the BRCAPRO threshold (≥10%) and those who did not (P = .86, Fisher exact test). No changes to clinical recommendations were made for most patients with negative results (345 of 349 patients [98.9%]) or variants of uncertain significance (492 of 509 patients [96.7%]).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this cohort study, germline genetic testing was used by clinicians to direct treatment for most out-of-criteria patients with breast cancer with pathogenic or likely pathogenic germline variants, including those with moderate-risk variants. Universal germline testing informs clinical decision-making and provides access to targeted treatments and clinical trials for all patients with breast cancer.

Impact of the COVID-19 breast cancer screening hiatus on clinical stage and racial disparities in New York City

Background

The impact of the COVID-19 mammography screening hiatus as well as of post-hiatus efforts promoting restoration of elective healthcare on breast cancer detection patterns and stage distribution is unknown.

Methods

Newly diagnosed breast cancer patients (2019–2021) at the New York Presbyterian (NYP) Hospital Network were analyzed. Chi-square and student's t-test compared characteristics of patients presenting before and after the screening hiatus.

Results

A total of 2137 patients were analyzed. Frequency of screen-detected and early-stage breast cancer declined post-hiatus (59.7%), but returned to baseline (69.3%). Frequency of screen-detected breast cancer was lowest for African American (AA) (57.5%) and Medicaid patients pre-hiatus (57.2%), and this disparity was reduced post-hiatus (65.3% for AA and 63.2% for Medicaid).

Conclusions

The return to baseline levels of screen-detected cancer, particularly among AA and Medicaid patients suggest that large-scale breast health education campaigns may be effective in resuming screening practices and in mitigating disparities.

Abstract P3-01-09: Mri in the pre-operative workup of breast cancer patients

PurposeThe utility of pre-operative MRI (preop MRI) for patients with a new breast cancer diagnosis is controversial. Recently there has been increased use of routine MRI during preoperative workup to evaluate for areas necessitating additional biopsy and planning of operative resection extent; however, these practices carry the risk of delaying treatment, and subjecting patients to unnecessary biopsies and overly extensive resections. Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is more difficult to detect on mammography compared to non-TNBC, and patients with TNBC do not receive the chemoprevention benefits of adjuvant endocrine therapy; preop breast MRI to detect mammographically occult foci of disease may therefore be more relevant for patients with TNBC. MethodsOutcomes were evaluated for TNBC patients treated in the prospectively-maintained database of an academic cancer program in a metropolitan city of the Northeast, 1998-2018. ResultsOf 428 TNBC cases, 35.7% (153) had pre-op MRI. 43.6% (61) of 140 TNBC cases ≤50 years old had pre-op MRI compared to 31.9% of 288 TNBC cases &gt;50 years old (p=0.016). There were no differences in race, or stage at presentation between those who had pre-op MRI and those who did not. 34% (52) of pre-op MRI TNBC cases underwent additional biopsies versus 0.43% (1) of TNBC patients who did not have pre-op MRI (p&lt;0.0001). Average time to treatment was 29.5 days for pre-op MRI TNBC cases compared to 25 days for TNBC patients who did not have pre-op MRI (p=0.0026). 9.8% (15) of pre-op MRI TNBC cases underwent re-excisions versus 17.7% (41) of TNBC patients who did not have pre-op MRI (p=0.076). Of those who had mastectomies, patients who had pre-op MRI were more likely to have bilateral mastectomies (21.6% (33) pre-op MRI TNBC v 12.9% (30) of TNBC patients who did not have pre-op MRI (p=0.0471)). Five-year overall survival was no different between patients who had pre-op MRI and those who did not (95.2% vs 95.3% respectively; p=0.79). Among patients undergoing breast conserving surgery, there were no significant differences in the rates of local recurrence between patients that had preop MRI compared to those that did not (13.1% vs 9.1% p=0.392). ConclusionOur data demonstrated that preop MRI in TNBC patients was associated with additional biopsies, more extensive breast surgery, and longer time to treatment. Preop MRI had no impact on survival or local recurrence among patients undergoing breast conserving surgery.

Citation Format: Solange Bayard, Genevieve Fasano, Yalei Chen, Jennifer Marti, Rache Simmons, Alexander Swistel, Michelle Drotman, Melissa Davis, Lisa Newman. Mri in the pre-operative workup of breast cancer patients [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2021 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2021 Dec 7-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-01-09.

Abstract P3-20-08: Does contralateral prophylactic mastectomy improve survival in triple negative breast cancer?

Background: Despite increased incidence of contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM), there is insufficient evidence that it improves survival in women at average risk for breast cancer. In addition to BRCA1/2 mutation carriers, patients with estrogen-receptor negative tumors have been examined as a subgroup that may seek to benefit from CPM. In this study, we sought to investigate whether CPM improves survival in patients with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC).Study Design: Survival outcomes were evaluated for all TNBC patients from a multi-institutional database from 1999-2018 at New York Presbyterian - Weill Cornell Medical Center and Henry Ford Health System. Median follow-up time was 44.4 months.Results: 802 TNBC patients were evaluated. The median age was 57 years. 17% patients underwent CPM. Factors associated with CPM were White American race, younger age, presence of lymphovascular invasion (LVI), lack of mammography screen-detection, mastectomy surgery, postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy, and having had genetic testing. A borderline significant trend was observed in improved overall survival among patients undergoing CPM versus those not having CPM (5-year OS 95.1% vs. 85.0%; p = 0.05). Subset analysis of patients younger than 50 years of age at diagnosis demonstrated no improvement in overall survival for patients undergoing CPM versus those that declined CPM (94.3% v. 88.7%; p = 0.21). Conclusion: Our data demonstrate a trend in improved 5-year overall survival in TNBC patients undergoing CPM. However, in patients younger than 50 years at diagnosis, CPM did not confer a survival advantage.

Citation Format: Genevieve A Fasano, Solange Bayard, Yalei Chen, Jennifer Marti, Rache Simmons, Alexander Swistel, Jessica Bensenhaver, S David Nathanson, Lindsay Petersen, Erica Proctor, Melissa Davis, Lisa Newman. Does contralateral prophylactic mastectomy improve survival in triple negative breast cancer? [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2021 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2021 Dec 7-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-20-08.

Benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy in node-negative T1a versus T1b and T1c triple-negative breast cancer

PURPOSE

National comprehensive cancer network guidelines recommend delivery of adjuvant chemotherapy in node-negative triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) if the tumor is > 1 cm and consideration of adjuvant chemotherapy for T1b but not T1a disease. These recommendations are based upon sparse data on the role of adjuvant chemotherapy in T1a and T1b node-negative TNBC. Our objective was to clarify the benefits of chemotherapy for patients with T1N0 TNBC, stratified by tumor size.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of survival outcomes of TNBC patients at two academic institutions in the United States from 1999 to 2018. Primary tumor size, histology, and nodal status were based upon surgical pathology. The Kaplan-Meier plot and 5-year unadjusted survival probability were evaluated.

RESULTS

Among 282 T1N0 TNBC cases, the status of adjuvant chemotherapy was known for 258. Mean follow-up was 5.3 years. Adjuvant chemotherapy was delivered to 30.5% of T1a, 64.7% T1b, and 83.9% T1c (p < 0.0001). On multivariable analysis, factors associated with delivery of adjuvant chemotherapy were tumor size and grade 3 disease. Improved overall survival was associated with use of chemotherapy in patients with T1c disease (93.2% vs. 75.2% p = 0.008) but not T1a (100% vs. 100% p = 0.3778) or T1b (100% vs. 95.8% p = 0.2362) disease.

CONCLUSION

Our data support current guidelines indicating benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy in node-negative TNBC associated with T1c tumors but excellent outcomes were observed in the cases of T1a and T1b disease, regardless of whether adjuvant chemotherapy was delivered.

Psychosocial outcomes of peer support for patients with an inherited cardiac condition

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction

Inherited cardiac conditions (ICCs) are feared for their risk of sudden death. Individuals are often young and diagnosed after the sudden death of an apparently healthy family member. A diagnosis can have a profound psychological impact and negative effect on quality of life. Uncertainty surrounding the natural history of some diseases causes anxiety and concern about existing children or starting a family. Necessary lifestyle adjustments are often associated with a sense of isolation during social engagement with peers. Psychological support for such patients is scarce. However, a specialist nurse led peer group support within the ICC service may improve psychological outcomes and empower patients to support others. 

Purpose

To determine the effect of a nurse led peer support group on subjective psychological symptoms for patients with ICCs.

Methods

A pilot specialist nurse support group was established in February 2020 including 30 patients with ICCs. This consisted of a meeting in person followed by 6 subsequent 2 monthly online video meetings. Each session lasted 2 hours and included a talk by a healthcare professional on an ICC related topic, followed by an open forum for group discussion facilitated by the specialist nurse. An online social media chat forum was also developed. After 1 year, a bespoke questionnaire was distributed to all participants enquiring about the effect of group support on anxiety level, sense of isolation, knowledge about their condition and empowerment to support themselves and others. 

Results

21 (70%) patients aged between 20 and 65 years old (mean age 49) responded. Diagnoses included Brugada syndrome, arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and long QT syndrome. All participants agreed that the group provided a comfortable platform to ask questions about their condition. 95% of participants were keen to know more about their condition after diagnosis of which 86% agreed that knowledge about their condition had improved since joining the group. 90% of participants experienced anxiety related to their condition before joining the group of which 76% reported reduced levels since joining. 76% felt isolated after their diagnosis of which 86% reported that these feelings had lessened since joining the group. 86% of the group agreed that group discussion empowered them and helped them support other affected individuals. 

Conclusion

A pilot study support group for patients with ICCs reduced anxiety and sense of isolation, improved knowledge, and sense of empowerment and willingness to support other patients in ≥ 80% of attendees. There is potential that patient support groups can be kick started by specialist nurses and subsequently allowed to run by patients themselves. Apart from improving psychological outcomes, such practice may reduce the workload for the ICC multidisciplinary team.

Fenfluramine for treatment-resistant epilepsy in Dravet syndrome and other genetically mediated epilepsies

Fenfluramine hydrochloride, initially utilized as a weight loss drug in the 1970s and later removed from the market for adverse cardiopulmonary side effects, has since been repurposed as an antiseizure medicine (ASM). The potential antiseizure effects of fenfluramine were first identified in patients with photosensitive epilepsy in the 1980s but it was not rigorously explored as a treatment option until 30 years later. Compared with other ASMs, fenfluramine offers a novel mechanism by acting on serotonin and σ1 receptors, demonstrated in vitro and in vivo in animal models of Dravet syndrome. Results from a large double-blind, placebo-controlled trial demonstrated robust efficacy for seizure reduction in patients with Dravet syndrome, and met its primary endpoint with the 0.7 mg/kg/day fenfluramine treatment group experiencing a 62.3% or greater reduction in mean monthly convulsive seizure frequency (MCSF) compared with placebo. Here we provide a comprehensive review of the preclinical and clinical activity of fenfluramine, a recently approved drug for treatment of epilepsy in patients with Dravet syndrome.

Radial Scars and Complex Sclerosing Lesions of the Breast: Prevalence of Malignancy and Natural History Under Active Surveillance

BACKGROUND

When needle core biopsies (NCBs) of the breast reveal radial scar or complex sclerosing lesions (RSLs), excision is often recommended despite a low risk of malignancy in the modern era. The optimal management of NCBs revealing RSLs is controversial, and understanding of the natural history of unresected RSLs is limited.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed pathology and imaging data from 148 patients with NCB revealing RSL without atypia from 2015 to 2019 to determine the prevalence of malignancy and the behavior of RSLs undergoing active surveillance (AS).

RESULTS

The mean age of patients was 52 years, and most lesions were screen-detected (91%). The median lesion size was 6.0 mm (range 2-39). Most patients (66%, n = 98) underwent immediate surgery, while 34% (n = 50) of patients underwent AS, with a median follow-up of 16 months (range 6-51). Of the excised RSLs, 99% (n = 97) were benign and 1% (n = 1) revealed ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). In 17% (n = 17) of cases, additional high-risk lesions were discovered upon excision. Among the 50 patients undergoing AS, no lesions progressed on interval imaging.

CONCLUSIONS

In this cohort, 99% of RSLs undergoing excision were benign, 1% revealed DCIS, and there were no invasive cancers. In the first study of patients with RSLs undergoing AS, we found that all lesions either remained stable or resolved. We propose that the vast majority of patients with RSL on NCB can be safely offered AS, and that routine excision is a low-value intervention.

Fibroepithelial Lesions (FELs) of the Breast: Is Routine Excision Always Necessary?

BACKGROUND

When needle core biopsies (NCBs) of the breast reveal fibroepithelial lesions (FELs), excision is often performed to rule out a phyllodes tumor (PT), despite low malignancy rates. Consequently, the natural history of observed FELs is not well described. We analyzed the malignancy risk in excised FELs and the natural history of FELs undergoing active surveillance (AS).

METHODS

We retrospectively studied the pathology and imaging records of 215 patients with FELs (n = 252) diagnosed on NCB. Incidence of growth was determined by Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

Of 252 FELs, 80% were immediately excised and 20% underwent AS. Of the excised FELs, 198 (98%) were benign: fibroadenoma (FA) or benign breast tissue in 137 (68%), benign PT in 59 (29%), or LCIS in 2 (1%). Borderline PT or malignant lesions were found in 4 (2%). On ultrasound, malignant and borderline PTs were larger than benign lesions [median 3.9 vs 1.3 cm, p = 0.006]. Fifty FELs underwent AS, with a median follow-up of 17 (range 2-79) months. The majority remained stable or decreased in size: at 2 years, only 35% increased in volume by ≥ 50%. Of those tumors undergoing AS that were later excised (n = 4), all were benign.

CONCLUSIONS

Almost all FELs (98%) were benign on surgical excision, and the majority undergoing AS remained stable, with benign pathology if later excised. Most FELs on NCB can be safely followed with US, with surgery reserved for patients with FELs that are large, symptomatic, or growing. This could spare most women with FELs unnecessary surgery.

Monitoring liver transplant rates in persons diagnosed with hepatitis C: a data linkage study, England 2008 to 2017

Introduction

Liver transplantation is an important measure of burden from hepatitis C virus (HCV)-associated liver disease.

Aims

To describe transplant rates and survival in individuals with HCV infection from 2008 to 2017 in England through data linkage.

Methods

This is a retrospective observational cohort study. Laboratory reports of HCV infection were linked to the Liver Transplant Registry for individuals aged 15 years and over, first diagnosed between 1998 and 2017. We estimated age-sex standardised incidence rates and used Poisson regression to investigate predictors of liver transplantation and test for a change in incidence after introduction of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) in 2014. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to calculate post-transplant survival rates.

Results

Of 124,238 individuals diagnosed with HCV infection, 1,480 were registered and 1,217 received a liver transplant. Of individuals registered, 1,395 had post-HCV cirrhosis and 636 had hepatocellular carcinoma (618 also had post-HCV cirrhosis). Median time from HCV diagnosis to transplant was 3.4 years (interquartile range: 1.3–6.8 years). Liver transplant rates were lower 2014–17 compared with 2011–13 (incidence rate ratio: 0.64; 95% confidence interval: 0.55–0.76). Survival rates were 93.4%, 79.9% and 67.9% at 1, 5 and 10 years, respectively. Data linkage showed minimal under-reporting of HCV in the transplant registry.

Conclusion

In the post-DAA era, liver transplant rates have fallen in individuals with HCV infection, showing early impact of HCV treatment scale-up; but the short time from HCV diagnosis to liver transplant suggests late diagnosis is a problem.

1186 Developing And Testing A Web-based Provider Training For Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Of Insomnia

Introduction

Chronic insomnia is a common, debilitating disorder and a risk factor for significant medical morbidity, mental health problems, and workplace difficulties. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is the gold standard treatment for insomnia. However, few providers are trained in CBT-I, in part due to a bottleneck in training availability and the time and cost associated with current training platforms. To address this training deficit, our team developed and evaluated CBTIweb.org, a web-based provider training course for CBT-I.

Methods

Feedback from alpha- and beta-testing of CBTIweb.org was collected and used to optimize course content and functionality. Then, a comparison study was conducted in which licensed providers were randomized to complete either the online CBTIweb.org course (n=21) or an in-person CBT-I training (n=23). During all phases of development, providers completed a Computer System Usability Questionnaire (CSUQ), investigator-developed website usability and content questionnaires, and pre/post-training competency assessments.

Results

Independent samples t-tests indicated significant improvements in CSUQ, and website usability and content questionnaires responses from alpha- to beta-testing (all ps &lt; .05). Linear mixed-effects modeling revealed significant within-subject increases in knowledge acquisition (F(34.7) = 65.4, p &lt; 0.001; baseline = 69% correct, post-training = 92% correct) when collapsed across in-person and web-based groups. The interaction group by time interaction was non-significant (F(34.7) = 1.7, p = 0.204), indicating similar gains in knowledge (i.e., equivalence) between the in-person and the CBTIweb.org training formats.

Conclusion

Alpha and beta testers of CBTIweb.org reported high levels of satisfaction while also noting areas for improvement, which were used to update the site. Findings suggest the final CBTIweb.org product successfully trained clinicians compared to an in-person workshop, given knowledge acquisition improvements. CBTIweb.org is an efficient and effective training platform for clinicians to gain knowledge and competence in the most effective treatment for insomnia.

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Abstract P6-08-28: Comprehensive germline multigene panel testing changes clinical care for patients with breast cancer

Background: HBOC testing guidelines were established to identify patients with clinically actionable variants and limit economic burden. We report the impact of germline results on health outcome based on clinical decision making and treatment interventions, regardless of guidelines, in a multi-center registry.

Methods: 20 community-based and academic sites participated in an IRB approved registry. Patients with breast cancer were tested with an 80-gene panel and clinical information was collected.

Results: Data on 912 patients has been analyzed to date. 68% were recently diagnosed and the remaining were diagnosed in the past. 50.5% met NCCN criteria; 49.5% did not. Pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) germline mutations were found in 8.65% of patients. Of all patients with P/LP findings, 85% had variants in cancer-risk genes with established management recommendations and 80% had germline variants conferring eligibility for clinical trials and precision medicine-based cancer treatments, such as PARP inhibitors. When results were evaluated based on an 11 gene panel of genes most commonly associated with breast cancer, 4.9% (or X) were found to have variants and X percent of these had variants conferring eligibility for clinical trials and precision medicine. X Patients with variants outside of the 11 gene panel had eligibility for clinical trials and precision medicine.

There was no significant association between BRCAPRO scores and patients having a P/LP finding, whether in BRCA1/2 alone (p=0.42) or for any cancer gene (p=0.57). For 62% of patients with P/LP germline mutations, clinicians reported results impacted patients’ health outcome; and for 69%, results impacted the health outcome of patients’ relatives.

Physician reported impact on patient outcome associated significantly with the presence of P/LP germline findings (p&lt;0.00001). There was no significant difference in the clinician reported clinical utility of variants of uncertain significance (VUS) compared to negative results (p=0.467).

Conclusions: Comprehensive panel testing of breast cancer patients impacts physician assessed patient outcomes and informs changes in surgical treatment strategy, medical therapies and proactive screening. The data suggest that BRCAPRO calculators are poor predictors of germline presence of P/LP findings. Physicians in this study demonstrate the ability to discern the clinically actionable value of P/LP mutations from non-actionable VUS. Multigene panels impact breast cancer patient care by identifying precision medicine treatment interventions and guiding long-term medical management and preventive surveillance for patients and family members. More patients are provided opportunities for precision medicine when a larger panel is used.

Table 1. Comprehensive panel clinical management and treatment implications. Germline variants with implications for patient management and treatment. *P/LP variants in these genes confer potential clinical trial eligibility, e.g. NCT02401347.Table 1PatientsVariantsWith breast cancer management guidelines45 (56%)46 (55%)(ATM*, BRCA1*, BRCA2*, CHEK2*, NBN*, NF1, PALB2*, TP53*)With cancer management implications31 (38%)33 (39%)(BARD1*, FH, MITF, MSH6*, MUTYH*, PTCH1, RAD50*, RAD51C*, RAD51D*, RB1, RET, VHL)Evidence of actionability accruing5 (6%)5 (6%)(BLM, DIS3L2, RECQL4)Total8184

Citation Format: Peter Beitsch, Pat Whitworth, Kevin Hughes, Ian Grady, Karen Barbosa, Rakesh Patel, Michael Kinney, Paul Baron, Barry Rosen, Gia Compagnoni, Linda ann Smith, Rache Simmons, Cynara Coomer, Dennis Holmes, Eric Brown, Linsey Gold, Lisa Curcio, Patricia Clark, Tony Ruiz, Heather MacDonald, Sadia Khan, Lee Riley, Sam Lyons, Shan Yang, Mary K Hardwick, Edward D Esplin, Robert L Nussbaum. Comprehensive germline multigene panel testing changes clinical care for patients with breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2019 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2019 Dec 10-14; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-08-28.

Mapping the hepatitis C cascade of care in people attending drug treatment services in England: A data linkage study

INTRODUCTION

Hepatitis C (HCV) infection in England primarily affects people who inject drugs (PWID). We describe persons HCV tested, estimate incidence and establish the cascade of care (CoC) for people engaging with drug services.

METHODS

Persons testing for HCV in drug services in Sentinel Surveillance of Blood Borne Virus Testing (SSBBV) between 2008 and 2016 were linked with people attending drug services in the National Drug and Treatment Monitoring System (NDTMS). We describe risk characteristics, establish the CoC, and estimate HCV incidence in PWID diagnosed in drug services.

RESULTS

Of 46,721 persons tested for anti-HCV in SSBBV in drug services, 29,773 (63.7%) linked to NDTMS. Of these, 9100 (30.6%) were antiV positive and anti-HCV positivity was 45.0% in persons reporting urgent housing problems and 43.8% in persons reporting ever injecting. Among persons anti-HCV positive, half had ≥1 positive anti-HCV test. For persons' first anti-HCV positive between 2008 and 2013 (n = 3123), 74.9% were HCV RNA tested, of whom 71.2% were RNA positive, and of these, 14.0% had evidence of interferon-based treatment, with 52.8% achieving cure. Among PWID, HCV incidence was 8.7 per 100 person-years (95% CI: 8.1-9.2).

CONCLUSION

Through record linkage of surveillance datasets, we estimated the HCV CoC for people attending drug services, providing a benchmark from which to monitor the impact of strategies to scale-up prevention, testing, and curative treatment with direct acting antivirals. Our study highlights wasteful repeated testing and poor linkage to care for this high risk population which need to be addressed.

Underdiagnosis of Hereditary Breast Cancer: Are Genetic Testing Guidelines a Tool or an Obstacle?

PURPOSE

An estimated 10% of breast and ovarian cancers result from hereditary causes. Current testing guidelines for germ line susceptibility genes in patients with breast carcinoma were developed to identify carriers of BRCA1/ 2 variants and have evolved in the panel-testing era. We evaluated the capability of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines to identify patients with breast cancer with pathogenic variants in expanded panel testing.

METHODS

An institutional review board-approved multicenter prospective registry was initiated with 20 community and academic sites experienced in cancer genetic testing and counseling. Eligibility criteria included patients with a previously or newly diagnosed breast cancer who had not undergone either single- or multigene testing. Consecutive patients 18 to 90 years of age were consented and underwent an 80-gene panel test. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-compliant electronic case report forms collected information on patient demographics, diagnoses, phenotypes, and test results.

RESULTS

More than 1,000 patients were enrolled, and data records for 959 patients were analyzed; 49.95% met NCCN criteria, and 50.05% did not. Overall, 8.65% of patients had a pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) variant. Of patients who met NCCN guidelines with test results, 9.39% had a P/LP variant. Of patients who did not meet guidelines, 7.9% had a P/LP variant. The difference in positive results between these groups was not statistically significant (Fisher's exact test P = .4241).

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that nearly half of patients with breast cancer with a P/LP variant with clinically actionable and/or management guidelines in development are missed by current testing guidelines. We recommend that all patients with a diagnosis of breast cancer undergo expanded panel testing.

Abstract P5-09-06: Underdiagnosis of HBOC in breast cancer patients: Are genetic testing guidelines a tool or an obstacle?

Background: Pathogenic genetic variants are estimated to occur in 10-15% of all breast cancer patients, with BRCA 1/2 accounting for 40-50% of pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) variants. However, it is estimated that &lt;30% of breast cancer patients harboring a BRCA 1/2 variant have been identified, with the percentage being much less for ˜20 other breast cancer associated genes. Reasons for this are multifactorial and include complicated and restrictive testing guidelines developed at a time when the cost of testing was high and guidelines for management were limited. Today, cost has plummeted and there are definitive management guidelines for a broader range of genes. We created a community based Registry to determine the incidence of P/LP variants in breast cancer patients who meet and who do not meet the NCCN 2017 genetic testing criteria.

Methods: An IRB-approved multicenter prospective registry was initiated with 20 community and academic sites experienced incancer genetic testing and counseling.

Eligibility criteria included patients with a breast cancer diagnosis who had not been previously tested. Consecutive patients aged 18-90 were consented and underwent an 80 gene panel test (Invitae –Multi-Cancer Panel). The non-inferiority study was powered to detect a difference in P/LP variant rate of 4 percentage points with statistical significance (p&lt;0.05, Fisher's exact test).

HIPAA compliant electronic case report forms collected information on patient diagnosis, test results, and physician recommendations made after test results were received.

Results: Over 1000 patients were enrolled and data from 910 subjects analyzed to date. 50.4% met NCCN criteria and 49.5% did not. Median age for the enrolled patients is 60.5 and ranged from 22-93. 56.0% of patients were recently diagnosed with breast cancer. 10.9% of patients had a history of a prior non breast cancer. Overall, 8.9% of patients had a pathogenicvariant. 9.6% of patients who met NCCN criteria with test results had a P/LP variant. 8.2% of patients who did not meet criteria had a P/LP variant. The difference of positive cases among the two groups is not statistically significant (P = 0.49)

4.9% of patients had pathogenic variants if only an 11 gene standard breast cancer panel was considered.

The spectrum of mutated genes varied between the two groups, with some overlap.

Conclusions:

There was no statistically significant difference in the number of pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants between those patients who met and those who did not meet NCCN guidelines. Expanded panel testing yields more medically actionable P/LP variants than testing BRCA 1/2 alone or breast cancer panels with 11 genes. This study demonstrates that there will be a significant number of patients with P/LP variants are missed if NCCN guidelines are required for genetic testing. Current NCCN guidelines for the genetic testing of breast cancer patients are an obstacle to identifying patients with P/LP variants and should be removed.

Universal BC Genetic Testing RegistryNCCN Criteria (910 patients analyzed)#/% who have P/LP variants#/% who do not have P/LP variantsPatients who meet guidelines44/459 (9.6%)415/459 (90.4%)Patients who do not meet guidelines37/451 (8.2%)414/451 (91.8%)

Citation Format: Beitsch P, Whitworth P, Baron P, Rosen B, Compagnoni G, Simmons R, Smith LA, Holmes D, Brown E, Gold L, Clark P, Coomer C, Grady I, Barbosa K, Riley L, Kinney M, Lyons S, MacDonald H, Kahn S, Ruiz A, Patel R, Curcio L, Esplin E, Yang S. Underdiagnosis of HBOC in breast cancer patients: Are genetic testing guidelines a tool or an obstacle? [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-09-06.

Abstract P5-09-03: Expanded panel testing superior to BRCA1/2 and breast cancer panel in patients with breast cancer

Background: The testing of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) patients for BRCA1/2 only was established years ago to identify patients with clinically actionable variants and limit the economic burden. However, the cost of genetic testing has plummeted, and the number of breast cancer-risk genes with management guidelines has expanded. We created a community-based registry to test all breast cancer patients. A primary objective of this registry included accruing and comparing patients who did and did not meet NCCN guidelines and determining if providing all breast cancer patients with comprehensive multi-gene panel testing yields additional clinical value than testing BRCA1/2 alone.

Methods: An IRB-approved multicenter prospective registry was initiated with 20 community-based and academic breast sites, selected to insure geographic and ethnic diversity. Consecutive patients ages 18-90 with current or prior breast cancer were offered testing with an 80-gene panel (Invitae, San Francisco, CA). HIPAA-compliant case report forms collected patient diagnosis, test results, and physician recommendations made after test results.

Results: Over 1,000 patients were enrolled and data on 911 have been analyzed to date. Median age of patients is 60.5 (range 22 to 93). 56.0% were recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Of these patients, 50.54% met NCCN criteria, and 49.5% did not. 10.9% had history of a prior non-breast cancer. The pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) variant rate for patients on a comprehensive 80-gene panel was 8.9%. When restricted to a guidelines-based 11-gene breast cancer panel (BRCA1/2, ATM, CDH1, CHEK2, NBN, NF1, PTEN, STK11, TP53, PALB2), 4.9% had P/LP variants; when limited to BRCA1/2, 1.6% had P/LP variants. Of all patients with P/LP findings, 93% had variants in cancer-risk genes with established management recommendations (Table 1) and 80% had germline variants conferring eligibility for precision medicine-based cancer treatments, such as PARP inhibitors, through actively enrolling clinical trials.

Conclusions: This study demonstrates that comprehensive panel testing of breast cancer patients provides a higher yield of clinically actionable P/LP variants than BRCA1/2 testing alone. Limited panels may miss clinically relevant P/LP variants, leaving risk for preventable cancers undiscovered and unnecessarily restricting patients' treatment options. These results also suggest that variants in tumor suppressor genes, not previously thought related to breast cancer, may contribute to its etiology. A comprehensive panel strategy reveals untapped clinical utility and can impact breast cancer patient care by informing implementation of precision medicine treatment interventions and guiding long-term medical management and surveillance for patients and their family members.

 PatientsVariantsWith breast cancer management guidelines (including variants ATM*, BRCA1*, BRCA2*, CHEK2*, NBN*, NF1, PALB2*, TP53*)45 (56%)46 (55%)With cancer guidelines and clinical management implications (including variants BARD1*, FH, MITF, MSH6*, MUTYH*, PTCH1, RAD50*, RAD51C*, RAD51D*, RB1, RET, VHL)31 (38%)33 (39%)Evidence of actionability accruing (including variants BLM, DIS3L2, RECQL4)5 (6%)5 (6%)Totals8184*P/LP variants in these genes confer potential clinical trial eligibility, e.g. NCT02401347.

Citation Format: Beitsch P, Whitworth P, Baron P, Rosen B, Compagnoni G, Simmons R, Smith LA, Holmes D, Brown E, Gold L, Clark P, Coomer C, Grady I, Barbosa K, Riley L, Kinney M, Lyons S, MacDonald H, Kahn S, Ruiz A, Patel R, Curcio L, Esplin E, Yang S, Michalski S. Expanded panel testing superior to BRCA1/2 and breast cancer panel in patients with breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-09-03.

HIV coinfection among persons diagnosed with hepatitis B in England in 2008-2014

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to estimate HIV prevalence among persons with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in England and to examine associated risk factors.

METHODS

Persons aged ≥ 15 years with an HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) test reported to Public Health England (PHE) sentinel surveillance during 2008-2014 were linked to the PHE national HIV/AIDS database. Coinfection was defined as an HIV diagnosis prior to, or within 6 months following, a positive HBsAg test.

RESULTS

During 2008-2014, 2 149 933 persons were tested for HBsAg and 3.9% (1129 of 28 789) of HBsAg-positive persons were HIV positive. The probable route of HIV infection was heterosexual exposure for 95.3% of female patients and 32.3% of male patients, with 61.5% of male patients reporting sex between men. Among African-born coinfected persons, 84% probably acquired HIV there. Predictors of HIV positivity included older age [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.1] and being of black ethnicity (aOR 15.5 for males; aOR 16.4 for females) or being male and of white ethnicity (aOR 8.2) compared with being female and of white ethnicity. HIV coinfection was more likely when HBV was diagnosed in sexual health (aOR 55.0), specialist liver (aOR 6.7), emergency department (aOR 5.3) and renal services (aOR 2.8) compared with general practice. Most (60.4%; 682 of 1129) coinfected persons were diagnosed with HIV infection > 6 months before HBV diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Persons testing positive for HBsAg had a low HIV infection rate and fell largely into two groups: those of black ethnicity with probable Africa-acquired infections and white men who have sex with men (MSM) with probable UK-acquired infections. Findings reinforce existing recommendations to sustain and improve both HBV testing of migrants from HBV-prevalent countries and vaccination among HIV-positive MSM. Findings also support blood-borne virus testing in sexual health services and emergency departments.

Prevalence of diagnosed HIV infection among persons with hepatitis C virus infection: England, 2008-2014

OBJECTIVES

In persons with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, HIV coinfection leads to faster progression to advanced liver disease. The aim of our study was to estimate diagnosed HIV prevalence among people with evidence of current HCV infection (polymerase chain reaction positive) and examine predictors of coinfection.

METHODS

Adults (≥ 15 years old) with a current HCV infection reported to the Public Health England (PHE) sentinel surveillance of blood-borne viruses were linked to the PHE national HIV database using a deterministic methodology. Descriptive and multivariate analyses were conducted.

RESULTS

Between 2008 and 2014, 5.0% (999/20 088) of adults with a current HCV infection were diagnosed with HIV coinfection. The majority acquired HIV through sex between men (441; 64.9%), followed by injecting drug use (153; 22.5%) and heterosexual contact (84; 12.4%). Of persons who were coinfected, 65.5% had been diagnosed with HIV infection > 6 months before their HCV diagnosis, 41.4% of whom had a negative anti-HCV test between their HIV and HCV diagnoses. In a multivariable model among persons with current HCV infection, an HIV diagnosis was more likely among men [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 3.29; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.60-4.16] and persons of black ethnicity (aOR 3.19; 95% CI 1.36-7.46), and less likely among older adults (aOR 0.85 per 10-year increase; 95% CI 0.79-0.92) and persons of Asian ethnicity (aOR 0.59; 95% CI 0.41-0.86).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that the majority of diagnosed HIV and current HCV coinfections are among men who have sex with men. Safer sex campaigns should include awareness of transmission of HCV among MSM living with HIV.

Where do we diagnose HIV infection? Monitoring new diagnoses made in nontraditional settings in England, Wales and Northern Ireland

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the study were to describe 10-year trends in HIV diagnosis setting and to explore predictors of being diagnosed outside a sexual health clinic (SHC).

METHODS

Analyses of national HIV surveillance data were restricted to adults (aged ≥ 15 years) diagnosed in 2005-2014 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Logistic regression identified factors associated with diagnosis outside an SHC (2011-2014).

RESULTS

Between 2005 and 2014, 63 599 adults were newly diagnosed with HIV infection; 83% had a diagnosis setting reported. Most people were diagnosed in SHCs (69%) followed by: medical admissions/accident and emergency (A&E; 8.6%), general practice (6.4%), antenatal services (5.5%), out-patient services (3.6%), infectious disease units (2.7%) and other settings (4.0%). The proportion of people diagnosed outside SHCs increased from 2005 to 2014, overall (from 27% to 32%, respectively) and among men who have sex with men (MSM) (from 14% to 21%) and black African men (from 25% to 37%) and women (from 39% to 52%) (all trend P < 0.001). Median CD4 increased across all settings, but was highest in SHCs (384 cells/μL) and lowest in medical admissions/A&E (94 cells/μL). Predictors of being diagnosed outside SHCs included: acquiring HIV through heterosexual contact [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.99; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.81-2.18] or injecting drug use (aOR: 3.28; 95% CI: 2.56-4.19; reference: MSM), being diagnosed late (< 350 cells/μL) (aOR: 2.55; 95% CI: 2.36-2.74; reference: diagnosed promptly) and being of older age at diagnosis (35-49 years: aOR: 1.60; 95% CI: 1.39-1.83; ≥ 50 years: aOR: 2.48; 95% CI: 2.13-2.88; reference: 15-24 years).

CONCLUSIONS

The proportion of HIV diagnoses made outside SHCs has increased over the past decade in line with evolving HIV testing guidelines. However, the rate of late diagnosis remains high, indicating that further expansion of testing is necessary, as many people may have had missed opportunities for earlier diagnosis.

Establishing the cascade of care for hepatitis C in England-benchmarking to monitor impact of direct acting antivirals

Little is known about engagement and retention in care of people diagnosed with chronic hepatitis C (HCV) in England. Establishing a cascade of care informs targeted interventions for improving case finding, referral, treatment uptake and retention in care. Using data from the sentinel surveillance of blood-borne virus (SSBBV) testing between 2005 and 2014, we investigate the continuum of care of those tested for HCV in England. Persons ≥1 year old with an anti-HCV test and subsequent RNA tests between 2005 and 2014 reported to SSBBV were collated. We describe the cascade of care, as the patient pathway from a diagnostic test, referral into care, treatment and patient outcomes. Between 2005 and 2014, 2 390 507 samples were tested for anti-HCV, corresponding to 1 766 515 persons. A total of 53 038 persons (35 190 men and 17 165 women) with anti-HCV positive were newly reported to SSBBV. An RNA test was conducted on 77.0% persons who were anti-HCV positive, 72.3% of whom were viraemic (RNA positive) during this time period, 21.4% had evidence of treatment and 3130 49.5% had evidence of a sustained virological response (SVR). In multivariable models, confirmation of viraemia by RNA test varied by age and region/test setting; evidence of treatment varied by age, year of test and region/test setting; and SVR varied by age, year of test and region/setting of test. In conclusion, our findings provide HCV cascade of care estimates prior to the introduction of direct acting antivirals. These findings provide important baseline cascade estimates to benchmark progress towards elimination of HCV as a major public health threat.

HIV incidence in the Estonian population in 2013 determined using the HIV-1 limiting antigen avidity assay

OBJECTIVES

Estonia has one the highest number of new HIV diagnoses in the European Union, mainly among injecting drug users and heterosexuals. Little is known of HIV incidence, which is crucial for limiting the epidemic. Using a recent HIV infection testing algorithm (RITA) assay, we aimed to estimate HIV incidence in 2013.

METHODS

All individuals aged ≥18 years newly-diagnosed with HIV in Estonia January- December 2013, except blood donors and those undergoing antenatal screening, were included. Demographic and clinical data were obtained from the Estonian Health Board and the Estonian HIV-positive patient database. Serum samples were tested for recent infection using the LAg-avidity EIA assay. HIV incidence was estimated based on previously published methods.

RESULTS

Of 69,115 tested subjects, 286 (0.41%) were newly-diagnosed with HIV with median age of 33 years (IQR: 28-42) and 65% male. Self-reported routes of HIV transmission were mostly heterosexual contact (n = 157, 53%) and injecting drug use (n = 62, 21%); 64 (22%) were with unknown risk group. Eighty two (36%) were assigned recent, resulting in estimated HIV incidence of 0.06%, corresponding to 642 new infections in 2013 among the non-screened population. Incidence was highest (1.48%) among people who inject drugs.

CONCLUSIONS

These high HIV incidence estimates in Estonia call for urgent action of renewed targeted public health promotion and HIV testing campaigns.

Side-Effects and Social Norms Influencing Family Planning Use in Nepal

Background Effective family planning (FP) programs promote modern contraceptives and help individuals achieve their reproductive goals. Despite Nepal's relatively high contraceptive prevalence rate (50%), 27% of married women have an unmet need for FP, and almost half of Nepalese women give birth by the age of 20. This formative study explored the factors that influence the use of contraceptives in Nepal. Objective To provide information about barriers to family planning use, general fertility awareness, and barriers to family planning use among difficult to reach groups communities. Method This qualitative study was implemented in five districts in Nepal. A total of 36 focus group discussions, 18 participatory group discussions, and 144 in-depth interviews were conducted. Participants included young married women, men and FP service providers in eight village development committees and two municipalities. The interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed in Nepali and then translated into English. Data was organized using Atlas Ti 7 and coded using a thematic analysis. Result Four key themes emerged from the analyses: 1) limited knowledge on fertility awareness and family planning methods, 2) religious-cultural factors including social norms impediments contraceptives use, 3) fear of side-effects, myths and misconceptions about modern contraceptives, and 4) structural barriers such as limited family planning services, and lack of same gender providers make it difficult for many women to access modern contraceptives services. Conclusion Continuing Nepal's recent gains in contraceptives prevalence rate will require strong educational interventions addressing fertility awareness, social norms around son preference, dispelling fear of side-effects while increasing the family planning method-mix. Health service providers should continue counseling clients on the management of potential side-effects and ensure accurate information about modern contraceptives.

Evaluation of hepatitis C testing in men who have sex with men, and associated risk behaviours, in Manchester, UK

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of newly diagnosed hepatitis C virus (HCV) and associated risk behaviours among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Manchester.

METHOD

A survey among MSM attending four genitourinary medicine clinics in Manchester was carried out over 9 months in 2013. Participants were asked about recent sexual behaviour, recreational drug use and HIV status. All men were offered an HCV test.

RESULTS

Overall, 2030 MSM completed a questionnaire and accepted an HCV test. Of whom, 0.9% (18) were newly diagnosed with HCV, including 1.8% (13/735) of HIV-positive MSM, 0.7% (3/440) of MSM of unknown HIV status and 0.2% (2/855) of HIV-negative MSM. HCV positivity was significantly associated with HIV status (p<0.001). When compared with HIV-negative MSM, HIV-positive MSM had higher rates of sharing snorting drug equipment, injecting drugs/'slamming' and using recreational drugs (all p<0.05) but lower rates of five or more sexual partners and insertive unprotected anal intercourse (p<0.05). MSM newly diagnosed with HCV had significantly higher prevalence of unprotected sex, sex with someone HCV positive, fisting, group sex, ever injecting drugs/'slamming' and recreational drug use (p<0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

In this survey, HIV-positive MSM had significantly different drug use behaviour which may explain the higher HCV burden. However, HCV was also associated with HIV-negative MSM engaging in high-risk sexual practices. All MSM attending sexual health clinics must have a risk assessment and HCV screening should be offered based on the risk. Further studies are warranted to explore the interplay between HCV and HIV risk associated with drug use versus sexual practices.

Oncologic Outcomes After Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy

BACKGROUND

Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) is increasingly used as an alternative to traditional mastectomy because it provides improved aesthetic results. The data on its oncologic safety are limited. The authors' institution has performed NSM during the past 10 years for both oncologic and prophylactic indications. This study aimed to examine oncologic outcomes after NSM for breast cancer.

METHODS

The study retrospectively examined all NSM cases managed between July 2007 and July 2013. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the study cohort. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to estimate recurrence-free survival, specifically the 36-month recurrence-free survival proportion.

RESULTS

A total of 721 nipple-sparing mastectomies were performed for 413 patients: 45 (10.9 %) to reduce risk and 368 (89.1 %) for breast cancer. In the breast cancer group, 29.8 % of the patients had ductal carcinoma in situ, and 70.2 % had invasive cancer. The mean follow-up time was 32 months (range 0.01-90.2 months). In the breast cancer group, the Kaplan-Meier 3-year recurrence-free survival rate was 93.6 % (95 % confidence interval, 89.9-96.0 %). Eight patients (2.2 %) had locoregional recurrences, including one in the nipple. Nine patients (2.4 %) had distant recurrence, and six patients (1.6 %) had a diagnosis of both local and distant recurrences.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings showed a locoregional recurrence rate of 2.2 %, with an overall recurrence rate of 6.3 % for patients undergoing NSM for the treatment of breast cancer. The majority of these recurrences were distant, with one recurrence at the nipple. These results are promising, but a longer follow-up evaluation of this cohort is necessary.

In Vitro Evaluation of the Susceptibility of Edwardsiella Ictaluri, Etiological Agent of Enteric Septicemia in Channel Catfish, Ictalurus Punctatus (Rafinesque), to Florfenicol

In vitro studies were conducted to assess the sensitivity of Edwardsiella ictaluri, the etiological agent of enteric septicemia of catfish (ESC), to the antibacterial drug florfenicol (FFC). Twelve different E. ictaluri isolates from cases submitted between 1994 and 1997 to the Thad Cochran National Warmwater Aqua-culture Center fish diagnostic laboratory (Stoneville, MS) were used for testing. These isolates originated from channel catfish ( Ictalurus punctatus) infected with E. ictaluri through natural outbreaks of ESC in the commercial catfish ponds in Mississippi. Seven hundred sixty-seven additional cultures of E. ictaluri were obtained from channel catfish infected experimentally with E. ictaluri. In some of these experimental infections, FFC was used for treatment. These cultures of E. ictaluri were identified by morphological and biochemical tests. Kirby-Bauer zones of inhibition (in mm) for FFC against E. ictaluri were determined using standard methods. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of FFC was determined for the natural outbreak E. ictaluri isolates and arbitrarily selected experimental cultures. The zones of inhibition for FFC tested with E. ictaluri ranged from 31 to 51 mm. The MIC for FFC tested with E. ictaluri was consistently 0.25 μg/ml. Edwardsiella ictaluri tested in these studies were highly sensitive to FFC in vitro.

A global survey of HIV-positive people's attitudes towards cure research

OBJECTIVES

Involvement of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in the design of HIV cure studies is important, given the potential risks to participants. We present results of an international survey of PLHIV to define these issues and inform cure research.

METHODS

PLHIV were recruited in June-November 2014 through HIV websites, advocacy forums, social media and 12 UK HIV clinics. The survey included questions concerning demographics, HIV disease history, the desirability of types of cure and the patient's willingness to accept potential toxicity and treatment interruption (TI). We examined factors associated with TI and willingness to accept substantial risks.

RESULTS

A total of 982 PLHIV completed the survey; 87% were male, 79% white and 81% men who have sex with men (MSM). Fifty-one per cent were aged 25-44 years and 69% were UK residents. The median time since diagnosis was 7 years [interquartile range (IQR) 2-17 years]. Eighty-eight per cent were receiving antiretrovirals (91% reported undetectable viral load). Health/wellbeing improvements (96%) and an inability to transmit HIV (90%) were more desirable cure characteristics than testing HIV-negative (69%). Ninety-five per cent were interested in participating in cure studies, and 59% were willing to accept substantial risks. PLHIV with a low CD4 count [201-350 cells/μL vs. ≥ 350 cells/μL; odds ratio (OR) 2.11; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11-4.00] were more likely to accept risks, whereas those with limited knowledge of HIV treatments vs. excellent/good knowledge and those aged ≥ 65 years vs. 45-64 years were less likely to accept risks [OR 0.58 (95% CI 0.37-0.90) and OR 0.18 (95% CI 0.07-0.45), respectively]. TI was acceptable for 62% of participants, with the main concerns being becoming unwell (82%), becoming infectious (76%) and HIV spreading through the body (76%).

CONCLUSIONS

Cure research was highly acceptable to the PLHIV surveyed. Most individuals would accept risks, including TI, even in the absence of personal benefit. An optimal cure would improve health and minimize onward transmission risk.