Transferring care to enhance access to early-phase cancer clinical trials: Protocol to evaluate a novel program

Involving diverse populations in early-phase (phase I and II) cancer clinical trials is critical to informed therapeutic development. However, given the growing costs and complexities of early-phase trials, trial activation and enrollment barriers may be greatest for these studies at healthcare facilities that provide care to the most diverse patient groups, including those in historically underserved communities (e.g., safety-net healthcare systems). To promote diverse and equitable access to early-phase cancer clinical trials, we are implementing a novel program for the transfer of care to enhance access to early-phase cancer clinical trials. We will then perform a mixed-methods study to determine perceptions and impact of the program. Specifically, we will screen, recruit, and enroll diverse patients from an urban, integrated safety-net healthcare system to open and active early-phase clinical trials being conducted in a university-based cancer center. To evaluate this novel program, we will: (1) determine program impact and efficiency; and (2) determine stakeholder experience with and perceptions of the program. To achieve these goals, we will conduct preliminary cost analyses of the program. We will also conduct surveys and interviews with patients and caregivers to elucidate program impact, challenges, and areas for improvement. We hypothesize that broadening access to early-phase cancer trials conducted at experienced centers may improve equity and diversity. In turn, such efforts may enhance the efficiency and generalizability of cancer clinical research.

Emergency department involvement in the diagnosis of cancer among older adults: a SEER-Medicare study

BACKGROUND

Internationally, 20-50% of cancer is diagnosed through emergency presentation, which is associated with lower survival, poor patient experience, and socioeconomic disparities, but population-based evidence about emergency diagnosis in the U.S. is limited. We estimated Emergency Department (ED) involvement in the diagnosis of cancer in a nationally representative population of older US adults, and associations with sociodemographic, clinical, and tumor characteristics.

METHODS

We analyzed SEER-Medicare data for Medicare beneficiaries (≥66 years old) diagnosed with female breast, colorectal, lung and prostate cancers (2008-2017), defining their earliest cancer-related claim as their index date, and patients who visited the ED 0-30 days before their index date to have "ED involvement" in their diagnosis, with stratification as 0-7 or 8-30 days. We estimated covariate-adjusted associations of patient age, sex, race/ethnicity, marital status, comorbidity score, tumor stage, diagnosis year, rurality, and census tract poverty with ED involvement using modified Poisson regression.

RESULTS

Among 614,748 patients, 23% had ED involvement with 18% visiting the ED in the 0-7 days before their index date. This varied greatly by tumor site: breast 8%, colorectal 39%, lung 40%, prostate 7%. In adjusted models, older age, female sex, non-Hispanic Black and Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander race, being unmarried, recent diagnosis year, later-stage disease, comorbidities, and poverty were associated with ED involvement.

CONCLUSIONS

The ED may be involved in the initial identification of cancer for 1 in 5 patients. Earlier, system-level identification of cancer in non-ED settings should be prioritized, especially among underserved populations.

Variation in Trust in Cancer Information Sources by Perceptions of Social Media Health Mis- and Disinformation and by Race and Ethnicity Among Adults in the United States: Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Mis- and disinformation on social media have become widespread, which can lead to a lack of trust in health information sources and, in turn, lead to negative health outcomes. Moreover, the effect of mis- and disinformation on trust in information sources may vary by racial and ethnic minoritized populations.

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated how trust in multiple sources of cancer information varied by perceptions of health mis- and disinformation on social media and by race and ethnicity.

METHODS

Cross-sectional, nationally representative survey data from noninstitutionalized adults in the United States from the 2022 Health Information National Trends Survey 6 (HINTS 6) were analyzed (N=4137). The dependent variable measured the level of trust in cancer information sources. The independent variables were perceptions about health mis- and disinformation on social media and race and ethnicity. Multivariable logistic regression models were adjusted for survey weight and design, age, birth gender, race and ethnicity, marital status, urban/rural designation, education, employment status, feelings about household income, frequency of social media visits, and personal and family history of cancer. We also tested the interaction effect between perceptions of social media health mis- and disinformation and participants' self-reported race and ethnicity.

RESULTS

Perception of "a lot of" health mis- and disinformation on social media, relative to perception of "less than a lot," was associated with a lower likelihood of high levels of trusting cancer information from government health agencies (odds ratio [OR] 0.60, 95% CI 0.47-0.77), family or friends (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.44-0.71), charitable organizations (OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.63-0.96), and religious organizations and leaders (OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.52-0.79). Among White participants, those who perceived a lot of health mis- and disinformation on social media were less likely to have high trust in cancer information from government health agencies (margin=61%, 95% CI 57%-66%) and family or friends (margin=49%, 95% CI 43%-55%) compared to those who perceived less than a lot of health mis- and disinformation on social media. Among Black participants, those who perceived a lot of health mis- and disinformation on social media were less likely to have high trust in cancer information from religious organizations and leaders (margin=20%, 95% CI 10%-30%) compared to participants who perceived no or a little health mis- and disinformation on social media.

CONCLUSIONS

Certain sources of cancer information may need enhanced support against the threat of mis- and disinformation, such as government health agencies, charitable organizations, religious organizations and leaders, and family or friends. Moreover, interventions should partner with racial and ethnically minoritized populations that are more likely to have low trust in certain cancer information sources associated with mis- and disinformation on social media.

Characteristics of Clinicians Caring for Transgender Men and Nonbinary Individuals and Guideline Concordance of Clinicians' Cervical Cancer Screening Counseling for Cisgender Individuals Versus Transgender Men and Nonbinary Individuals with a Cervix

Purpose: We examined characteristics of clinicians caring for transgender men and nonbinary (TMNB) individuals and guideline concordance of clinicians' cervical cancer screening recommendations. Methods: Using a survey of clinicians who performed ≥10 cervical cancer screenings in 2019, we studied characteristics of clinicians who do versus do not report caring for TMNB individuals and guideline concordance of screening recommendations for TMNB individuals with a cervix versus cisgender women. Results: In our sample (N = 492), 49.2% reported caring for TMNB individuals, and 25.4% reported performing cervical cancer screening for TMNB individuals with a cervix. Differences in guideline concordance of screening recommendations for TMNB individuals with a cervix versus cisgender women (45.8% vs. 50% concordant) were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Sizable proportions of clinicians cared for and performed cervical cancer screening for TMNB individuals. Research is needed to better understand clinicians' identified knowledge deficits to develop interventions (e.g., clinician trainings) to improve gender-affirming cervical cancer prevention.

Erratum: Toward standardization, harmonization, and integration of social determinants of health data: A Texas Clinical and Translational Science Award institutions collaboration - CORRIGENDUM

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1017/cts.2024.2.].

Accessibility to ERCP-performing hospitals among patients with pancreatic cancer living in SEER regions

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The two most common interventions used to treat painless jaundice from pancreatic cancer are endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD). Our study aimed to characterize the geographic distribution of ERCP-performing hospitals among patients with pancreatic cancer in the United States and the association between geographic accessibility to ERCP-performing hospitals and biliary interventions patients receive.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare database for pancreatic cancer from 2005 to 2013. Multilevel models were used to examine the association between accessibility to ERCP hospitals within a 30- and 45-min drive from the patient's residential ZIP Code and the receipt of ERCP treatment. A two-step floating catchment area model was used to calculate the measure of accessibility based on the distribution across SEER regions.

RESULTS

7464 and 782 patients underwent ERCP and PTBD, respectively, over the study period. There were 808 hospitals in which 8246 patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in SEER regions from 2005 to 2013 received a procedure. Patients with high accessibility within both 30- and 45-min drive to an ERCP-performing hospital were more likely to receive an ERCP (30-min adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.53, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.17-2.01; 45-min aOR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.01-1.70). Furthermore, in the adjusted model, Black patients (vs. White) and patients with stage IV disease were less likely to receive ERCP than PTBD.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with pancreatic cancer and high accessibility to an ERCP-performing hospital were more likely to receive ERCP. Disparities in the receipt of ERCP persisted for Black patients regardless of their access to ERCP-performing hospitals.

Toward standardization, harmonization, and integration of social determinants of health data: A Texas Clinical and Translational Science Award institutions collaboration

Introduction

The focus on social determinants of health (SDOH) and their impact on health outcomes is evident in U.S. federal actions by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and Office of National Coordinator for Health Information Technology. The disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on minorities and communities of color heightened awareness of health inequities and the need for more robust SDOH data collection. Four Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) hubs comprising the Texas Regional CTSA Consortium (TRCC) undertook an inventory to understand what contextual-level SDOH datasets are offered centrally and which individual-level SDOH are collected in structured fields in each electronic health record (EHR) system potentially for all patients.

Methods

Hub teams identified American Community Survey (ACS) datasets available via their enterprise data warehouses for research. Each hub's EHR analyst team identified structured fields available in their EHR for SDOH using a collection instrument based on a 2021 PCORnet survey and conducted an SDOH field completion rate analysis.

Results

One hub offered ACS datasets centrally. All hubs collected eleven SDOH elements in structured EHR fields. Two collected Homeless and Veteran statuses. Completeness at four hubs was 80%-98%: Ethnicity, Race; < 10%: Education, Financial Strain, Food Insecurity, Housing Security/Stability, Interpersonal Violence, Social Isolation, Stress, Transportation.

Conclusion

Completeness levels for SDOH data in EHR at TRCC hubs varied and were low for most measures. Multiple system-level discussions may be necessary to increase standardized SDOH EHR-based data collection and harmonization to drive effective value-based care, health disparities research, translational interventions, and evidence-based policy.

Trusting information on cancer varies by source of information and political viewpoint

PURPOSE

This study investigated how trusting information on cancer varies by the source of information and political viewpoint.

METHODS

This study used cross-sectional survey data from the 2020 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS). The study comprised a sample of 2949 adults 18 years and older. The outcome variable was measured by assessing respondents' trust in cancer-related information from various sources, including religious organizations and leaders, government health agencies, charitable organizations, family or friends, and doctors. Political viewpoint was measured as liberal, moderate, and conservative. Multivariate linear probability models were estimated and adjusted for individual-level characteristics.

RESULTS

Multivariate analysis found that conservatives (73%, 95% CI = 68-78%) were significantly less likely to trust information on cancer from government health agencies compared to liberals (84%, 95% CI = 80-88%). There was no statistically significant difference in trusting government health agencies between liberals and moderates (80%, 95% CI = 76-84%). Both moderates (27%, 95% CI = 21-34%) and conservatives (34%, 95% CI = 29-39%) were more likely to trust information on cancer from religious organizations and leaders compared to liberals (19%, 95% CI = 13-24%). The relationship between political viewpoint and trust of doctors, family or friends, and charitable organizations were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Compared to liberals, conservatives are more likely to trust information on cancer from religious organizations and leaders and less likely to trust government health agencies when adjusting for other covariates. This finding emphasizes the role of political viewpoint in shaping individuals' perceptions of information sources and cancer-related information.

Birth Defects in Offspring of Adolescent and Young Adults with a History of Cancer: A Population-Based Study of 27,000 Women

BACKGROUND

We examined birth defects in offspring of adolescent and young adult (AYA) women with a history of cancer (age 15-39 years at diagnosis).

METHODS

We identified AYA women diagnosed with cancer between January 1, 1999, and December 31, 2015 using population-based data from the Texas Cancer Registry; data were linked with live birth and fetal death certificates through December 31, 2016 to identify singleton births to AYA women after diagnosis. Birth defects in offspring through age 12 months were ascertained from the Texas Birth Defects Registry. We estimated risk of birth defects in offspring of AYA women and women without cancer (matched 3:1 by maternal race/ethnicity, maternal age, and offspring year of birth) and compared risk using log binomial regression models.

RESULTS

There were 6,882 singleton births to AYA women after diagnosis. Common cancer types were thyroid (28.9%), lymphoma (12.5%), and breast (10.7%). Risk of any birth defect was higher in offspring of AYA women (6.0%) compared with offspring of women without cancer [n = 20,646; 4.8%; risk ratio (RR) 1.24; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.11-1.38]. Risk of eye or ear (RR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.03-1.90), heart and circulatory (RR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.09-1.60), genitourinary (RR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.12-1.69), and musculoskeletal (RR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.13-1.66) defects was also higher.

CONCLUSIONS

Risk of birth defects was elevated in liveborn and stillborn offspring of AYA women.

IMPACT

Although birth defects are rare, AYA women making decisions about pregnancy and prenatal care should receive appropriate counseling and surveillance.

Asian American Enclaves and Healthcare Accessibility: An Ecologic Study Across Five States

INTRODUCTION

Access to primary care has been a long-standing priority for improving population health. Asian Americans, who often settle in ethnic enclaves, have been found to underutilize health care. Understanding geographic primary care accessibility within Asian American enclaves can help to ensure the long-term health of this fast-growing population.

METHODS

U.S. Census data from five states (California, Florida, New Jersey, New York, and Texas) were used to develop and describe census-tract level measures of Asian American enclaves and social and built environment characteristics for years 2000 and 2010. The 2-step floating catchment area method was applied to National Provider Identifier data to develop a tract-level measure of geographic primary care accessibility. Analyses were conducted in 2022-2023, and associations between enclaves (versus nonenclaves) and geographic primary care accessibility were evaluated using multivariable Poisson regression with robust variance estimation, adjusting for potential area-level confounders.

RESULTS

Of 24,482 census tracts, 26.1% were classified as Asian American enclaves. Asian American enclaves were more likely to be metropolitan and have less poverty, lower crime, and lower proportions of uninsured individuals than nonenclaves. Asian American enclaves had higher primary care accessibility than nonenclaves (adjusted prevalence ratio=1.23, 95% CI=1.17, 1.29).

CONCLUSIONS

Asian American enclaves in five of the most diverse and populous states in the U.S. had fewer markers of disadvantage and greater geographic primary care accessibility. This study contributes to the growing body of research elucidating the constellation of social and built environment features within Asian American enclaves and provides evidence of health-promoting characteristics of these neighborhoods.

A pilot randomized controlled trial comparing nutritious meal kits and no-prep meals to improve food security and diet quality among food pantry clients

BACKGROUND

Food pantry clients have high rates of food insecurity and greater risk for and prevalence of diet-related diseases. Many clients face time, resource, and physical constraints that limit their ability to prepare healthy meals using foods typically provided by pantries. We compared two novel approaches to alleviate those barriers and encourage healthier eating: meal kits, which bundle ingredients with a recipe on how to prepare a healthy meal, and nutritious no-prep meals, which can be eaten after thawing or microwaving.

METHODS

Participants were adult pantry clients from a large food pantry in the Southern sector of Dallas, Texas. We conducted a repeated measures between-subjects study with 70 clients randomized to receive 14-days of meal kits (n = 35) or no-prep meals (n = 35). Participants completed questionnaires at baseline and two-week follow-up on demographics, hedonic liking of study meals, perceived dietary quality, and food security. Two-way repeated measures analysis of variance was used to examine group and time effects, and group by time interactions. We also describe feasibility and satisfaction outcomes to inform future implementation.

RESULTS

Sixty-six participants completed the study (94%). Participants were predominantly Hispanic or Latino(a) (63%) and African American or Black (31%) women (90%). There was a significant interaction on hedonic liking of study meals (ηp²=0.16, F(1,64) = 11.78, p < .001), such that participants that received meal kits had greater improvements in hedonic liking over time than participants in the no-prep group. We observed significant improvements in perceived dietary quality (ηp²=0.36, F(1,64) = 36.38, p < .001) and food security (ηp²=0.36, F(1,64) = 36.38, p < .001) across both groups over time, but no between group differences or significant interactions indicating one intervention was more effective than the other. Program satisfaction was high across both groups, but higher among the meal kit group (ηp²=0.09, F(1,64) = 6.28, p = .015).

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest nutritious meal kits and no-prep meals may be desirable nutrition intervention strategies for pantry clients and have potential to increase food security and perceived dietary quality in the short-term. Our findings are limited by a small sample and short follow-up. Future studies should continue to test both interventions, and include longer follow-up, objective measures of dietary quality, and relevant clinical outcomes.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This trial was registered on 25/10/2022 on ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT05593510.

A pilot randomized controlled trial comparing nutritious meal kits and no-prep meals to improve food security and diet quality among food pantry clients

Background

Food pantry clients have high rates of food insecurity and greater risk for and prevalence of diet-related diseases. Many clients face time, resource, and physical constraints that limit their ability to prepare healthy meals using foods typically provided by pantries. We compared two novel approaches to alleviate those barriers and encourage healthier eating: meal kits, which bundle ingredients with a recipe on how to prepare a healthy meal, and nutritious no-prep meals, which can be eaten after thawing or microwaving.

Methods

Participants were adult pantry clients from a large food pantry in the Southern sector of Dallas, Texas. We conducted a repeated measures between-subjects study with 70 clients randomized to receive 14-days of meal kits (n=35) or no-prep meals (n=35). Participants completed questionnaires at baseline and twoweek follow-up on demographics, hedonic liking of study meals, perceived dietary quality, and food security. Two-way repeated measures analysis of variance was used to examine group and time effects, and group by time interactions. We also describe feasibility and satisfaction outcomes to inform future implementation.

Results

Sixty-six participants completed the study (94%). Participants were predominantly Hispanic or Latino(a) (63%) and African American or Black (31%) women (90%). There was a significant interaction on hedonic liking of study meals (ηp2=0.16, F(1,64)=11.78, p<.001), such that participants that received meal kits had greater improvements in hedonic liking over time than participants in the no-prep group. We observed significant improvements in perceived dietary quality (ηp2=0.36, F(1,64)=36.38, p<.001) and food security (ηp2=0.36, F(1,64)=36.38, p<.001) across both groups over time, but no between group differences or significant interactions indicating one intervention was more effective than the other. Program satisfaction was high across both groups, but higher among the meal kit group (ηp2=0.09, F(1,64)=6.28, p=.015).

Conclusions

Results suggest nutritious meal kits and no-prep meals may be desirable nutrition intervention strategies for pantry clients and have potential to increase food security and perceived dietary quality in the short-term. Our findings are limited by a small sample and short follow-up. Future studies should continue to test both interventions, and include longer follow-up, objective measures of dietary quality, and relevant clinical outcomes.

Trial Registration

This trial was registered on 25/10/2022 on Clinicaltrials.gov, identifier: NCT05593510.

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Cervical Cancer Screening From Three U.S. Healthcare Settings

INTRODUCTION

This study sought to characterize racial and ethnic disparities in cervical cancer screening and follow-up of abnormal findings across 3 U.S. healthcare settings.

METHODS

Data were from 2016 to 2019 and were analyzed in 2022, reflecting sites within the Multi-level Optimization of the Cervical Cancer Screening Process in Diverse Settings & Populations Research Center, part of the Population-based Research to Optimize the Screening Process consortium, including a safety-net system in the southwestern U.S., a northwestern mixed-model system, and a northeastern integrated healthcare system. Screening uptake was evaluated among average-risk patients (i.e., no previous abnormalities) by race and ethnicity as captured in the electronic health record, using chi-square tests. Among patients with abnormal findings requiring follow-up, the proportion receiving colposcopy or biopsy within 6 months was reported. Multivariable regression was conducted to assess how clinical, socioeconomic, and structural characteristics mediate observed differences.

RESULTS

Among 188,415 eligible patients, 62.8% received cervical cancer screening during the 3-year study period. Screening use was lower among non-Hispanic Black patients (53.2%) and higher among Hispanic (65.4%,) and Asian/Pacific Islander (66.5%) than among non-Hispanic White patients (63.5%, all p<0.001). Most differences were explained by the distribution of patients across sites and differences in insurance. Hispanic patients remained more likely to screen after controlling for a variety of clinical and sociodemographic factors (risk ratio=1.14, CI=1.12, 1.16). Among those receiving any screening test, Black and Hispanic patients were more likely to receive Pap-only testing (versus receiving co-testing). Follow-up from abnormal results was low for all groups (72.5%) but highest among Hispanic participants (78.8%, p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In a large cohort receiving care across 3 diverse healthcare settings, cervical cancer screening and follow-up were below 80% coverage targets. Lower screening for Black patients was attenuated by controlling for insurance and site of care, underscoring the role of systemic inequity. In addition, it is crucial to improve follow-up after abnormalities are identified, which was low for all populations.

Redesigning Recruitment and Engagement Strategies for Virtual Culinary Medicine and Medical Nutrition Interventions in a Randomized Trial of Patients with Uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetes

In-person culinary medicine (CM) can improve health behaviors, but its translation to virtual platforms and impact on diabetes outcomes are not well described. We designed a pragmatic trial comparing the effectiveness of virtual CM (eCM) to Medical Nutrition Therapy on diabetes outcomes among patients with uncontrolled diabetes within a safety-net healthcare system. All participants were provided cooking equipment and food from a food pantry. Due to low initial eCM participation, recruitment was paused, and eight semi-structured interviews were conducted to solicit feedback on study appeal, operations, and barriers to participation. Rapid thematic analysis was used to modify study operations. We found that participants were interested in the study and motivated by health concerns. While they valued food distribution and cooking equipment, they highlighted transportation barriers and conflicts with the pick-up time/location. Some eCM participants expressed discomfort with the virtual platform or preferred to observe rather than cook along. Study operations were modified by (1) moving supply pick-up to a familiar community clinic and diversifying food pick-up locations; (2) offering an in-person orientation to the program to increase comfort with the virtual platform; (3) emphasizing the credibility and relatability of the eCM instructor and encouraging participation of family members. This redesign led to the recruitment of 79 participants, of whom 75% attended at least one class. In conclusion, participant feedback informed pragmatic changes in study operations that increased engagement in this ongoing trial and may inform future eCM program design.

Ethnic Disparities in Early-Onset Gastric Cancer Persist across Rural-Urban Geographies

BACKGROUND

The incidence of noncardia gastric cancer is increasing in adults ages less than 50 years old. Early-onset gastric cancer (EOGC) is characterized by ethnic disparities occurring more in Hispanic persons than non-Hispanic persons. It is unknown whether rural-urban disparities exist in EOGC and if this intersects with ethnic disparities.

METHODS

We utilized the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results 17 Census Tract-level Socioeconomic Status and Rurality Database from 2006 to 2018 to calculate incidence rates and incidence rate ratios of EOGC among Hispanic and non-Hispanic persons by census tract rural-urban location, age, gender, persistent poverty, and stage of disease. We used the Tiwari Method to estimate incidence rate ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

Hispanic persons had higher incidence rates of EOGC compared with non-Hispanic persons in both rural [incident rate ratios (IRR), 2.12; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.64-2.73] and urban census tracts (IRR, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.91-2.16). Similar findings were seen when comparing Hispanic to non-Hispanic persons in rural and urban census tracts by age, stage of disease, and persistent poverty.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher incidence rates of EOGC among Hispanic persons persist across rural-urban locations. Further research is needed to understand the etiology of this elevated risk in young Hispanics and interventions that may help to modify their outcome.

IMPACT

While other cancers have ethnic disparities which may differ by rural-urban location, the ethnic disparity in EOGC among Hispanic and non-Hispanic persons does not differ by rural-urban residence.

An Updated Report on the Prevalence of Prior Cancer Among Persons Newly Diagnosed With Cancer in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program

This cohort study uses population-based data from the National Cancer Institute Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program of cancer registries to estimate prevalence of prior cancer among adults diagnosed with an incident cancer in 2019.

Dietary intake of individuals receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and food pantry assistance in North Texas

OBJECTIVE

Food pantries and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are widely available resources for individuals facing food insecurity, yet the dietary quality of individuals using both programmes is not well characterised. We describe the dietary intake of individuals in North Texas who use both food pantries and SNAP to identify nutritional gaps and opportunities to improve food assistance programmes.

DESIGN

We analysed baseline data from a randomised controlled trial examining food security and dietary intake. At baseline, we administered the validated, 26-item Dietary Screener Questionnaire (DSQ). We calculated descriptive statistics for dietary intake variables and compared with the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommended intake values.

SETTING

Two large food pantries in Dallas County, TX.

PARTICIPANTS

Eligible participants were English or Spanish speaking adults receiving SNAP benefits who had used the food pantry within the last 4 months.

RESULTS

We analysed baseline DSQ data from 320 participants (mean age 47 years; 90% female; 45% Black or African American; 37% Hispanic or Latino). Despite receiving SNAP benefits and food pantry assistance, most participants did not meet the minimum recommended intake values for fruits (88.4%), vegetables (97.4%), fibre (90·7%), whole grains (99·7%), dairy products (98·4%) and Ca (83·4%). Furthermore, 73·2% of participants exceeded the maximum recommended intake for added sugar. Still, the gap between median daily intake and recommended daily intake could be partially bridged with food obtained through current food assistance programmes.

CONCLUSIONS

Multilevel, coordinated approaches within both SNAP and food pantry networks are needed to improve diet quality in individuals receiving food assistance.

Provider- and Facility-Level Variation in Precancerous Cervical Biopsy Diagnoses

OBJECTIVES

Reproducibility of cervical biopsy diagnoses is low and may vary based on where the diagnostic test is performed and by whom. Our objective was to measure multilevel variation in diagnoses across colposcopists, pathologists, and laboratory facilities.

METHODS

We cross-sectionally examined variation in cervical biopsy diagnoses within the 5 sites of the Population-Based Research Optimizing Screening through Personalized Regimens (PROSPR I) consortium within levels defined by colposcopists, pathologists, and laboratory facilities. Patients aged 18 to 65 years with a colposcopy with biopsy performed were included, with diagnoses categorized as normal, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 1 (CIN1), grade 2 (CIN2), and grade 3 (CIN3). Using Markov Chain Monte-Carlo methods, we fit mixed-effects logistic regression models for biopsy diagnoses and presented median odds ratios (MORs), which reflect the variability within each level. Median odds ratios can be interpreted as the average increased odds a patient would have for a given outcome (e.g., CIN2 or CIN3 vs normal or CIN1) when switching to a provider with higher odds of diagnosing that outcome. The MOR is always 1 or greater, and a value of 1 indicates no variation in outcome for that level, with higher values indicating greater variation.

RESULTS

A total of 130,110 patients were included who received care across 82 laboratory facilities, 2,620 colposcopists, and 489 pathologists. Substantial variation in biopsy diagnoses was found at each level, with the most occurring between laboratory facilities, followed by pathologists and colposcopists. Substantial variation in biopsy diagnoses of CIN2 or CIN3 (vs normal or CIN1) was present between laboratory facilities (MOR: 1.26; 95% credible interval = 1.19-1.36).

CONCLUSIONS

Improving consistency in cervical biopsy diagnoses is needed to reduce underdiagnosis, overdiagnosis, and unnecessary treatment resulting from variation in cervical biopsy diagnoses.

Associations between perceived racial discrimination, racial residential segregation, and cancer screening adherence among low-income African Americans: a multilevel, cross-sectional analysis

OBJECTIVES

African Americans suffer disproportionately from cancer compared to their White counterparts. Racism may be an important determinant, but the literature on its association with cancer screening is limited. We examine associations between racism and cancer screening among a sample of African Americans.

DESIGN

Guided by the Public Health Critical Race Praxis and the Behavioral Model of Health Services Use, we conducted a multilevel, cross-sectional study using cancer risk assessment data collected from 405 callers to the 2-1-1 Texas helpline. We merged these data with contextual data from the U.S. Census Bureau. We assessed perceived racial discrimination using the Experiences of Discrimination Scale and racial residential segregation using the Location Quotient for Racial Residential Segregation. We used multilevel regression models to test hypothesized associations between each indicator of racism and four cancer screening adherence outcomes (Pap test, mammography, colorectal cancer screening [CRCS], and any cancer screening).

RESULTS

Participants were 18-83 years old (mean = 45 years). Most (81%) were non-adherent to at least one recommended screening. Approximately 42% reported experiencing discrimination and 73% lived in a segregated neighborhood. Discrimination was non-significantly related to lower odds of mammography (aOR = 0.68; 95%CI: 0.38-1.22), CRCS (aOR = 0.79; 95%CI: 0.41-1.52), and any cancer screening adherence (aOR = 0.88; 95%CI: 0.59-1.32). Segregation was related to greater odds of mammography (non-significant; aOR = 1.43; 95%CI: 0.76-2.68) and CRCS (significant; aOR = 2.80; 95%CI: 1.21-6.46) but not associated with any cancer screening. Neither indicator of racism was associated with Pap test screening adherence.

CONCLUSIONS

Racism has a nuanced association with cancer screening among low-income, medically underserved African Americans. Specifically, discrimination appears to be associated with lower odds of screening, while segregation may be associated with higher odds of screening in certain situations. Future research is needed to better explicate relations between indicators of racism and cancer screening among African Americans.

Adverse birth outcomes of adolescent and young adult women diagnosed with cancer during pregnancy

BACKGROUND

We examined adverse birth outcomes among adolescent and young adult women diagnosed with cancer (AYA women, ages 15-39 years) during pregnancy.

METHODS

We linked data from the Texas Cancer Registry, vital records, and Texas Birth Defects Registry to identify all singleton births to AYA women diagnosed during pregnancy from January 1999 to December 2016. We compared prevalence of adverse live birth outcomes between AYA women and women without cancer (matched 1:4 on age, race and ethnicity, and year). Among AYA women, we used log-binomial regression to identify factors associated with these outcomes. Statistical tests were 2-sided.

RESULTS

AYA women had 1,271 singleton live births and 20 stillbirths. AYA women (n=1,291) were 33.3% Hispanic and 9.8% non-Hispanic Black and most commonly had breast (22.5%), thyroid (19.8%), and gynecologic (13.3%) cancers. Among live births, AYA women had a higher prevalence of low birth weight offspring (30.1% vs. 9.0%), very preterm (5.7% vs. 1.2%) and preterm birth (25.1% vs. 7.2%), cesarean delivery (44.3% vs. 35.2%), and low Apgar score (2.7% vs. 1.5%), compared to women without cancer (n=5,084) (all p<0.05). Prevalence of any birth defect by age 12 months did not statistically differ (5.2% vs. 4.7%, p=0.48), but live births to AYA women more often had heart and circulatory system defects (2.2% vs. 1.3%, p=0.01). In adjusted models, cancer type and chemotherapy were associated with adverse live birth outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

AYA women diagnosed during pregnancy have higher prevalence of adverse birth outcomes and face difficult decisions in balancing treatment risks and benefits.

Revisiting Exclusion of Prior Cancer in Clinical Trials of Male Breast Cancer

Background: Eligibility criteria for cancer clinical trials present challenges to enrollment. Many trials exclude patients with a prior cancer. This common practice may be especially detrimental to trials of rare cancers, such as male breast cancer, that struggle to accrue adequate numbers of participants. Objectives: To estimate prevalence of prior cancer among men newly diagnosed with breast cancer and describe characteristics of men with prior cancer compared to those without. Methods: We identified men diagnosed with breast cancer between 2011-2015 using population-based data from National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program of cancer registries. We used sequence number and diagnosis year to identify cancers diagnosed prior to breast cancer (inclusive of prior breast, different, and unknown types of cancer). We compared sociodemographic, tumor, and treatment characteristics of men with and without prior cancer using chi-square tests. Results: Among 2317 men, nearly one quarter (24.3%) had any prior cancer, and the majority (58.7%) of these were of a different cancer type. A higher proportion of men with a prior cancer of a different type were older, had smaller (≤ 2 cm) breast tumors, were diagnosed with stage 0-1 breast cancer, and did not receive surgery compared to men without any prior cancer; there were no statistically significant differences by race and ethnicity, county median income, hormone receptor status, or surgery type. Conclusion: Given prevalence of prior cancer in this rare and understudied population of men diagnosed with breast cancer, including men with prior cancer in clinical trials may improve accrual.

Survival of cancer survivors with a new pancreatic cancer diagnosis

BACKGROUND

Persons newly diagnosed with pancreas cancer and who have survived a previous cancer are often excluded from clinical trials, despite limited evidence about their prognosis. We examined the association between previous cancer and overall survival.

METHODS

This US population-based cohort study included older adults (aged ≥66 years) diagnosed with pancreas cancer between 2005 and 2015 in the linked Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare data. We used Cox proportional hazards models to estimate stage-specific effects of previous cancer on overall survival, adjusting for sociodemographic, treatment, and tumor characteristics.

RESULTS

Of 32,783 patients, 18.7% were previously diagnosed with another cancer. The most common previous cancers included prostate (29.0%), breast (18.9%), or colorectal (9.7%) cancer. More than half of previous cancers (53.9%) were diagnosed 5 or more years prior to pancreas cancer diagnosis or at an in situ or localized stage (47.8%). The proportions of patients surviving 1, 3, and 5 years after pancreas cancer were nearly identical for those with and without previous cancer. Median survival in months was as follows for those with and without previous cancer respectively: 7 versus 8 (Stage 0/I), 10 versus 10 (Stage II), 7 versus 7 (Stage III), and 3 versus 2 (Stage IV). Cox models indicated that patients with previous cancer had very similar or statistically equivalent survival to those with no previous cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

Given nearly equivalent survival compared to those without previous cancer, cancer survivors newly diagnosed with pancreas cancer should be considered for inclusion in pancreas cancer clinical trials.

Stillbirth After Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer: A Population-Based Study

BACKGROUND

Gonadotoxic effects of cancer treatment may increase risk of adverse birth outcomes in adolescent and young adult (AYA, aged 15-39 years) women diagnosed with cancer. We estimated risk of stillbirth (fetal death of gestational age ≥20 weeks or weighing ≥350 grams) in a population-based sample of AYA women.

METHODS

AYA women diagnosed with cancer between January 1, 1995, and December 31, 2015, were identified using the Texas Cancer Registry and linked to live birth and fetal death certificates through December 31, 2016. Among AYA women, cumulative incidence of stillbirth was estimated by gestational age, and Poisson regression models identified factors associated with stillbirth. Standardized fetal mortality ratios (SMR) compared the observed fetal mortality rate in AYA women with the expected fetal mortality rate in the general population.

RESULTS

A total of 11 628 live births and 68 stillbirths occurred to 8402 AYA women after diagnosis. Cumulative incidence of stillbirth in AYA women was 0.70% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.51% to 0.96%) at 40 weeks of gestation. Risk of stillbirth was higher among Hispanic (risk ratio [RR] = 2.64, 95% CI = 1.29 to 5.41) and non-Hispanic Black (RR = 4.13, 95% CI = 1.68 to 10.16) women compared with non-Hispanic White women; there was no association with receipt of chemotherapy or time since diagnosis. Age- and race and ethnicity-adjusted fetal mortality rate in AYA women was similar to the general population (SMR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.77 to 1.26).

CONCLUSIONS

AYA women may be counseled that overall risk of stillbirth is low, and for most, cancer does not appear to confer additional risk.

Residence in a Latinx enclave and end-induction minimal residual disease positivity among children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Racial and ethnic inequities in survival persist for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). In the US, there are strong associations between SES, race/ethnicity, and place of residence. This is evidenced by ethnic enclaves: neighborhoods with high concentrations of ethnic residents, immigrants, and language isolation. The Latinx enclave index (LEI) can be used to investigate how residence in a Latinx enclave is associated with health outcomes. We studied the association between LEI score and minimal residual disease (MRD) in 142 pediatric ALL patients treated at Texas Children's Hospital. LEI score was associated with end-induction MRD positivity (OR per unit increase 1.63, CI 1.12-2.46). There was also a significant trend toward increased odds of MRD positivity among children living in areas with the highest enclave index scores. MRD positivity at end of induction is associated with higher incidence of relapse and lower overall survival among children with ALL; future studies are needed to elucidate the exact causes of these findings and to improve ALL outcomes among children residing within Latinx enclaves.Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/08880018.2022.2047850.

Social Media Perceptions and Internet Verification Skills Associated With Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Decision-Making Among Parents of Children and Adolescents: Cross-sectional Survey

BACKGROUND

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is recommended for children aged 11-12 years in the United States. One factor that may contribute to low national HPV vaccine uptake is parental exposure to misinformation on social media.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine the association between parents' perceptions of the HPV vaccine information on social media and internet verification strategies used with the HPV vaccine decision-making stage for their child.

METHODS

Parents of children and adolescents aged 9-17 years were recruited for a cross-sectional survey in North Texas (n=1192) and classified into 3 groups: children and adolescents who (1) were vaccinated, (2) unvaccinated and did not want the vaccine, and (3) unvaccinated and wanted the vaccine. Multinomial logistic regression models were estimated to identify factors associated with the HPV vaccine decision-making stage with children and adolescents who were vaccinated as the referent group.

RESULTS

Of the 1192 respondents, 44.7% (n=533) had an HPV-vaccinated child, 38.8% (n=463) had an unvaccinated child and did not want the vaccine, and 16.4% (n=196) had an unvaccinated child and wanted the vaccine. Respondents were less likely to be "undecided/not wanting the vaccine" if they agreed that HPV information on social media is credible (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.40, 95% CI 0.26-0.60; P=.001), disagreed that social media makes them question the HPV vaccine (aOR 0.22, 95% CI 0.15-0.33; P<.001), or had a higher internet verification score (aOR 0.74, 95% CI 0.62-0.88; P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Interventions that promote web-based health literacy skills are needed so parents can protect their families from misinformation and make informed health care decisions.

Ethnic Disparities in Early-Onset Gastric Cancer: A Population-Based Study in Texas and California

BACKGROUND

Incidence rates of gastric cancer are increasing in young adults (age &lt;50 years), particularly among Hispanic persons. We estimated incidence rates of early-onset gastric cancer (EOGC) among Hispanic and non-Hispanic White persons by census tract poverty level and county-level metro/nonmetro residence.

METHODS

We used population-based data from the California and Texas Cancer Registries from 1995 to 2016 to estimate age-adjusted incidence rates of EOGC among Hispanic and non-Hispanic White persons by year, sex, tumor stage, census tract poverty level, metro versus nonmetro county, and state. We used logistic regression models to identify factors associated with distant stage diagnosis.

RESULTS

Of 3,047 persons diagnosed with EOGC, 73.2% were Hispanic White. Incidence rates were 1.29 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.24-1.35] and 0.31 (95% CI, 0.29-0.33) per 100,000 Hispanic White and non-Hispanic White persons, respectively, with consistently higher incidence rates among Hispanic persons at all levels of poverty. There were no statistically significant associations between ethnicity and distant stage diagnosis in adjusted analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

There are ethnic disparities in EOGC incidence rates that persist across poverty levels.

IMPACT

EOGC incidence rates vary by ethnicity and poverty; these factors should be considered when assessing disease risk and targeting prevention efforts.

Potential Impact of Revised NCI Eligibility Criteria Guidance: Prior Malignancy Exclusion in Breast Cancer Clinical Trials

BACKGROUND

Many individuals with cancer have survived a prior cancer and for this reason may have been excluded from clinical trials. Recent NCI guidance recommends including these individuals, especially when the risk of the prior malignancy interfering with either safety or efficacy endpoints is very low. Using breast cancer as an example, we determined the potential effect this policy change may have on clinical trial accrual.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We reviewed protocols of NCI-sponsored breast cancer clinical trials activated in 1991 through 2016. We quantified prevalence of prior cancer-related exclusion criteria and assessed the association with trial characteristics using Fisher's exact tests. Using SEER data, we estimated the prevalence and timing of prior primary (nonbreast) cancer diagnoses among patients with breast cancer.

RESULTS

Among 87 clinical trials (total target enrollment, 137,253 patients), 77% excluded individuals with prior cancer, most commonly (79%) within the preceding 5 years. Among trials with radiographic response or toxicity endpoints, 69% excluded prior cancer. In SEER data, the prevalence of a prior (nonbreast) cancer diagnosis ranged from 5.7% to 7.7%, depending on breast cancer stage, of which 39% occurred within 5 years of the incident breast cancer. For trials excluding prior cancer, the estimated proportion of patients excluded for this reason ranged from 1.3% to 5.8%, with the estimated number of excluded patients ranging from 1 to 288.

CONCLUSIONS

More than three-fourths of NCI-sponsored breast cancer clinical trials exclude patients with prior cancer, including almost 70% of trials with response or toxicity endpoints. Given that >5% of patients with breast cancer have a history of prior cancer, in large phase III trials this practice may exclude hundreds of patients. Following recent NCI eligibility guidance, the inclusion of patients with prior cancer on breast cancer trials may have a meaningful impact on accrual.

Abstract 3633: Disparities in relapse among a large multi-ethnic population of children diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL): A report from the Reducing Ethnic Disparities in Acute Leukemia (REDIAL) Consortium

Introduction: While end-induction minimal residual disease (MRD) is the strongest prognostic factor for relapsed ALL, approximately half of all relapses occur in children who are MRD negative. Latino ethnicity is also a risk factor for relapse. To further explore these associations, we conducted an interim analysis of risk factors for relapse in a large multi-ethnic population of children diagnosed with ALL.

Methods: The REDIAL Consortium includes patients diagnosed with ALL at six major pediatric cancer centers in the Southwestern U.S. The study period was 2004 to 2018, and we included individuals who were 1-23 years of age when diagnosed with ALL. Time to relapse was defined as time from ALL diagnosis to the initial relapse event, with individuals censored at date of death, last follow-up, or bone marrow transplant. Demographic and clinical factors evaluated included race/ethnicity (Latino, non-Latino Black, non-Latino White, non-Latino other), sex, age at diagnosis (1-5, 6-10, 11-15, &gt;15 years), ALL immunophenotype (B-cell, T-cell), National Cancer Institute (NCI) risk group, central nervous system involvement, enrollment on a Children’s Oncology Group clinical trial, end-induction disease failure, and end-induction bone marrow flow cytometric MRD. Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate adjusted hazards ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Analyses were further stratified based on end-induction MRD status (positive ≥0.01%, negative &lt;0.01%).

Results: Overall, there were 1,710 ALL patients with a median age at diagnosis of 5 years (interquartile range: 3-11 years). The majority of patients were Latino (60.1%) and male (56.9%). Of the 379 MRD-positive patients, 74 (19.5%) relapsed, compared to 138 of 1,233 (11.2%) MRD-negative patients (p&lt;0.0001). In adjusted models, factors associated with a greater risk of relapse included MRD positivity (HR=1.72, 95% CI: 1.26-2.36), older age at diagnosis (&gt;15 vs. 1-5 years, HR=1.98, 95% CI: 1.19-3.29), and NCI high-risk group (HR=1.74, 95% CI: 1.20-2.52), while patients enrolled on a clinical trial were less likely to relapse (HR=0.76, 95% CI: 0.57-0.99). Among MRD-positive patients, Latinos were less likely to relapse (HR=0.60, 95% CI: 0.33-0.99) compared to non-Latino Whites, whereas Latinos who were MRD negative were more likely to relapse (HR=1.68, 95% CI: 1.09-2.59).

Conclusion: In a large contemporary multi-ethnic cohort of &gt;1,700 children with ALL, we observed significant disparities in relapse by MRD status, age at diagnosis, NCI risk group, clinical trial enrollment, and race/ethnicity. Notably, nearly 65% of relapse events occurred in MRD-negative patients. Further analyses are ongoing in REDIAL to evaluate the impact of other factors including cytogenetics and novel biomarkers of relapse.

Citation Format: Pagna Sok, Austin L. Brown, Olga A. Taylor, M. Brooke Bernhardt, Juan C. Bernini, Rodrigo A. Erana, Timothy Griffin, Kenneth Heym, Van T. Huynh, Laura Klesse, Kathleen Ludwig, Sandi L. Pruitt, Karen R. Rabin, Michael E. Scheurer, Philip J. Lupo. Disparities in relapse among a large multi-ethnic population of children diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL): A report from the Reducing Ethnic Disparities in Acute Leukemia (REDIAL) Consortium [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 3633.

Abstract 3671: Association between residence in a Hispanic enclave and end-induction minimal residual disease among children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in Texas

Background: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) remains a leading cause of death in children and adolescents. We have demonstrated that Hispanic enclaves - neighborhoods with high proportions of Spanish-speaking residents, recent immigrants, and ethnic-specific businesses - are associated with inferior overall survival in children with ALL. However, associations of enclaves with other outcomes remain poorly understood. In the present study, our objective was to determine whether residence in an enclave was associated with end-induction minimal residual disease (MRD), a strong predictor of ALL mortality.

Methods: This was a retrospective study of N=142 children aged 0-18 years, treated at Texas Children’s Hospital (Houston, TX) from 2007-2018. MRD was defined as ≥0.01% leukemic blasts in bone marrow at day 29 of therapy. We used the 2010 census tract geography and a modified version of the Hispanic enclave index to identify enclaves. We assigned an enclave index score to each census tract, computed quartiles based on the statewide distribution, and mapped children to quartiles based on address at diagnosis (Q1: least ethnically distinct neighborhoods; Q4: most ethnically distinct neighborhoods). Data on sex, self-reported race/ethnicity, National Cancer Institute (NCI) risk group, primary language, and ALL cytogenetics were abstracted from electronic health records. Cytogenetics were considered either unfavorable (BCR-ABL1 fusion, KMT2A rearrangement, hypodiploidy, or intrachromosomal amplification of chromosome 21) or favorable (ETV6-RUNX1 fusion, double trisomies of chromosomes 4 and 10)/neutral (neither favorable nor unfavorable). We estimated the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of MRD according to enclave index score using logistic regression.

Results: Neither individual ethnicity nor primary language varied by MRD status, but a greater proportion of MRD-positive children lived in the most ethnically distinct neighborhoods (53% vs. 36%, p=0.04). Enclave index score was associated with MRD after adjusting for sex, NCI risk group, and cytogenetics (OR 1.57 per quartile increment, 95% CI 1.09-2.33). We also observed non-significantly increased odds of MRD among children in Q3 (OR 1.53, 95% CI 0.41-6.55) and Q4 (OR 2.84, 0.83-11.58) relative to Q1.

Conclusions: We found that residence in a Hispanic enclave was associated with MRD in children with ALL. Neither ethnicity nor primary language differed by MRD status, suggesting that these did not confound the association with enclave index score. Neighborhood factors may influence early treatment outcomes in ALL, and children living in Hispanic enclaves may constitute a high-risk population.

Citation Format: Joshua P. Muniz, John P. Woodhouse, Amy E. Hughes, Sandi L. Pruitt, Karen R. Rabin, Michael E. Scheurer, Philip J. Lupo, Jeremy M. Schraw. Association between residence in a Hispanic enclave and end-induction minimal residual disease among children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in Texas [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 3671.

Abstract 3636: Ethnic disparities in methotrexate neurotoxicity during pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia therapy: A report from the Reducing Ethnic Disparities in Acute Leukemia (REDIAL) Consortium

Introduction: Methotrexate (MTX) is a key component of curative chemotherapy for pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). However, delivery of MTX is often interrupted by dose-limiting acute neurotoxicity, which manifests as seizures, stroke-like symptoms, or altered mental status. Because incidence and risk factors for MTX neurotoxicity are poorly defined, we evaluated clinical and demographic predictors of MTX neurotoxicity using the multi-ethnic REDIAL Consortium.

Methods: The REDIAL cohort includes pediatric patients diagnosed with ALL at six treatment centers in the southwestern U.S. This interim analysis evaluated 756 patients age 1-21 years diagnosed with B-ALL (2005-2018). Electronic health records were reviewed to determine race/ethnicity (Latino, non-Latino White, non-Latino Black, or Other), body mass index, sex, age, and intravenous (IV) MTX dose. Applying Ponte di Legno criteria, acute MTX neurotoxicity was defined as neurologic episodes occurring &lt;21 days from intrathecal or IV MTX, which resulted in MTX treatment modifications. The proportion of patients who experienced MTX neurotoxicity and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated overall and within the induction, post-induction, and maintenance treatment phases. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aOR) for the association between clinical factors and MTX neurotoxicity.

Results: The study population was 56.6% Latino, 52.8% male, 41.4% treated with &gt;5g/m2 IV MTX, and diagnosed at a median age of 5 years. Overall, 15.5% (95% CI: 12.9-18.3%) of patients experienced neurotoxic events (n=117), including 1.9% (n=14, 95% CI: 1.0-3.1%) during induction, 13.0% (n=98, 95% CI: 10.7-15.6%) during post-induction, and 0.7% (n=5, 95% CI: 0.2-1.5%) during maintenance therapy. Ethnic differences were not statistically significant during induction or maintenance phases. Compared to non-Latinos, post-induction neurotoxicity was significantly more frequent among Latinos (aOR = 2.87, 95% CI: 1.68-5.10), with disparities observed during consolidation, interim maintenance and delayed intensification phases. Exposure to &gt;5g/m2 IV MTX (aOR = 2.16, 95% CI: 1.08-3.24) and older age at diagnosis (aOR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.08-1.24) were also associated with a significantly more post-induction neurotoxicity. No factors evaluated were significantly associated with neurotoxicity during induction and maintenance therapy.

Conclusions: MTX neurotoxicity disproportionally affects Latino children during ALL post-induction therapy. Additional work is warranted to identify risk factors for neurotoxicity during induction and maintenance therapy as well as the specific clinical and host biological factors responsible for post-induction ethnic differences in MTX neurotoxicity.

Citation Format: Austin L. Brown, Rachel D. Harris, Olga A. Taylor, Melanie B. Bernhardt, Juan C. Bernini, Rodrigo A. Erana, Timothy Griffin, Kenneth Heym, Van T. Huynh, Kathleen Ludwig, Avner Meoded, Sandi L. Pruitt, Philip J. Lupo, Karen R. Rabin, Michael E. Scheurer. Ethnic disparities in methotrexate neurotoxicity during pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia therapy: A report from the Reducing Ethnic Disparities in Acute Leukemia (REDIAL) Consortium [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 3636.

Missed Vaccination Opportunities Among U.S. Adolescents by Area Characteristics

INTRODUCTION

A total of 3 vaccines are recommended for U.S. adolescents: tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis; meningococcal conjugate; and human papillomavirus. To understand the disparities in vaccine availability and hesitancy, adolescent-, household-, and area-level characteristics associated with patterns of vaccine coverage are described.

METHODS

In 2020-2021, the authors generated national estimates among 8 possible combinations of vaccine coverage and identified the associated characteristics using 2015-2017 National Immunization Survey-Teen for male and female adolescents aged 13-17 years (N=63,299) linked to area (ZIP code) characteristics. Next, the factors associated with a missed opportunity for human papillomavirus vaccine (i.e., receipt of tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis and meningococcal conjugate only compared with coverage of all the 3 vaccines) were identified using logistic regression.

RESULTS

Most U.S. adolescents received all the 3 vaccines (42.9%) or tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis and meningococcal conjugate only (32.1%); fewer received no vaccines (7.7%) or tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis only (6.6%); and the remainder received some combination of 1-2 vaccines. Missed opportunities for human papillomavirus vaccination were more likely among adolescents who were male, were of White race, were uninsured, were in middle-income households, and were living in rural areas and were less likely among adolescents who were older, who were Medicaid insured, whose parents completed surveys in Spanish, who were in poverty-level households, and who were living in high-poverty areas.

CONCLUSIONS

A substantial number of U.S. adolescents are not fully vaccinated, and coverage varies by vaccine type, population, and place. Providers should routinely stock all the 3 vaccines and promote simultaneous, same-day vaccination to avoid missed vaccine opportunities. More research and interventions are needed to understand and modify patient, provider, payer, vaccine supply/storage, or other reasons for suboptimal coverage of all the recommended vaccines.

Abstract PO-074: The impact of perceived racial discrimination and racial residential segregation on cancer screening among African American women: A multilevel, longitudinal analysis of 2-1-1 Texas callers

Although racism is increasingly being studied as an important contributor to racial health disparities, its relation to cancer-related outcomes among African Americans remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to help clarify the relation between two indicators of racism—perceived racial discrimination and racial residential segregation—and cancer screening. We conducted a multilevel, longitudinal study among a medically underserved population of African Americans in Texas. We assessed discrimination using the Experiences of Discrimination Scale and segregation using the Location Quotient for Racial Residential Segregation. The outcome examined was “any cancer screening completion” (Pap test, mammography, and/or colorectal cancer screening) at follow-up (3–10 months post-baseline). We tested hypothesized relations using multilevel logistic regression. We also conducted interaction and stratified analyses to explore whether discrimination modified the relation between segregation and screening completion. We found a significant positive relation between discrimination and screening and a non-significant negative relation between segregation and screening. Preliminary evidence suggests that discrimination modifies the relation between segregation and screening in that segregation is positively related to screening when no discrimination is reported but negatively related to screening when discrimination is reported. Conclusion: Racism has a nuanced association with cancer screening among African Americans. Perceived racial discrimination and racial residential segregation should be considered jointly, rather than independently, to better understand their influence on cancer screening behavior.

Citation Format: Lynn N. Ibekwe, Maria Eugenia Fernández-Esquer, Sandi L. Pruitt, Nalini Ranjit, Maria E. Fernández. The impact of perceived racial discrimination and racial residential segregation on cancer screening among African American women: A multilevel, longitudinal analysis of 2-1-1 Texas callers [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Conference: 14th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2021 Oct 6-8. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022;31(1 Suppl):Abstract nr PO-074.

Provider perspectives on communication and dismissal policies with HPV vaccine hesitant parents

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Providers (29%) experience HPV-specific vaccine hesitancy from parents.

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Providers feel least confident in responding to families’ religious beliefs.

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Some providers (25%) agree with dismissal policies for families refusing vaccines.

Parental vaccine hesitancy is a growing concern. Less is known about provider or practice characteristics that encounter HPV-specific vaccine-hesitant parents, the providers’ confidence in responding to HPV vaccine concerns, and the attitudes and use of vaccine dismissal policies (i.e., removing patients from the practice). North Texas providers completed an online survey. Dependent variables assessed: (1) percentage of HPV vaccine-hesitant parents encountered in practice defined as substantive, or high (≥11%, or among more than one out of ten adolescent patient encounters) versus low (≤10%) levels; (2) confidence in responding to 11 HPV vaccine concerns; (3) attitudes and use of vaccine dismissal policies. Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests were conducted. Among 156 providers, 29% reported high HPV vaccine hesitancy (≥11% of patient population). Overall, providers reported being “very confident” in addressing vaccine concerns (mean: 3.37 out of 4, SD: 0.57). Mean confidence scores were significantly higher for white (vs. non-white) providers and for pediatricians (vs. family practitioners). Providers were least confident in responding to parents’ religious/personal beliefs (69%). Some providers (25%) agreed with policies that dismissed vaccine-hesitant parents after repeated counseling attempts. More providers used dismissal policies for childhood (19%) than adolescent (10%) immunizations. Provider communication training should include parental religious/personal beliefs to effectively address HPV vaccine hesitancy. Other regions should examine their HPV-specific vaccine hesitancy levels to understand how the use of dismissal policies might vary between adolescent and childhood immunizations.

Racism and Cancer Screening among Low-Income, African American Women: A Multilevel, Longitudinal Analysis of 2-1-1 Texas Callers

Although racism is increasingly being studied as an important contributor to racial health disparities, its relation to cancer-related outcomes among African Americans remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to help clarify the relation between two indicators of racism-perceived racial discrimination and racial residential segregation-and cancer screening. We conducted a multilevel, longitudinal study among a medically underserved population of African Americans in Texas. We assessed discrimination using the Experiences of Discrimination Scale and segregation using the Location Quotient for Racial Residential Segregation. The outcome examined was "any cancer screening completion" (Pap test, mammography, and/or colorectal cancer screening) at follow-up (3-10 months post-baseline). We tested hypothesized relations using multilevel logistic regression. We also conducted interaction and stratified analyses to explore whether discrimination modified the relation between segregation and screening completion. We found a significant positive relation between discrimination and screening and a non-significant negative relation between segregation and screening. Preliminary evidence suggests that discrimination modifies the relation between segregation and screening. Racism has a nuanced association with cancer screening among African Americans. Perceived racial discrimination and racial residential segregation should be considered jointly, rather than independently, to better understand their influence on cancer screening behavior.

Disparities in Cancer Survival Among Adolescents and Young Adults: A Population-Based Study of 88 000 Patients

BACKGROUND

Adolescents and young adults (AYA, aged 15-39 years) diagnosed with cancer comprise a growing, yet understudied, population. Few studies have examined disparities in cancer survival in underserved and diverse populations of AYA.

METHODS

Using population-based data from the Texas Cancer Registry, we estimated 5-year relative survival of common AYA cancers and examined disparities in survival by race and ethnicity, neighborhood poverty, urban or rural residence, and insurance type. We also used multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models to examine associations of race or ethnicity, neighborhood poverty, urban or rural residence, and insurance type with all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

We identified 55 316 women and 32 740 men diagnosed with invasive cancer at age 15-39 years between January 1, 1995, and December 31, 2016. There were disparities in relative survival by race and ethnicity, poverty, and insurance for many cancer types. Racial and ethnic disparities in survival for men with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (74.5% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 72.1% to 76.7%] White vs 57.0% [95% CI = 51.9% to 61.8%] Black) and acute lymphocytic leukemia (66.5% [95% CI = 61.4% to 71.0%] White vs 44.4% [95% CI = 39.9% to 48.8%] Hispanic) were striking, and disparities remained even for cancers with excellent prognosis, such as testicular cancer (96.6% [95% CI = 95.9% to 97.2%] White vs 88.7% [95% CI = 82.4% to 92.8%] Black). In adjusted analysis, being Black or Hispanic, living in high-poverty neighborhoods, and having Medicaid, other government insurance, or no insurance at diagnosis were associated with all-cause mortality in both women and men (all 2-sided P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study adds urgency to well-documented disparities in cancer survival in older adults by demonstrating persistent differences in relative survival and all-cause mortality in AYAs. Findings point to several areas of future research to address disparities in this unique population of cancer patients.

Survival of patients newly diagnosed with colorectal cancer and with a history of previous cancer

Patients with previous cancer are often excluded from clinical trials despite limited evidence about their prognosis. We examined the effect of previous cancer on overall and colorectal cancer (CRC)-specific survival of patients newly diagnosed with CRC. This population-based cohort study from the U.S.A. included patients aged ≥66 years and diagnosed with CRC between 2005 and 2015 in linked Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare data. We estimated the stage-specific effects of a previous cancer on overall survival using Cox regression and on CRC-specific survival using competing risk regression. We also examined the effect of previous cancer type, timing, and stage on overall survival. Of 112,769 patients, 14.1% were previously diagnosed with another cancer--commonly prostate (32.9%) or breast (19.4%) cancer, with many (47.1%) diagnosed <5 years of CRC. For all CRC stages except IV, in which there was no difference, patients with previous cancer (vs. without) had worse overall survival. However, patients with previous cancer had improved CRC-specific survival. Overall survival for those with stage 0-III CRC varied by previous cancer type, timing, and stage; for example, patients with previous melanoma had overall survival equivalent to those with no previous cancer. Our results indicate that, in general, CRC patients with previous cancer have worse overall survival but superior CRC-specific survival. Given their equivalent survival to those without previous cancer, patients with previous melanoma and those with stage IV CRC with any type of previous cancer should be eligible to participate in clinical trials.

Survival of women diagnosed with breast cancer and who have survived a previous cancer

PURPOSE

Many women diagnosed with breast cancer have survived previous cancer; yet little is known about the impact of previous cancer on overall and cancer-specific survival.

METHODS

This population-based cohort study using SEER-Medicare data included women (age ≥ 66 years) diagnosed with breast cancer between 2005 and 2015. Separately by breast cancer stage, we estimated effect of previous cancer on overall survival using Cox regression and on cause-specific survival using competing risk regression; all survival analyses adjusted for covariates.

RESULTS

Of 138,576 women diagnosed with breast cancer, 8% had a previous cancer of another organ site, most commonly colorectal or uterine cancer or melanoma. Many of these women (46.3%) were diagnosed within 5 years of breast cancer. For all breast cancer stages except IV wherein there was no difference, women with vs. without previous cancer had worse overall survival. This survival disadvantage was driven by deaths due to the previous cancer and other causes. In contrast, women with previous cancer generally had favorable breast-cancer-specific survival, although this varied by stage. Overall survival varied by previous cancer type, timing, and stage; previous lung cancer, cancer diagnosed within 1 year of incident breast cancer, and previous cancer at a distant stage were associated with the worst survival. In contrast, women with a previous melanoma had equivalent overall survival to women without previous cancer.

CONCLUSION

We observed variable impact of previous cancer on overall and breast-cancer-specific survival depending on breast cancer stage at diagnosis and the type, timing, and stage of previous cancer.

Early Palliative Care Is Associated With Reduced Emergency Department Utilization in Pancreatic Cancer

OBJECTIVES

Most patients with pancreatic cancer have high symptom burden and poor outcomes. Palliative care (PC) can improve the quality of care through expert symptom management, although the optimal timing of PC referral is still poorly understood. We aimed to assess the association of early PC on health care utilization and charges of care for pancreatic cancer patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We selected patients with pancreatic cancer diagnosed between 2000 and 2009 who received at least 1 PC encounter using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare. Patients who had unknown follow-up were excluded. We defined "early PC" if the patients received PC within 30 days of diagnosis.

RESULTS

A total of 3166 patients had a PC encounter; 28% had an early PC. Patients receiving early PC were more likely to be female and have older age compared with patients receiving late PC (P<0.001). Patients receiving early PC had fewer emergency department (ED) visits (2.6 vs. 3.0 visits, P=0.004) and lower total charges of ED care ($3158 vs. $3981, P<0.001) compared with patients receiving late PC. Patients receiving early PC also had lower intensive care unit admissions (0.82 vs. 0.98 visits, P=0.006) and total charges of intensive care unit care ($14,466 vs. $18,687, P=0.01). On multivariable analysis, patients receiving early PC were significantly associated with fewer ED visits (P=0.007) and lower charges of ED care (P=0.018) for all patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Early PC referrals were associated with lower ED visits and ED-related charges. Our findings support oncology society guideline recommendations for early PC in patients with advanced malignancies such as pancreatic cancer.

Abstract PS11-31: Survival among female breast cancer patients who have survived a previous cancer

Background A growing number of women newly diagnosed with breast cancer have survived a previous cancer. Although little is known about their prognosis, this population is frequently excluded from clinical trials. Additional evidence about the survival of this population is needed, so that trial sponsors and investigators can create evidence-based trial eligibility criteria. Among women newly diagnosed with breast cancer, we examined the impact of previous cancer on overall and cancer-specific survival. Methods This population-based cohort study included patients age ≥66 years and diagnosed with breast cancer between 2005-2015 in linked SEER-Medicare data. Separately by breast cancer stage, we estimated overall survival using Cox regression and cause-specific survival using competing risk regression for women with and without previous cancer, adjusting for numerous covariates and competing risk of death from previous cancer, other causes, or the incident breast cancer. Results Of 138,576 women diagnosed with incident breast cancer, 10,822 (8%) had a previous cancer of another organ site. Many of these (n=5,014, 46.3%) were diagnosed ≤5 years of breast cancer. For all breast cancer stages except IV in which there was no significant survival difference, women with vs. without previous cancer had worse overall survival. This survival disadvantage was driven by deaths due to the previous cancer and other causes. In contrast, women with previous cancer generally had favorable breast-cancer specific survival; however this varied somewhat by stage and over time. Conclusions Many women newly diagnosed with breast cancer are already cancer survivors. These women had generally worse overall survival, worse survival from other causes, but their disease-specific survival varied depending on their breast cancer stage and over time.

Citation Format: Sandi L Pruitt, Hong Zhu, Daniel Heitjan, David E Gerber, Bhumika Maddineni, Danyi Xiong, Ethan Halm, Caitlin Murphy. Survival among female breast cancer patients who have survived a previous cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2020 San Antonio Breast Cancer Virtual Symposium; 2020 Dec 8-11; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PS11-31.

Survival analysis among unresectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients undergoing endoscopic or percutaneous interventions

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Most patients with pancreatic cancer are diagnosed at a late stage and are not candidates for surgical resection. Many have jaundice requiring biliary drainage, which can be accomplished using ERCP or percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD). To date, no studies have evaluated the impact of ERCP or PTBD on survival among patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer. The aims of our study were to compare overall survival between patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer receiving ERCP with those receiving PTBD, to compare overall survival between patients who received a biliary intervention (ERCP or PTBD) versus those who received no biliary intervention, and to compare secondary outcomes, such as length of hospital stay and costs, between ERCP and PTBD.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare database. Patients with known pancreatic cancer were included if they had a pancreatic head mass and/or evidence of biliary obstruction. We used a time-varying Cox proportional hazards model to estimate overall survival of patients receiving ERCP versus PTBD and overall survival among patients who received a biliary intervention versus no biliary drainage. Secondary outcomes included length of hospital stay, costs, and admissions within 30 days.

RESULTS

Of 14,808 patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer, 8898 patients (60.0%) underwent biliary drainage and 5910 patients (39.9%) received no biliary intervention. ERCP accounted for most biliary interventions (8271, 93.0%), whereas 623 patients (7.0%) underwent PTBD. In multivariable analysis, ERCP was associated with reduced mortality compared with PTBD (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], .67; 95% confidence interval [CI], .60-.75). When ERCP or PTBD was compared with no biliary intervention, both procedures were associated with a survival benefit (aHR, .51 [95% CI, .49-.54] and .53 [95% CI, .48-.59], respectively). Compared with patients receiving PTBD, those who underwent ERCP had shorter mean length of hospital stay (7.0 ± 5.7 days vs 9.6 ± 6.6 days, respectively; P < .001) and lower hospital charges ($54,899.25 vs $75,246.00, P < .001) but no significant difference in hospitalization or 30-day readmissions.

CONCLUSIONS

ERCP is associated with reduced mortality compared with PTBD in pancreatic cancer patients, highlighting the critical role of ERCP in the management of biliary obstruction from pancreatic cancer.

Do mobile units contribute to spatial accessibility to mammography for uninsured women?

Limited spatial accessibility to mammography, and socioeconomic barriers (e.g., being uninsured), may contribute to rural disparities in breast cancer screening. Although mobile mammography may contribute to population-level access, few studies have investigated this relationship. We measured mammography access for uninsured women using the variable two-step floating catchment area (V2SFCA) method, which estimates access at the local level using estimated potential supply and demand. Specifically, we measured supply with mammography machine certifications in 2014 from FDA and brick-and-mortar and mobile facility data from the community-based Breast Screening and Patient Navigation (BSPAN) program. We measured potential demand using Census tract-level estimates of female residents aged 45-74 from 5-year 2012-2016 American Community Survey data. Using the sign test, we compared mammography access estimates based on 3 facility groupings: FDA-certified, program brick-and-mortar only, and brick-and-mortar plus mobile. Using all mammography facilities, accessibility was high in urban Dallas-Ft. Worth, low for the ring of adjacent counties, and high for rural counties outlying this ring. Brick-and-mortar-based estimates were lower for the outlying ring, and mobile-unit contribution to access was observed more in urban tracts. Weak mobile-unit contribution across the study area may indicate suboptimal dispatch of mobile units to locations. Geospatial methods could identify the optimal locations for mobile units, given existing brick-and-mortar facilities, to increase access for underserved areas.

Nativity, ethnic enclave residence, and breast cancer survival among Latinas: Variations between California and Texas

BACKGROUND

Among Latinas with breast cancer, residence in an ethnic enclave may be associated with survival. However, findings from prior studies are inconsistent.

METHODS

The authors conducted parallel analyses of California and Texas cancer registry data for adult (aged ≥18 years) Latinas who were diagnosed with invasive breast cancer from 1996 to 2005, with follow-up through 2014. Existing indices applied to tract-level 2000 US Census data were used to measure Latinx enclaves and neighborhood socioeconomic status (nSES). Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were fit for all-cause and breast cancer-specific survival adjusted for year of diagnosis, patient age, nativity (with multiple imputation), tumor stage, histology, grade, size, and clustering by census tract.

RESULTS

Among 38,858 Latinas, the majority (61.3% in California and 70.5% in Texas) lived in enclaves. In fully adjusted models for both states, foreign-born women were found to be more likely to die of breast cancer and all causes when compared with US-born women. Living in enclaves and in neighborhoods with higher SES were found to be independently associated with improved survival from both causes. When combined into a 4-level variable, those in low nSES nonenclaves had worse survival for both causes compared with those living in low nSES enclaves and, in the all-cause but not breast cancer-specific models, those in high nSES neighborhoods, regardless of enclave status, had improved survival from all causes.

CONCLUSIONS

Applying the same methods across 2 states eliminated previously published inconsistent associations between enclave residence and breast cancer survival. Future studies should identify specific protective effects of enclave residence to inform interventions.

Racial Disparities and Trends in Pancreatic Cancer Incidence and Mortality in the United States

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Pancreatic cancer is one of the few cancers in the United States that is increasing in incidence. Little is known about racial disparities in incidence and mortality. We characterized racial disparities in pancreatic cancer incidence and mortality in different locations, time periods, age groups, and disease stages.

METHODS

We obtained data on the incidence of pancreatic cancer from the National Program of Cancer Registries and the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program of cancer registries from 2001 through 2015 on incidence, demographics, tumor characteristics, and population estimates for all 50 states and the District of Columbia. We obtained data on mortality from pancreatic cancer from the National Center for Health Statistics during the same time period. We plotted incidence rates by 10-year age group (30-39 years through 70-79 years and 80 years or older) separately for white and black patients. We calculated incidence and mortality rate ratios with 95% CIs for categories of age and race. To determine racial disparities, we calculated incidence rate ratios (IRR) for black vs white patients and mortality rate ratios by state.

RESULTS

Disparities in pancreatic cancer incidence and mortality in black vs white patients decreased over 5-year time periods from 2001 through 2015. However, among all age groups, from 2001 through 2015, pancreatic cancer incidence and mortality were higher among blacks than whites (incidence, 24.7 vs 19.4 per 100,000; IRR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.26-1.29; mortality, 23.3 vs 18.4 per 100,000; IRR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.26-1.28). Black patients had a higher incidence of distant pancreatic cancer (IRR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.31-1.34) and a lower incidence of local cancer. Incidence increased in whites and blacks of younger age groups and was most prominent among persons 30-39 years old. Incidence increased by 57% among younger whites (IRR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.43-2.02) and by 44% among blacks (IRR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.01-2.15) from 2001 through 2015. Mortality remained stable among blacks and slightly increased among whites during this time period.

CONCLUSIONS

In the United States, there are racial disparities in pancreatic incidence and mortality that vary with location, patient age, and cancer stage. Further research is needed to identify factors associated with increasing incidence and persistence of racial disparities in pancreatic cancer.

Exposures at day labor corners: using existing georeferenced data to describe features of urban environments

PURPOSE

Latino day laborers are male immigrants from mainly Mexico and Central America who congregate at corners, that is, informal hiring sites, to solicit short-term employment. Studies describing the occupational environment of Latino day laborers traditionally measure jobsite exposures, not corner exposures. We sought to elucidate exposures at corners by describing their demographic, socioeconomic, occupational, business, built, and physical environmental characteristics and by comparing corner characteristics with other locations in a large urban county in Texas.

METHODS

We used multiple publicly available data sets from the U.S. Census, local tax authority, Google's Nearby Places Application Programming Interface, and Environmental Protection Agency at fine spatial scale to measure 34 characteristics of corners with matched comparison locations.

RESULTS

Corners were located close to highways, high-traffic intersections, hardware and moving stores, and gas stations. Corners were in neighborhoods with large foreign-born and Latino populations, high rates of limited English proficiency, and high construction-sector employment.

CONCLUSIONS

Publicly available data sources describe demographic, socioeconomic, occupational, business, built, and physical environment characteristics of urban environments at fine spatial scale. Using these data, we identified unique corner-based exposures experienced by day laborers. Future research is needed to understand how corner environments may influence health for this uniquely vulnerable population.

Prevalence of Prior Cancer Among Persons Newly Diagnosed With Cancer: An Initial Report From the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program

Importance

The US cancer survivor population is rapidly growing. Cancer survivors are frequently excluded from cancer clinical trials and observational research.

Objective

To examine prevalence of prior cancer among individuals newly diagnosed with cancer.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Linked observations across the population-based Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program of cancer registries (1975-2013) for 740 990 persons newly diagnosed with cancer from January 2009 through December 2013. Prevalence of prior cancer was estimated by age (<65 years vs ≥65 years) and incident cancer type.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Prevalence of prior cancer was derived from SEER sequence numbers, which represent the order of all primary reportable tumors diagnosed in a lifetime. Incident cancers were categorized as: (1) first or only primary; (2) second order or higher primary in the same cancer site; and (3) second order or higher primary in a different cancer site.

Results

Of 765 843 incident cancers diagnosed between 2009 and 2013, 141 021 (18.4%) represented a second order or higher primary cancer. Overall, approximately one-fourth (25.2%) of older (≥65 years) and 11% of younger adults newly diagnosed with cancer had a history of prior cancer. Prevalence of prior cancer ranged from 3.5% to 36.9% according to incident cancer type and age, with most prior cancers diagnosed in a different cancer site.

Conclusions and Relevance

A substantial proportion of patients diagnosed with incident cancer in the United States have survived a prior cancer. These patients may be excluded from clinical trials and underrepresented in observational research, and little is known about their treatment and survivorship needs. Understanding the nature and impact of prior cancer is critical to improving clinical trial accrual and generalizability, disease outcomes, and patient experience.

Do traditional economic theories of free riding behavior explain spatial clustering of HPV vaccine uptake?

Rationale

Geographic clusters of low vaccination uptake reduce the population-level efficacy of vaccination programs. However, little is known about the mechanisms that drive geographic patterns in vaccination rates. Traditional economic theory considers vaccination as a classic public good and suggests that free riding-individuals taking advantage of public goods by relying on others' immunization behavior without contributing toward them-is a primary cause of low vaccination rates. However, behavioral economics suggests that free riding does not fully explain observed individual behavior, and the presence of both high and low clusters of vaccination rates suggest that this theory alone does not fully explain geographic patterns of vaccination.

Objective

We assessed geographic clustering of HPV vaccination uptake and examined the evidence for or against free riding in HPV vaccination decisions.

Methods

We analyzed HPV vaccination decisions of low-income adolescent females (N = 601) residing in urban neighborhoods in Dallas, Texas, USA during 2011-2012. Spatial econometric models were estimated to assess the relationship between neighborhood vaccination rates and individual vaccination decisions.

Results

We found a positive and significant relationship between individual HPV vaccination choices and the average neighborhood vaccination rate at the time parents were making vaccine decisions for their adolescent daughters while controlling for neighborhood sorting and other confounders.

Conclusion

Individuals were more likely to complete the HPV vaccination series when others in their neighborhood had already completed the series. We do not find evidence for free riding in HPV vaccination decisions.

Regional and racial variations in the utilization of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography among pancreatic cancer patients in the United States

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic cancer is projected to become the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths by 2030. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is recommended as first-line therapy for biliary decompression in pancreatic cancer. The aim of our study was to characterize geographic and racial/ethnic disparities in ERCP utilization among patients with pancreatic cancer.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study using the US Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare database to identify patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer from 2003-2013. The primary outcome was receipt of ERCP, with or without stent placement, vs any non-ERCP biliary intervention.

RESULTS

Of the 36 619 patients with pancreatic cancer, 37.5% (n = 13 719) underwent an ERCP, percutaneous drainage, or surgical biliary bypass. The most common biliary intervention (82.6%) was ERCP. After adjusting for tumor location and stage, Blacks were significantly less likely to receive ERCP than Whites (aOR 0.84, 95% CI 0.72, 0.97) and more likely to receive percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) (aOR 1.38, 95% CI 1.14, 1.66). Patients in the Southeast and the West were more likely to receive ERCP than those in the Northeast (Southeast aOR 1.21, 95% CI 1.04, 1.40; West aOR 1.16, 95% CI 1.01, 1.32).

CONCLUSION

Racial/ethnic and geographic disparities in access to biliary interventions including ERCP exist for patients with pancreatic cancer in the United States. Our results highlight the need for further research and policies to improve access to appropriate biliary intervention for all patients.