Recreational Travel of Patients with Brain Tumor and Their Caregivers: Context, Preparation, and Impact.

Caregivers are engaging in recreational travel with the neuro-oncology patients they care for, yet there is little scientific research on this phenomenon. The purpose of this study is to examine the experiences of recreational travel among caregiver-patient with brain cancer dyads from the perspective of the caregivers. Specifically, we examined (1) context (i.

Phase II study of nab-paclitaxel with gemcitabine for relapsed/refractory small cell lung cancer.

Background: Patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) often respond to first-line chemoimmunotherapy. However, relapse is inevitable and is associated with a poor prognosis. Treatments for relapsed SCLC, such as lurbinectedin and topotecan, are limited by modest efficacy and significant hematologic adverse events, leaving a need for newer therapeutic agents or regimens.

Cost Effectiveness of Treatment Sequences in Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma.

Background: The treatment landscape for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) has significantly evolved in recent years. Without direct comparator trials, factors such as cost effectiveness (CE) are important to guide decision-making.

Objective: To assess the CE of guideline-recommended approved first- and second-line treatment regimens.

Inflammation as a Therapeutic Target in Cancer Cachexia.

Cachexia is a common complication of cancer and is associated with poor quality of life and a decrease in survival. Many patients with cancer cachexia suffer from inflammation associated with elevated cytokines, such as interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Single-agent trials to treat cancer cachexia have not led to substantial benefit as the type of cytokine which is elevated has rarely been specified and targeted.

Training cancer caregiver navigators: experiences from implementing the eSNAP and caregiver navigator intervention.

Patient navigation is increasingly common in cancer care. While navigation programs often involve informal family caregivers, few navigation interventions specifically target the family caregiver. We developed the eSNAP and Caregiver Navigator Intervention to help cancer family caregivers identify and capitalize on informal and formal social support resources.

Prenatal Diagnosis of Craniosynostosis Using Ultrasound.

Background: Craniosynostosis is typically diagnosed postnatally. Prenatal diagnosis would allow for improved parental counseling and facilitate timely intervention. Our purpose was to determine whether prenatal ultrasound can be used to diagnose nonsyndromic craniosynostosis.

Pharmacological ascorbate improves the response to platinum-based chemotherapy in advanced stage non-small cell lung cancer.

Purpose: Platinum-based chemotherapy with or without immunotherapy is the mainstay of treatment for advanced stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) lacking a molecular driver alteration. Pre-clinical studies have reported that pharmacological ascorbate (P-AscH-) enhances NSCLC response to platinum-based therapy. We conducted a phase II clinical trial combining P-AscH- with carboplatin-paclitaxel chemotherapy.

Risk stratification of adolescents for the screening of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver conditions in adolescence are associated with premature mortality in adulthood. Effective screening could impact the population burden of this disease.

Objectives: We sought to determine which adolescents should be screened for non-alcoholic fatty liver using vibration-controlled transient elastography.

Hispanic/Latinx Ethnic Subgroup Differences in Sociodemographic, Sociocultural, and Smoking Characteristics in a Cessation Trial: An Exploratory Study.

Introduction: Hispanic/Latinx smokers in the United States are often treated as a homogeneous group. However, population-based studies suggest that cigarette use differs among Hispanic/Latinx subgroups by sociodemographic or sociocultural characteristics. This secondary analysis aimed to advance the limited literature by examining differences in smoking-related variables.

Addressing a critical need for caregiver support in neuro-oncology: development of a caregiver navigation intervention using eSNAP social resource visualization.

Informal caregivers are key to oncology care, but often have unmet needs, leading to poor psychological and physical health outcomes. Comprehensive, proactive caregiver support programs are needed. We describe the development of a support intervention for caregivers of persons with brain tumors.

Parenchyma-Sparing Central Hepatectomy Versus Extended Resections for Liver Tumors: a Value-Based Comparative Analysis.

Background: Parenchyma-sparing (PS) liver resection is recommended for liver tumors. The value of PS-approaches as compared to more extended resections is unknown. We sought to examine value-based differences (quality/cost) of central hepatectomy (CH) versus more extended resections.

Self-help smoking cessation intervention for Spanish-speaking Hispanics/Latinxs in the United States: A randomized controlled trial.

Background: Hispanic/Latinx smokers living in the United States face unique challenges in quitting smoking. This study evaluated the efficacy of a culturally relevant, Spanish-language, extended self-help smoking cessation intervention among Hispanic smokers.

Methods: A 2-arm parallel randomized controlled trial was conducted with Hispanic/Latinx smokers living in the United States who preferred health information in Spanish and smoked 5 or more cigarettes per week.

Feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of a decision aid versus an informational website to promote clinical trial decision-making among cancer patients: A pilot randomized controlled trial.

Objective: To assess intervention feasibility and acceptability, and compare the effectiveness of the CHOICES Decision Aid (DA) versus the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Cancer Clinical Trials (CCT) website to improve knowledge about CCTs and preparedness to make an informed decision.

Methods: Oncology patients (n = 101) with a scheduled clinic visit were enrolled and randomized. Decision-making variables were collected at two timepoints.

Immune-related adverse events in cancer patients being treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Introduction: With the increased use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), it is essential to improve our understanding of immune-related adverse events (irAE). To date, most studies describing irAE have been performed in clinical trial populations, which may not be an accurate description of irAE in real-world populations. Also, identification of patients at increased risk of irAE is needed as early recognition may improve irAE outcomes.

Targeted smoking cessation for dual users of combustible and electronic cigarettes: a randomised controlled trial.

Background: Although many smokers use electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) to quit smoking, most continue to smoke while vaping. This dual use might delay cessation and increase toxicant exposure. We aimed to test the efficacy of a self-help intervention designed to help dual users to quit smoking.

A randomized wait-list controlled trial of a social support intervention for caregivers of patients with primary malignant brain tumor.

Background: Informal family caregivers constitute an important and increasingly demanding role in the cancer healthcare system. This is especially true for caregivers of patients with primary malignant brain tumors based on the rapid progression of disease, including physical and cognitive debilitation. Informal social network resources such as friends and family can provide social support to caregivers, which lowers caregiver burden and improves overall quality of life.

Characteristics and Outcomes of Lung Cancer Screening Among Individuals With or Without Cancer History.

Background: Lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) can reduce mortality from lung cancer. Individuals with previous malignancy are at an increased risk of lung cancer but are often underrepresented in clinical trials. This study compares the outcomes of LDCT screening among individuals with and without cancer history.

Gender disparities in lung cancer survival from an enriched Florida population-based cancer registry.

Background: Previous studies have revealed gender disparities in lung cancer survivorship, but comprehensive inclusion of clinical/individual variables which affect outcomes is underreported. We utilized the Florida Data Cancer System (FCDS) to examine associations between gender and lung cancer survivorship while controlling for prognostic variables on a large population-based scale.

Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis utilizing the FCDS, linked to Florida Agency for Health Care Administration and US Census Bureau tracts for patients diagnosed with primary lung cancer (n = 165,465) from 1996 to 2007.

Comparing Methods of Recruiting Spanish-Preferring Smokers in the United States: Findings from a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: There is a pressing need to address the unacceptable disparities and underrepresentation of racial and ethnic minority groups, including Hispanics or Latinxs, in smoking cessation trials.

Objective: Given the lack of research on recruitment strategies for this population, this study aims to assess effective recruitment methods based on enrollment and cost.

Methods: Recruitment and enrollment data were collected from a nationwide randomized controlled trial (RCT) of a Spanish-language smoking cessation intervention (N=1417).

Improving knowledge and decision readiness to participate in cancer clinical trials: Effects of a plain language decision aid for minority cancer survivors.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of a web-based, plain language decision aid (CHOICES DA) on minority cancer survivors' knowledge of cancer clinical trials (CCTs), readiness for making decisions about clinical trial participation, and willingness to participate in a clinical trial.

Methods: Participants were 64 Black and Hispanic cancer survivors from Miami, Florida. In a single arm intervention study, participants completed self-report assessments of CCT knowledge, decision readiness regarding clinical trial participation, and willingness to participate at three time points.

Tailored Messages About Research Participation: Using an Interactive Information Aid to Improve Study Recruitment.

After a diagnosis of cancer (or other serious disease), patients may be asked to consider joining a clinical trial. Because most people are unfamiliar with the scientific concepts that are necessary to the provision of meaningful informed consent, patient education is necessary. Increasing knowledge alone is not sufficient; understanding how clinical trial participation aligns with personal circumstances and knowledge is central to the decision-making process.

What Motivates You to Share? The Effect of Interactive Tailored Information Aids on Information Sharing about Clinical Trials.

Cancer patients learn about research studies outside of the clinical environment, including websites, print and online advertisements, and interpersonal interactions. When cancer patients share credible information about clinical trials, they also frequently help clarify misunderstandings that may exist in their social networks. The present study investigated how an interactive tailored information aid on clinical trial participation motivated patients' information sharing behaviors.

Brief Education and a Conjoint Valuation Survey May Reduce Decisional Conflict Regarding Lung Cancer Screening.

Recent data and policy decisions have led to the availability of lung cancer screening (LCS) for individuals who are at increased risk of developing lung cancer. In establishing implementation policies, the US Preventive Services Task Force recommended and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services required that individuals who meet eligibility criteria for LCS receive a patient counseling and shared decision-making consultation prior to LCS. This study evaluated the potential of a values clarification/preference elicitation exercise and brief educational intervention to reduce decisional conflict regarding LCS.