Sample records for abramson cancer center

  1. Is the Abramson technique effective in pectus carinatum repair?

    PubMed

    Katrancioglu, Ozgur; Akkas, Yucel; Karadayi, Sule; Sahin, Ekber; Kaptanoğlu, Melih

    2018-01-01

    The minimally invasive pectus carinatum (PC) surgery described by Abramson has been performed in many centers. We have been using this technique since 2011. This article describes our experience with PC correction. Between 2011 and 2016, 32 patients at our institution underwent minimally invasive repair of a PC deformity. All patients presented with cosmetic complaints. The deformity involved the lower sternum (all had chondrogladiolar type PC), and three patients had asymmetrical deformities. All operations followed the principles defined by Abramson. Satisfactory esthetic results were achieved in our patients. The hospital stay averaged 5.3 days (range 4-7 days). The most common early complication was pneumothorax, and the most common late complication was wire suture breakage. The Abramson technique is an effective, minimally invasive procedure for PC with shorter operating and hospitalization times and low morbidity rates. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Taiwan.

  2. [Compressive anterior thoracoplasty (modified Abramson's repair) for pectus carinatum repair].

    PubMed

    Álvarez Muñoz, V; Prado Valle, M A; López López, A J; Martínez Suárez, M A; Oviedo Gutiérrez, M; Montalvo Ávalos, C; Fernández García, L

    2014-04-15

    For anterior protruding chest wall deformities treatment, mainly pectus carinatum, pediatric surgeons have been managing either orthotic methods or open surgical repairs. Anterior compressive thoracoplasty (Abramson's technique) has widened the therapeutic options. We describe herein a modification of this technique in the first reported Europen series. From 2010 to 2012, a total of five patients (four male and one female) underwent a modified Abramson's technique to correct pectus carinatum or combined protrusion of the chest at our center. We report the operative technique used for these reconstructions. In all five cases, the operation was completed uneventfully and with excellent results either for the surgical team or the patients. Mean operative time was 190 minutes and hospitalization lasted for three to six days, at the time of analgesic drugs withdrawal. We consider the anterior compresive thorocoplasty (modified Abramson's technique) a safe and feasible method to correct protruding chest deformities, particularly in those patients with stiff chest or lack of compliance, in order to avoid the agressive open procedures.

  3. Is an Attributional Analysis of the Learned Helplessness Phenomenon Viable? A Critique of the Abramson-Seligman-Teasdale Reformulation

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Dintzer, Leonard; Wortman, Camille B.

    1978-01-01

    The reformulated learned helplessness model of depression (Abramson, Seligman, Teasdale 1978) was examined. Argues that unless it is possible to specify the conditions under which a given attribution will be made, the model becomes circular and lacks predictive power. Discusses Abramson et al.'s suggestions for therapy and prevention. (Editor/RK)

  4. Children's cancer centers

    MedlinePlus

    Pediatric cancer center; Pediatric oncology center; Comprehensive cancer center ... Treating childhood cancer is not the same as treating adult cancer. The cancers are different. So are the treatments and the ...

  5. Stephenson Cancer Center

    Cancer.gov

    Stephenson Cancer Center at the University of Oklahoma in Oklahoma City is an NCI-designated cancer center at the forefront of NCI-supported cancer research. Learn more about the Stephenson Cancer Center's mission.

  6. Dedication of the Early Space Education and Conference Center at KSC Visitor Complex.

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    2000-01-01

    At the opening of the Early Space Education and Conference Center, KSC Visitor Complex, the facility is dedicated to Dr.Kurt H. Debus, who served as the first director of the John F. Kennedy Space Center, 1962-1974. Attending the dedication are (left to right) Delaware North President Rick Abramson, Ute Debus, Center Director Roy Bridges and Sigi Debus Northcutt. Ute and Sigi are the daughters of Dr. Debus.

  7. "Walkabout: Looking In, Looking Out": A Mindfulness-Based Art Therapy Program

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Peterson, Caroline

    2015-01-01

    This brief report describes a mindfulness-based art therapy (MBAT) intervention, "Walkabout: Looking In, Looking Out," which was piloted in 2010 and has since been offered at the Abramson Cancer Center at Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia. The author adapted the original MBAT intervention using a walkabout conceptual model, which was…

  8. Palliative care content on cancer center websites.

    PubMed

    Vater, Laura B; Rebesco, Gina; Schenker, Yael; Torke, Alexia M; Gramelspacher, Gregory

    2018-03-01

    Professional guidelines recommend that palliative care begin early in advanced cancer management, yet integration of palliative and cancer care remains suboptimal. Cancer centers may miss opportunities to provide palliative care information online. In this study, we described the palliative care content on cancer center websites. We conducted a systematic content analysis of 62 National Cancer Institute- (NCI) designated cancer center websites. We assessed the content of center homepages and analyzed search results using the terms palliative care, supportive care, and hospice. For palliative and supportive care webpages, we assessed services offered and language used to describe care. Two researchers analyzed all websites using a standardized coding manual. Kappa values ranged from 0.78 to 1. NCI-designated cancer center homepages presented information about cancer-directed therapy (61%) more frequently than palliative care (5%). Ten percent of cancer centers had no webpage with palliative care information for patients. Among centers with information for patients, the majority (96%) defined palliative or supportive care, but 30% did not discuss delivery of palliative care alongside curative treatment, and 14% did not mention provision of care early in the disease process. Cancer center homepages rarely mention palliative care services. While the majority of centers have webpages with palliative care content, they sometimes omit information about early use of care. Improving accessibility of palliative care information and increasing emphasis on early provision of services may improve integration of palliative and cancer care.

  9. From Germline Genetics to Somatic Insights – The Evolving Landscape of Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer

    Cancer.gov

    Katherine (Kate) L. Nathanson, MD is a Professor of Medicine, in the Division of Translational Medicine and Human Genetics, and Genetics, at the Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania. She is Deputy Director of the Abramson Cancer Center, and Director of Genetics for the Basser Center for BRCA. Dr. Nathanson received her BA from Haverford College and MD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. She completed residencies in both Internal Medicine and Clinical Genetics, along with a post-doctoral fellowship in cancer genetics. She is an internationally recognized for both her clinical and research expertise in cancer genetics/genomics. Her research focuses on both inherited susceptibility to cancer and somatic genetic characterization of tumors, with interests across multiple tumor types, including testicular germ cell tumors, hereditary breast and ovarian cancers, melanoma and neuroendocrine tumors. Dr. Nathanson has published over 250 peerreviewed articles in journals such as Nature, JAMA, New England Journal of Medicine and Cancer Cell. Dr. Nathanson has an extensive record of national service, serving on committees for multiple organizations, such as ACMG and AACR, several editorial boards, and scientific review committees including as Chair of the Cancer Genetics study section for the National Institutes of Health. She has been elected to the American Society of Clinical Investigation and the American Association of Physicians.

  10. Overall survival after resection of retroperitoneal sarcoma at academic cancer centers versus community cancer centers: An analysis of the National Cancer Data Base.

    PubMed

    Berger, Nicholas G; Silva, Jack P; Mogal, Harveshp; Clarke, Callisia N; Bedi, Manpreet; Charlson, John; Christians, Kathleen K; Tsai, Susan; Gamblin, T Clark

    2018-02-01

    Operative resection remains the definitive curative therapy for retroperitoneal sarcoma. Data published recently show a correlation between improved outcomes for complex oncologic operations and treatment at academic centers. For large retroperitoneal sarcomas, operative resection can be complex and require multidisciplinary care. We hypothesized that survival rates vary between type of treating center for patients undergoing resection for retroperitoneal sarcoma. Patients with stage I to III nonmetastatic retroperitoneal sarcomas who underwent operative resection were identified from the National Cancer Database during the years 2004-2013. Treating centers were categorized as academic cancer centers or community cancer centers. Overall survival was analyzed by log-rank test and graphed using Kaplan-Meier method. A total of 2,762 patients were identified. A majority of patients (59.4%, n = 1,642) underwent resection at an academic cancer centers. Median age at diagnosis was 63 years old. Neoadjuvant radiotherapy was more common at academic cancer centers, while adjuvant radiotherapy was more common at community cancer centers. Improved overall survival was seen at academic cancer centers across all stages compared with community cancer centers (P = .014) but, after multivariable Cox regression analysis, was not a significant independent predictor of survival (hazard ratio = 0.91, 95% confidence interval, 0.79-1.04, P = .171). Academic cancer centers exhibited a greater rate of R0 resection (55.9% vs 47.0%, P < .001) and a lesser odds of positive margins (odds ratio 0.83, 95% confidence interval, 0.69-0.99, P = .044) after multivariable logistic regression. Resection for retroperitoneal sarcoma performed at academic cancer centers was an independent predictor of margin-negative resection but was not a statistically significant factor for survival. This observation suggests that site of care may contribute to some aspect of improved oncologic resection

  11. Science Writer | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    The Center for Cancer Research (CCR) is seeking a science writer to help us tell our stories of cancer research discoveries, clinical advances and our patients, who are participating in clinical trials.  CCR is the National Cancer Institute’s internal cancer center located on campuses in Bethesda and Frederick, Maryland.  The writing supports communications for our website,

  12. Cancer Survivors Day | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    CCR Celebrates Cancer Survivors #NCSD2016 At the Center for Cancer Research, we are home to an extraordinary group of practicing physicians and scientists who passionately explore the boundaries of research to unlock the mysteries of cancer, a disease that touches nearly every American.

  13. Quality of Prostate Cancer Treatment Information on Cancer Center Websites.

    PubMed

    Dulaney, Caleb; Barrett, Olivia Claire; Rais-Bahrami, Soroush; Wakefield, Daniel; Fiveash, John; Dobelbower, Michael

    2016-04-20

    Cancer center websites are trusted sources of internet information about treatment options for prostate cancer. The quality of information on these websites is unknown. The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of information on cancer center websites addressing prostate cancer treatment options, outcomes, and toxicity. We evaluated the websites of all National Cancer Institute-designated cancer centers to determine if sufficient information was provided to address eleven decision-specific knowledge questions from the validated Early Prostate Cancer Treatment Decision Quality Instrument. We recorded the number of questions addressed, the number of clicks to reach the prostate cancer-specific webpage, evaluation time, and Spanish and mobile accessibility. Correlation between evaluation time and questions addressed were calculated using the Pearson coefficient. Sixty-three websites were reviewed. Eighty percent had a prostate cancer-specific webpage reached in a median of three clicks. The average evaluation time was 6.5 minutes. Information was available in Spanish on 24% of sites and 59% were mobile friendly. Websites provided sufficient information to address, on average, 19% of questions. No website addressed all questions. Evaluation time correlated with the number of questions addressed (R(2) = 0.42, p < 0.001). Cancer center websites provide insufficient information for men with localized prostate cancer due to a lack of information about and direct comparison of specific treatment outcomes and toxicities. Information is also less accessible in Spanish and on mobile devices. These data can be used to improve the quality and accessibility of prostate cancer treatment information on cancer center websites.

  14. NCI Designated Cancer Centers

    MedlinePlus

    ... NCI NCI Overview History Contributing to Cancer Research Leadership Director's Page Deputy Director's Page Previous NCI Directors ... History of NCI Contributing to Cancer Research Senior Leadership Director Previous Directors NCI Organization Divisions, Offices & Centers ...

  15. Center for Cancer Genomics | Office of Cancer Genomics

    Cancer.gov

    The Center for Cancer Genomics (CCG) was established to unify the National Cancer Institute's activities in cancer genomics, with the goal of advancing genomics research and translating findings into the clinic to improve the precise diagnosis and treatment of cancers. In addition to promoting genomic sequencing approaches, CCG aims to accelerate structural, functional and computational research to explore cancer mechanisms, discover new cancer targets, and develop new therapeutics.

  16. Fighting liver cancer with combination immunotherapies | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    A new clinical trial testing the effectiveness of immunotherapy treatment combinations against liver cancer is enrolling patients at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. Individually, immunotherapy drugs harness the power of the human immune system to better identify and kill cancer cells. Now, researchers at the NIH’s Center for Cancer Research have begun to find

  17. CCR Interns | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    The Cancer Research Interns (CRI) Summer Program was inaugurated in 2004 to provide an open door for students looking for an initial training opportunity. The goal is to enhance diversity within the CCR (Center for Cancer Research) training program and we have placed 338 students from 2004 to 2017, in labs and branches across the division.  The CCR and the Center for Cancer

  18. Cancer Model Development Centers

    Cancer.gov

    The Cancer Model Development Centers (CMDCs) are the NCI-funded contributors to the HCMI. They are tasked with producing next-generation cancer models from clinical samples. The cancer models will encompass tumor types that are rare, originate from patients from underrepresented populations, or lack precision therapy. These models will be annotated with clinical and genomic data and will become a community resource.

  19. Cancer Virology and HIV Think Tank | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Cancer Virology and HIV Think Tank Friday, December 15, 2017 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM Abstract submission deadline: November 29, 2017 Porter Neuroscience Center (Building 35A) Room 620/630 Atrium Space Please mark your calendars for the Cancer Virology and HIV Think Tank Meeting on December 15! This is an annual meeting hosted by the CCR Center of Excellence in HIV/AIDS and Cancer

  20. Spatial analyses identify the geographic source of patients at a National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Center.

    PubMed

    Su, Shu-Chih; Kanarek, Norma; Fox, Michael G; Guseynova, Alla; Crow, Shirley; Piantadosi, Steven

    2010-02-01

    We examined the geographic distribution of patients to better understand the service area of the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, a designated National Cancer Institute (NCI) comprehensive cancer center located in an urban center. Like most NCI cancer centers, the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center serves a population beyond city limits. Urban cancer centers are expected to serve their immediate neighborhoods and to address disparities in access to specialty care. Our purpose was to learn the extent and nature of the cancer center service area. Statistical clustering of patient residence in the continental United States was assessed for all patients and by gender, cancer site, and race using SaTScan. Primary clusters detected for all cases and demographically and tumor-defined subpopulations were centered at Baltimore City and consisted of adjacent counties in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, New Jersey and New York, and the District of Columbia. Primary clusters varied in size by race, gender, and cancer site. Spatial analysis can provide insights into the populations served by urban cancer centers, assess centers' performance relative to their communities, and aid in developing a cancer center business plan that recognizes strengths, regional utility, and referral patterns. Today, 62 NCI cancer centers serve a quarter of the U.S. population in their immediate communities. From the Baltimore experience, we might project that the population served by these centers is actually more extensive and varies by patient characteristics, cancer site, and probably cancer center services offered.

  1. Nationwide survey of cancer center programs in Korea

    PubMed Central

    Kim, Ji-Youn; Yi, Eun-Surk

    2017-01-01

    This study was conducted to investigate cancer centers established for the purpose of satisfying various needs about cancer, improving the cancer treatment environment, and subdividing services ranging from diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation to palliative care. To this end, the authors have surveyed programs in 17 cancer centers representing Korea, including 12 national cancer centers and five major hospitals. As a result, it was found that the most common type of lecture program was disease management, followed by health care and hospitalization, while the most common type of participation program was psychological relief, followed by physical activity. The most frequently operated type of program was found to be psychological relief, followed by physical activity and health care in the regional cancer centers, while the most frequently operated type was disease management, followed by psychological relief and health care in the five major hospitals. The proportion of physical activity was very high in two regional cancer centers, whereas five regional cancer centers did not offer physical activity programs at all. In the five major hospitals, physical activity programs were conducted regularly at least once a month or at least once a week. In addition, further studies are required to provide professional and detailed medical services for the establishment and operation of programs for cancer patient management and the environmental aspects of the hospital. PMID:28702441

  2. Secretary | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    The Basic Science Program (BSP) pursues independent, multidisciplinary research programs in basic or applied molecular biology, immunology, retrovirology, cancer biology, or human genetics. Research efforts and support are an integral part of the Center for Cancer Research (CCR) at the Frederick national Laboratory for Cancer Research (FNLCR). The BSP Office provides

  3. Inpatient cancer rehabilitation: the experience of a national comprehensive cancer center.

    PubMed

    Shin, Ki Y; Guo, Ying; Konzen, Benedict; Fu, Jack; Yadav, Rajesh; Bruera, Eduardo

    2011-05-01

    Cancer rehabilitation is an important but often underutilized treatment in the comprehensive care of the cancer patient. Cancer patients have varying levels of access to rehabilitation services. Acute inpatient, inpatient consultation-based, and outpatient-based cancer rehabilitation services have been described in the literature. We will discuss acute inpatient cancer rehabilitation and some of its outcomes at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX, which is the only national comprehensive cancer center to have its own acute inpatient rehabilitation unit dedicated solely to cancer patients. We retrospectively reviewed the inpatient medical records of consecutive inpatients admitted to the acute inpatient cancer rehabilitation unit from September 2008 to August 2009 for the following information: patient age, sex, primary tumor type, rehabilitation diagnoses, length of stay, discharge destination, and payer source. From September 2008 to August 2009, the physical medicine and rehabilitation service at MD Anderson Cancer Center had 1098 inpatient consultations, of which 427 patients were admitted to the inpatient rehabilitation unit with a mean length of stay of 11 days. Of the 427 patients, 73 (17%) were patients with primary neurologic-based tumor, 71 (16%) were patients with hematologic-based tumors, 48 (11%) were sarcoma patients, 35 (8%) were gastrointestinal tumor patients, 27 (6%) were head and neck tumor patients, 25 (6%) were prostate and bladder cancer patients, 24 (6%) were lung cancer patients, 22 (5%) were melanoma patients, 20 (5%) were breast cancer patients, 15 (4%) were renal cancer patients, 14 (3%) were gynecologic cancer patients, and 53 (12%) were patients with other types of cancer. Of the 427 patients admitted to acute inpatient rehabilitation at MD Anderson Cancer Center, 324 (76%) were discharged home, 72 (17%) went back to acute care service, 15 (4%) were sent to a skilled nursing facility, 9 (2%) were discharged

  4. Fighting liver cancer with combination immunotherapies | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    A new clinical trial testing the effectiveness of immunotherapy treatment combinations against liver cancer is enrolling patients at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. Individually, immunotherapy drugs harness the power of the human immune system to better identify and kill cancer cells. Now, researchers at the NIH’s Center for Cancer Research have begun to find evidence that the drugs may work far more effectively when taken in combination with other therapies and with each other than when taken alone.

  5. CCR Interns | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    The Cancer Research Interns (CRI) Summer Program was inaugurated in 2004 to provide an open door for students looking for an initial training opportunity. The goal is to enhance diversity within the CCR (Center for Cancer Research) training program and we have placed 338 students from 2004 to 2017, in labs and branches across the division.  The CCR and the Center for Cancer Training’s Office of Training and Education provide stipend support, some Service & Supply funds, and travel support for those students who meet the financial eligibility criteria (

  6. Staff Clinicians | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    The Neuro-Oncology Branch (NOB), Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH) is seeking staff clinicians to provide high-quality patient care for individuals with primary central nervous system (CNS) malignancies.  The NOB is comprised of a multidisciplinary team of physicians, healthcare providers, and scientists who are dedicated to developing new therapies and improving outcomes for patients with primary brain and spinal cord tumors. The NOB is one of the first trans-institutional initiatives at the National Institutes of Health. The Branch is focused on developing an integrated clinical, translational, and basic research program that engages the strengths and resources of the National Cancer Institutes (NCI) and the National Institutes of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) for the purpose of developing novel experimental therapeutics for individuals with primary central nervous system (CNS) malignancies. About NCI's Center for Cancer Research The Center for Cancer Research (CCR) is the intramural research component of the National Cancer Institute (NCI).  CCR’s enabling infrastructure facilitates clinical studies at the NIH Clinical Center, the world’s largest dedicated clinical research complex; provides extensive opportunities for collaboration; and allows scientists and clinicians to undertake high-risk, high-impact laboratory- and clinic-based investigations.  Investigators are supported by a wide array of intellectual, technological, and research resources, including surgical and pathology facilities, animal facilities, and dedicated, high-quality technology cores in areas such as imaging/microscopy, chemistry/purification, mass spectrometry, flow cytometry, genomics/DNA sequencing, transgenics and knock-out mice, arrays/molecular profiling, and human genetics/bioinformatics.  For an overview of CCR, please visit http://ccr.cancer.gov/.

  7. Find an NCI-Designated Cancer Center

    Cancer.gov

    Find the locations of NCI-designated cancer centers by area, region, state, or name that includes contact information to help health care providers and cancer patients with referrals to clinical trials.

  8. CCR Magazines | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    The Center for Cancer Research (CCR) has two magazines, MILESTONES and LANDMARKS, that highlight our annual advances and top contributions to the understanding, detection, treatment and prevention of cancer over the years.

  9. Postdoctoral Fellow | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    The Neuro-Oncology Branch (NOB), Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is seeking outstanding postdoctoral candidates interested in studying metabolic and cell signaling pathways in the context of brain cancers through construction of computational models amenable to formal computational analysis and

  10. Determinants of NCI Cancer Center attendance in Medicare patients with lung, breast, colorectal, or prostate cancer.

    PubMed

    Onega, Tracy; Duell, Eric J; Shi, Xun; Demidenko, Eugene; Goodman, David

    2009-02-01

    Geographic access to NCI-Cancer Centers varies by region, race/ethnicity, and place of residence, but utilization of these specialized centers has not been examined at the national level in the U.S. This study identified determinants of NCI-Cancer Center attendance in Medicare cancer patients. SEER-Medicare (Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results) data were used to identify individuals with an incident cancer of the breast, lung, colon/rectum, or prostate from 1998-2002. NCI-Cancer Center attendance was determined based on utilization claims from 1998-2003. Demographic, clinical, and geographic factors were examined in multilevel models. We performed sensitivity analyses for the NCI-Cancer Center attendance definition. Overall, 7.3% of this SEER-Medicare cohort (N = 211,048) attended an NCI-Cancer Center. Travel-time to the nearest NCI-Cancer Center was inversely related to attendance, showing 11% decreased likelihood of attendance for every 10 minutes of additional travel-time (OR = 0.89, 95%CI 0.88-0.90). Receiving predominantly generalist care prior to diagnosis was associated with a lower likelihood of attendance (OR = 0.79, 95%CI 0.77-0.82). The other factors associated with greater NCI-Cancer attendance were later stage at diagnosis, fewer comorbidities, and urban residence in conjunction with African-American race. Attendance at NCI-Cancer Centers is low among Medicare beneficiaries, but is strongly influenced by proximity and general provider care prior to diagnosis. Other patient factors are predictive of NCI-Cancer Center attendance and may be important in better understanding cancer care utilization.

  11. Population-based geographic access to parent and satellite National Cancer Institute Cancer Center Facilities.

    PubMed

    Onega, Tracy; Alford-Teaster, Jennifer; Wang, Fahui

    2017-09-01

    Satellite facilities of National Cancer Institute (NCI) cancer centers have expanded their regional footprints. This study characterized geographic access to parent and satellite NCI cancer center facilities nationally overall and by sociodemographics. Parent and satellite NCI cancer center facilities, which were geocoded in ArcGIS, were ascertained. Travel times from every census tract in the continental United States and Hawaii to the nearest parent and satellite facilities were calculated. Census-based population attributes were used to characterize measures of geographic access for sociodemographic groups. From the 62 NCI cancer centers providing clinical care in 2014, 76 unique parent locations and 211 satellite locations were mapped. The overall proportion of the population within 60 minutes of a facility was 22% for parent facilities and 32.7% for satellite facilities. When satellites were included for potential access, the proportion of some racial groups for which a satellite was the closest NCI cancer center facility increased notably (Native Americans, 22.6% with parent facilities and 39.7% with satellite facilities; whites, 34.8% with parent facilities and 50.3% with satellite facilities; and Asians, 40.0% with parent facilities and 54.0% with satellite facilities), with less marked increases for Hispanic and black populations. Rural populations of all categories had dramatically low proportions living within 60 minutes of an NCI cancer center facility of any type (1.0%-6.6%). Approximately 14% of the population (n = 43,033,310) lived more than 180 minutes from a parent or satellite facility, and most of these individuals were Native Americans and/or rural residents (37% of Native Americans and 41.7% of isolated rural residents). Racial/ethnic and rural populations showed markedly improved geographic access to NCI cancer center care when satellite facilities were included. Cancer 2017;123:3305-11. © 2017 American Cancer Society. © 2017 American

  12. Contact Us | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Program Contact Program Manager Anuradha Budhu, Ph.D. Program Manager, NCI CCR Liver Cancer Program Senior Associate Scientist, Liver Carcinogenesis Section Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis NCI Center for Cancer Research Tel: 240-760-6837

  13. Incidence of Minimally Invasive Colorectal Cancer Surgery at National Comprehensive Cancer Network Centers

    PubMed Central

    Yeo, Heather; Niland, Joyce; Milne, Dana; ter Veer, Anna; Bekaii-Saab, Tanios; Farma, Jeffrey M.; Lai, Lily; Skibber, John M.; Small, William; Wilkinson, Neal; Schrag, Deborah

    2015-01-01

    Background: Laparoscopic colectomy has been shown to have equivalent oncologic outcomes to open colectomy for the management of colon cancer, but its adoption nationally has been slow. This study investigates the prevalence and factors associated with laparoscopic colorectal resection at National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) centers. Methods: Data on patients undergoing surgery for colon and rectal cancer at NCCN centers from 2005 to 2010 were obtained from chart review of medical records for the NCCN Outcomes Project and included information on socioeconomic status, insurance coverage, comorbidity, and physician-reported Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status. Associations between receipt of minimally invasive surgery and patient and clinical variables were analyzed with univariate and multivariable logistic regression. All statistical tests were two-sided. Results: A total of 4032 patients, diagnosed between September 2005 and December 2010, underwent elective colon or rectal resection for cancer at NCCN centers. Median age of colon cancer patients was 62.6 years, and 49% were men. The percent of colon cancer patients treated with minimally invasive surgery (MIS) increased from 35% in 2006 to 51% in 2010 across all centers but varied statistically significantly between centers. On multivariable analysis, factors associated with minimally invasive surgery for colon cancer patients who had surgery at an NCCN institution were older age (P = .02), male sex (P = .006), fewer comorbidities (P ≤ .001), lower final T-stage (P < .001), median household income greater than or equal to $80000 (P < .001), ECOG performance status = 0 (P = .02), and NCCN institution (P ≤ .001). Conclusions: The use of MIS increased at NCCN centers. However, there was statistically significant variation in adoption of MIS technique among centers. PMID:25527640

  14. Postdoctoral Fellow | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    The Wolin laboratory has recently moved to the National Cancer Institute as part of a new initiative in RNA Biology. A fully funded postdoctoral position is available in the areas of noncoding RNA function, RNA surveillance pathways, and the mechanisms by which defects in RNA decay pathways contribute to diseases such as cancer and autoimmunity. We use mammalian cells and bacteria as complementary systems, and projects in both systems are available. Our group is part of the newly formed RNA Biology Laboratory in the Center for Cancer Research. We are part of the Center of Cancer Research’s RNA Initiative, which includes more than 50 laboratories evenly split between the Frederick and Bethesda campuses of the National Cancer Institute. The environment is highly collaborative and collegial, with the ability to interact with a wide range of scientists. The position is ideal for motivated candidates who are seeking additional training in RNA biology.

  15. The Population Burden of Cancer: Research Driven by the Catchment Area of a Cancer Center.

    PubMed

    Tai, Caroline G; Hiatt, Robert A

    2017-01-01

    Cancer centers, particularly those supported by the National Cancer Institute, are charged with reducing the cancer burden in their catchment area. However, methods to define both the catchment area and the cancer burden are diverse and range in complexity often based on data availability, staff resources, or confusion about what is required. This article presents a review of the current literature identifying 4 studies that have defined various aspects of the cancer burden in a defined geographical area and highlights examples of how some cancer centers and other health institutions have defined their catchment area and characterized the cancer burden within it. We then present a detailed case study of an approach applied by the University of California, San Francisco, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center to define its catchment area and its population cancer burden. We cite examples of how the Cancer Center research portfolio addresses the defined cancer burden. Our case study outlines a systematic approach to using publicly available data, such as cancer registry data, that are accessible by all cancer centers. By identifying gaps and formulating future research directions based on the needs of the population within the catchment area, epidemiologic studies and other types of cancer research can be directed to the population served. This review can help guide cancer centers in developing an approach to defining their own catchment area as mandated and applying research findings to this defined population. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  16. Secretary | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    We are looking for a pleasant, organized, dependable person to serve as a full-time secretary in the Basic Science Program (BSP) at the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research (FNCLR).  The BSP provides procurement and logistical support to the laboratories of the Center for Cancer Research.  Tasks include high volume procurement (blanket orders, purchase requests,

  17. Postdoctoral Fellow | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    The Women's Malignancies Branch (WMB), Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is seeking outstanding postdoctoral candidates interested in studying DNA repair and cell cycle pathways in the context of ovarian cancer and drug resistance. Our broad goal is to explore the molecular and cellular mechanisms of

  18. Senior Computational Scientist | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    The Basic Science Program (BSP) pursues independent, multidisciplinary research in basic and applied molecular biology, immunology, retrovirology, cancer biology, and human genetics. Research efforts and support are an integral part of the Center for Cancer Research (CCR) at the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research (FNLCR). The Cancer & Inflammation Program (CIP),

  19. Administrative Assistant | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Be part of our mission to support research against cancer. We are looking for an organized, detail oriented, dependable person with strong interpersonal skills to serve as an administrative assistant at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) on the campus of NIH. Work supports the implementation of the NIH Genomic Data Sharing Policy (GDS) in the NCI’s Center for Cancer Research

  20. NCI designated cancer center funding not influenced by organizational structure.

    PubMed

    Wolfe, Margaret E; Yagoda, Daniel; Thurman, Paul W; Luna, Jorge M; Figg, William Douglas

    2009-05-01

    National Cancer Institutes (NCI) designated cancer centers use one of three organizational structures. The hypothesis of this study is that there are differences in the amount of annual NCI funding per faculty member based on a cancer center's organizational structure. The study also considers the impact of secondary factors (i.e., the existence of a clinical program, the region and the size of the city in which the cancer center is located) on funding and the number of Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) investigators at each cancer center. Of the 63 cancer centers, 44 use a matrix structure, 16 have a freestanding structure, and three have a Department of Oncology structure. Kruskal-Wallis tests reveal no statistically significant differences in the amount of funding per faculty member or the number of HHMI investigators between centers with a matrix, freestanding or Department of Oncology structure. Online research and telephone interviews with each cancer center were used to gather information, including: organizational structure, the presence of a clinical program, the number of faculty members, and the number of Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigators. Statistical tests were used to assess the impact which organizational structure has on the amount of funding per faculty member and number of HHMI investigators. While the results seem to suggest that the organizational structure of a given cancer center does not impact the amount of NCI funding or number of HHMI investigators which it attracts, the existence of this relationship is likely masked by the small sample size in this study. Further studies may be appropriate to examine the effect organizational structure has on other measurements which are relevant to cancer centers, such as quality and quantity of research produced.

  1. Secretary | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    The Basic Science Program (BSP) pursues independent, multidisciplinary research programs in basic or applied molecular biology, immunology, retrovirology, cancer biology, or human genetics. Research efforts and support are an integral part of the Center for Cancer Research (CCR) at the Frederick national Laboratory for Cancer Research (FNLCR). The BSP Office provides procurement and logistical assistance in support of the research activities of the Center for Cancer Research.KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES The Secretary III will: Provide heavy-volume procurement support to a large customer base of laboratory staff, both Leidos Biomed and CCR (gov’t), using blanket orders, purchase requisitions, credit card, and online warehouse system Data entry into appropriate financial system component (CostPoint, Cor360), status checks on orders, maintenance of orders log, reconciliation of credit card transactions, maintenance of electronic filing systems Providing logistical support for the facilitation of travel packages (both pre-travel and post travel) for Leidos Biomed employees, as well as the coordination of seminar speakers and subsequent reimbursements Composing and answering emails/correspondence Communicating with all levels of personnel, both verbally and in writing, to gather and clearly convey information

  2. Growth of Integrative Medicine at Leading Cancer Centers Between 2009 and 2016: A Systematic Analysis of NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center Websites.

    PubMed

    Yun, Hyeongjun; Sun, Lingyun; Mao, Jun J

    2017-11-01

    Cancer centers have increasingly offered integrative medicine therapies in response to their patients' unmet needs. We evaluated the growth of integrative medicine in leading academic cancer centers in the United States as reflected by their public-facing websites. We performed a systematic review of 45 National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer center websites. Two researchers independently evaluated whether the websites provided information regarding integrative medicine modalities and, if so, whether the services were provided in the same health system. They compared the proportion of cancer centers providing the information on each modality in 2016 with the data from the prior study in 2009. The most common integrative medicine therapies mentioned on the 45 NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center websites were exercise (97.8%) and acupuncture and meditation (88.9% each), followed by yoga (86.7%), massage (84.4%), and music therapy (82.2%). The majority of the websites also provided information on nutrition (95.6%), dietary supplements (93.3%), and herbs (88.9%). The most common therapies offered in the health systems were acupuncture/massage (73.3% each), meditation/yoga (68.9% each), and consultations about nutrition (91.1%), dietary supplements (84.4%), and herbs (66.7%). Compared with 2009, there was a statistically significant increase in the number of websites mentioning acupuncture, dance therapy, healing touch, hypnosis, massage, meditation, Qigong, and yoga (all P < .05). Leading US cancer centers increasingly present integrative medicine content on their websites, and the majority of them provide these services to patients in the same health systems. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  3. Implementing Personalized Medicine in a Cancer Center

    PubMed Central

    Fenstermacher, David A.; Wenham, Robert M.; Rollison, Dana E.; Dalton, William S.

    2011-01-01

    In 2006, the Moffitt Cancer Center partnered with patients, community clinicians, industry, academia, and seventeen hospitals in the United States to begin a personalized cancer care initiative called Total Cancer Care™ . Total Cancer Care was designed to collect tumor specimens and clinical data throughout a patient’s lifetime with the goal of finding “the right treatment, for the right patient, at the right time.” Because Total Cancer Care is a partnership with the patient and involves collection of clinical data and tumor specimens for research purposes, a formal protocol and patient consent process was developed and an information technology platform was constructed to provide a robust “warehouse” for clinical and molecular profiling data. To date, over 76,000 cancer patients from Moffitt and consortium medical centers have been enrolled in the protocol. The TCC initiative has developed many of the capabilities and resources that are building the foundation of personalized medicine. PMID:22157297

  4. Postdoctoral Fellow | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    The Neuro-Oncology Branch (NOB), Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is seeking outstanding postdoctoral candidates interested in studying metabolic and cell signaling pathways in the context of brain cancers through construction of computational models amenable to formal computational analysis and simulation. The ability to closely collaborate with the modern metabolomics center developed at CCR provides a unique opportunity for a postdoctoral candidate with a strong theoretical background and interest in demonstrating the incredible potential of computational approaches to solve problems from scientific disciplines and improve lives. The candidate will be given the opportunity to both construct data-driven models, as well as biologically validate the models by demonstrating the ability to predict the effects of altering tumor metabolism in laboratory and clinical settings.

  5. Study characterizes how DNA-damaging anti-cancer drugs kill cancer cells | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Patients whose cancer cells express the SLFN11 protein are more likely to respond to DNA-damaging anti-cancer drugs than those whose cancer cells don’t express SLFN11. In a new study, Center for Cancer Research investigators show how these drugs recruit SLFN11 to block replication and kill cancer cells. Read more…

  6. Training Postbac JHU | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    The Johns Hopkins University and the Center for Cancer Research (CCR) at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) have partnered to create a new concentration in the Master of Science in Biotechnology program, called

  7. Secretary | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    We are looking for a pleasant, organized, dependable person to serve as a full-time secretary in the Basic Science Program (BSP) at the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research (FNCLR).  The BSP provides procurement and logistical support to the laboratories of the Center for Cancer Research.  Tasks include high volume procurement (blanket orders, purchase requests, credit card), sorting and distributing mail, travel coordination, and spending/budget monitoring. 

  8. Customizing Therapies for Lung Cancer | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in both men and women. Although there have been modest improvements in short-term survival over the last few decades, five-year survival rates for lung cancer remain low at only 16 percent. Treatment for lung cancer depends on the stage of the disease at diagnosis, but generally consists of some combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Increasing attention has been paid in recent years to customizing therapies based on the molecular characteristics of patients’ tumors. Some of these targeted regimens have already been integrated into the treatment arsenal for lung cancer and others are still being studied in clinical trials, including several being conducted by researchers at NCI’s Center for Cancer Research.

  9. Jung-Min Lee, M.D. | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Conducts early clinical trials targeting BRCA mutation-associated breast or ovarian cancer, epithelial ovarian cancer, and triple negative breast cancer at the National Cancer Institute, NIH Clinical Center.

  10. MBCP - Patients - Support Groups | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Support Groups Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN) – a community of advocates, survivors, medical and research professionals united in support of people touched by bladder cancer. American Bladder Cancer Society (ABCS) – ABCS features a bladder cancer forum, treatment center finder, blog, and more . . .

  11. UNC Cancer Center Director to Lead NCI.

    PubMed

    2017-08-01

    President Donald Trump has selected Norman "Ned" Sharpless, MD, director of the University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, to lead the NCI. The news was met with widespread approval among cancer researchers, who view Sharpless as a strong communicator who can ably represent the needs of the cancer community in the face of proposed funding cuts. ©2017 American Association for Cancer Research.

  12. Postdoctoral Fellow | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    The Neuro-Oncology Branch (NOB), Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is seeking outstanding postdoctoral candidates interested in studying the metabolic changes in brain tumors such as glioblastoma multiforme (GBMs).  NOB’s Metabolomics program is interested in revealing the metabolic alterations of

  13. Postdoctoral Fellow | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    A postdoctoral research position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Natasha Caplen in the Genetics Branch, National Cancer Institute, Center for Cancer Research. Dr. Caplen’s Laboratory conducts multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary research that uses RNAi and other DNA or RNA-based functional genomic technologies to interrogate specific aspects of the genetic,

  14. Culturally Competent Care for Sexual and Gender Minority Patients at National Cancer Institute-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers

    PubMed Central

    Wheldon, Christopher W.; Schabath, Matthew B.; Hudson, Janella; Bowman Curci, Meghan; Kanetsky, Peter A.; Vadaparampil, Susan T.; Simmons, Vani N.; Sanchez, Julian A.; Sutton, Steven K.

    2018-01-01

    Abstract Purpose: This study sought to identify the policies and guidelines regarding culturally competent care of sexual and gender minority (SGM) cancer patients and survivors at National Cancer Institute (NCI)-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers. Methods: This study used an in-depth interview qualitative approach. Semistructured interviews were conducted via telephone with representatives from 21 of the 45 NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in 2015. Verbatim transcripts were created from the audiotapes for content analysis. Results: Two main themes were identified as follows: (1) patient-focused experiences and support and (2) organization-focused development activities. Most of the cancer centers in this study had an advisory committee to assist with SGM policies and guidelines. Despite the existence of these committees, the majority of centers did not have explicit policies, guidelines, or routine practices addressing the following issues: the collection and integration of sexual orientation and gender identity information in the medical record, gender-neutral language on patient forms, patient educational materials with SGM-specific health concerns, SGM-specific support for cancer survivors, or required SGM-specific cultural competency trainings for medical and nonmedical staff. Conclusion: In general, the cancer centers in this study lacked institutional policies, guidelines, and practices focused on patient-centered cancer care for SGM populations. Coordinated efforts are needed to systemically improve patient-centered cancer care for these populations. PMID:29641317

  15. Breast reconstruction after mastectomy at a comprehensive cancer center.

    PubMed

    Connors, Shahnjayla K; Goodman, Melody S; Myckatyn, Terence; Margenthaler, Julie; Gehlert, Sarah

    2016-01-01

    Breast reconstruction after mastectomy is an integral part of breast cancer treatment that positively impacts quality of life in breast cancer survivors. Although breast reconstruction rates have increased over time, African American women remain less likely to receive breast reconstruction compared to Caucasian women. National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers, specialized institutions with more standardized models of cancer treatment, report higher breast reconstruction rates than primary healthcare facilities. Whether breast reconstruction disparities are reduced for women treated at comprehensive cancer centers is unclear. The purpose of this study was to further investigate breast reconstruction rates and determinants at a comprehensive cancer center in St. Louis, Missouri. Sociodemographic and clinical data were obtained for women who received mastectomy for definitive surgical treatment for breast cancer between 2000 and 2012. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with the receipt of breast reconstruction. We found a breast reconstruction rate of 54 % for the study sample. Women who were aged 55 and older, had public insurance, received unilateral mastectomy, and received adjuvant radiation therapy were significantly less likely to receive breast reconstruction. African American women were 30 % less likely to receive breast reconstruction than Caucasian women. These findings suggest that racial disparities in breast reconstruction persist in comprehensive cancer centers. Future research should further delineate the determinants of breast reconstruction disparities across various types of healthcare institutions. Only then can we develop interventions to ensure all eligible women have access to breast reconstruction and the improved quality of life it affords breast cancer survivors.

  16. About BTTC | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    About Combined Forces Drive BTTC The Brain Tumor Trials Collaborative (BTTC) was created in 2003 - a combined effort of many professionals, entities and organizations to help those suffering from brain tumors. The National Cancer Institute's (NCI) Center for Cancer Research serves as the lead institution and provides the administrative infrastructure, clinical database and

  17. Postdoctoral Fellow | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    The Lipkowitz lab in the Women's Malignancies Branch (WMB), Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is seeking outstanding postdoctoral candidates interested in studying the structure and function of Cbl proteins as negative regulators of signaling. Our broad goal is to explore the molecular and cellular

  18. Veterinary Oncologist | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    The NCI is implementing a program intended to connect and closely coordinate the Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis’ (DCTD’s) immunotherapeutics and other drug development activities with the translational oriented clinical trials of the Center for Cancer Research’s (CCR’s) Comparative Oncology Program (COP), especially the treatment of dogs with natural occurring

  19. Staff Clinician | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    The Neuro-Oncology Branch (NOB), Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH) is seeking staff clinicians to provide high-quality patient care for individuals with primary central nervous system (CNS) malignancies.  The NOB is comprised of a multidisciplinary team of physicians, healthcare providers, and scientists who

  20. Quality of prostate cancer screening information on the websites of nationally recognized cancer centers and health organizations.

    PubMed

    Manole, Bogdan-Alexandru; Wakefield, Daniel V; Dove, Austin P; Dulaney, Caleb R; Marcrom, Samuel R; Schwartz, David L; Farmer, Michael R

    2017-12-24

    The purpose of this study was to survey the accessibility and quality of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening information from National Cancer Institute (NCI) cancer center and public health organization Web sites. We surveyed the December 1, 2016, version of all 63 NCI-designated cancer center public Web sites and 5 major online clearinghouses from allied public/private organizations (cancer.gov, cancer.org, PCF.org, USPSTF.org, and CDC.gov). Web sites were analyzed according to a 50-item list of validated health care information quality measures. Web sites were graded by 2 blinded reviewers. Interrater agreement was confirmed by Cohen kappa coefficient. Ninety percent of Web sites addressed PSA screening. Cancer center sites covered 45% of topics surveyed, whereas organization Web sites addressed 70%. All organizational Web pages addressed the possibility of false-positive screening results; 41% of cancer center Web pages did not. Forty percent of cancer center Web pages also did not discuss next steps if a PSA test was positive. Only 6% of cancer center Web pages were rated by our reviewers as "superior" (eg, addressing >75% of the surveyed topics) versus 20% of organizational Web pages. Interrater agreement between our reviewers was high (kappa coefficient = 0.602). NCI-designated cancer center Web sites publish lower quality public information about PSA screening than sites run by major allied organizations. Nonetheless, information and communication deficiencies were observed across all surveyed sites. In an age of increasing patient consumerism, prospective prostate cancer patients would benefit from improved online PSA screening information from provider and advocacy organizations. Validated cancer patient Web educational standards remain an important, understudied priority. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  1. Postdoctoral Fellow | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to study alterations in mitochondria metabolism during tumor formation. Our lab is within the Center for Cancer Research (CCR) of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), which is embedded in the vibrant research community of the NIH’s main campus in Bethesda, Maryland. Our major goal is to identify novel molecular mechanisms that control

  2. About BTTC | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    About Combined Forces Drive BTTC The Brain Tumor Trials Collaborative (BTTC) was created in 2003 - a combined effort of many professionals, entities and organizations to help those suffering from brain tumors. The National Cancer Institute's (NCI) Center for Cancer Research serves as the lead institution and provides the administrative infrastructure, clinical database and oversight for the collaborative.

  3. Program Spotlight: Dana Farber/Harvard Cancer Center Partnership Receives $8 Million Grant

    Cancer.gov

    The UMass Boston and Dana Farber/Harvard Cancer Center PACHE Partnership received a grant to start-up a Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy on the UMass Boston campus. The center is deigned to train underrepresented students to work in cancer research.

  4. Immunology Timeline | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    CCR: A History of Advancing the Field of Immunology The Center for Cancer Research has been at the forefront in the field of immunology and immunotherapy for decades. Our scientists have made seminal findings that have opened doors to new research areas and treatment approaches for cancer patients. Explore our rich history at the cutting edge of research towards understanding

  5. A PET imaging agent for evaluating PARP-1 expression in ovarian cancer.

    PubMed

    Makvandi, Mehran; Pantel, Austin; Schwartz, Lauren; Schubert, Erin; Xu, Kuiying; Hsieh, Chia-Ju; Hou, Catherine; Kim, Hyoung; Weng, Chi-Chang; Winters, Harrison; Doot, Robert; Farwell, Michael D; Pryma, Daniel A; Greenberg, Roger A; Mankoff, David A; Simpkins, Fiona; Mach, Robert H; Lin, Lilie L

    2018-05-01

    Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors are effective in a broad population of patients with ovarian cancer; however, resistance caused by low enzyme expression of the drug target PARP-1 remains to be clinically evaluated in this context. We hypothesize that PARP-1 expression is variable in ovarian cancer and can be quantified in primary and metastatic disease using a novel PET imaging agent. We used a translational approach to describe the significance of PET imaging of PARP-1 in ovarian cancer. First, we produced PARP1-KO ovarian cancer cell lines using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to test the loss of PARP-1 as a resistance mechanism to all clinically used PARP inhibitors. Next, we performed preclinical microPET imaging studies using ovarian cancer patient-derived xenografts in mouse models. Finally, in a phase I PET imaging clinical trial we explored PET imaging as a regional marker of PARP-1 expression in primary and metastatic disease through correlative tissue histology. We found that deletion of PARP1 causes resistance to all PARP inhibitors in vitro, and microPET imaging provides proof of concept as an approach to quantify PARP-1 in vivo. Clinically, we observed a spectrum of standard uptake values (SUVs) ranging from 2-12 for PARP-1 in tumors. In addition, we found a positive correlation between PET SUVs and fluorescent immunohistochemistry for PARP-1 (r2 = 0.60). This work confirms the translational potential of a PARP-1 PET imaging agent and supports future clinical trials to test PARP-1 expression as a method to stratify patients for PARP inhibitor therapy. Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02637934. Research reported in this publication was supported by the Department of Defense OC160269, a Basser Center team science grant, NIH National Cancer Institute R01CA174904, a Department of Energy training grant DE-SC0012476, Abramson Cancer Center Radiation Oncology pilot grants, the Marsha Rivkin Foundation, Kaleidoscope of Hope Foundation, and Paul Calabresi K12

  6. Feasibility of Linking Population-Based Cancer Registries and Cancer Center Biorepositories

    PubMed Central

    McCusker, Margaret E.; Allen, Mark; Fernandez-Ami, Allyn; Gandour-Edwards, Regina

    2012-01-01

    Purpose: Biospecimen-based research offers tremendous promise as a way to increase understanding of the molecular epidemiology of cancers. Population-based cancer registries can augment this research by providing more clinical detail and long-term follow-up information than is typically available from biospecimen annotations. In order to demonstrate the feasibility of this concept, we performed a pilot linkage between the California Cancer Registry (CCR) and the University of California, Davis Cancer Center Biorepository (UCD CCB) databases to determine if we could identify patients with records in both databases. Methods: We performed a probabilistic data linkage between 2180 UCD CCB biospecimen records collected during the years 2005–2009 and all CCR records for cancers diagnosed from 1988–2009 based on standard data linkage procedures. Results: The 1040 UCD records with a unique medical record number, tissue site, and pathology date were linked to 3.3 million CCR records. Of these, 844 (81.2%) were identified in both databases. Overall, record matches were highest (100%) for cancers of the cervix and testis/other male genital system organs. For the most common cancers, matches were highest for cancers of the lung and respiratory system (93%), breast (91.7%), and colon and rectum (89.5%), and lower for prostate (72.9%). Conclusions: This pilot linkage demonstrated that information on existing biospecimens from a cancer center biorepository can be linked successfully to cancer registry data. Linkages between existing biorepositories and cancer registries can foster productive collaborations and provide a foundation for virtual biorepository networks to support population-based biospecimen research. PMID:24845042

  7. Molecules discovered that block cancer-associated microRNAs | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Investigators from the Center for Cancer Research have identified a new class of compounds that block the action of a microRNA associated with the development of human cancers, cardiovascular diseases and immune disorders.  Read more...

  8. Quality assessments for cancer centers in the European Union.

    PubMed

    Wind, Anke; Rajan, Abinaya; van Harten, Wim H

    2016-09-07

    Cancer centers are pressured to deliver high-quality services that can be measured and improved, which has led to an increase of assessments in many countries. A critical area of quality improvement is to improve patient outcome. An overview of existing assessments can help stakeholders (e.g., healthcare professionals, managers and policy makers) improve the quality of cancer research and care and lead to patient benefits. This paper presents key aspects of assessments undertaken by European cancer centers, such as: are assessments mandatory or voluntary? Do they focus on evaluating research, care or both? And are they international or national? A survey was sent to 33 cancer centers in 28 European Union member states. Participants were asked to score the specifics for each assessment that they listed. Based on the responses from 19 cancer centers from 18 member states, we found 109 assessments. The numbers have steadily increased from 1990's till 2015. Although, a majority of assessments are on patient-care aspects (n = 45), it is unclear how many of those include assessing patient benefits. Only few assessments cover basic research. There is an increasing trend towards mixed assessments (i.e., combining research and patient-care aspects) The need for assessments in cancer centers is increasing. To improve efforts in the quality of research and patient care and to prevent new assessments that "reinvent the wheel", it is advised to start comparative research into the assessments that are likely to bring patient benefits and improve patient outcome. Do assessments provide consistent and reliable information that create added value for all key stakeholders?

  9. New targets for immunotherapy-based treatment of HPV-related cancers | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Scientists at the Center for Cancer Research and three other cancer research institutions show that immunotherapy treatments that resulted in complete regression of metastatic cervical cancer largely targeted two non-viral antigens. Read more…  

  10. Outcome of 1000 liver cancer patients evaluated at the UPMC Liver Cancer Center.

    PubMed

    Geller, David A; Tsung, Allan; Marsh, J Wallis; Dvorchik, Igor; Gamblin, T Clark; Carr, Brian I

    2006-01-01

    We evaluated 1000 consecutive patients with liver tumors at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Liver Cancer Center over the 4-year period from August 2000 to August 2004. Of the 1000 patients seen, 573 had primary liver cancer and 427 had metastatic cancer to the liver. The mean age of the patients evaluated was 62.2 years, and 61% were male. Treatment consisted of a liver surgical procedure (resection or radiofrequency ablation) in 369 cases (36.9%), hepatic intra-arterial regional therapy (transarterial chemoembolization or (90)yttrium microspheres) in 524 cases (52.4%), systemic chemotherapy in 35 cases (3.5%), and palliative care in 72 patients (7.2%). For treated patients, median survival was 884 days for those undergoing resection/radiofrequency ablation, compared to 295 days with regional therapy. These data indicate that over 90% of patients with liver cancer evaluated at a tertiary referral center can be offered some form of therapy. Survival rates are superior with a liver resection or ablation procedure, which is likely consistent with selection bias. Hepatocellular carcinoma was the most common tumor seen due to referral pattern and screening of hepatitis patients at a major liver transplant center. The most common reason for offering palliative care was hepatic insufficiency usually associated with cirrhosis.

  11. Translational Partnership Development Lead | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research (FNLCR) is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center operated by Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc on behalf of the National Cancer Institute (NCI). The staff of FNLCR support the NCI’s mission in the fight against cancer and HIV/AIDS. Currently we are seeking a Translational Partnership

  12. Tenure Track/Tenure Eligible Positions | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    The newly established RNA Biology Laboratory at the Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Frederick, Maryland is recruiting Tenure-eligible or Tenure Track Investigators to join the Intramural Research Program’s mission of high impact, high reward science. These positions, which are supported with stable financial resources, are the equivalent of Assistant Professor/Associate Professor/Professor in an academic department. The RNA Biology Laboratory is looking for candidate(s) who will complement our current group of seven dynamic and collaborative principal investigators (https://ccr.cancer.gov/RNA-Biology-Laboratory). We encourage outstanding scientists investigating any area of RNA Biology to apply. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to, the roles of RNA-binding proteins, noncoding RNAs and nucleotide modifications in cell and organismal function; the ways in which alterations in RNA homeostasis resul  t in diseases such as cancer, and the development of RNA therapeutics. About NCI's Center for Cancer Research The Center for Cancer Research (CCR) is an intramural research component of the National Cancer Institute (NCI). CCR’s enabling infrastructure facilitates clinical studies at the NIH Clinical Center, the world’s largest dedicated clinical research complex; provides extensive opportunities for collaboration; and allows scientists and clinicians to undertake high-impact laboratory- and clinic-based investigations.  Investigators are supported by a wide array of intellectual and technological and research resources, including animal facilities and dedicated, high quality technology cores in areas such as imaging/microscopy, including cryo-electron microscopy; chemistry/purification, mass spectrometry, flow cytometry, SAXS, genomics/DNA sequencing, transgenics and knock out mice, arrays/molecular profiling, and human genetics/bioinformatics.  For an overview of CCR, please

  13. Physician Assistant | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    We are looking for a Physician Assistant to join our clinical team to help us provide continuity of care for patients enrolled in clinical trials. Duties include, but are not limited to, participating in clinical rounds and conferences, performing comprehensive health care assessments and examinations, and supporting inpatient and outpatient care of subjects enrolled in clinical trials.  Be part of our mission to solve the most important, challenging and neglected problems in modern cancer research and patient care.  The National Cancer Institute’s Center for Cancer Research is a world-leading cancer research organization working toward scientific breakthroughs at medicine’s cutting edge.   Our scientists can’t do it alone. It takes an extraordinary team of researchers, clinical experts and administrators to improve the lives of cancer patients and answer the most important questions in cancer biology and treatment.

  14. Research Nurse | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    We are looking for a Research Nurse (Accrual Site Coordinator) to join our neuro-oncology clinical team to help us provide administrative and coordination support for the Brain Tumor Trials Collaborative (BTTC). Duties include, but are not limited to, monitoring and overseeing activities pertaining to clinical protocols and administrative operations supporting the BTTC, with limited interaction with study participants.  Be part of our mission to solve the most important, challenging and neglected problems in modern cancer research and patient care. The National Cancer Institute’s Center for Cancer Research is a world-leading cancer research organization working toward scientific breakthroughs at medicine’s cutting edge. Our scientists can’t do it alone. It takes an extraordinary team of researchers, clinical experts and administrators to improve the lives of cancer patients and answer the most important questions in cancer biology and treatment.

  15. Tenure Track Investigator | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    The Neuro-Oncology Branch (NOB), Center for Cancer Research (CCR) of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Bethesda, MD, is actively recruiting for a tenure-track principal investigator to work in the area of immunology and/or immunotherapy.  The NOB Immunology/Immunotherapy Investigator will be

  16. Scientist, Single Cell Analysis Facility | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    The Cancer Research Technology Program (CRTP) develops and implements emerging technology, cancer biology expertise and research capabilities to accomplish NCI research objectives.  The CRTP is an outward-facing, multi-disciplinary hub purposed to enable the external cancer research community and provides dedicated support to NCI’s intramural Center for Cancer Research (CCR). 

  17. Scientists repurpose HPV vaccine technology to fight eye cancer | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Uveal melanoma is a rare eye cancer that affects about 1,600 people in the United States. A study by scientists in the Center for Cancer Research and Aura Biosciences, Cambridge, Mass., published December 14, 2017, in Molecular Cancer Therapeutics, provides new hope for the early treatment of uveal melanoma. Read more…

  18. University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center: Systematic Functional Annotation of Somatic Mutations in Cancer | Office of Cancer Genomics

    Cancer.gov

    The CTD2 Center at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center utilized a functional annotation of mutations and fusions found in human cancers using two cell models, Ba/F3 (murine pro-B suspension cells) and MCF10A (human non-tumorigenic mammary epithelial cells). Read the abstract

  19. Impact of pharmacist interventions on cost avoidance in an ambulatory cancer center.

    PubMed

    Randolph, Laura A; Walker, Cheri K; Nguyen, Ann T; Zachariah, Subi R

    2018-01-01

    Objective To provide a foundation to justify the presence of a full-time clinical pharmacist in the ambulatory cancer center in addition to an existing centralized pharmacist through cost avoidance calculation and patient and staff satisfaction surveys. Methods The prospective, pilot study took place in an ambulatory cancer center over four weeks in 2014. Cost avoidance values were assigned to interventions performed by a pharmacy resident, who was present in the ambulatory cancer center during clinic hours, along with a centralized oncology pharmacist routinely working with the cancer center. Anonymous patient and staff satisfaction surveys based on a 5-point Likert scale were distributed to assess the perceived benefit of a pharmacist located in the ambulatory cancer center. Results Data collection took place over approximately one month. After evaluation of 962 interventions from both pharmacists, the estimated cost avoidance was US$282,741 per pharmacist per year, yielding a net benefit of US$138,441. The most common interventions made by the resident included chemotherapy regimen review (n = 290, 69%) and patient counseling (n = 102, 24%), while the majority of the centralized pharmacist's interventions was chemotherapy regimen review (n = 525, 97%). Results from the anonymous patient and staff surveys revealed an overall positive perception of the pharmacy resident while in the ambulatory cancer center. Conclusion A full-time clinical pharmacist in an ambulatory cancer center is both financially beneficial and positively perceived by patients and staff.

  20. Failure of evidence-based cancer care in the United States: the association between rectal cancer treatment, cancer center volume, and geography.

    PubMed

    Monson, John R T; Probst, Christian P; Wexner, Steven D; Remzi, Feza H; Fleshman, James W; Garcia-Aguilar, Julio; Chang, George J; Dietz, David W

    2014-10-01

    This study examines recent adherence to recommended neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy guidelines for patients with rectal cancer across geographic regions and institution volume and assesses trends over time. A recent report by the Institute of Medicine described US cancer care as chaotic. Cited deficiencies included wide variation in adherence to evidence-based guidelines even where clear consensus exists. Patients operated on for clinical stage II and III rectal cancer were selected from the 2006-2011 National Cancer Data Base. Multivariable logistic regressions were used to assess variation in chemotherapy and radiation use by cancer center type, geographical location, and hospital volume. The analysis controlled for patient age at diagnosis, sex, race/ethnicity, primary payer, average household income, average education, urban/rural classification of patient residence, comorbidity, and oncologic stage. There were 30,994 patients who met the inclusion criteria. Use of neoadjuvant radiation therapy and chemotherapy varied significantly by type of cancer center. The highest rates of adherence were observed in high-volume centers compared with low-volume centers (78% vs 69%; adjusted odds ratio = 1.46; P < 0.001). This variation is mirrored by hospital geographic location. Primary payer and year of diagnosis were not predictive of rates of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Adherence to evidence-based treatment guidelines in rectal cancer is suboptimal in the United States, with significant differences based on hospital volume and geographic regions. Little improvement has occurred in the last 5 years. These results support the implementation of standardized care pathways and a Centers of Excellence program for US patients with rectal cancer.

  1. Introduction | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Introduction In order to meet increasing demands from both NIH intramural and extramural communities for access to a small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) resource, the Center for Cancer Research (CCR) under the leadership of Jeffrey Strathern and Bob Wiltrout established a partnership user program (PUP) with the Argonne National Laboratory Photon Source in October 2008.

  2. Socioeconomic disparities in head and neck cancer patients' access to cancer treatment centers.

    PubMed

    Walker, Blake Byron; Schuurman, Nadine; Auluck, Ajit; Lear, Scott A; Rosin, Miriam

    2017-01-01

    Both socioeconomic status and travel time to cancer treatment have been associated with treatment choice and patient outcomes. An improved understanding of the relationship between these two dimensions of access may enable cancer control experts to better target patients with poor access, particularly in isolated suburban and rural communities. Using geographical information systems, head and neck cancer patients across British Columbia, Canada from 1981 to 2009, were mapped and their travel times to the nearest treatment center at their time of diagnosis were modelled. Patients' travel times were analysed by urban, suburban, and rural neighborhood types and an index of multiple socioeconomic deprivation was used to assess the role of socioeconomic status in patients' spatial access. Significant associations between socioeconomic deprivation and spatial access to treatment were identified, with the most deprived quintiles of patients experiencing nearly twice the travel time as the least deprived quintile. The sharpest disparities were observed among the most deprived patient populations in suburban and rural areas. However, the establishment of new treatment centers has decreased overall travel times by 28% in recent decades. Residence in a neighborhood with high socioeconomic deprivation is strongly associated with head and neck cancer patients' spatial access to cancer treatment centers. Patients residing in the most socioeconomically deprived neighborhoods consistently have longer travel times in urban, suburban, and rural communities in the study area.

  3. Patient Care Coordinator | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    We are looking for a Patient Care Coordinator to join our clinical team to help us coordinate care for patients enrolled on our clinical research protocols. Duties include scheduling appointments, coordinating new patients, obtaining patient records, attending weekly clinic meetings, and data base entry. Be part of our mission to solve the most important, challenging and neglected problems in modern cancer research and patient care.  The National Cancer Institute’s Center for Cancer Research is a world-leading cancer research organization working toward scientific breakthroughs at medicine’s cutting edge.   Our scientists can’t do it alone. It takes an extraordinary team of researchers, clinical experts and administrators to improve the lives of cancer patients and answer the most important questions in cancer biology and treatment.

  4. Centering prayer for women receiving chemotherapy for recurrent ovarian cancer: a pilot study.

    PubMed

    Johnson, Mary E; Dose, Ann M; Pipe, Teri Britt; Petersen, Wesley O; Huschka, Mashele; Gallenberg, Mary M; Peethambaram, Prema; Sloan, Jeff; Frost, Marlene H

    2009-07-01

    To explore the feasibility of implementing centering prayer in chemotherapy treatment and assess its influence on mood, spiritual well-being, and quality of life in women with recurrent ovarian cancer. Descriptive pilot study. Outpatient chemotherapy treatment suite in a large cancer center in the midwestern United States. A convenience sample of 10 women receiving outpatient chemotherapy for recurrent ovarian cancer. A centering prayer teacher led participants through three one-hour sessions over nine weeks. Data were collected prior to the first session, at the conclusion of the final session, and at three and six months after the final session. Feasibility and influence of centering prayer on mood, spiritual well-being, and quality of life. Most participants identified centering prayer as beneficial. Emotional well-being, anxiety, depression, and faith scores showed improvement. Centering prayer can potentially benefit women with recurrent ovarian cancer. Additional research is needed to assess its feasibility and effectiveness. Nurses may promote or suggest centering prayer as a feasible intervention for the psychological and spiritual adjustment of patients with recurrent ovarian cancer.

  5. What Are Cancer Centers Advertising to the Public? A Content Analysis

    PubMed Central

    Vater, Laura B.; Donohue, Julie M.; Arnold, Robert; White, Douglas B; Chu, Edward; Schenker, Yael

    2015-01-01

    Background Although critics have expressed concerns about cancer center advertising, the content of these advertisements has not been analyzed. Objective To characterize the informational and emotional content of cancer center advertisements. Design Systematic analysis of all cancer center advertisements in top U.S. consumer magazines (N=269) and television networks (N=44) in 2012. Measurements Using a standardized codebook, we assessed (1) types of clinical services promoted; (2) information provided about clinical services, including risks, benefits, and costs; (3) use of emotional advertising appeals; and (4) use of patient testimonials. Two investigators independently coded advertisements using ATLAS.ti. Kappa values ranged from 0.77 to 1.0. Results A total of 102 cancer centers placed 409 unique clinical advertisements in top media markets in 2012. Advertisements promoted treatments (88%) more often than screening (18%) or supportive services (13%; p<0.001). Benefits of advertised therapies were described more often than risks (27% vs. 2%; p<0.001) but rarely quantified (2%). Few advertisements mentioned insurance coverage or costs (5%). Emotional appeals were frequent (85%), most often evoking hope for survival (61%), describing cancer treatment as a fight or battle (41%), and evoking fear (30%). Nearly half of advertisements included patient testimonials, usually focused on survival or cure. Testimonials rarely included disclaimers (15%) and never described the results a typical patient might expect. Limitations Internet advertisements were not included. Conclusions Clinical advertisements by cancer centers frequently promote cancer therapy using emotional appeals that evoke hope and fear while rarely providing information about risks, benefits, or costs. Further work is needed to understand how these advertisements influence patient understanding and expectations of benefit from cancer treatments. PMID:24863081

  6. Electron Microscopy-Data Analysis Specialist | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The Cancer Research Technology Program (CRTP) develops and implements emerging technology, cancer biology expertise and research capabilities to accomplish NCI research objectives.  The CRTP is an outward-facing, multi-disciplinary hub purposed to enable the external cancer research community and provides dedicated support to NCI’s intramural Center for

  7. Tenure Track/Tenure Eligible Positions | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    The newly established Cancer Data Science Laboratory (CDSL), Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), in Bethesda, Maryland is recruiting Tenure-eligible or Tenure Track Investigators to join the Intramural Research Program’s mission of high-impact, high reward science. These positions, which are supported with

  8. University of Kansas Medical center Cancer Research Equipment Award Type: Construction Grant

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Caldwell, Jamie

    A major mechanism to strengthen the overall cancer focus of KUCC and expand specific research programs is through targeted recruitment of additional cancer researchers to increase the national and international status of the Cancer Center, enhance the number of NCI/cancer-related grants, fill critical research needs, and enable new collaborative projects. Over the last five years KUCC has demonstrated the ability to recruit nationally recognized basic, translational and clinical scientists to fill key leadership positions and strengthen our research programs. These researchers require new and renovated research facilities require state-of-the-art laboratory equipment. This includes standard equipment for the renovated laboratories andmore » more specialized equipment as part of new investigator start-up packages. This funding is used to support recruitment, facilities, equipment, shared resources, administration, and patient care services. KUCC is committed to recruiting additional cancer researchers to increase the national and international status of the Cancer Center, enhance the number of NCI/cancer-related grants, fill critical research positions and build the four cancer research programs. Each purposeful hire aims to further the scientific vision, mission, and goals of the Cancer Center research programs. The funds requested will be used to supplement the recruitment packages of future cancer center recruits primarily through purchase of key equipment items.« less

  9. Disparities in Geographic Accessibility of National Cancer Institute Cancer Centers in the United States.

    PubMed

    Xu, Yanqing; Fu, Cong; Onega, Tracy; Shi, Xun; Wang, Fahui

    2017-11-11

    The National Cancer Institute (NCI) Cancer Centers form the backbone of the cancer care system in the United States since their inception in the early 1970s. Most studies on their geographic accessibility used primitive measures, and did not examine the disparities across urbanicity or demographic groups. This research uses an advanced accessibility method, termed "2-step floating catchment area (2SFCA)" and implemented in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), to capture the degree of geographic access to NCI Cancer Centers by accounting for competition intensity for the services and travel time between residents and the facilities. The results indicate that urban advantage is pronounced as the average accessibility is highest in large central metro areas, declines to large fringe metro, medium metro, small metro, micropolitan and noncore rural areas. Population under the poverty line are disproportionally concentrated in lower accessibility areas. However, on average Non-Hispanic White have the lowest geographic accessibility, followed by Hispanic, Non-Hispanic Black and Asian, and the differences are statistically significant. The "reversed racial disadvantage" in NCI Cancer Center accessibility seems counterintuitive but is consistent with an influential prior study; and it is in contrast to the common observation of co-location of concentration of minority groups and people under the poverty line.

  10. Symptomatic improvement reported after receiving Reiki at a cancer infusion center.

    PubMed

    Marcus, Dawn A; Blazek-O'Neill, Betsy; Kopar, Jennifer L

    2013-03-01

    To evaluate patient-perceived benefits from receiving Reiki at a cancer infusion center. During a 6-month period, adults at a university hospital receiving Reiki through volunteer services were invited to complete a survey asking about perceived changes after Reiki. Changes in pain, mood, distress, sleep, and appetite were rated on a 5-point scale from no benefit to great benefit. Surveys were distributed after completing treatment and were returned in postage-paid envelops. A total of 145 surveys were completed (34.5% response rate), with 47 participants seen in the cancer infusion center and 98 in other areas of the hospital. Reiki was rated as a positive experience by 94% at the cancer center and 93% of others, with 92% at the cancer center and 86% of others interested in receiving additional Reiki sessions. Symptomatic improvement was similar for people at the cancer center and others, respectively, with much to great improvement for 89% and 86% for relaxation, 75% and 75% for anxiety/worry, 81% and 78% for improved mood, 43% and 35% for improved sleep, 45% and 49% for reduced pain, 38% and 43% for reduced isolation/loneliness, 75% and 63% for improved attitude, and 30% and 30% for improved appetite. Response was unaffected by previous exposure to Reiki, massage, or other touch therapy. Reiki results in a broad range of symptomatic benefits, including improvements in common cancer-related symptoms.

  11. Patient Care Coordinator | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    We are looking for a Patient Care Coordinator to join our thoracic and gastrointestinal oncology clinical team to help us coordinate care for patients enrolled on our clinical research protocols. Duties include scheduling appointments, coordinating new patients, obtaining patient records, attending weekly clinic meetings, and data base entry.  Be part of our mission to solve the most important, challenging and neglected problems in modern cancer research and patient care.  The National Cancer Institute’s Center for Cancer Research is a world-leading cancer research organization working toward scientific breakthroughs at medicine’s cutting edge.  Our scientists can’t do it alone. It takes an extraordinary team of researchers, clinical experts and administrators to improve the lives of cancer patients and answer the most important questions in cancer biology and treatment.

  12. Center for Cancer Research plays key role in first FDA-approved drug for treatment of Merkel cell carcinoma | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    The Center for Cancer Research’s ability to rapidly deploy integrated basic and clinical research teams at a single site facilitated the rapid FDA approval of the immunotherapy drug avelumab for metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare, aggressive form of skin cancer. Learn more...  

  13. Strategic performance evaluation in cancer centers.

    PubMed

    Delgado, Rigoberto I; Langabeer, James R

    2009-01-01

    Most research in healthcare strategy has focused on formulating or implementing organizational plans and strategies, and little attention has been dedicated to the post-implementation control and evaluation of strategy, which we contend is the most critical aspect of achieving organizational goals. The objective of this study was to identify strategic control approaches used by major cancer centers in the country and to relate these practices to financial performance. Our intent was to expand the theory and practice of healthcare strategy to focused services, such as oncology. We designed a 17-question survey to capture elements of strategy and performance from our study sample, which comprised major cancer hospitals in the United States and shared similar mandates and resource constraints. The results suggest that high-performing cancer centers use more sophisticated analytical approaches, invest greater financial resources in performance analysis, and conduct more frequent performance reviews than do low-performing organizations. Our conclusions point to the need for a more robust approach to strategic assessment. In this article, we offer a number of recommendations for management to achieve strategic plans and goals on the basis of our research. To our knowledge, this study is one of the first to concentrate on the area of strategic control.

  14. [Initial clinical experience of proton therapy at Shizuoka Cancer Center].

    PubMed

    Murayama, Shigeyuki; Fuji, Hiroshi; Yamashita, Haruo; Futami, Yasuyuki; Numano, Masumi; Harada, Hideyuki; Kamata, Minoru; Nishimura, Tetsuo

    2005-10-01

    To present the initial experience and preliminary clinical results of patients treated mainly with proton irradiation at the newly developed proton therapy facility at Shizuoka Cancer Center. We reviewed 125 patients who underwent proton therapy between July 2003 and December 2004. Of these 125 patients, 11 had head and neck malignancies, 15 non-small cell lung cancers, 22 hepatocellular carcinomas, 62 prostate cancers, and 15 other malignant tumors. Most patients experienced Grade 0-1 acute morbidities (NCI-CTC) in skin or mucosa, while a temporary Grade 2-3 reaction was observed in a high dose area. Response rates were 73% for H & N malignancies, 100% for NSCLC, and 77% for HCC. PSA evaluation for patients with prostate cancer revealed a high rate of complete response. The efficacy and safety of proton therapy at Shizuoka Cancer Center was demonstrated for patients with early-stage cancer or locally advanced disease.

  15. Clinical Investigator Development Program | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    The Center for Cancer Research (CCR), a division of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), is pleased to announce its annual call for applications for the Clinical Investigator Development Program (CIDP). This is an exciting training opportunity intended for physicians interested in dedicating

  16. A survey of National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers' oral health supportive care practices and resources in the USA.

    PubMed

    Epstein, Joel B; Parker, Ira R; Epstein, Matthew S; Gupta, Anurag; Kutis, Susan; Witkowski, Daniela M

    2007-04-01

    The oral complications and morbidity resulting from overall cancer therapy utilizing radiation, chemotherapy, and/or stem cell transplantation can have significant impact on a patient's health, quality of life, cost of care, and cancer management. There has been minimal health services research focusing on the status of medically necessary, oral supportive services at US cancer centers. A pre-tested, survey questionnaire was distributed to the directors of National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer centers to assess each institution's resource availability and clinical practices, as it relates to the prevention and management of oral complications during cancer treatment. Sixteen of the 39 comprehensive cancer centers responded to the survey. Of the respondents, 56% of the centers did not have a dental department. The sites of delivery of oral supportive care services range from the provision of in-house dental care to community-based, private practice sites. No standard protocols were in place for either oral preventive care or for supportive services for oral complications during or after cancer therapy. Fifty percent of the responding comprehensive cancer centers reported orally focused research and/or clinical trial activities. Comprehensive cancer care must include an oral care component, particularly for those cancer patients who are at high risk for oral complications. This requires a functional team of oral care providers collaborating closely within the oncology team. Considering the number of cancer patients receiving aggressive oncologic treatment that may result in oral toxicity, the impact of oral conditions on a compromised host, and the potential lack of appropriate resources and healthcare personnel to manage these complications, future research efforts are needed to identify the strengths and weaknesses of present oral supportive care delivery systems at both NCI-designated cancer centers and community-based oncology practices.

  17. University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (UT-MDACC): Systematic Functional Annotation of Somatic Mutations in Cancer | Office of Cancer Genomics

    Cancer.gov

    The CTD2 Center at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center utilized a functional annotation of mutations and fusions found in human cancers using two cell models, Ba/F3 (murine pro-B suspension cells) and MCF10A (human non-tumorigenic mammary epithelial cells). Read the abstract

  18. Staff Scientist - RNA Bioinformatics | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    The newly established RNA Biology Laboratory (RBL) at the Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Frederick, Maryland is recruiting a Staff Scientist with strong expertise in RNA bioinformatics to join the Intramural Research Program’s mission of high impact, high reward science. The RBL is the equivalent of an

  19. The Dartmouth Center for Cancer Nanotechnology Excellence: magnetic hyperthermia.

    PubMed

    Baker, Ian; Fiering, Steve N; Griswold, Karl E; Hoopes, P Jack; Kekalo, Katerina; Ndong, Christian; Paulsen, Keith; Petryk, Alicea A; Pogue, Brian; Shubitidze, Fridon; Weaver, John

    2015-01-01

    The Dartmouth Center for Cancer Nanotechnology Excellence - one of nine funded by the National Cancer Institute as part of the Alliance for Nanotechnology in Cancer - focuses on the use of magnetic nanoparticles for cancer diagnostics and hyperthermia therapy. It brings together a diverse team of engineers and biomedical researchers with expertise in nanomaterials, molecular targeting, advanced biomedical imaging and translational in vivo studies. The goal of successfully treating cancer is being approached by developing nanoparticles, conjugating them with Fabs, hyperthermia treatment, immunotherapy and sensing treatment response.

  20. Researchers studying alternative to bladder removal for bladder cancer patients | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    A new phase I clinical trial conducted by researchers at the Center for Cancer Research (CCR) is evaluating the safety and tolerability, or the degree to which any side effects can be tolerated by patients, of a two-drug combination as a potential alternative to bladder removal for bladder cancer patients. The trial targets patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) whose cancers have stopped responding to traditional therapies. Read more...

  1. Patient-centered prioritization of bladder cancer research.

    PubMed

    Smith, Angela B; Chisolm, Stephanie; Deal, Allison; Spangler, Alejandra; Quale, Diane Z; Bangs, Rick; Jones, J Michael; Gore, John L

    2018-05-04

    Patient-centered research requires the meaningful involvement of patients and caregivers throughout the research process. The objective of this study was to create a process for sustainable engagement for research prioritization within oncology. From December 2014 to 2016, a network of engaged patients for research prioritization was created in partnership with the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN): the BCAN Patient Survey Network (PSN). The PSN leveraged an online bladder cancer community with additional recruitment through print advertisements and social media campaigns. Prioritized research questions were developed through a modified Delphi process and were iterated through multidisciplinary working groups and a repeat survey. In year 1 of the PSN, 354 patients and caregivers responded to the research prioritization survey; the number of responses increased to 1034 in year 2. The majority of respondents had non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), and the mean time since diagnosis was 5 years. Stakeholder-identified questions for noninvasive, invasive, and metastatic disease were prioritized by the PSN. Free-text questions were sorted with thematic mapping. Several questions submitted by respondents were among the prioritized research questions. A final prioritized list of research questions was disseminated to various funding agencies, and a highly ranked NMIBC research question was included as a priority area in the 2017 Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute announcement of pragmatic trial funding. Patient engagement is needed to identify high-priority research questions in oncology. The BCAN PSN provides a successful example of an engagement infrastructure for annual research prioritization in bladder cancer. The creation of an engagement network sets the groundwork for additional phases of engagement, including design, conduct, and dissemination. Cancer 2018. © 2018 American Cancer Society. © 2018 American Cancer Society.

  2. Postdoctoral Fellows | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    The Oncogenomics section of the Genetics Branch is a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary translational research programmatic effort with the goal of utilizing genomics to develop novel immunotherapies for cancer. Our group is applying high throughput applied genomics methods including single cell RNAseq, single cell TCR sequencing, DNA sequencing, CRISPR/Cas9, bioinformatics combined with T cell based therapeutics to identify and develop novel immunotherapeutics for human cancer. We work with other investigators within the intramural program as well as industrial and pharmaceutical partners to rapidly translate our findings to the clinic. The program takes advantage of the uniqueness of the National Cancer Institute, (NCI), Center for Cancer Research (CCR) intramural program in that it spans high-risk basic discovery research in immunology, genomics and tumor biology, through preclinical translational research, to paradigm-shifting clinical trials. The position is available immediately. The appointment duration is up to 5 years. Stipends are commensurate with education and experience. Additional information can be found on Dr. Khan’s profile page: https://ccr.cancer.gov/Genetics-Branch/javed-khan

  3. Researchers studying alternative to bladder removal for bladder cancer patients | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    A new phase I clinical trial conducted by researchers at the Center for Cancer Research (CCR) is evaluating the safety and tolerability, or the degree to which any side effects can be tolerated by patients, of a two-drug combination as a potential alternative to bladder removal for bladder cancer patients. The trial targets patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer

  4. Scientist, Single Cell Analysis Facility | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    The Cancer Research Technology Program (CRTP) develops and implements emerging technology, cancer biology expertise and research capabilities to accomplish NCI research objectives.  The CRTP is an outward-facing, multi-disciplinary hub purposed to enable the external cancer research community and provides dedicated support to NCI’s intramural Center for Cancer Research (CCR).  The dedicated units provide electron microscopy, protein characterization, protein expression, optical microscopy and nextGen sequencing. These research efforts are an integral part of CCR at the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research (FNLCR).  CRTP scientists also work collaboratively with intramural NCI investigators to provide research technologies and expertise. KEY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES We are seeking a highly motivated Scientist II to join the newly established Single Cell Analysis Facility (SCAF) of the Center for Cancer Research (CCR) at NCI. The SCAF will house state of the art single cell sequencing technologies including 10xGenomics Chromium, BD Genomics Rhapsody, DEPPArray, and other emerging single cell technologies. The Scientist: Will interact with close to 200 laboratories within the CCR to design and carry out single cell experiments for cancer research Will work on single cell isolation/preparation from various tissues and cells and related NexGen sequencing library preparation Is expected to author publications in peer reviewed scientific journals

  5. The Dartmouth Center for Cancer Nanotechnology Excellence: magnetic hyperthermia

    PubMed Central

    Baker, Ian; Fiering, Steve N; Griswold, Karl E; Hoopes, P Jack; Kekalo, Katerina; Ndong, Christian; Paulsen, Keith; Petryk, Alicea A; Pogue, Brian; Shubitidze, Fridon; Weaver, John

    2015-01-01

    The Dartmouth Center for Cancer Nanotechnology Excellence – one of nine funded by the National Cancer Institute as part of the Alliance for Nanotechnology in Cancer – focuses on the use of magnetic nanoparticles for cancer diagnostics and hyperthermia therapy. It brings together a diverse team of engineers and biomedical researchers with expertise in nanomaterials, molecular targeting, advanced biomedical imaging and translational in vivo studies. The goal of successfully treating cancer is being approached by developing nanoparticles, conjugating them with Fabs, hyperthermia treatment, immunotherapy and sensing treatment response. PMID:26080693

  6. Physician Extender (Sr. NP or PA) | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Be part of our mission to solve the most important, challenging and neglected problems in modern cancer research and patient care.  The National Cancer Institute’s Center for Cancer Research (CCR) is a world-leading cancer research organization working toward scientific breakthroughs at medicine’s cutting edge. Our scientists can’t do it alone. It takes an extraordinary team

  7. The effect of nurse navigation on timeliness of breast cancer care at an academic comprehensive cancer center.

    PubMed

    Basu, Mohua; Linebarger, Jared; Gabram, Sheryl G A; Patterson, Sharla Gayle; Amin, Miral; Ward, Kevin C

    2013-07-15

    A patient navigation process is required for accreditation by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC). Patient navigation has previously been shown to improve timely diagnosis in patients with breast cancer. This study sought to assess the effect of nurse navigation on timeliness of care following the diagnosis of breast cancer by comparing patients who were treated in a comprehensive cancer center with and without the assistance of nurse navigation. Navigation services were initiated at an NAPBC-accredited comprehensive breast center in July 2010. Two 9-month study intervals were chosen for comparison of timeliness of care: October 2009 through June 2010 and October 2010 through June 2011. All patients with breast cancer diagnosed in the cancer center with stage 0 to III disease during the 2 study periods were identified by retrospective cancer registry review. Time from diagnosis to initial oncology consultation was measured in business days, excluding holidays and weekends. Overall, 176 patients met inclusion criteria: 100 patients prior to and 76 patients following nurse navigation implementation. Nurse navigation was found to significantly shorten time to consultation for patients older than 60 years (B = -4.90, P = .0002). There was no change in timeliness for patients 31 to 60 years of age. Short-term analysis following navigation implementation showed decreased time to consultation for older patients, but not younger patients. Further studies are indicated to assess the long-term effects and durability of this quality improvement initiative. © 2013 American Cancer Society.

  8. Postdoctoral Fellow | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    The Khare lab in the Laboratory of Molecular Biology, NCI Center for Cancer Research, NIH, is looking to recruit highly motivated researchers interested in a postdoctoral fellowship to study the molecular and genetic basis of complex microbial behaviors. Our lab is focused on multiple research avenues including interspecies interactions, antibiotic persistence, and adaptation

  9. Cancer Center Clinic and Research Team Perceptions of Identity and Interactions.

    PubMed

    Reimer, Torsten; Lee, Simon J Craddock; Garcia, Sandra; Gill, Mary; Duncan, Tobi; Williams, Erin L; Gerber, David E

    2017-12-01

    Conduct of cancer clinical trials requires coordination and cooperation among research and clinic teams. Diffusion of and confusion about responsibility may occur if team members' perceptions of roles and objectives do not align. These factors are critical to the success of cancer centers but are poorly studied. We developed a survey adapting components of the Adapted Team Climate Inventory, Measure of Team Identification, and Measure of In-Group Bias. Surveys were administered to research and clinic staff at a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t tests, and analyses of variance. Responses were received from 105 staff (clinic, n = 55; research, n = 50; 61% response rate). Compared with clinic staff, research staff identified more strongly with their own group ( P < .01) but less strongly with the overall cancer center ( P = .02). Both clinic staff and research staff viewed their own group's goals as clearer than those of the other group ( P < .01) and felt that members of their groups interacted and shared information within ( P < .01) and across ( P < .01) groups more than the other group did. Research staff perceived daily outcomes as more important than did clinic staff ( P = .05), specifically research-related outcomes ( P = .07). Although there are many similarities between clinic and research teams, we also identified key differences, including perceptions of goal clarity and sharing, understanding and alignment with cancer center goals, and importance of outcomes. Future studies should examine how variation in perceptions and group dynamics between clinic and research teams may impact function and processes of cancer care.

  10. Ribbon-cutting ceremony occurs at grand opening of new International Space Station Center at KSC

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1998-01-01

    Celebrating the official opening of the new International Space Station (ISS) Center at Kennedy Space Center are, left to right, James Ball, chief, NASA Public Services, KSC; KSC Director Roy D. Bridges Jr.; Hugh Harris, director, NASA Public Affairs, KSC; and Rick Abramson, president and chief operating officer, Delaware North Parks Services of Spaceport Inc. Center Director Bridges cuts the ribbon to the new tour attraction where full-scale mockups of station modules, through which visitors can walk, are on display. These include the Habitation Unit, where station crew members will live, sleep, and work; a Laboratory Module; and the Pressurized Logistics Module, where racks and supplies will be transported back and forth from KSC to space. Guests also can take an elevated walkway to a gallery overlooking the work are where actual ISS hardware is prepared for flight into space. This new tour site, in addition to a new Launch Complex 39 Observation Gantry, are part of a comprehensive effort by NASA and Delaware North to expand and improve the KSC public tour and visitor facilities.

  11. Investigating Genetic Alterations in Bladder Cancer | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Bladder cancer (BC) is the fifth most common cancer worldwide and the sixth most common cancer in the U.S. Mutations in a number of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes were previously associated with invasive or noninvasive forms of the disease. More recently, next generation sequencing (NGS) of bladder tumors from over 100 Chinese patients revealed alterations in additional genes, including those encoding chromatin remodeling enzymes, like lysine specific histone demethylase 6A (KDM6A) and ARID1A, and spindle checkpoint proteins. Because the NGS studies analyzed tumors from patients of a single ethnicity, the results may not be representative of alterations in other patients. To expand on these findings, Michael Nickerson, Ph.D., and Michael Dean, Ph.D., of CCR’s Cancer and Inflammation Program and their colleagues, including Dan Theodorescu, M.D., Ph.D., Director of the University of Colorado NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, performed exome sequencing of 14 tumors and targeted sequencing of another 40 tumors all from non-Asian patients diagnosed with BC in the U.S.

  12. New clinical trial explores precision treatment for advanced pancreatic cancer | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    A new phase II clinical trial to assess the safety and efficacy of a drug called selumetinib for treating patients with advanced pancreatic cancer whose tumors harbor a specific genetic marker has opened at the Center for Cancer Research and is currently recruiting participants. Read more...

  13. A Qualitative Study of Motivations for Minority Recruitment in Cancer Clinical Trials Across Five NCI-Designated Cancer Centers.

    PubMed

    Simoni, Zachary R; Martin, Michelle; Wenzel, Jennifer A; Cook, Elise D; Konety, Badrinath; Vickers, Selwyn M; Chen, Moon S; Foaud, Mona N; Durant, Raegan W

    2016-11-08

    Minority enrollment in cancer clinical trials is traditionally low. In light of this fact, numerous studies have investigated barriers to recruitment and retention within minority populations. However, very little research has investigated the importance of clinicians' and researchers' motivations for minority recruitment in cancer clinical trials. Therefore, we sought to examine motivations for minority recruitment across four professional stakeholder groups (principal investigators, clinicians, research staff, and Cancer Center leaders) at five National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers. This study is based on the data from 91 qualitative interviews conducted across the five NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers to investigate stakeholders' motivations for minority recruitment in cancer clinical trials. Emergent themes include (a) minority recruitment increases generalizability of cancer clinical trials, (b) minority recruitment is motivated by social justice, (c) some institutions promote minority recruitment through the use of supplemental financial support, (d) federal funding requirements for minority inclusion in clinical research motivate investigators to focus on minority recruitment, and (e) some stakeholders favor a more race-neutral approach to participant recruitment rather than an emphasis on targeted minority recruitment. The perspectives of clinical and research stakeholders potentially inform the assessment of existing strategies and the development of new strategies to increase motivation for minority recruitment in cancer clinical trials.

  14. Adaptation of Individual Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Chinese Immigrant Cancer Patients | Division of Cancer Prevention

    Cancer.gov

    The purpose of the study is to modify a type of counseling called "Individual Meaning Centered Psychotherapy" to meet the needs of Chinese cancer patients. Many cancer patients use counseling or other resources to help cope with the emotional burden of their illnesses. Counseling often helps them cope with cancer by giving them a place to express their feelings.

  15. [Introduction of interdisciplinary prostate cancer centers based on the recommendations of the German Cancer Society. A cost-benefit analysis 3 years after accreditation].

    PubMed

    Weikert, S; Baumunk, D; Stephan, C; Cash, H; Jahnke, K; Steiner, U; Werthemann, P; Kempkensteffen, C; Magheli, A; Hinz, S; Jagota, A; Reichelt, U; Busch, J; Klopf, C; Miller, K; Schostak, M

    2011-09-01

    The introduction of prostate cancer treatment centers according to the criteria of the German Cancer Society ("Deutsche Krebsgesellschaft", DKG) aims at improving the quality of care for patients with prostate cancer. Systematic analyses of the effects and costs are lacking as yet. Three years after certification of the Interdisciplinary Prostate Cancer Center at the Charité Hospital Berlin we observed a decrease in the rate of positive surgical margins (tumor stage pT2), but other parameters of treatment quality including patient satisfaction remained unchanged. A survey among urologists of the region showed a high acceptance of prostate cancer centers in general. The majority of participating urologists appreciated the work of the Charité center, in particular the treatment recommendations given by the center were mostly followed and the majority of urologists regularly use educational activities of the center. However, only 30% of the participating urologists confirmed short-term improvements in the quality of patient care. Yearly additional costs for the Charité prostate cancer center are estimated at 205,000 euro (precertification phase and certification) and 138,000 euro (monitoring phase), despite the initial drop in mean treatment costs per case (radical prostatectomy). The introduction of prostate cancer treatment centers certified by the DKG is cost intensive, increases in treatment efficiency notwithstanding. Short-term improvements in quality of care cannot be unequivocally demonstrated. Prostate cancer centers serve an important role in counseling and medical education and may thus help disseminate evidence-based treatment strategies.

  16. Electron Microscopist | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The Cancer Research Technology Program (CRTP) develops and implements emerging technology, cancer biology expertise and research capabilities to accomplish NCI research objectives. The CRTP is an outward-facing, multi-disciplinary hub purposed to enable the external cancer research community and provides dedicated support to NCI’s intramural Center for Cancer Research (CCR). The dedicated units provide electron microscopy, protein characterization, protein expression, optical microscopy and genetics. These research efforts are an integral part of CCR at the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research (FNLCR). CRTP scientists also work collaboratively with intramural NCI investigators to provide research technologies and expertise. KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES - THIS POSITION IS CONTINGENT UPON FUNDING APPROVAL The Electron Microscopist will: Operate ultramicrotomes (Leica) and other instrumentation related to the preparation of embedded samples for EM (TEM and SEM) Operate TEM microscopes, (specifically Hitachi, FEI T20 and FEI T12) as well as SEM microscopes (Hitachi); task will include loading samples, screening, and performing data collection for a variety of samples: from cells to proteins Manage maintenance for the TEM and SEM microscopes Provide technical advice to investigators on sample preparation and data collection

  17. What are cancer centers advertising to the public?: a content analysis.

    PubMed

    Vater, Laura B; Donohue, Julie M; Arnold, Robert; White, Douglas B; Chu, Edward; Schenker, Yael

    2014-06-17

    Although critics have expressed concerns about cancer center advertising, analyses of the content of these advertisements are lacking. To characterize the informational and emotional content of direct-to-consumer cancer center advertisements. Content analysis. Top U.S. consumer magazines (n = 269) and television networks (n = 44) in 2012. Types of clinical services promoted; information provided about clinical services, including risks, benefits, costs, and insurance availability; use of emotional advertising appeals; and use of patient testimonials were assessed. Two investigators independently coded advertisements using ATLAS.ti, and κ values ranged from 0.77 to 1.00. A total of 102 cancer centers placed 409 unique clinical advertisements in top media markets in 2012. Advertisements promoted treatments (88%) more often than screening (18%) or supportive services (13%). Benefits of advertised therapies were described more often than risks (27% vs. 2%) but were rarely quantified (2%). Few advertisements mentioned coverage or costs (5%), and none mentioned specific insurance plans. Emotional appeals were frequent (85%), evoking hope for survival (61%), describing cancer treatment as a fight or battle (41%), and inducing fear (30%). Nearly one half of advertisements included patient testimonials, which were usually focused on survival, rarely included disclaimers (15%), and never described the results that a typical patient may expect. Internet advertisements were not included. Clinical advertisements by cancer centers frequently promote cancer therapy with emotional appeals that evoke hope and fear while rarely providing information about risks, benefits, costs, or insurance availability. Further work is needed to understand how these advertisements influence patient understanding and expectations of benefit from cancer treatments. National Institutes of Health.

  18. Center of Cancer Nanotechnology Excellence for Translational Diagnostics

    Cancer.gov

    The Center of Cancer Nanotechnology Excellence for Translational Diagnostics, which forms the third cycle CCNE Program at Stanford University, is a consortium that has three highly synchronized Projects and three Cores.

  19. Final Report - DOE Center for Laser Imaging and Cancer Diagnostics

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Alfano, Robert R.; Koutcher, Jason A.

    2002-10-31

    This Final Report summarizes the significant progress made by the researchers, students and staff of the Center for Laser Imaging and Cancer Diagnostics (CLICD) from January 1998 through May 2002. During this period, the Center supported several projects. Most projects were proposed initially, some were added subsequently as their relevance and importance to the DOE mission became evident. DOE support has been leveraged to obtain continuing funding for some projects. Leveraged funds come from various sources, including NIH, Army, NSF and the Air Force. The goal of the Center was to develop laser-based instruments for use in the detection andmore » diagnosis of major diseases, with an emphasis on detection and diagnosis of various cancers. Each of the supported projects is a collaborative effort between physicists and laser scientists and the City College of New York and noted physicians, surgeons, pathologists, and biologists located at medical centers in the Metropolitan area. The participating institutions were: City College of New York Institute for Ultrafast Lasers and Spectroscopy, Hackensack University Medical Center, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and New York Eye and Ear Institute. Each of the projects funded by the Center is grouped into one of four research categories: a) Disease Detection, b) Non-Disease Applications, c) New Diagnostic Tools, and, d) Education, Training, Outreach and Dissemination. The progress achieved by the multidisciplinary teams was reported in 51 publications and 32 presentations at major national conferences. Also, one U.S. patent was obtained and six U.S. patent applications have been filed for innovations resulting from the projects sponsored by the Center.« less

  20. Five National Cancer Institute-designated cancer centers' data collection on racial/ethnic minority participation in therapeutic trials: a current view and opportunities for improvement.

    PubMed

    Hawk, Ernest T; Habermann, Elizabeth B; Ford, Jean G; Wenzel, Jennifer A; Brahmer, Julie R; Chen, Moon S; Jones, Lovell A; Hurd, Thelma C; Rogers, Lisa M; Nguyen, Lynne H; Ahluwalia, Jasjit S; Fouad, Mona; Vickers, Selwyn M

    2014-04-01

    To ensure that National Institutes of Health-funded research is relevant to the population's needs, specific emphasis on proportional representation of minority/sex groups into National Cancer Institute (NCI) cancer centers' clinical research programs is reported to the NCI. EMPaCT investigators at 5 regionally diverse comprehensive cancer centers compared data reported to the NCI for their most recent Cancer Center Support Grant competitive renewal to assess and compare the centers' catchment area designations, data definitions, data elements, collection processes, reporting, and performance regarding proportional representation of race/ethnicity and sex subsets. Cancer centers' catchment area definitions differed widely in terms of their cancer patient versus general population specificity, levels of specificity, and geographic coverage. Racial/ethnic categories were similar, yet were defined differently, across institutions. Patients' socioeconomic status and insurance status were inconsistently captured across the 5 centers. Catchment area definitions and the collection of patient-level demographic factors varied widely across the 5 comprehensive cancer centers. This challenged the assessment of success by cancer centers in accruing representative populations into the cancer research enterprise. Accrual of minorities was less than desired for at least 1 racial/ethnic subcategory at 4 of the 5 centers. Institutions should clearly and consistently declare their primary catchment area and the rationale and should report how race/ethnicity and sex are defined, determined, collected, and reported. More standardized, frequent, consistent collection, reporting, and review of these data are recommended, as is a commitment to collecting socioeconomic data, given that socioeconomic status is a primary driver of cancer disparities in the United States. © 2014 American Cancer Society.

  1. Eliminating cancer stem cells: an interview with CCR’s Steven Hou | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Steven Hou, Ph.D., senior investigator in the Basic Research Laboratory at the Center for Cancer Research describes his latest research that has uncovered potential ways to eliminate cancer stem cells and may offer hope to patients with reoccurring tumors.  Learn more...

  2. Tenure Track/Tenure Eligible Positions | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    The newly established RNA Biology Laboratory at the Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Frederick, Maryland is recruiting Tenure-eligible or Tenure Track Investigators to join the Intramural Research Program’s mission of high impact, high reward science. These positions, which are supported with stable

  3. The Effects of Yoga, Massage, and Reiki on Patient Well-Being at a Cancer Resource Center.

    PubMed

    Rosenbaum, Mark S; Velde, Jane

    2016-06-01

    Cancer resource centers offer patients a variety of therapeutic services. However, patients with cancer and cancer healthcare practitioners may not fully understand the specific objectives and benefits of each service. This research offers guidance to cancer healthcare practitioners on how they can best direct patients to partake in specific integrative therapies, depending on their expressed needs. This article investigates the effects of yoga, massage, and Reiki services administered in a cancer resource center on patients' sense of personal well-being. The results show how program directors at a cancer resource center can customize therapies to meet the needs of patients' well-being. The experimental design measured whether engaging in yoga, massage, or Reiki services affects the self-perceived well-being of 150 patients at a cancer resource center at two times. All three services helped decrease stress and anxiety, improve mood, and enhance cancer center patrons' perceived overall health and quality of life in a similar manner. Reiki reduced the pain of patients with cancer to a greater extent than either massage or yoga.

  4. Utilization of rapid response resources and outcomes in a comprehensive cancer center*.

    PubMed

    Austin, Charles A; Hanzaker, Chris; Stafford, Renae; Mayer, Celeste; Culp, Loc; Lin, Feng-Chang; Chang, Lydia

    2014-04-01

    To compare the differences in characteristics and outcomes of cancer center patients with other subspecialty medical patients reviewed by rapid response teams. A retrospective cohort study of hospitalized general medicine patients, subspecialty medicine patients, and oncology patients requiring rapid response team activation over a 2-year period from September 2009 to August 2011. Five hundred fifty-seven subspecialty medical patients required rapid response team intervention. A single academic medical center in the southeastern United States (800+ bed) with a dedicated 50-bed inpatient comprehensive cancer care center. Data abstraction from computerized medical records and a hospital quality improvement rapid response database. Of the 557 patients, 135 were cancer center patients. Cancer center patients had a significantly higher Charlson Comorbidity Score (4.4 vs 2.9, < 0.001). Cancer center patients had a significantly longer hospitalization period prior to rapid response team activation (11.4 vs 6.1 d, p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between proportions of patients requiring ICU transfer between the two groups (odds ratio, 1.2; 95% CI, 0.8-1.8). Cancer center patients had a significantly higher in-hospital mortality compared with the other subspecialty medical patients (33% vs 18%; odds ratio, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.50-3.5). If the rapid response team event required an ICU transfer, this finding was more pronounced (56% vs 23%; odds ratio, 4.0; 95% CI, 2.0-7.8). The utilization of rapid response team resources during the 2-year period studied was also much higher for the oncology patients with 37.34 activations per 1,000 patient discharges compared with 20.86 per 1,000 patient discharges for the general medical patients. Oncology patients requiring rapid response team activation have a significantly higher in-hospital mortality rate, particularly if the rapid response team requires ICU transfer. Oncology patients also utilize rapid response team

  5. Developing a Comprehensive Cardio-Oncology Program at a Cancer Institute: The Moffitt Cancer Center Experience

    PubMed Central

    Fradley, Michael G.; Brown, Allen C.; Shields, Bernadette; Viganego, Federico; Damrongwatanasuk, Rongras; Patel, Aarti A.; Hartlage, Gregory; Roper, Natalee; Jaunese, Julie; Roy, Larry; Ismail-Khan, Roohi

    2017-01-01

    Cardio-oncology is a multidisciplinary field focusing on the management and prevention of cardiovascular complications in cancer patients and survivors. While the initial focus of this specialty was on heart failure associated with anthracycline use, novel anticancer agents are increasingly utilized and are associated with many other cardiotoxicities including hypertension, arrhythmias and vascular disease. Since its inception, the field has developed at a rapid pace with the establishment of programs at many major academic institutions and community practices. Given the complexities of this patient population, it is important for providers to possess knowledge of not only cardiovascular disease but also cancer subtypes and their specific therapeutics. Developing a cardio-oncology program at a stand-alone cancer center can present unique opportunities and challenges when compared to those affiliated with other institutions including resource allocation, cardiovascular testing availability and provider education. In this review, we present our experiences establishing the cardio-oncology program at Moffitt Cancer Center and provide guidance to those individuals interested in developing a program at a similar independent cancer institution. PMID:28781723

  6. Low-grade prostate tumors can harbor signs of aggressive cancer | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    In a new study, Center for Cancer Research investigators found that low-grade and high-grade regions of prostate tumor tissue shared mutations typically linked to aggressive cancer. Testing for mutations to specific genes could help clinicians decide whether a patient with an initial low-grade result should undergo a follow-up biopsy. Learn more...

  7. Cancer Immunotherapy Using Virus-like Particles | NCI Technology Transfer Center | TTC

    Cancer.gov

    A considerable effort has been devoted to identifying and targeting specific extracellular cancer markers using antibody based therapies. However, diminished access to new cancer cell surface markers has limited the development of corresponding antibodies. NCI Technology Transfer Center is seeking to license cancer immunotherapy using virus-like particles.

  8. Center for Cancer Research hosts 10th Annual GIST Clinic | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Patients and specialists from around the world gathered for the 10th Annual Pediatric and Wildtype GIST Clinic, which took place Wednesday, July 5 through Friday, July 7, 2017 at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. Occurring once a year, the clinic convenes clinicians, research scientists and advocates from across the country to consult with patients who have GIST. Christine Gonzales, a GIST clinic patient from New Mexico, says, “It’s been super amazing because I’ve never talked to a specialist about this cancer."

  9. Postdoctoral Fellow | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to study alterations in mitochondria metabolism during tumor formation. Our lab is within the Center for Cancer Research (CCR) of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), which is embedded in the vibrant research community of the NIH’s main campus in Bethesda, Maryland. Our major goal is to identify novel molecular mechanisms that control mitochondria metabolism in tumorigenesis in the liver. For this, our studies focus on tumor suppressors signaling and how they intersect with the regulation of mitochondria. Specifically, by combining Intravital microscopy (i.e. imaging of live cells in intact organs) with mouse genetics, biochemical methods, and mathematical modeling, we are studying the changes in cellular metabolism in space and time. Current projects are geared towards dissecting the physiological cues dictating metabolic heterogeneity in tissues. For more information please refer to the following web page: (https://ccr.cancer.gov/Thoracic-and-Gastrointestinal-Oncology-Branch/natalie-porat-shliom).

  10. Postdoctoral Fellow | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    The Neuro-Oncology Branch (NOB), Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is seeking outstanding postdoctoral candidates interested in studying the metabolic changes in brain tumors such as glioblastoma multiforme (GBMs).  NOB’s Metabolomics program is interested in revealing the metabolic alterations of isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH1)-mutated GBMs and in exploiting these deregulations for therapeutic applications.  A combination of methods such as molecular biology, animal models, as well as in vitro and in vivo metabolomics using Raman Imaging Microscopy, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy (NMR), Mass Spectrometry (MS) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) techniques are employed.  The position will specifically focus on molecular biology and Raman Imaging Microscopy, which includes work in Western Blotting, mammalian cell culture and other common biomedical techniques used in cancer bio  logy labs such as handling tissue samples, preparing tissue slides, staining, and extracting proteins from brain tissue.

  11. Postdoctoral Fellow | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    A postdoctoral position is available in Dr. Efsun Arda’s Developmental Genomics Group within the Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression Branch at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH). Our research is focused on understanding the regulatory networks that govern pancreas cell identity and function in the context of diabetes and cancer. The lab is highly interdisciplinary and uses state-of-the-art technologies to address outstanding questions in human pancreas biology. The appointment is renewed annually upon performance evaluation for a maximum of five years. The candidate will be fully funded by a competitive intramural Center for Cancer Research (CCR) fellowship. Other fellowship opportunities outside NIH are also available and applications will be supported. CCR provides a highly collaborative, enabling environment for research fellows with more than 40 core facilities ranging from bioinformatics and computing, chemistry and structural biology, flow cytometry, genomics, imaging and microscopy, pharmacology, proteomics and single cell analysis.

  12. Coordinating Centers in Cancer-Epidemiology Research: The Asia Cohort Consortium Coordinating Center

    PubMed Central

    Rolland, Betsy; Smith, Briana R; Potter, John D

    2011-01-01

    Although it is tacitly recognized that a good Coordinating Center (CC) is essential to the success of any multi-site collaborative project, very little study has been done on what makes a CC successful, why some CCs fail, or how to build a CC that meets the needs of a given project. Moreover, very little published guidance is available, as few CCs outside the clinical-trial realm write about their work. The Asia Cohort Consortium (ACC) is a collaborative cancer-epidemiology research project that has made strong scientific and organizational progress over the past three years by focusing its CC on the following activities: collaboration development; operations management; statistical and data management; and communications infrastructure and tool development. Our hope is that, by sharing our experience building the ACC CC, we can begin a conversation about what it means to run a coordinating center for multi-institutional collaboration in cancer epidemiology, help other collaborative projects solve some of the issues associated with collaborative research, and learn from others. PMID:21803842

  13. New clinical trial tests safety and efficacy of combination therapy in ovarian cancer and other women's malignancies | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    The Center for Cancer Research has opened a new clinical trial in ovarian cancer that will test the safety and efficacy a therapy combining two drugs.   The phase I trial will test a combination therapy for ovarian, fallopian tube, and peritoneal cancers and is enrolling patients at the NIH Clinical Center. Learn more...  

  14. Promoting cancer screening within the patient centered medical home.

    PubMed

    Sarfaty, Mona; Wender, Richard; Smith, Robert

    2011-01-01

    While consensus has grown that primary care is the essential access point in a high-performing health care system, the current model of primary care underperforms in both chronic disease management and prevention. The Patient Centered Medical Home model (PCMH) is at the center of efforts to reinvent primary care practice, and is regarded as the most promising approach to addressing the burden of chronic disease, improving health outcomes, and reducing health spending. However, the potential for the medical home to improve the delivery of cancer screening (and preventive services in general) has received limited attention in both conceptualization and practice. Medical home demonstrations to date have included few evidence-based preventive services in their outcome measures, and few have evaluated the effect of different payment models. Decreasing use of hospitals and emergency rooms and an emphasis on improving chronic care represent improvements in effective delivery of healthcare, but leave opportunities for reducing the burden of cancer untouched. Data confirm that what does or does not happen in the primary care setting has a substantial impact on cancer outcomes. Insofar as cancer is the leading cause of death before age 80, the PCMH model must prioritize adherence to cancer screening according to recommended guidelines, and systems, financial incentives, and reimbursements must be aligned to achieve that goal. This article explores capacities that are needed in the medical home model to facilitate the integration of cancer screening and other preventive services. These capacities include improved patient access and communication, health risk assessments, periodic preventive health exams, use of registries that store cancer risk information and screening history, ability to track and follow up on tests and referrals, feedback on performance, and payment models that reward cancer screening. Copyright © 2011 American Cancer Society, Inc.

  15. Epidemiologic characteristics of oral cancer: single-center analysis of 4097 patients from the Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Ji; Gao, Fan; Yang, An-Kui; Chen, Wen-Kuan; Chen, Shu-Wei; Li, Huan; Zhang, Xing; Yang, Zhong-Yuan; Chen, Xin-Lin; Song, Ming

    2016-03-03

    Oral cancer is a common type of head and neck cancers. Knowing its epidemiologic characteristics is crucial to preventing, diagnosing, and treating this cancer. This study aimed to explore the epidemiologic characteristics of oral cancer in South China. We retrospectively analyzed data from 4097 oral cancer patients treated at the Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center between 1960 and 2013. We compared the age of onset, sex ratio, pathologic type, and primary tumor location among three subcultural areas (Guangfu, Hakka, and Chaoshan) and between an economically developed region and a less-developed one in Guangdong. Overall, oral cancer had a male-to-female ratio of approximately 2:1, and this ratio decreased over time. Oral cancer occurred mostly in patients of 45-64 years old (54.5%), and the percentage of older patients gradually increased over time. The most common tumor location was the tongue. Squamous cell carcinoma was the predominant pathologic type. The percentage of blood type O in oral cancer patients was lower than that in the healthy population. The male-to-female ratio in the Chaoshan area was higher than that in the Guangfu and Hakka areas, whereas the age of disease onset in Guangfu was higher than that in Hakka and Chaoshan. The male-to-female ratio was lower and the age of disease onset was higher in the economically developed region than in the less-developed region. The incidence of oral cancer in South China presents typical characteristics to which doctors should pay attention when diagnosing and treating oral cancer patients.

  16. Economic burden of clinical trials in lung cancer in a German Comprehensive Cancer Center.

    PubMed

    Kron, F; Kostenko, A; Scheffler, M; Müller, D; Glossmann, J-P; Fischer, R; Michels, S; Nogova, L; Hallek, M; Zander, T; Wolf, J

    2017-06-01

    The recent success of individualized lung cancer therapy has triggered fundamental changes in clinical research strategies. To date there is a strong focus on early proof of concept trials in genetically preselected small patient subgroups. This analysis focuses on the economic burden caused by such trials for advanced lung cancer patients in a German Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC). The profit margins between recruiting groups with ≤3 and >3 patients were compared. Clinical and economic data from clinical trials for advanced lung cancer (LC), pharma-sponsored trials (PhST) as well as investigator initiated trials (IIT), conducted between 2011 and 2015 at the Center for Integrated Oncology (CIO) Cologne, were analyzed using a profit-center calculation model. 161 patients were enrolled in 27 clinical trials. The key economic parameter determining costs and payments was the 'trial visits'. In comparison of the two groups (A≤3; B>3 patients enrolled) we found negative profit margins for the low recruiting group (€ -1444). Concerning the number of visits significant differences were found between PhST and IIT (p=0.009). Additionally, sub-analysis show structural differences in cost composition by conducting PhST and IIT. Trials with low patient numbers and IIT, do not cover the cost. To ensure adequate, cost-covering compensation by pharmaceutical companies CCCs have to thoroughly calculate the cost of early proof of concept trials. The findings of this study also underline the need for novel structures in public funding for investigator-initiated clinical trials in precision medicine. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  17. Hypothesis generation using network structures on community health center cancer-screening performance.

    PubMed

    Carney, Timothy Jay; Morgan, Geoffrey P; Jones, Josette; McDaniel, Anna M; Weaver, Michael T; Weiner, Bryan; Haggstrom, David A

    2015-10-01

    Nationally sponsored cancer-care quality-improvement efforts have been deployed in community health centers to increase breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer-screening rates among vulnerable populations. Despite several immediate and short-term gains, screening rates remain below national benchmark objectives. Overall improvement has been both difficult to sustain over time in some organizational settings and/or challenging to diffuse to other settings as repeatable best practices. Reasons for this include facility-level changes, which typically occur in dynamic organizational environments that are complex, adaptive, and unpredictable. This study seeks to understand the factors that shape community health center facility-level cancer-screening performance over time. This study applies a computational-modeling approach, combining principles of health-services research, health informatics, network theory, and systems science. To investigate the roles of knowledge acquisition, retention, and sharing within the setting of the community health center and to examine their effects on the relationship between clinical decision support capabilities and improvement in cancer-screening rate improvement, we employed Construct-TM to create simulated community health centers using previously collected point-in-time survey data. Construct-TM is a multi-agent model of network evolution. Because social, knowledge, and belief networks co-evolve, groups and organizations are treated as complex systems to capture the variability of human and organizational factors. In Construct-TM, individuals and groups interact by communicating, learning, and making decisions in a continuous cycle. Data from the survey was used to differentiate high-performing simulated community health centers from low-performing ones based on computer-based decision support usage and self-reported cancer-screening improvement. This virtual experiment revealed that patterns of overall network symmetry, agent

  18. Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Isolates at a Cancer Center: A 5-year Experience at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida

    PubMed Central

    Addisu, Anteneh; Chughtai, Muhammad; Gutierrez, Louise; Greene, John

    2017-01-01

    Abstract Background Nontuberculous Mycobacteriae (NTM) are widely distributed in natural environments and are known to cause human diseases distinct from tuberculous mycobacteria. NTM caused diseases may lead to significant morbidity and mortality, particularly in immunocompromised hosts such as cancer patients. We present here a 5-year experience of NTM isolates at the Moffitt Cancer Center and research institute in Tampa, Florida. Methods We conducted a single center, retrospective study of patients with NTM from January 2011 to February 2016. Records were searched to identify patients with NTM. Specimens included bronchial lavage, swabs, blood, body fluids and biopsy or excised surgical specimens. Basic demographics of patients, clinical attributes, presentation and sites from which the NTM were isolated and associated neoplastic pathologies were evaluated for each NTM type and compared. Results There were a total of 208 isolates of NTM during the 5-year study period. 86/208 (41%) of the isolates were Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC). Mycobacterium abscessus, gordonae and fortuitum accounted for 26%, 11% and 6% of the top four isolates respectively. There was no significant difference in types of NTM isolated based on the type of underlying neoplasm. Over half of the cases were from the respiratory tract, majority with lung nodule referred to rule out cancer. Skin/wound isolates accounted for 13% (majority from breast lesions) and blood/serologic diagnosis accounted for 7 % of the isolates. Average age of patients was 68 ± 11 years, 92% were US born and over 70% had smoking history. Conclusion NTM isolated in a referral cancer center setting are likely to be from the work up of PET positive pulmonary nodules and the majority isolates were MAC, followed closely by M. abscessus. With high level of resistance and few therapeutic options, the rise of M. abscessus pulmonary diseases is cause for concern. Even though the respiratory tract was the most common

  19. Creating a "culture of research" in a community hospital: Strategies and tools from the National Cancer Institute Community Cancer Centers Program.

    PubMed

    Dimond, Eileen P; St Germain, Diane; Nacpil, Lianne M; Zaren, Howard A; Swanson, Sandra M; Minnick, Christopher; Carrigan, Angela; Denicoff, Andrea M; Igo, Kathleen E; Acoba, Jared D; Gonzalez, Maria M; McCaskill-Stevens, Worta

    2015-06-01

    The value of community-based cancer research has long been recognized. In addition to the National Cancer Institute's Community Clinical and Minority-Based Oncology Programs established in 1983, and 1991 respectively, the National Cancer Institute established the National Cancer Institute Community Cancer Centers Program in 2007 with an aim of enhancing access to high-quality cancer care and clinical research in the community setting where most cancer patients receive their treatment. This article discusses strategies utilized by the National Cancer Institute Community Cancer Centers Program to build research capacity and create a more entrenched culture of research at the community hospitals participating in the program over a 7-year period. To facilitate development of a research culture at the community hospitals, the National Cancer Institute Community Cancer Centers Program required leadership or chief executive officer engagement; utilized a collaborative learning structure where best practices, successes, and challenges could be shared; promoted site-to-site mentoring to foster faster learning within and between sites; required research program assessments that spanned clinical trial portfolio, accrual barriers, and outreach; increased identification and use of metrics; and, finally, encouraged research team engagement across hospital departments (navigation, multidisciplinary care, pathology, and disparities) to replace the traditionally siloed approach to clinical trials. The health-care environment is rapidly changing while complexity in research increases. Successful research efforts are impacted by numerous factors (e.g. institutional review board reviews, physician interest, and trial availability). The National Cancer Institute Community Cancer Centers Program sites, as program participants, had access to the required resources and support to develop and implement the strategies described. Metrics are an important component yet often challenging to

  20. A comprehensive palliative care program at a tertiary cancer center in Jordan.

    PubMed

    Shamieh, Omar; Hui, David

    2015-03-01

    The palliative care program in King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC) is growing rapidly to serve the needs of patients with cancer and their families. To describe the KHCC palliative care program and its integration into the oncology care. Narrative review of our palliative care program. Patients with cancer at KHCC have access to an interprofessional palliative care at different settings. In 2012, the inpatient team saw 400 consultations and 979 referrals and admissions. The outpatient clinic had a total of 1133 patient visits. The home care program provided a total of 1501 visits. Our program is a regional center for education and training and actively conducts research. Our palliative care program may be a model for successful delivery of comprehensive cancer care in the Middle East. © The Author(s) 2013.

  1. Analysis of factors related to the use of opioid analgesics in regional cancer centers in Japan.

    PubMed

    Sugiura, Munetoshi; Miyashita, Mitsunori; Sato, Kazuki; Tsuneto, Satoru; Matoba, Motohiro; Sano, Motohiko; Shima, Yasuo

    2010-07-01

    The use of opioid analgesics and nonopioid medicines for the treatment of various symptoms in regional cancer centers is considered to be an index of the effectiveness of the structural plan for palliative care in such institutions. The present study aimed to establish an accurate representation of the actual use of opioid analgesics for palliative care in regional cancer centers. In November 2007, a questionnaire regarding the use of medications for palliative care was conducted in 288 regional cancer centers in Japan. Valid responses were received from 264 institutions (response rate, 91.4%). All regional cancer centers reported using both opioid analgesics and nonopioid medicines. However, regarding opioid analgesics, the use of each standard strength ranged from 7% to 100%. The total amount of opioid analgesics used was 1739.6 +/- 1216.5 g (mean +/- SD). Factors found to be significantly related to the total amount of opioid analgesics used in an institution were the number of opioid analgesic medicines in use (p = 0.008), the number of inpatients with cancer (p < 0.001), the number of deaths among patients with cancer (p < 0.001), and the number of beds (p < 0.001). Increase in the amount of opioid analgesics might improve the quality of palliative care at regional cancer centers.

  2. An evidence base for patient-centered cancer care: a meta-analysis of studies of observed communication between cancer specialists and their patients.

    PubMed

    Venetis, Maria K; Robinson, Jeffrey D; Turkiewicz, Katie Laplant; Allen, Mike

    2009-12-01

    In the context of patients visiting cancer specialists, the objective is to test the association between both patient-centered communication (including Affective Behavior and Participation Behavior) and Instrumental Behavior and patients' post-visit satisfaction with a variety of visit phenomena. Meta-analysis of 25 articles representing 10 distinct data sets. Both patient-centered- and instrumental behavior are significantly, positively associated with satisfaction, with patient-centered communication having a relatively stronger association. There is an evidence base for the efficacy of patient-centered care. Cancer specialists need to train to improve their patient-centered communication.

  3. Seventeen years of progress for supportive care services: A resurvey of National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers.

    PubMed

    Hammer, Sheila L; Clark, Karen; Grant, Marcia; Loscalzo, Matthew J

    2015-08-01

    We replicated a 1994 study that surveyed the state of supportive care services due to changes in the field and the increased need for such services. We provide an updated assessment, comparing the changes that have occurred and describing the current status of supportive care services in comprehensive cancer settings. We used Coluzzi and colleague's 60-question survey from their 1995 Journal of Clinical Oncology article to frame the 98-question survey employed in the current study. Medical and palliative care directors for the 2011 National Cancer Institute (NCI) comprehensive cancer centers were surveyed regarding their supportive care services and their subjective review of the overall effectiveness of the services provided. We achieved a 76% response rate (n = 31). The data revealed increases in the number of cancer beds in the hospitals, the degree of integration of supportive care services, the availability of complementary services, and the number of pain and palliative care services offered. There was also an overall shift toward centers becoming more patient centered, as 65% reported now having a patient and family advisory council. Our findings revealed a growing trend to offer distress screening for both outpatients and inpatients. Medical and palliative care directors' evaluations of the supportive care services they offered also significantly improved. However, the results revealed an ongoing gap in services for end-of-life care and timely referrals for hospice services. Overall, both the quantity and quality of supportive care services in the surveyed NCI-designated cancer centers has improved.

  4. Creating a “culture of research” in a community hospital: Strategies and tools from the National Cancer Institute Community Cancer Centers Program

    PubMed Central

    St. Germain, Diane; Nacpil, Lianne M; Zaren, Howard A; Swanson, Sandra M; Minnick, Christopher; Carrigan, Angela; Denicoff, Andrea M; Igo, Kathleen E; Acoba, Jared D; Gonzalez, Maria M; McCaskill-Stevens, Worta

    2015-01-01

    Background The value of community-based cancer research has long been recognized. In addition to the National Cancer Institute’s Community Clinical and Minority-Based Oncology Programs established in 1983, and 1991 respectively, the National Cancer Institute established the National Cancer Institute Community Cancer Centers Program in 2007 with an aim of enhancing access to high-quality cancer care and clinical research in the community setting where most cancer patients receive their treatment. This article discusses strategies utilized by the National Cancer Institute Community Cancer Centers Program to build research capacity and create a more entrenched culture of research at the community hospitals participating in the program over a 7-year period. Methods To facilitate development of a research culture at the community hospitals, the National Cancer Institute Community Cancer Centers Program required leadership or chief executive officer engagement; utilized a collaborative learning structure where best practices, successes, and challenges could be shared; promoted site-to-site mentoring to foster faster learning within and between sites; required research program assessments that spanned clinical trial portfolio, accrual barriers, and outreach; increased identification and use of metrics; and, finally, encouraged research team engagement across hospital departments (navigation, multidisciplinary care, pathology, and disparities) to replace the traditionally siloed approach to clinical trials. Limitations The health-care environment is rapidly changing while complexity in research increases. Successful research efforts are impacted by numerous factors (e.g. institutional review board reviews, physician interest, and trial availability). The National Cancer Institute Community Cancer Centers Program sites, as program participants, had access to the required resources and support to develop and implement the strategies described. Metrics are an important

  5. Quality assessment in head and neck oncologic surgery in a Brazilian cancer center compared with MD Anderson Cancer Center benchmarks.

    PubMed

    Lira, Renan Bezerra; de Carvalho, André Ywata; de Carvalho, Genival Barbosa; Lewis, Carol M; Weber, Randal S; Kowalski, Luiz Paulo

    2016-07-01

    Quality assessment is a major tool for evaluation of health care delivery. In head and neck surgery, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (MD Anderson) has defined quality standards by publishing benchmarks. We conducted an analysis of 360 head and neck surgeries performed at the AC Camargo Cancer Center (AC Camargo). The procedures were stratified into low-acuity procedures (LAPs) or high-acuity procedures (HAPs) and outcome indicators where compared to MD Anderson benchmarks. In the 360 cases, there were 332 LAPs (92.2%) and 28 HAPs (7.8%). Patients with any comorbid condition had a higher incidence of negative outcome indicators (p = .005). In the LAPs, we achieved the MD Anderson benchmarks in all outcome indicators. In HAPs, the rate of surgical site infection and length of hospital stay were higher than what is established by the benchmarks. Quality assessment of head and neck surgery is possible and should be disseminated, improving effectiveness in health care delivery. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: 1002-1007, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  6. Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (FHCRC1): Genetic Disruption of CTCF Destabilizes DNA Methylation | Office of Cancer Genomics

    Cancer.gov

    The CTD2 Center at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center identified the DNA binding protein CTCF as a tumor suppressor and regulator of DNA methylation. Read the abstract Experimental Approaches Read the detailed Experimental Approaches

  7. Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (FHCRC-1): Genetic Disruption of CTCF Destabilizes DNA Methylation | Office of Cancer Genomics

    Cancer.gov

    The CTD2 Center at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center identified the DNA binding protein CTCF as a tumor suppressor and regulator of DNA methylation. Read the abstract Experimental Approaches Read the detailed Experimental Approaches

  8. A slow “catch and release” process prolongs immune attack on cancer cells | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Center for Cancer Research investigators have discovered that some cancer cells catch immune signaling molecules called cytokines on their surfaces then slowly release the molecules. The results suggest that the immune system may exploit this weak spot to mount a prolonged attack on the tumor. Read more...

  9. Liver disease stage determines whether the immune response stifles or stimulates tumor growth | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Researchers at the Center for Cancer Research and colleagues from three cancer research centers in Germany have discovered a mechanism whereby precancerous liver cells, found in individuals with chronic liver disease, can prevent neighboring cells from becoming cancerous but can also speed the growth of cells that have already become cancerous.  Learn more...

  10. Absolute Effect of Prostate Cancer Screening: Balance of benefits and harms by center within the European Randomized Study of Prostate Cancer Screening

    PubMed Central

    Auvinen, Anssi; Moss, Sue M; Tammela, Teuvo L J; Taari, Kimmo; Roobol, Monique J; Schröder, Fritz H; Bangma, Chris H; Carlsson, Sigrid; Aus, Gunnar; Zappa, Marco; Puliti, Donella; Denis, Louis J; Nelen, Vera; Kwiatkowski, Maciej; Randazzo, Marco; Paez, Alvaro; Lujan, Marcos; Hugosson, Jonas

    2016-01-01

    Purpose The balance of benefits and harms in prostate cancer screening has not been sufficiently characterized. We related indicators of mortality reduction and overdetection by center within the European Randomized Study of Prostate Cancer Screening. Experimental Design We analyzed the absolute mortality reduction expressed as number needed to invite (NNI=1/absolute risk reduction; indicating how many men had to be randomized to screening arm to avert a prostate cancer death) for screening and the absolute excess of prostate cancer detection as number needed for overdetection (NNO=1/absolute excess incidence; indicating the number of men invited per additional prostate cancer case), and compared their relationship across the seven ERSPC centers. Results Both absolute mortality reduction (NNI) and absolute overdetection (NNO) varied widely between the centers: NNI 200-7000 and NNO 16-69. Extent of overdiagnosis and mortality reduction were closely associated (correlation coefficient r=0.76, weighted linear regression coefficient β=33, 95% 5-62, R2=0.72). For an averted prostate cancer death at 13 years of follow-up, 12-36 excess cases had to be detected in various centers. Conclusions The differences between the ERSPC centers likely reflect variations in prostate cancer incidence and mortality, as well as in screening protocol and performance. The strong interrelation between the benefits and harms suggests that efforts to maximize the mortality effect are bound to increase overdiagnosis, and might be improved by focusing on high-risk populations. The optimal balance between screening intensity and risk of overdiagnosis remains unclear. PMID:26289069

  11. Protocol Coordinator | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    PROGRAM DESCRIPTION Within the Leidos Biomedical Research Inc.’s Clinical Research Directorate, the Clinical Monitoring Research Program (CMRP) provides high-quality comprehensive and strategic operational support to the high-profile domestic and international clinical research initiatives of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Clinical Center (CC), National Institute of Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Since its inception in 2001, CMRP’s ability to provide rapid responses, high-quality solutions, and to recruit and retain experts with a variety of backgrounds to meet the growing research portfolios of NCI, NIAID, CC, NHLBI, NIAMS, NCATS, NINDS, and NIMH has led to the considerable expansion of the program and its repertoire of support services. CMRP’s support services are strategically aligned with the program’s mission to provide comprehensive, dedicated support to assist National Institutes of Health researchers in providing the highest quality of clinical research in compliance with applicable regulations and guidelines, maintaining data integrity, and protecting human subjects. For the scientific advancement of clinical research, CMRP services include comprehensive clinical trials, regulatory, pharmacovigilance, protocol navigation and development, and programmatic and project management support for facilitating the conduct of 400+ Phase I, II, and III domestic and international trials on a yearly basis. These trials investigate the prevention, diagnosis, treatment of, and therapies for cancer, influenza, HIV, and other infectious diseases and viruses such as hepatitis C, tuberculosis, malaria, and Ebola virus; heart, lung, and

  12. Clinical Investigator Development Program | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Clinical Investigator Development Program Application Deadline:  September 30, 2018 Program Starts: July 1, 2019 The NCI Center for Cancer Research (CCR) is pleased to announce our annual call for applications for an exciting training opportunity intended for physicians interested in dedicating their careers to clinical research. Come join a vibrant, multidisciplinary research

  13. Pioneering quality assessment in European cancer centers: a data analysis of the organization for European cancer institutes accreditation and designation program.

    PubMed

    Saghatchian, Mahasti; Thonon, Frédérique; Boomsma, Femke; Hummel, Henk; Koot, Bert; Harrison, Chris; Rajan, Abinaya; de Valeriola, Dominique; Otter, Renée; Laranja Pontes, José; Lombardo, Claudio; McGrath, Eoin; Ringborg, Ulrik; Tursz, Thomas; van Harten, Wim

    2014-09-01

    In order to improve the quality of care in Cancer Centers (CC) and designate Comprehensive Cancer Centers (CCCs), the Organization for European Cancer Institutes (OECI) launched an Accreditation and Designation (A&D) program. The program facilitates the collection of defined data and the assessment of cancer center quality. This study analyzes the results of the first 10 European centers that entered the program. The assessment included 927 items divided across qualitative and quantitative questionnaires. Data collected during self-assessment and peer-review from the 10 first participating centers were combined in a database for comparative analysis using simple statistics. Quantitative and qualitative results were validated by auditors during the peer review visits. Volumes of various functions and activities dedicated to care, research, and education varied widely among centers. There were no significant differences in resources for radiology, radiotherapy, pathologic diagnostic, and surgery. Differences were observed in the use of clinical pathways but not for the practices of holding multidisciplinary team meetings and conforming to guidelines. Regarding human resources, main differences were in the composition and number of supportive care and research staff. All 10 centers applied as CCCs; five obtained the label, and five were designated as CCs. The OECI A&D program allows comparisons between centers with regard to management, research, care, education, and designation as CCs or CCCs. Through the peer review system, recommendations for improvements are given. Assessing the added value of the program, as well as research and patient treatment outcomes, is the next step. Copyright © 2014 by American Society of Clinical Oncology.

  14. [The role of general practitioner in French cancer centers].

    PubMed

    Gangler, Anne; Delva, Rémy; Gamelin, Eric

    2013-04-01

    Oncology is undergoing profound change with the development of treatments and techniques, the evolution of care taking (outpatient, overall patient care, prevention and screening), attracting more and more women. This field is also concerned by the medical demography issue. Each professional team organisation and functions are meant to be reconsidered. We took interest in the general practitioner functions in cancer centers (they are present in 80% of those); a new concept which has not been studied in France yet. A questionnaire survey of general practitioners, oncologists and directors from 19 regional cancer centers and 9 private cancer clinics, was conducted during summer 2008. The overall response rate was 51% (260/512). This study aimed to underline the general practitioner main functions, who is widely qualified, with high relational ability, a role different from family physicians and oncologists, but closely working together with them, with hardly recognized specific activities: overall patient care, continuous care with the daily management of hospitalized patients allowing a reduction in oncologists working load, the continuity of care with the family physician, the involvement in the day hospital management, in the emergency department, in outpatient palliative care consultations and follow-up consultations.

  15. Flow Cytometry Technician | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The Basic Science Program (BSP) pursues independent, multidisciplinary research in basic and applied molecular biology, immunology, retrovirology, cancer biology, and human genetics. Research efforts and support are an integral part of the Center for Cancer Research (CCR) at the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research (FNLCR). KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES The Flow Cytometry Core (Flow Core) of the Cancer and Inflammation Program (CIP) is a service core which supports the research efforts of the CCR by providing expertise in the field of flow cytometry (using analyzers and sorters) with the goal of gaining a more thorough understanding of the biology of cancer and cancer cells. The Flow Core provides service to 12-15 CIP laboratories and more than 22 non-CIP laboratories. Flow core staff provide technical advice on the experimental design of applications, which include immunological phenotyping, cell function assays, and cell cycle analysis. Work is performed per customer requirements, and no independent research is involved. The Flow Cytometry Technician will be responsible for: Monitor performance of and maintain high dimensional flow cytometer analyzers and cell sorters Operate high dimensional flow cytometer analyzers and cell sorters Monitoring lab supply levels and order lab supplies, perform various record keeping responsibilities Assist in the training of scientific end users on the use of flow cytometry in their research, as well as how to operate and troubleshoot the bench-top analyzer instruments Experience with sterile technique and tissue culture

  16. Quality of laparoscopic radical hysterectomy in developing countries: a comparison of surgical and oncologic outcomes between a comprehensive cancer center in the United States and a cancer center in Colombia.

    PubMed

    Pareja, Rene; Nick, Alpa M; Schmeler, Kathleen M; Frumovitz, Michael; Soliman, Pamela T; Buitrago, Carlos A; Borrero, Mauricio; Angel, Gonzalo; Reis, Ricardo Dos; Ramirez, Pedro T

    2012-05-01

    To help determine whether global collaborations for prospective gynecologic surgery trials should include hospitals in developing countries, we compared surgical and oncologic outcomes of patients undergoing laparoscopic radical hysterectomy at a large comprehensive cancer center in the United States and a cancer center in Colombia. Records of the first 50 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic radical hysterectomy at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston (between April 2004 and July 2007) and the first 50 consecutive patients who underwent the same procedure at the Instituto de Cancerología-Clínica las Américas in Medellín (between December 2008 and October 2010) were retrospectively reviewed. Surgical and oncologic outcomes were compared between the 2 groups. There was no significant difference in median patient age (US 41.9 years [range 23-73] vs. Colombia 44.5 years [range 24-75], P=0.09). Patients in Colombia had a lower median body mass index than patients in the US (24.4 kg/m(2) vs. 28.7 kg/m(2), P=0.002). Compared to patients treated in Colombia, patients who underwent surgery in the US had a greater median estimated blood loss (200 mL vs. 79 mL, P<0.001), longer median operative time (328.5 min vs. 235 min, P<0.001), and longer postoperative hospital stay (2 days vs. 1 day, P<0.001). Surgical and oncologic outcomes of laparoscopic radical hysterectomy were not worse at a cancer center in a developing country than at a large comprehensive cancer center in the United States. These results support consideration of developing countries for inclusion in collaborations for prospective surgical studies. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  17. Fox Chase Cancer Center's Genitourinary Division: a national resource for research, innovation and patient care.

    PubMed

    Uzzo, Robert G; Horwitz, Eric M; Plimack, Elizabeth R

    2016-04-01

    Founded in 1904, Fox Chase Cancer Center remains committed to its mission. It is one of 41 centers in the country designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute, is a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, holds the magnet designation for nursing excellence, is one of the first to establish a family cancer risk assessment program, and has achieved national distinction because of the scientific discoveries made there that have advanced clinical care. Two of its researchers have won Nobel prizes. The Genitourinary Division is nationally recognized and viewed as one of the top driving forces behind the growth of Fox Chase due to its commitment to initiating and participating in clinical trials, its prolific contributions to peer-reviewed publications and presentations at scientific meetings, its innovations in therapies and treatment strategies, and its commitment to bringing cutting-edge therapies to patients.

  18. Developing a "toolkit" to measure implementation of concurrent palliative care in rural community cancer centers.

    PubMed

    Zubkoff, Lisa; Dionne-Odom, J Nicholas; Pisu, Maria; Babu, Dilip; Akyar, Imatullah; Smith, Tasha; Mancarella, Gisella A; Gansauer, Lucy; Sullivan, Margaret Murray; Swetz, Keith M; Azuero, Andres; Bakitas, Marie A

    2018-02-01

    Despite national guidelines recommending early concurrent palliative care for individuals newly diagnosed with metastatic cancer, few community cancer centers, especially those in underserved rural areas do so. We are implementing an early concurrent palliative care model, ENABLE (Educate, Nurture, Advise, Before Life Ends) in four, rural-serving community cancer centers. Our objective was to develop a "toolkit" to assist community cancer centers that wish to integrate early palliative care for patients with newly diagnosed advanced cancer and their family caregivers. Guided by the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness-Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance) framework, we undertook an instrument-development process based on the literature, expert and site stakeholder review and feedback, and pilot testing during site visits. We developed four instruments to measure ENABLE implementation: (1) the ENABLE RE-AIM Self-Assessment Tool to assess reach, adoption, implementation, and maintenance; (2) the ENABLE General Organizational Index to assess institutional implementation; (3) an Implementation Costs Tool; and (4) an Oncology Clinicians' Perceptions of Early Concurrent Oncology Palliative Care survey. We developed four measures to determine early palliative care implementation. These measures have been pilot-tested, and will be integrated into a comprehensive "toolkit" to assist community cancer centers to measure implementation outcomes. We describe the lessons learned and recommend strategies for promoting long-term program sustainability.

  19. Incidence Trend and Epidemiology of Common Cancers in the Center of Iran.

    PubMed

    Rafiemanesh, Hosein; Rajaei-Behbahani, Narjes; Khani, Yousef; Hosseini, Sayedehafagh; Pournamdar, Zahra; Mohammadian-Hafshejani, Abdollah; Soltani, Shahin; Hosseini, Seyedeh Akram; Khazaei, Salman; Salehiniya, Hamid

    2015-07-13

    Cancer is a major public health problem in Iran and many other parts of the world. The cancer incidence is different in various countries and in country provinces. Geographical differences in the cancer incidence lead to be important to conduct an epidemiological study of the disease. This study aimed to investigate cancer epidemiology and trend in the province of Qom, located in center of Iran. This is an analytical cross-sectional study carried out based on re-analysis cancer registry report and the disease management center of health ministry from 2004 to 2008 in the province of Qom. To describe incidence time trends, we carried out join point regression analysis using the software Join point Regression Program, Version 4.1.1.1. There were 3,029 registered cases of cancer during 5 years studied. Sex ratio was 1.32 (male to female). Considering the frequency and mean standardized incidence, the most common cancer in women were breast, skin, colorectal, stomach, and esophagus, respectively while in men the most common cancers included skin, stomach, colorectal, bladder, and prostate, respectively. There was an increasing and significant trend, according to the annual percentage change (APC) equal to 8.08% (CI: 5.1-11.1) for all site cancer in women. The incidence trend of all cancers was increasing in this area. Hence, planning for identifying risk factors and performing programs for dealing with the disease are essential.

  20. 77 FR 41188 - Advisory Committee on Breast Cancer in Young Women, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-07-12

    ... Committee on Breast Cancer in Young Women, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Notice of Charter..., that the Advisory Committee on Breast Cancer in Young Women, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention... Committee on Breast Cancer in Young Women, HHS, CDC, 4770 Buford Highway, NE., Mailstop K52, Atlanta...

  1. Frederick National Lab Collaborates with Moffitt Cancer Center on HPV and Oral Cancer | FNLCR Staging

    Cancer.gov

    The Frederick National Lab and Moffitt Cancer Center have established a collaboration to research antibody responses against the human papillomavirus (HPV) in males following administration of the Gardasil vaccine. The vaccine prevents HPV infections

  2. Clinical Perspectives on Colorectal Cancer Screening at Latino-Serving Federally Qualified Health Centers

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Coronado, Gloria D.; Petrik, Amanda F.; Spofford, Mark; Talbot, Jocelyn; Do, Huyen Hoai; Taylor, Victoria M.

    2015-01-01

    Purpose: Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in the United States, and rates of screening for colorectal cancer are low. We sought to gather the perceptions of clinic personnel at Latino-serving Federally Qualified Health Centers (operating 17 clinics) about barriers to utilization of screening services for colorectal…

  3. Implementing a Death with Dignity program at a comprehensive cancer center.

    PubMed

    Loggers, Elizabeth Trice; Starks, Helene; Shannon-Dudley, Moreen; Back, Anthony L; Appelbaum, Frederick R; Stewart, F Marc

    2013-04-11

    The majority of Death with Dignity participants in Washington State and Oregon have received a diagnosis of terminal cancer. As more states consider legislation regarding physician-assisted death, the experience of a comprehensive cancer center may be informative. We describe the implementation of a Death with Dignity program at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, the site of care for the Fred Hutchinson-University of Washington Cancer Consortium, a comprehensive cancer center in Seattle that serves the Pacific Northwest. Institution-level data were compared with publicly available statewide data from Oregon and Washington. A total of 114 patients inquired about our Death with Dignity program between March 5, 2009, and December 31, 2011. Of these, 44 (38.6%) did not pursue the program, and 30 (26.3%) initiated the process but either elected not to continue or died before completion. Of the 40 participants who, after counseling and upon request, received a prescription for a lethal dose of secobarbital (35.1% of the 114 patients who inquired about the program), all died, 24 after medication ingestion (60% of those obtaining prescriptions). The participants at our center accounted for 15.7% of all participants in the Death with Dignity program in Washington (255 persons) and were typically white, male, and well educated. The most common reasons for participation were loss of autonomy (97.2%), inability to engage in enjoyable activities (88.9%), and loss of dignity (75.0%). Eleven participants lived for more than 6 months after prescription receipt. Qualitatively, patients and families were grateful to receive the lethal prescription, whether it was used or not. Overall, our Death with Dignity program has been well accepted by patients and clinicians.

  4. Frederick National Lab Collaborates with Moffitt Cancer Center on HPV and Oral Cancer | Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    The Frederick National Lab and Moffitt Cancer Center have established a collaboration to research antibody responses against the human papillomavirus (HPV) in males following administration of the Gardasil vaccine. The vaccine prevents HPV infections

  5. Neoadjuvant Systemic Therapy Use for Younger Patients with Breast Cancer Treated in Different Types of Cancer Centers Across the United States.

    PubMed

    Mohiuddin, Jahan J; Deal, Allison M; Carey, Lisa A; Lund, Jennifer L; Baker, Brock R; Zagar, Timothy M; Jones, Ellen L; Marks, Lawrence B; Chen, Ronald C

    2016-11-01

    Multiple clinical trials have shown that neoadjuvant systemic therapy has a benefit in women who are borderline lumpectomy candidates and in those with locally advanced breast cancers by reducing the mastectomy rate and making inoperable tumors operable. The study aim was to examine the patterns of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and endocrine therapy use among younger women in the United States treated at different types of cancer centers. Data from the National Cancer Data Base for 118,086 women younger than 65 years with clinical stage IIA (T2N0 only) to IIIC breast cancer. Following the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guideline categorization, patients were grouped into those who were borderline lumpectomy candidates (clinical stage IIA [T2N0 only], IIB, or IIIA [T3N1 only]) or those with locally advanced disease (clinical stage IIIA [T0-3N2 only], IIIB, or IIIC). The main outcome was the proportion of women who received neoadjuvant systemic therapy. Use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy ranged from 17% (stage IIA) to 79% (stage IIIB). Across almost all stage and receptor subtypes, the use was lower in community vs academic centers. On multivariable analysis, use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy was decreased in community vs academic centers (borderline lumpectomy candidates: adjusted risk ratio = 0.73; 95% CI, 0.69-0.77; locally advanced disease: adjusted risk ratio = 0.78; 95% CI, 0.74-0.83). Use of guideline-concordant neoadjuvant chemotherapy is significantly higher among women treated at academic vs community centers in young and healthy women who do not commonly have contraindications to this treatment. Our study identified a potential disparity in cancer care by type of center where patients receive treatment. Copyright © 2016 American College of Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  6. New patient-centered care standards from the commission on cancer: opportunities and challenges.

    PubMed

    Fashoyin-Aje, Lola A; Martinez, Kathryn A; Dy, Sydney M

    2012-01-01

    The Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons publishes accreditation standards that hospitals and cancer treatment centers implement to ensure quality care to cancer patients. These standards address the full spectrum of cancer care, from cancer prevention to survivorship and end-of-life care. The most recent revisions of these standards included new standards in "patient-centered areas," including the provision of palliative care services, treatment and survivorship plans, psychological distress screening, and patient navigation programs. Unified by their emphasis on the early identification of patients at risk of receiving suboptimal care and the importance of ensuring that issues arising during and after completion of cancer treatment are addressed, they are a welcome expansion of the standards guiding cancer care. As with all standards, however, the next steps will be to further define how they will be implemented and to determine how success will be assessed. This will require ongoing critical evaluation of the standards and their implementation, including the need for member institutions to define successful implementation methods and measurable outcomes and identification of areas most in need of further research. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  7. Senior Computational Scientist | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    The Basic Science Program (BSP) pursues independent, multidisciplinary research in basic and applied molecular biology, immunology, retrovirology, cancer biology, and human genetics. Research efforts and support are an integral part of the Center for Cancer Research (CCR) at the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research (FNLCR). The Cancer & Inflammation Program (CIP), Basic Science Program, HLA Immunogenetics Section, under the leadership of Dr. Mary Carrington, studies the influence of human leukocyte antigens (HLA) and specific KIR/HLA genotypes on risk of and outcomes to infection, cancer, autoimmune disease, and maternal-fetal disease. Recent studies have focused on the impact of HLA gene expression in disease, the molecular mechanism regulating expression levels, and the functional basis for the effect of differential expression on disease outcome. The lab’s further focus is on the genetic basis for resistance/susceptibility to disease conferred by immunogenetic variation. KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES The Senior Computational Scientist will provide research support to the CIP-BSP-HLA Immunogenetics Section performing bio-statistical design, analysis and reporting of research projects conducted in the lab. This individual will be involved in the implementation of statistical models and data preparation. Successful candidate should have 5 or more years of competent, innovative biostatistics/bioinformatics research experience, beyond doctoral training Considerable experience with statistical software, such as SAS, R and S-Plus Sound knowledge, and demonstrated experience of theoretical and applied statistics Write program code to analyze data using statistical analysis software Contribute to the interpretation and publication of research results

  8. Ten trends transforming cancer care and their effects on space planning for academic medical centers.

    PubMed

    Bloom, Mara; Markovitz, Sarah; Silverman, Susan; Yost, Carl

    2015-01-01

    This article aims to define the major trends currently affecting space needs for academic medical center (AMC) cancer centers. It will distinguish between the trends that promote the concentration of services with those that promote decentralization as well as identify opportunities for achieving greater effectiveness in cancer care space planning. Changes in cancer care-higher survival rates, increased clinical trials, new technology, and changing practice models-increasingly fill hospitals' and clinicians' schedules and strain clinical space resources. Conflicts among these trends are concentrating some services and dispersing others. As a result, AMCs must expand and renovate intelligently to continue providing state-of-the-art, compassionate care. Although the typical AMC cancer center can expect to utilize more space than it would have 10 years ago, a deeper understanding of the cancer center enterprise can lead to opportunities for more effectively using available facility resources. Each AMC must determine for itself the appropriate balance of patient volume, clinical activity, and services between its main hospital campus and satellite branches. As well, space allocation should be flexible, as care trends, medical technology, and the provider's own priorities shift over time. The goal isn't necessarily more space-it's better space. © The Author(s) 2015.

  9. Symptom Prevalence of Patients with Cancer in a Tertiary Cancer Center in Jordan.

    PubMed

    Alawneh, Alia; Anshasi, Huda; Khirfan, Ghaleb; Yaseen, Hesham; Quran, Anood

    2017-01-01

    Prevalence of symptoms experienced by patients with cancer was studied in different parts of the world. In Jordan, to the best of our knowledge, there is no published data on the prevalence of symptoms among patients with cancer. The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of symptoms among patients with cancer in Jordan. This was a secondary analysis of crosssectional survey that evaluate the psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life 15 items Questionnaire for Palliative Care (EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL) among patients admitted to a tertiary cancer center in Jordan. A total of 175 patients with cancer participated in the study; 51.4% were males, 48.6 % were females, mean age of patients was 50 years. Median number of symptoms per patient was 6, interquartile range was 5-7. The majority of patients (143; 81%) had more than 3 non-pain symptoms each. The most frequently reported symptom was tiredness (82%), whereas the least prevalent symptom was depression (55%). Pain was prevalent in 71% of patients, median severity score was 50%. Patients with cancer suffer from a large constellation of symptoms, frequent assessment with a designated tool can help early identification of these symptoms and subsequent management. This highlights the need for integrated palliative services along with other health care provision.

  10. Cancer Survivorship Care: Person Centered Care in a Multidisciplinary Shared Care Model.

    PubMed

    Loonen, Jacqueline J; Blijlevens, Nicole Ma; Prins, Judith; Dona, Desiree Js; Den Hartogh, Jaap; Senden, Theo; van Dulmen-Den Broeder, Eline; van der Velden, Koos; Hermens, Rosella Pmg

    2018-01-16

    Survivors of childhood and adult-onset cancer are at lifelong risk for the development of late effects of treatment that can lead to serious morbidity and premature mortality. Regular long-term follow-up aiming for prevention, early detection and intervention of late effects can preserve or improve health. The heterogeneous and often serious character of late effects emphasizes the need for specialized cancer survivorship care clinics. Multidisciplinary cancer survivorship care requires a coordinated and well integrated health care environment for risk based screening and intervention. In addition survivors engagement and adherence to the recommendations are also important elements. We developed an innovative model for integrated care for cancer survivors, the "Personalized Cancer Survivorship Care Model", that is being used in our clinic. This model comprises 1. Personalized follow-up care according to the principles of Person Centered Care, aiming to empower survivors and to support self management, and 2. Organization according to a multidisciplinary and risk based approach. The concept of person centered care is based on three components: initiating, integrating and safeguarding the partnership with the patient. This model has been developed as a universal model of care that will work for all cancer survivors in different health care systems. It could be used for studies to improve self efficacy and the cost-effectiveness of cancer survivorship care.

  11. Program Spotlight: Ground Broken for NCI-supported Cancer Treatment Center in Puerto Rico

    Cancer.gov

    Dr. Sanya A. Springfield represented NCI at the groundbreaking ceremonies for the University of Puerto Rico (UPR) cancer hospital. In her remarks, she acknowledged the driving force behind this development is the UPR and the MD Anderson Cancer Center partnership.

  12. Availability of Information About Lifestyle for Cancer Survivors in England: A Review of Statutory and Charitable Sector Organizations and Cancer Centers.

    PubMed

    Williams, Kate; Fisher, Abigail; Beeken, Rebecca J; Wardle, Jane

    2015-03-09

    Health behavior change following a cancer diagnosis has the potential to improve long-term outcomes. However, many patients do not receive professional advice about lifestyle and are therefore increasingly using the Internet to seek further information. The statutory and charitable sectors and cancer centers all play an important role in the provision of information and have been found to be favored by cancer survivors searching for information. However, to date there has been no systematic evaluation of the lifestyle information available online for cancer survivors. The purpose of this review was to identify the lifestyle information provided for cancer survivors by statutory and charitable sector organizations and cancer centers in the United Kingdom. We aimed to identify information on tobacco, physical activity, diet, weight, and alcohol designed for people who have been diagnosed with breast, prostate, or colorectal cancer. The National Health Service (NHS) website was the focus of the search for information provided by the statutory sector. Cancer centers were identified from the Organization of European Cancer Institutes and an Internet search, and charitable sector organizations were identified by searching the Charity Commission database. The three largest generic, breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer charitable organizations were included. A systematic search of the organizations was conducted to identify lifestyle information for cancer survivors. Ten organizations had some lifestyle information for cancer survivors on their websites. The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Macmillan Cancer Support, and Prostate Cancer UK had the most comprehensive guides, covering physical activity, diet, weight management, smoking, and alcohol. The NHS website did not provide any information but had a link to Cancer Research UK's information about diet. Eight organizations suggested talking to a health professional before making any changes. The majority of

  13. Quality of care in breast cancer centers: results of benchmarking by the German Cancer Society and German Society for Breast Diseases.

    PubMed

    Kowalski, Christoph; Ferencz, Julia; Brucker, Sara Y; Kreienberg, Rolf; Wesselmann, Simone

    2015-04-01

    A total of 218 breast cancer centers, with 274 operating sites, have been certified since 2003 in accordance with the criteria set out by the German Cancer Society (Deutsche Krebsgesellschaft) and the German Society for Breast Diseases (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Senologie). Most of these centers are located in Germany, but centers in Austria, Switzerland, and Italy have also been certified. This paper presents the results for quality indicators (QIs) from 2009 to 2012, based on data from 195,342 primary breast cancer patients, in order to illustrate the development and progress of these centers. Descriptive results on interdisciplinary collaboration (6 QIs), guideline adherence (15 QIs), and specialist expertise (7 QIs) are reported over time. Fulfillment of the certification requirements was high and remained relatively stable over time, with the extent of variation between sites declining. Sites that do not reach the target values are asked to comment on the discrepancies, and their comments, as well as the QI results, are used by centers and auditors during an on-site auditing process and to constantly revise the QIs set out by the guideline and the certification commission. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  14. CGH and OCC Announce a New, Two-Year Funding Opportunity for NCI-designated Cancer Centers

    Cancer.gov

    CGH and OCC announce a new funding opportunity available from CGH for cancer prevention and control (CPC) researchers at NCI-designated cancer centers: Administrative Supplements to Promote Cancer Prevention and Control Research in Low and Middle Income Countries.

  15. Service of Remembrance: a comprehensive cancer center's response to bereaved family members.

    PubMed

    Knight, Louise; Cooper, Rhonda S; Hypki, Cinder

    2012-01-01

    Comprehensive cancer centers that offer an array of clinical trials and treatment options often experience significant patient mortality rates. Bereavement resources may not be routinely incorporated into the service delivery model in these specialty hospitals. In response, an interdisciplinary team at one cancer center proposed, planned, and implemented an annual Service of Remembrance. The incorporation of music, poetry, and visual arts was important in designing a program that would provide a meaningful, spiritual experience. A community artist who designed an interactive memorial art piece played a pivotal role. This article outlines the process of institutional culture change and describes future challenges in the implementation of this type of bereavement service.

  16. Rationale and Design of the Lung Cancer Screening Implementation. Evaluation of Patient-Centered Care Study.

    PubMed

    Miranda, Leah S; Datta, Santanu; Melzer, Anne C; Wiener, Renda Soylemez; Davis, James M; Tong, Betty C; Golden, Sara E; Slatore, Christopher G

    2017-10-01

    Screening for lung cancer using low-dose computed tomography has been demonstrated to reduce lung cancer-related mortality and is being widely implemented. Further research in this area is needed to assess the impact of screening on patient-centered outcomes. Here, we describe the design and rationale for a new study entitled Lung Cancer Screening Implementation: Evaluation of Patient-Centered Care. The protocol is composed of an interconnected series of studies evaluating patients and clinicians who are engaged in lung cancer screening in real-world settings. The primary goal of this study is to evaluate communication processes that are being used in routine care and to identify best practices that can be readily scaled up for implementation in multiple settings. We hypothesize that higher overall quality of patient-clinician communication processes will be associated with lower levels of distress and decisional conflict as patients decide whether or not to participate in lung cancer screening. This work is a critical step toward identifying modifiable mechanisms that are associated with high quality of care for the millions of patients who will consider lung cancer screening. Given the enormous potential benefits and burdens of lung cancer screening on patients, clinicians, and the healthcare system, it is important to identify and then scale up quality communication practices that positively influence patient-centered care.

  17. Protocol Coordinator | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    PROGRAM DESCRIPTION Within the Leidos Biomedical Research Inc.’s Clinical Research Directorate, the Clinical Monitoring Research Program (CMRP) provides high-quality comprehensive and strategic operational support to the high-profile domestic and international clinical research initiatives of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Clinical Center (CC), National Institute of Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Since its inception in 2001, CMRP’s ability to provide rapid responses, high-quality solutions, and to recruit and retain experts with a variety of backgrounds to meet the growing research portfolios of NCI, NIAID, CC, NHLBI, NIAMS, NCATS, NINDS, and NIMH has led to the considerable expansion of the program and its repertoire of support services. CMRP’s support services are strategically aligned with the program’s mission to provide comprehensive, dedicated support to assist National Institutes of Health researchers in providing the highest quality of clinical research in compliance with applicable regulations and guidelines, maintaining data integrity, and protecting human subjects. For the scientific advancement of clinical research, CMRP services include comprehensive clinical trials, regulatory, pharmacovigilance, protocol navigation and development, and programmatic and project management support for facilitating the conduct of 400+ Phase I, II, and III domestic and international trials on a yearly basis. These trials investigate the prevention, diagnosis, treatment of, and therapies for cancer, influenza, HIV, and other infectious diseases and viruses such as hepatitis C, tuberculosis, malaria, and Ebola virus; heart, lung, and

  18. Patient-Centered Care in Breast Cancer Genetic Clinics.

    PubMed

    Brédart, Anne; Anota, Amélie; Dick, Julia; Kuboth, Violetta; Lareyre, Olivier; De Pauw, Antoine; Cano, Alejandra; Stoppa-Lyonnet, Dominique; Schmutzler, Rita; Dolbeault, Sylvie; Kop, Jean-Luc

    2018-02-12

    With advances in breast cancer (BC) gene panel testing, risk counseling has become increasingly complex, potentially leading to unmet psychosocial needs. We assessed psychosocial needs and correlates in women initiating testing for high genetic BC risk in clinics in France and Germany, and compared these results with data from a literature review. Among the 442 counselees consecutively approached, 212 (83%) in France and 180 (97%) in Germany, mostly BC patients (81% and 92%, respectively), returned the 'Psychosocial Assessment in Hereditary Cancer' questionnaire. Based on the Breast and Ovarian Analysis of Disease Incidence and Carrier Estimation Algorithm (BOADICEA) BC risk estimation model, the mean BC lifetime risk estimates were 19% and 18% in France and Germany, respectively. In both countries, the most prevalent needs clustered around the "living with cancer" and "children-related issues" domains. In multivariate analyses, a higher number of psychosocial needs were significantly associated with younger age (b = -0.05), higher anxiety (b = 0.78), and having children (b = 1.51), but not with country, educational level, marital status, depression, or loss of a family member due to hereditary cancer. These results are in line with the literature review data. However, this review identified only seven studies that quantitatively addressed psychosocial needs in the BC genetic counseling setting. Current data lack understandings of how cancer risk counseling affects psychosocial needs, and improves patient-centered care in that setting.

  19. Comprehensive List of Cancer-Related Genetic Variations of the NCI-60 Panel | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    The NCI-60 cell lines are the most frequently studied human tumor cell lines in cancer research. The panel of cell lines represents nine different types of cancer: breast, ovary, prostate, colon, lung, kidney, brain, leukemia, and melanoma. Originally developed to screen anticancer compounds by the NCI Developmental Therapeutics Program (DTP), the NCI-60 panel has generated the most extensive cancer pharmacology database worldwide. The 60 cell lines have also been extensively analyzed for their gene and microRNA expression levels, DNA mutation status, and DNA copy number variations. These findings have provided the groundwork for research centered on increasing our understanding of tumor biology and drug activity.

  20. Translational Partnership Development Lead | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research (FNLCR) is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center operated by Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc on behalf of the National Cancer Institute (NCI). The staff of FNLCR support the NCI’s mission in the fight against cancer and HIV/AIDS. Currently we are seeking a Translational Partnership Development Lead (TPDL) who will work closely with the Office of Translational Resources (OTR) within the Office of the Director (OD) of NCI’s Center for Cancer Research (CCR) to facilitate the successful translation of CCR’s basic and preclinical research advances into new therapeutics and diagnostics. The TPDL with be strategically aligned within FNLCR’s Partnership Development Office (PDO), to maximally leverage the critical mass of expertise available within the PDO. CCR comprises the basic and clinical components of the NCI’s Intramural Research Program (IRP) and consists of ~230 basic and clinical Investigators located at either the NIH main campus in Bethesda or the NCI-Frederick campus. CCR Investigators are focused primarily on cancer and HIV/AIDS, with special emphasis on the most challenging and important high-risk/high-reward problems driving the fields. (See https://ccr.cancer.gov for a full delineation of CCR Investigators and their research activities.) The process of developing research findings into new clinical applications is high risk, complex, variable, and requires multiple areas of expertise seldom available within the confines of a single Investigator’s laboratory. To accelerate this process, OTR serves as a unifying force within CCR for all aspects of translational activities required to achieve success and maintain timely progress. A key aspect of OTR’s function is to develop and strengthen essential communications and collaborations within NIH, with extramural partners and with industry to bring together experts in chemistry, human subjects research

  1. Genetic Factors in Breast Cancer: Center for Interdisciplinary Biobehavioral Research

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2006-10-01

    Hypnosis Intervention, Dr. Guy Montgomery, Associate Professor, Oncological Sciences 12/14/2005 Patient Navigation for CRC Screening with Low Income...Attending Psychologist Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center 4/20/2006 "It’s all in your head: The use of MRI in

  2. Rhabdomyosarcoma treatment and outcome at a multidisciplinary pediatric cancer center in Lebanon.

    PubMed

    Salman, Maysaa; Tamim, Hani; Medlej, Fouad; El-Ariss, Tarek; Saad, Fatima; Boulos, Fouad; Eid, Toufic; Muwakkit, Samar; Khoury, Nabil; Abboud, Miguel; Saab, Raya

    2012-05-01

    Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common soft tissue sarcoma in children. Outcome of patients treated on standard protocols, in a multidisciplinary cancer center setting outside of clinical trials, is not well reported. We reviewed characteristics and outcome of 23 pediatric patients treated at a single, multidisciplinary cancer center in Lebanon, between April 2002 and December 2010. Median follow-up was 41 months. The most commonly affected primary site was the head and neck (48%, n = 11). Nineteen tumors (82.6%) were of embryonal histology. Tumor size was ≥5 cm in eight (34.8%) patients. Sixteen patients (69.6%) had localized disease, and one (4.4%) had metastatic disease. Fifteen (65.2%) had Group III tumors. All patients received chemotherapy, for a duration ranging 21-51 weeks. Upfront surgical resection was performed in 10 patients (43.5%). Eighteen patients (78.3%) received radiation therapy. The 5-year overall and disease-free survival rates were 83% and 64%, respectively. Relapse correlated with absence of surgery. Treatment of childhood RMS in a multidisciplinary cancer center in Lebanon results in similar survival to that in developed countries when similar protocols are applied. There was a higher incidence of local relapse, but those were salvageable with further therapy and surgical local control.

  3. The current status of emergency operations at a high-volume cancer center.

    PubMed

    Komori, Koji; Kimura, Kenya; Kinoshita, Takashi; Ito, Seiji; Abe, Tetsuya; Senda, Yoshiki; Misawa, Kazunari; Ito, Yuichi; Uemura, Norihisa; Natsume, Seiji; Kawai, Ryosuke; Kawakami, Jiro; Asano, Tomonari; Iwata, Yoshinori; Kurahashi, Shintaro; Tsutsuyama, Masayuki; Shigeyoshi, Itaru; Shimizu, Yasuhiro

    2014-01-01

    This study aimed to assess the pathogenic causes, clinical conditions, surgical procedures, in-hospital mortality, and operative death associated with emergency operations at a high-volume cancer center. Although many reports have described the contents, operative procedures, and prognosis of elective surgeries in high-volume cancer centers, emergency operations have not been studied in sufficient detail. We retrospectively enrolled 28 consecutive patients who underwent emergency surgery. Cases involving operative complications were excluded. The following surgical procedures were performed during emergency operations: closure in 3 cases (10.7%), diversion in 22 cases (78.6%), ileus treatment in 2 cases (7.1%), and hemostasis in 1 case (3.6%). Closure alone was performed only once for peritonitis. Diversion was performed in 17 cases (77.3%) of peritonitis, 4 cases (18.2%) of stenosis of the gastrointestinal tract, and 1 case (4.5%) of bleeding. There was a significant overall difference (P = 0.001). The frequency of emergency operations was very low at a high-volume cancer center. However, the recent shift in treatment approaches toward nonoperative techniques may enhance the status of emergency surgical procedures. The results presented in this study will help prepare for emergency situations and resolve them as quickly and efficiently as possible.

  4. Case Study in International Cooperation: Cuba's Molecular Immunology Center and Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

    PubMed

    Evans, Rachel; Reid, Mary; Segal, Brahm; Abrams, Scott I; Lee, Kelvin

    2018-04-01

    In 1961, the USA severed diplomatic relations with Cuba, and in 1962 an embargo was imposed on trade and financial relations with that country. It was not until five decades later that the USA and Cuba would reestablish relations. This opened the way for the New York State Trade Mission to Cuba in April 2015, during which Cuba's Molecular Immunology Center and Buffalo, New York's Roswell Park Cancer Institute signed a formal agreement that would set in motion biotechnology research collaboration to address one of the most important causes of death in both countries. Significant research from Cuba led to this groundbreaking collaboration. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the development of this cooperation, from the Molecular Immunology Center's initial investigations, through the opening of a phase I clinical trial at Roswell Park Cancer Institute with therapies developed at the Center. This cooperation was responsible for the first clinical trial for CIMAvax-EGF involving advanced-stage non-small cell lung cancer patients in the USA. A license was also approved by the US Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control authorizing a commercial partnership for development of biotechnology products, combining the cancer research efforts of both institutions. This unusual collaboration between Cuba and the USA-the US economic embargo and travel restrictions not withstanding-opens good prospects for expanded medical research between the two countries. While political and logistical challenges remain, the shared mission and dedication of these Cuban and US scientists points the way towards relationships that can lead to development, testing, approval and use of promising new therapies for cancer patients. KEYWORDS Biotechnology, clinical trials, cancer vaccines, cancer immunotherapy, non-small cell lung cancer, NSCLC, Cuba, USA.

  5. Transcription factor FOXA2-centered transcriptional regulation network in non-small cell lung cancer

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Jang, Sang-Min; An, Joo-Hee; Kim, Chul-Hong

    2015-08-07

    Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-mediated death. Although various therapeutic approaches are used for lung cancer treatment, these mainly target the tumor suppressor p53 transcription factor, which is involved in apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. However, p53-targeted therapies have limited application in lung cancer, since p53 is found to be mutated in more than half of lung cancers. In this study, we propose tumor suppressor FOXA2 as an alternative target protein for therapies against lung cancer and reveal a possible FOXA2-centered transcriptional regulation network by identifying new target genes and binding partners of FOXA2 by using various screeningmore » techniques. The genes encoding Glu/Asp-rich carboxy-terminal domain 2 (CITED2), nuclear receptor subfamily 0, group B, member 2 (NR0B2), cell adhesion molecule 1 (CADM1) and BCL2-associated X protein (BAX) were identified as putative target genes of FOXA2. Additionally, the proteins including highly similar to heat shock protein HSP 90-beta (HSP90A), heat shock 70 kDa protein 1A variant (HSPA1A), histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) and HDAC3 were identified as novel interacting partners of FOXA2. Moreover, we showed that FOXA2-dependent promoter activation of BAX and p21 genes is significantly reduced via physical interactions between the identified binding partners and FOXA2. These results provide opportunities to understand the FOXA2-centered transcriptional regulation network and novel therapeutic targets to modulate this network in p53-deficient lung cancer. - Highlights: • Identification of new target genes of FOXA2. • Identifications of novel interaction proteins of FOXA2. • Construction of FOXA2-centered transcriptional regulatory network in non-small cell lung cancer.« less

  6. Foundation laid for understanding essentials of cell division | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    NCI Center for Cancer Research (CCR) scientists reported new molecular insights into understanding a critical aspect of cell division through a cross-disciplinary effort that combines cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), biochemical and cell biological approaches. Errors in segregation of chromosomes during mitosis can lead to an aberrant number of chromosomes, a condition known as aneuploidy, which can lead to cancer and birth defects. Read more…

  7. Funding Opportunity: Genomic Data Centers

    Cancer.gov

    Funding Opportunity CCG, Funding Opportunity Center for Cancer Genomics, CCG, Center for Cancer Genomics, CCG RFA, Center for cancer genomics rfa, genomic data analysis network, genomic data analysis network centers,

  8. PS2-10: The CRN Cancer Communication Research Center

    PubMed Central

    Madrid, Sarah D; Dearing, James W; Glasgow, Russell E; Rabin, Borsika A; Mazor, Kathleen; Wagner, Edward H

    2010-01-01

    We propose an integrated set of three, large posters that will describe the main components of a new research center that bridges HMORN institutions. Background: The CRN Cancer Communication Research Center (CCRC) was established in September 2008 at Kaiser Colorado Institute for Health Research. Objectives: The CCRC’s objectives are to discover the most promising practice-based approaches to cancer communication and care coordination, and to disseminate those approaches. Integrated care delivery systems represent promising opportunities to study these approaches, and the CRN CCRC, with its embedded organizational focus will take advantage of the CRN as a virtual laboratory. Specific Aims: The CRN CCRC 1) leverages the existing infrastructure of the CRN to support both the discovery and dissemination of practice-based communication strategies and organizational resources; 2) supports four investigator-initiated research projects to advance communication theory and to evaluate strategies informed by theory; and 3) provides administrative, financial, and scientific support to new investigators, including clinicians, in the development of pilot projects, and assists in submission of broader, investigator-initiated proposals to be submitted for extramural funding. Methods: Two R01-scale investigator initiated research projects will advance and test communication theory. The first will: characterize patients’ and providers’ experiences communicating about errors in cancer care; investigate the health system factors that promote or inhibit effective communication; and develop, disseminate, and evaluate provider training materials and patient informational materials. The second will develop and test an intervention to decrease patient uncertainty and improve psychosocial and communicative outcomes during the period from suspicion of cancer through diagnosis and plan of care. The Center’s research projects will be augmented and supported by Shared Resource Cores

  9. Study shows aspirin reduces the risk and recurrence of prostate cancer in African-American men | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    African-American men who take a daily dose of aspirin experience a significantly lower risk of developing advanced prostate cancer – the aggressive and deadly form of the disease – than African-American men who do not regularly use aspirin, according to a study from the Center for Cancer Research (CCR) Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis. Learn more...

  10. A breast cancer clinical registry in an Italian comprehensive cancer center: an instrument for descriptive, clinical, and experimental research.

    PubMed

    Baili, Paolo; Torresani, Michele; Agresti, Roberto; Rosito, Giuseppe; Daidone, Maria Grazia; Veneroni, Silvia; Cavallo, Ilaria; Funaro, Francesco; Giunco, Marco; Turco, Alberto; Amash, Hade; Scavo, Antonio; Minicozzi, Pamela; Bella, Francesca; Meneghini, Elisabetta; Sant, Milena

    2015-01-01

    In clinical research, many potentially useful variables are available via the routine activity of cancer center-based clinical registries (CCCR). We present the experience of the breast cancer clinical registry at Fondazione IRCCS "Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori" to give an example of how a CCCR can be planned, implemented, and used. Five criteria were taken into consideration while planning our CCCR: (a) available clinical and administrative databases ought to be exploited to the maximum extent; (b) open source software should be used; (c) a Web-based interface must be designed; (d) CCCR data must be compatible with population-based cancer registry data; (e) CCCR must be an open system, able to be connected with other data repositories. The amount of work needed for the implementation of a CCCR is inversely linked with the amount of available coded data: the fewer data are available in the input databases as coded variables, the more work will be necessary, for information technology staff, text mining analysis, and registrars (for collecting data from clinical records). A cancer registry in a comprehensive cancer center can be used for several research aspects, such as estimate of the number of cases needed for clinical studies, assessment of biobank specimens with specific characteristics, evaluation of clinical practice and adhesion to clinical guidelines, comparative studies between clinical and population sets of patients, studies on cancer prognosis, and studies on cancer survivorship.

  11. Accessibility and Barriers to Oncology Appointments at 40 National Cancer Institute-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers: Results of a Mystery Shopper Project.

    PubMed

    Hamlyn, Geoffrey S; Hutchins, Kathryn E; Johnston, Abby L; Thomas, Rishonda T; Tian, James; Kamal, Arif H

    2016-10-01

    Patients turn to National Cancer Institute (NCI) -designated comprehensive cancer centers because of perceived better quality and more timely access to care. However, recent studies have found that patients at various institutions may struggle to gain access to an appointment or obtain consistent information from attendants. Our study employs a mystery shopper format to identify and quantify barriers faced by patients seeking to make a first consultation appointment across a homogenous sample of 40 NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers. Five mystery shoppers used a standardized call script to inquire about first available appointment times and service offerings. When inquiring about a date for a first available appointment, 29% of callers were unable to secure an estimated date without registering into the center's database, 51% were able to secure an estimated date, and 20% were provided with an actual date. Of estimated or actual dates for a first available appointment, 74% were greater than 1 week away. There was no statistically significant variation between appointment availability across insurance type or US region. Our study highlights the difficulty of accessing information about appointment availability. Although not statistically significant, inquiries regarding first available appointments for Medicaid patients resulted in longer estimated or actual wait times than those for patients with private insurance, and Medicaid shoppers noted qualitative differences. Although our study was limited by small sample size and imperfect analytic methods, our results suggest the need for more efficient and accessible care for patients at our nation's top cancer centers.

  12. PARP inhibitors may affect normal cells in patients with a BRCA mutation | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    PARP inhibition has been approved for treatment of advanced ovarian cancer with BRAC1 and BRAC2 mutations and is being studied in the treatment advanced breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer.  A new study by Center for Cancer Research scientists in the Mouse Cancer Genetics Program and the Laboratory of Genome Integrity, raises concerns that when cancer patients with a BRCA

  13. A Nationwide Survey of Quality of End-of-Life Cancer Care in Designated Cancer Centers, Inpatient Palliative Care Units, and Home Hospices in Japan: The J-HOPE Study.

    PubMed

    Miyashita, Mitsunori; Morita, Tatsuya; Sato, Kazuki; Tsuneto, Satoru; Shima, Yasuo

    2015-07-01

    End-of-life (EOL) cancer care in general hospitals and home care has not previously been evaluated in Japan. This study aimed to evaluate EOL cancer care from the perspective of bereaved family members in nationwide designated cancer centers, inpatient palliative care units (PCUs), and home hospices in Japan. We conducted a cross-sectional, anonymous, self-report questionnaire survey for bereaved family members of cancer patients in March 2008 for 56 designated cancer centers and in June 2007 for 100 PCUs and 14 home hospices. Outcomes were overall care satisfaction, structure and process of care (Care Evaluation Scale), and achievement of a good death (Good Death Inventory). In designated cancer centers, PCUs, and home hospices, 2794 (response rate 59%), 5312 (response rate 69%), and 292 (response rate 67%) bereaved family members participated, respectively. Mean scores for overall care satisfaction were high for all places of death, at 4.3 ± 1.2 for designated cancer centers, 5.0 ± 1.2 for PCUs, and 5.0 ± 1.0 for home hospices. Designated cancer centers showed significantly lower ratings than PCUs and home hospices for structure and process of care and achievement of a good death (P = 0.0001 each). Home hospices were rated significantly higher than PCUs for achievement of a good death (P = 0.0001). The main findings of this study were: (1) overall, bereaved family members were satisfied with end-of-life care in all three places of death; (2) designated cancer centers were inferior to PCUs and home hospices and had more room for improvement; and 3) home hospices were rated higher than PCUs for achieving a good death, although home hospices remain uncommon in Japan. Copyright © 2015 American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  14. 76 FR 17421 - Request for Information on Conditions Relating to Cancer To Consider for the World Trade Center...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-03-29

    ... NIOSH-227] Request for Information on Conditions Relating to Cancer To Consider for the World Trade... questions regarding conditions relating to cancer for consideration under the World Trade Center Health... Control and Prevention (CDC) serves as the World Trade Center (WTC) Program Administrator for certain...

  15. Complementary and alternative medicine and supportive care at leading cancer centers: a systematic analysis of websites.

    PubMed

    Brauer, Jeremy A; El Sehamy, Adam; Metz, James M; Mao, Jun J

    2010-02-01

    With increasing frequency, patients with cancer and their family members are turning to the Internet to educate themselves about their disease and treatment options, including complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and supportive care. However, very little is known about how national leading cancer centers represent these therapies via their websites. Simulating the perspective of an information-seeking patient or family member, we performed a systematic analysis of the websites of 41 National Cancer Institute designated comprehensive cancer centers. Two researchers independently evaluated websites, recorded CAM information, and rated quality of the websites using a 4-item Likert scale (overall, information, presentation, and navigation) with Cronbach's alpha = 0.97. Rating was adequately correlated between the two raters (correlation coefficient 0.8). Of 41 centers, 12 (29%) did not have functional websites with regard to information related to CAM. The most common CAM approaches mentioned were: acupuncture (59%), meditation/nutrition/spiritual support/yoga (56% for each), massage therapy (54%), and music therapy (51%). Twenty-three (23; 56%) presented information on support groups, 19 (46%) on patient seminars, 18 (44%) on survivorship effort, and 17 (41%) on symptom management clinics. Twenty-nine (29) (71%) of these websites had a telephone number available, 22 (54%) mentioned at least one ongoing research opportunity, and 19 (46%) provided links to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine website. Median rating of the quality of websites was 50 of 100, with only 7 (17%) of centers receiving a composite score 80 (excellent) or better. While a growing number of leading cancer centers provide information about CAM and supportive oncology information for patients via their websites, the quality and ease of navigation of these sites remain highly variable. Effective development and redesign of many of the websites is needed to better

  16. Flow Cytometry Scientist | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The Basic Science Program (BSP) pursues independent, multidisciplinary research in basic and applied molecular biology, immunology, retrovirology, cancer biology, and human genetics. Research efforts and support are an integral part of the Center for Cancer Research (CCR) at the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research (FNLCR). KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES The Flow Cytometry Core (Flow Core) in the Cancer and Inflammation Program (CIP) is a service core which supports the research efforts of the CCR by providing expertise in the field of flow cytometry (using analyzers and sorters) with the goal of gaining a more thorough understanding of the biology of the immune system, cancer, and inflammation processes. The Flow Core provides service to 12-15 CIP laboratories and more than 22 non-CIP laboratories. Flow core staff provide technical advice on the experimental design of applications, which include immunological phenotyping, cell function assays, and cell cycle analysis. Work is performed per customer requirements, and no independent research is involved. The Flow Cytometry Scientist will be responsible for: Daily management of the Flow Cytometry Core, to include the supervision and guidance of technical staff members Monitor performance of and maintain high dimensional flow cytometer analyzers and cell sorters Operate high dimensional flow cytometer analyzers and cell sorters Provide scientific expertise to the user community and facilitate the development of cutting edge technologies Interact with Flow Core users and customers, and provide technical and scientific advice, and guidance regarding their experiments, including possible collaborations Train staff and scientific end users on the use of flow cytometry in their research, as well as teach them how to operate and troubleshoot the bench-top analyzer instruments Prepare and deliver lectures, as well as one-on-one training sessions, with customers/users Ensure that protocols are up

  17. CCR scientists tease out mechanisms of immune cell communication | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Researchers from the Cancer and Inflammation Program at the Center for Cancer Research and the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in Israel have discovered that the simple processes of molecular diffusion and absorption control the spread of cytokines through dense body tissues. The simple control mechanisms enable the immune response to tailor itself to the nature and

  18. Statistical Analysis of Research Data | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Recent advances in cancer biology have resulted in the need for increased statistical analysis of research data. The Statistical Analysis of Research Data (SARD) course will be held on April 5-6, 2018 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at the National Institutes of Health's Natcher Conference Center, Balcony C on the Bethesda Campus. SARD is designed to provide an overview on the general

  19. Distance from a Comprehensive Cancer Center: A proxy for poor cervical cancer outcomes?

    PubMed

    Barrington, David A; Dilley, Sarah E; Landers, Emily E; Thomas, Eric D; Boone, Jonathon D; Straughn, J Michael; McGwin, Gerald; Leath, Charles A

    2016-12-01

    To evaluate the potential relationship between outcomes in cervical cancer patients based on distance from our Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC). A retrospective cohort study of cervical cancer patients was performed. Abstracted data included: demographics, clinicopathologic variables, treatment, and survival. Analyses both by quartiles and distance <100 and ≥100miles from our institution were performed. Data were analyzed using SAS version 9.2. 390 patients living a median distance of 58.1miles (range 1.2-571miles) from our CCC were identified. Patients were generally white (n=249), non-smokers (n=226), with Stage IB disease (n=222), squamous histology (n=295) and underwent primary surgical therapy (n=229). Patients were divided into both quartiles as well as two strata: <100 and ≥100miles for comparison. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) favored patients living closer to our center with a lower median OS for patients living ≥100miles (65.4vs. 99.4months; p=0.040). Cox proportional hazard modeling noted that advanced stage was predictive of inferior PFS and OS, while other clinical covariates including age, BMI, race, smoking status and histology had a variable impact on outcomes and distance >100miles was associated with a higher risk of death (hazard ratio [HR]=1.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11-2.54). Overall survival for patients living >100miles from our CCC was worse when compared to patients in closer proximity. Outreach efforts and utilization of navigators may help decrease the impact of geographic and racial disparities on outcomes. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  20. Research Associate | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The Basic Science Program (BSP) pursues independent, multidisciplinary research in basic and applied molecular biology, immunology, retrovirology, cancer biology, and human genetics. Research efforts and support are an integral part of the Center for Cancer Research (CCR) at the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research (FNLCR). KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES - Research Associate III Dr. Zbigniew Dauter is the head investigator of the Synchrotron Radiation Research Section (SRRS) of CCR’s Macromolecular Crystallography Laboratory. The Synchrotron Radiation Research Section is located at Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, Illinois; this is the site of the largest U.S. synchrotron facility. The SRRS uses X-ray diffraction technique to solve crystal structures of various proteins and nucleic acids of biological and medical relevance. The section is also specializing in analyzing crystal structures at extremely high resolution and accuracy and in developing methods of effective diffraction data collection and in using weak anomalous dispersion effects to solve structures of macromolecules. The areas of expertise are: Structural and molecular biology Macromolecular crystallography Diffraction data collection Dr. Dauter requires research support in these areas, and the individual will engage in the purification and preparation of samples, crystallize proteins using various techniques, and derivatize them with heavy atoms/anomalous scatterers, and establish conditions for cryogenic freezing. Individual will also participate in diffraction data collection at the Advanced Photon Source. In addition, the candidate will perform spectroscopic and chromatographic analyses of protein and nucleic acid samples in the context of their purity, oligomeric state and photophysical properties.

  1. The Carolina Center of Cancer Nanotechnology Excellence: Past Accomplishments and Future Perspectives

    PubMed Central

    JULIANO, R.L.; SUNNARBORG, S.; DESIMONE, J.; HAROON, Z.

    2013-01-01

    SUMMARY The Carolina Center of Cancer Nanotechnology Excellence (C-CCNE) is funded by the National Cancer Institute and is based at the University of North Carolina. The C-CCNE features interactions among physical and biological scientists in a series of projects and cores that work together to quickly harness innovations in nanotechnology for the early diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Two key focus areas of the C-CCNE are, first the selective delivery of drugs and imaging agents utilizing advanced nanoparticle technology, and second novel approaches to imaging and radiotherapy utilizing carbon nanotube based X-ray sources. PMID:21182415

  2. Senior Laboratory Animal Technician | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The Laboratory Animal Sciences Program (LASP) provides exceptional quality animal care and technical support services for animal research performed at the National Cancer Institute at the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research. LASP executes this mission by providing a broad spectrum of state-of-the-art technologies and services that are focused on the design, generation, characterization and application of genetically engineered and biological animal models of human disease, which are aimed at the development of targeted diagnostics and therapies. LASP contributes to advancing human health, developing new treatments, and improving existing treatments for cancer and other diseases while ensuring safe and humane treatment of animals. KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES The Senior Laboratory Animal Technician will be responsible for: Daily tasks associated with the care, breeding and treatment of research animals for experimental purposes Management of rodent breeding colonies consisting of multiple, genetically complex strains and associated record keeping and database management Colony management procedures including: tail clipping, animal identification, weaning Data entry consistent with complex colony management Collection of routine diagnostic samples Coordinating shipment of live animals and specimens Performing rodent experimental procedures including basic necropsy and blood collection Observation and recording of physical signs of animal health Knowledge of safe working practices using chemical carcinogen and biological hazards Work schedule may include weekend and holiday hours This position is in support of the Center for Cancer Research (CCR).

  3. The utilization of websites for fundraising by NCI-designated cancer centers: Examining the capacity for dialogic communication with prospective donors.

    PubMed

    Erwin, Cathleen O; Dias, Ashley M

    2016-01-01

    The study employs a dialogic public relations framework to explore the utilization of the Internet for fundraising by nonprofit health care organizations-specifically, NCI-designated cancer centers. Cancer centers have been noted for effective websites and for being highly engaged in fundraising, which is characterized as relationship marketing. Results indicate all but one cancer center use websites and social media for fundraising but are limited in capacity for two-way symmetrical dialogue. Results are discussed and recommendations are made for future research.

  4. Using the immune system to fight, and win, the battle against cervical cancer | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Aricca Wallace and Christian Hinrichs, M.D., catch up like old friends each time she comes to the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center for follow-up appointments. She updates him on her two boys’ wrestling competitions and state titles. He shows her pictures of the new puppy that is terrorizing his house. So far, they’ve finished each visit with Dr. Hinrichs telling her she is still cancer-free, something she never thought she would hear following her diagnosis with metastatic cervical cancer.  Read more...

  5. Imaging technique predicts efficacy of targeting prostate tumor metabolism in mice | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Disrupting glycolysis, a metabolic process tumors often rely on to feed their growth by partially breaking down sugars and not requiring oxygen, has emerged as a promising approach to treating metastatic prostate cancer in a study by Center for Cancer Research investigators. 

  6. Drew/Meharry/Morehouse Consortium Cancer Center: an approach to targeted research in minority institutions.

    PubMed Central

    Haynes, M. A.; Bernard, L. J.

    1992-01-01

    This article describes the process by which three private minority medical schools planned and developed a consortium cancer research center focusing on the prevention of cancer in the African-American population. Several lessons were learned that may have relevance as minority schools search for ways to improve the health status of blacks. PMID:1608062

  7. New immunotherapy approach leads to remission in patients with the most common type of childhood cancer | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell immunotherapy has emerged as a promising treatment for pre-B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), the most common type of childhood cancer. B-ALL is characterized by an overproduction of immature white blood cells called lymphoblasts. In a trial led by Center for Cancer Research investigators, around 70 to 90 percent of patients

  8. Inpatient infectious disease consultations requested by surgeons at a comprehensive cancer center.

    PubMed

    Kawamura, Ichiro; Kurai, Hanako

    2015-10-01

    The aim of this study was to describe the value of infectious disease specialist consultations for surgeons at comprehensive cancer centers. A total of 151 cancer surgery inpatients were retrospectively assessed during a 12-month period. We focused on the characteristics of the infectious disease consultations from surgical departments: the referring surgical divisions, the referral phases, and the reasons for the infectious disease consultations. Three-quarters of all consultation requests were made after the day of surgery. Approximately, 60 % of these requests were made within 30 days after surgery for cancer. The reasons for the infectious disease consultations could be classified into three categories: diagnosis and management (54 %), management of established infections (44 %), and surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis (3 %). The most requested reason for consultations was the diagnosis and management of fever or elevated inflammatory markers of unknown etiology. Among the management of established infections, the antimicrobial management of surgical site infections was most frequently requested. Many surgeons would prefer infectious disease specialists to assume a more direct role in the care of difficult or perplexing cases (such as fevers of unknown origin) while also maintaining a traditional relationship in which the consultant recommends antimicrobial agents during a perioperative period. Particularly at cancer centers where oncology specialists account for a significant proportion of the providers, the knowledge and skill of infectious disease physicians are valued.

  9. Assessing Patient-Centered Communication in Cancer Care: Stakeholder Perspectives

    PubMed Central

    Mazor, Kathleen M.; Gaglio, Bridget; Nekhlyudov, Larissa; Alexander, Gwen L.; Stark, Azadeh; Hornbrook, Mark C.; Walsh, Kathleen; Boggs, Jennifer; Lemay, Celeste A.; Firneno, Cassandra; Biggins, Colleen; Blosky, Mary Ann; Arora, Neeraj K.

    2013-01-01

    Purpose: Patient-centered communication is critical to quality cancer care. Effective communication can help patients and family members cope with cancer, make informed decisions, and effectively manage their care; suboptimal communication can contribute to care breakdowns and undermine clinician-patient relationships. The study purpose was to explore stakeholders' views on the feasibility and acceptability of collecting self-reported patient and family perceptions of communication experiences while receiving cancer care. The results were intended to inform the design, development, and implementation of a structured and generalizable patient-level reporting system. Methods: This was a formative, qualitative study that used semistructured interviews with cancer patients, family members, clinicians, and leaders of health care organizations. The constant comparative method was used to identify major themes in the interview transcripts. Results: A total of 106 stakeholders were interviewed. Thematic saturation was achieved. All stakeholders recognized the importance of communication and endorsed efforts to improve communication during cancer care. Patients, clinicians, and leaders expressed concerns about the potential consequences of reports of suboptimal communication experiences, such as damage to the clinician-patient relationship, and the need for effective improvement strategies. Patients and family members would report good communication experiences in order to encourage such practices. Practical and logistic issues were identified. Conclusion: Patient reports of their communication experiences during cancer care could increase understanding of the communication process, stimulate improvements, inform interventions, and provide a basis for evaluating changes in communication practices. This qualitative study provides a foundation for the design and pilot testing of such a patient reporting system. PMID:23943884

  10. PARP inhibitors may affect normal cells in patients with a BRCA mutation | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    PARP inhibition has been approved for treatment of advanced ovarian cancer with BRAC1 and BRAC2 mutations and is being studied in the treatment advanced breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer.  A new study by Center for Cancer Research scientists in the Mouse Cancer Genetics Program and the Laboratory of Genome Integrity, raises concerns that when cancer patients with a BRCA mutation are treated with PARP inhibitors their normal cells may also be affected.  

  11. Tenure Eligible/Tenure Track Investigator | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    The HIV and AIDS Malignancy Branch (HAMB), Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), is a national leader in research in the cancers associated with HIV/AIDS, in the development of therapies for HIV infection, and in oncogenic viruses.  We are seeking a tenure-eligible or tenure-track investigator in the field of HIV–related malignancies or viral oncogenesis.  It is anticipated that the investigator will establish an independent translational research program targeted to the study of the treatment, pathogenesis, and/or prevention of viral-induced or other HIV-associated tumors. The program can be primarily clinical, laboratory-based, or a combination of the two, and can also include animal model studies.  There is the potential to interface with a strong existing clinical research program. Potential areas of focus may include, but are not limited to, therapies for HIV malignancies, including novel immunologic approaches; viral oncogenesis; pathogenesis of HIV-associated malignancies; and virus host interactions, including immunologic interactions. 

  12. Building a personalized medicine infrastructure at a major cancer center.

    PubMed

    Meric-Bernstam, Funda; Farhangfar, Carol; Mendelsohn, John; Mills, Gordon B

    2013-05-20

    Our understanding of cancer biology is rapidly increasing, as is the availability and affordability of high throughput technologies for comprehensive molecular characterization of tumors and the individual's own genetic makeup. Thus, the time is right to implement personalized molecular medicine for all patients with cancer. Personalized approaches span the full cancer care spectrum from risk stratification to prevention, screening, therapy, and survivorship programs. Several molecular therapeutics have entered clinical trials creating a huge opportunity to couple genomic markers with this emerging drug tool kit. The number of patients managed in major cancer centers creates a challenge to the implementation of genomic technologies required to successfully deliver on the promise of personalized cancer care. This requires a major investment in infrastructure to facilitate rapid deployment of multiplex, cost-effective, and tissue-sparing assays relevant across multiple tumor lineages in the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) environment. Efforts must be made to ensure that assays are accessible to patients most likely to be enrolled onto molecular-marker-driven trials and that the tests are billable and payable, which will make them accessible to a wide range of patients. As the number of patients and aberrations increase, it will become critical to provide decision support for genomic medicine. Institutional commitment is needed to optimize accessibility and quality of research biopsies and to facilitate novel personalized cancer therapy trials. This article will focus on the challenges and opportunities that accompany the building of infrastructure for personalized cancer therapy.

  13. Challenges and Opportunities to Improve Cervical Cancer Screening Rates in US Health Centers through Patient-Centered Medical Home Transformation

    PubMed Central

    Makaroff, Laura; Chung, Michelle; Lin, Sue C.

    2015-01-01

    Over the last 50 years, the incidence of cervical cancer has dramatically decreased. However, health disparities in cervical cancer screening (CCS) persist for women from racial and ethnic minorities and those residing in rural and poor communities. For more than 45 years, federally funded health centers (HCs) have been providing comprehensive, culturally competent, and quality primary health care services to medically underserved communities and vulnerable populations. To enhance the quality of care and to ensure more women served at HCs are screened for cervical cancer, over eight HCs received funding to support patient-centered medical home (PCMH) transformation with goals to increase CCS rates. The study conducted a qualitative analysis using Atlas.ti software to describe the barriers and challenges to CCS and PCMH transformation, to identify potential solutions and opportunities, and to examine patterns in barriers and solutions proposed by HCs. Interrater reliability was assessed using Cohen's Kappa. The findings indicated that HCs more frequently described patient-level barriers to CCS, including demographic, cultural, and health belief/behavior factors. System-level barriers were the next commonly cited, particularly failure to use the full capability of electronic medical records (EMRs) and problems coordinating with external labs or providers. Provider-level barriers were least frequently cited. PMID:25685561

  14. Prostate cancer characteristics in the World Trade Center cohort, 2002-2013.

    PubMed

    Hashim, Dana; Boffetta, Paolo; Galsky, Matthew; Oh, William; Lucchini, Roberto; Crane, Michael; Luft, Benjamin; Moline, Jaqueline; Udasin, Iris; Harrison, Denise; Taioli, Emanuela

    2018-07-01

    An increased incidence of prostate cancer was reported in three cohorts of World Trade Center (WTC) respondents. It is uncertain whether this increase is because of WTC-related exposures or enhanced surveillance. Prostate cancer cases (2002-2013) were obtained from the WTC Health Program. Age, race, and Gleason score distribution were compared with New York State Cancer Registry cases from the same time period. Multivariate models were adjusted for age and race. Analyses of clinical characteristics of prostate cancer cases within the cohort were also carried out, adjusting for age, race, and WTC exposure categories. WTC respondents had a prostate cancer age-standardized rate ratio of 1.65 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.37-1.93] compared with New York State; age-specific ratios were highest for ages 30-49 (2.28; 95% CI: 1.51-3.43), 70-74 (2.05; 95% CI: 1.03-4.10), and 80-84 years (5.65; 95% CI: 1.41-22.58). High WTC exposure was associated with advanced clinical stage (5.58; 95% CI: 1.05-29.76; Ptrend=0.03). WTC respondents continue to have a higher prostate cancer rate compared with New York State as a whole. Respondents with a higher WTC exposure level may have had more advanced clinical stage of prostate cancer.

  15. Registration open for "Cancer and Immunotherapy: From Conception to Delivery" symposium | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    The Annual Immunology Symposium, sponsored by the CCR’s Center of Excellence in Immunology will be held this fall on October 12-13th in Masur and Lipsett Auditorium in Building 10.  This year’s theme is "Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy:  From Conception to Delivery", and the symposium will be chaired by Drs. Nicholas Restifo and Steve Rosenberg.  Learn more...

  16. Undergraduate cancer training program for underrepresented students: findings from a minority institution/cancer center partnership.

    PubMed

    Coronado, Gloria D; O'Connell, Mary A; Anderson, Jennifer; Löest, Helena; Ogaz, Dana; Thompson, Beti

    2010-03-01

    Students from racially/ethnically diverse backgrounds are underrepresented in graduate programs in biomedical disciplines. One goal of the Minority Institution/Cancer Center partnership between New Mexico State University (NMSU) and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (FHCRC) is to expand the number of underrepresented students who are trained in cancer research. As part of the collaboration, a summer internship program has been organized at the FHCRC. The program runs for 9 weeks and involves mentored research, research seminars, coffee breaks, social activities, and a final poster session. This study examined the graduate school attendance rates of past interns, explored interns' perceptions of the training program, and identified ways to improve the program. Thirty undergraduate students enrolled at NMSU participated in the internship program from 2002 to 2007 and telephone interviews were conducted on 22 (73%) of them. One-third of the students were currently in graduate school (32%); the remaining were either working (36%), still in undergraduate school (27%), or unemployed and not in school (5%). Students rated highly the following aspects of the program: mentored research, informal time spent with mentors, and research seminars. Students also reported the following activities would further enhance the program: instruction on writing a personal statement for graduate school and tips in choosing an advisor. Students also desired instruction on taking the GRE/MCAT, receiving advice on selecting a graduate or professional school, and receiving advice on where to apply. These findings can inform the design of internship programs aimed at increasing rates of graduate school attendance among underrepresented students.

  17. NCI Symposium on Chromosome Biology to bring together internationally renowned experts in the fields of chromosome structure and function | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    The Center for Cancer Research’s Center of Excellence in Chromosome Biology is hosting the “Nuclear Structure, Genome Integrity and Cancer Symposium“ on November 30 - December 1, 2016 at the Natcher Conference Center, Bethesda, Maryland. Learn more ...

  18. Manufacturing/Cell Therapy Specialist | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Within the Leidos Biomedical Research Inc.’s Clinical Research Directorate, the Clinical Monitoring Research Program (CMRP) provides high-quality comprehensive and strategic operational support to the high-profile domestic and international clinical research initiatives of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Clinical Center (CC), National Institute of Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Since its inception in 2001, CMRP’s ability to provide rapid responses, high-quality solutions, and to recruit and retain experts with a variety of backgrounds to meet the growing research portfolios of NCI, NIAID, CC, NHLBI, NIAMS, NCATS, NINDS, and NIMH has led to the considerable expansion of the program and its repertoire of support services. CMRP’s support services are strategically aligned with the program’s mission to provide comprehensive, dedicated support to assist National Institutes of Health researchers in providing the highest quality of clinical research in compliance with applicable regulations and guidelines, maintaining data integrity, and protecting human subjects. For the scientific advancement of clinical research, CMRP services include comprehensive clinical trials, regulatory, pharmacovigilance, protocol navigation and development, and programmatic and project management support for facilitating the conduct of 400+ Phase I, II, and III domestic and international trials on a yearly basis. These trials investigate the prevention, diagnosis, treatment of, and therapies for cancer, influenza, HIV, and other infectious diseases and viruses such as hepatitis C, tuberculosis, malaria, and Ebola virus; heart, lung, and blood diseases and

  19. CCR scientists tease out mechanisms of immune cell communication | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Researchers from the Cancer and Inflammation Program at the Center for Cancer Research and the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in Israel have discovered that the simple processes of molecular diffusion and absorption control the spread of cytokines through dense body tissues. The simple control mechanisms enable the immune response to tailor itself to the nature and severity of a pathogenic attack and to prevent dangerous autoimmune reactions.  Read more...

  20. Unplanned 30-Day Readmissions in a General Internal Medicine Hospitalist Service at a Comprehensive Cancer Center.

    PubMed

    Manzano, Joanna-Grace M; Gadiraju, Sahitya; Hiremath, Adarsh; Lin, Heather Yan; Farroni, Jeff; Halm, Josiah

    2015-09-01

    Hospital readmissions are considered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid as a metric for quality of health care delivery. Robust data on the readmission profile of patients with cancer are currently insufficient to determine whether this measure is applicable to cancer hospitals as well. To address this knowledge gap, we estimated the unplanned readmission rate and identified factors influencing unplanned readmissions in a hospitalist service at a comprehensive cancer center. We retrospectively analyzed unplanned 30-day readmission of patients discharged from the General Internal Medicine Hospitalist Service at a comprehensive cancer center between April 1, 2012, and September 30, 2012. Multiple independent variables were studied using univariable and multivariable logistic regression models, with generalized estimating equations to identify risk factors associated with readmissions. We observed a readmission rate of 22.6% in our cohort. The median time to unplanned readmission was 10 days. Unplanned readmission was more likely in patients with metastatic cancer and those with three or more comorbidities. Patients discharged to hospice were less likely to be readmitted (all P values < .01). We observed a high unplanned readmission rate among our population of patients with cancer. The risk factors identified appear to be related to severity of illness and open up opportunities for improving coordination with primary care physicians, oncologists, and other specialists to manage comorbidities, or perhaps transition appropriate patients to palliative care. Our findings will be instrumental for developing targeted interventions to help reduce readmissions at our hospital. Our data also provide direction for appropriate application of readmission quality measures in cancer hospitals. Copyright © 2015 by American Society of Clinical Oncology.

  1. Managing Multi-Center Recruitment in the PLCO Cancer Screening Trial.

    PubMed

    Gohagan, John K; Broski, Karen; Gren, Lisa H; Fouad, Mona N; Higgins, Darlene; Lappe, Karen; Ogden, Sheryl; Shambaugh, Vicki; Pinsky, Paul F; O'Brien, Barbara; Yurgalevich, Susan; Riley, Tom; Wright, Patrick; Prorok, Philip C

    2015-01-01

    There were significant recruitment challenges specific to the PLCO Cancer Screening Trial. Large numbers of participants were to be randomized from ten catchment areas nationwide within time and budgetary constraints. The eligible population was elderly and had to meet health and behavioral thresholds. Informed consent was required to participate and be randomized to screening for three cancers at periodic clinic visits or to a usual care arm that included no clinical visits. Consenting required special efforts to fully explain the trial and its potential scientific benefit to future patients with potentially no benefits but possible harms to PLCO participants. Participation would include continued follow-up for at least 13 years after randomization. Strong collaborative investments were required by the NCI and screening centers (SCs) to assure timely recruitment and appropriate racial participation. A trial-wide pilot phase tested recruitment and protocol follow through at SCs and produced a vanguard population of 11,406 participants. NCI announced the trial nationally in advance of the pilot and followed with an even more intense collaborative role with SCs for the main phase to facilitate trial-wide efficient and timely recruitment. Special efforts to enhance recruitment in the main phase included centralized and local monitoring of progress, cross-linking SCs to share experiences in problem solving, centralized training, substantial additional funding dedicated to recruitment and retention, including specialized programs for minority recruitment, obtaining national endorsement by the American Cancer Society, launching satellite recruitment and screening centers, including minority focused satellites, and adding a new SC dedicated to minority recruitment.

  2. Efficacy of group meaning centered hope therapy of cancer patients and their families on patients' quality of life.

    PubMed

    Farhadi, Mehran; Reisi-Dehkordi, Negar; Kalantari, Mehrdad; Zargham-Boroujeni, Ali

    2014-05-01

    Quality of life (QOL) is a multidimensional concept which has nowadays turned to a supportive interventional goal in chronic diseases like cancer. Numerous interventions have been carried out to improve the QOL in patients with cancer, but the effect of indirect interventions on the patients' QOL has not been investigated yet. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of group meaning centered hope therapy of cancer patients and their families on the patients' QOL. This is a clinical trial conducted in three groups with a pre-test post-test design in which the effect of independent variable of meaning centered hope therapy on the dependent variable of QOL was investigated. The subjects were selected from the cancer patients who were aware of their diagnosis, were in primary stages of the disease, and had passed one period of chemotherapy. In this study, 42 patients (16 in control group, 14 in patients' group therapy, and 12 in patients' families' group therapy) were studied, and WHOQOL was adopted to investigate their QOL. Data were analyzed in two forms of descriptive and inferential statistical tests. The results obtained showed that group meaning centered hope therapy of cancer patients and their families had a positive effect on patients' QOL compared to the control group. The notable finding of the present study was that holding group sessions either for the patients or for their families equally improved patients' QOL. QOL of the cancer patients can be improved by either group meaning centered hope therapy for patients or group meaning centered hope therapy for their families. This finding is important for therapists, as when the patients cannot attend group therapy sessions due to complications of chemotherapy, these sessions can be held for their families to improve patients' QOL. This conclusion is very helpful in nurses' interaction with the patients and their families.

  3. Cancers in Eastern Libya: First results from Benghazi Medical Center

    PubMed Central

    Bodalal, Zuhir; Azzuz, Raouf; Bendardaf, Riyad

    2014-01-01

    AIM: To study the pattern of cancer incidence and determine the incidence rates in Eastern Libya (for the first time in a decade). METHODS: A hospital-based registry of cancer patients was formed using records from the primary oncology center in eastern Libya - focusing on those diagnosed in the year 2012. RESULTS: The most common malignancies in men were cancers of the colon (22.3%, n = 90), lung (20.3%, n = 82), prostate (16.1%, n = 65), pancreas (4.2%, n = 17) and liver (4.2%, n = 17). For women, they were found to be cancers of the breast (41.5%, n = 213), colon (16.4%, n = 84), uterus (8%, n = 41), ovary (5.5%, n = 28) and pancreas (3.1%, n = 16). Additionally age-standardized rates (ASR) were determined for Libya. The different cities and towns in eastern Libya were compared for any variation. The city of Beida in particular was found to have a remarkably high incidence of gastric cancer. The different findings were discussed and comparisons were made with past literature as well as the incidence rates for neighbouring countries. The incidence rates given for the eastern region showed differences from previously reported values (i.e., the rate of colon cancer was the highest in North Africa whereas other malignancies occurred less frequently). Potential explanations for the urban-rural difference as well as the difference in incidence rates were put forth. The significance of this study is that it establishes a baseline of cancer incidence which should be the backbone for any future national cancer plan in Libya. CONCLUSION: Proper surveillance programs need to be in place and healthcare policy should be adjusted to take into account the more prevalent and pressing cancers in society. PMID:24876750

  4. Cancers in Eastern Libya: first results from Benghazi Medical Center.

    PubMed

    Bodalal, Zuhir; Azzuz, Raouf; Bendardaf, Riyad

    2014-05-28

    To study the pattern of cancer incidence and determine the incidence rates in Eastern Libya (for the first time in a decade). A hospital-based registry of cancer patients was formed using records from the primary oncology center in eastern Libya - focusing on those diagnosed in the year 2012. The most common malignancies in men were cancers of the colon (22.3%, n = 90), lung (20.3%, n = 82), prostate (16.1%, n = 65), pancreas (4.2%, n = 17) and liver (4.2%, n = 17). For women, they were found to be cancers of the breast (41.5%, n = 213), colon (16.4%, n = 84), uterus (8%, n = 41), ovary (5.5%, n = 28) and pancreas (3.1%, n = 16). Additionally age-standardized rates (ASR) were determined for Libya. The different cities and towns in eastern Libya were compared for any variation. The city of Beida in particular was found to have a remarkably high incidence of gastric cancer. The different findings were discussed and comparisons were made with past literature as well as the incidence rates for neighbouring countries. The incidence rates given for the eastern region showed differences from previously reported values (i.e., the rate of colon cancer was the highest in North Africa whereas other malignancies occurred less frequently). Potential explanations for the urban-rural difference as well as the difference in incidence rates were put forth. The significance of this study is that it establishes a baseline of cancer incidence which should be the backbone for any future national cancer plan in Libya. Proper surveillance programs need to be in place and healthcare policy should be adjusted to take into account the more prevalent and pressing cancers in society.

  5. Developmental Scientist | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    PROGRAM DESCRIPTION Within the Leidos Biomedical Research Inc.’s Clinical Research Directorate, the Clinical Monitoring Research Program (CMRP) provides high-quality comprehensive and strategic operational support to the high-profile domestic and international clinical research initiatives of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Clinical Center (CC), National Institute of Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Since its inception in 2001, CMRP’s ability to provide rapid responses, high-quality solutions, and to recruit and retain experts with a variety of backgrounds to meet the growing research portfolios of NCI, NIAID, CC, NHLBI, NIAMS, NCATS, NINDS, and NIMH has led to the considerable expansion of the program and its repertoire of support services. CMRP’s support services are strategically aligned with the program’s mission to provide comprehensive, dedicated support to assist National Institutes of Health researchers in providing the highest quality of clinical research in compliance with applicable regulations and guidelines, maintaining data integrity, and protecting human subjects. For the scientific advancement of clinical research, CMRP services include comprehensive clinical trials, regulatory, pharmacovigilance, protocol navigation and development, and programmatic and project management support for facilitating the conduct of 400+ Phase I, II, and III domestic and international trials on a yearly basis. These trials investigate the prevention, diagnosis, treatment of, and therapies for cancer, influenza, HIV, and other infectious diseases and viruses such as hepatitis C, tuberculosis, malaria, and Ebola virus; heart, lung, and

  6. Readability of Online Patient Educational Resources Found on NCI-Designated Cancer Center Web Sites.

    PubMed

    Rosenberg, Stephen A; Francis, David; Hullett, Craig R; Morris, Zachary S; Fisher, Michael M; Brower, Jeffrey V; Bradley, Kristin A; Anderson, Bethany M; Bassetti, Michael F; Kimple, Randall J

    2016-06-01

    The NIH and Department of Health & Human Services recommend online patient information (OPI) be written at a sixth grade level. We used a panel of readability analyses to assess OPI from NCI-Designated Cancer Center (NCIDCC) Web sites. Cancer.gov was used to identify 68 NCIDCC Web sites from which we collected both general OPI and OPI specific to breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancers. This text was analyzed by 10 commonly used readability tests: the New Dale-Chall Readability Formula, Flesch Reading Ease scale, Flesch-Kinaid Grade Level, FORCAST scale, Fry Readability Graph, Simple Measure of Gobbledygook test, Gunning Frequency of Gobbledygook index, New Fog Count, Raygor Readability Estimate Graph, and Coleman-Liau Index. We tested the hypothesis that the readability of NCIDCC OPI was written at the sixth grade level. Secondary analyses were performed to compare readability of OPI between comprehensive and noncomprehensive centers, by region, and to OPI produced by the American Cancer Society (ACS). A mean of 30,507 words from 40 comprehensive and 18 noncomprehensive NCIDCCs was analyzed (7 nonclinical and 3 without appropriate OPI were excluded). Using a composite grade level score, the mean readability score of 12.46 (ie, college level: 95% CI, 12.13-12.79) was significantly greater than the target grade level of 6 (middle-school: P<.001). No difference between comprehensive and noncomprehensive centers was identified. Regional differences were identified in 4 of the 10 readability metrics (P<.05). ACS OPI provides easier language, at the seventh to ninth grade level, across all tests (P<.01). OPI from NCIDCC Web sites is more complex than recommended for the average patient. Copyright © 2016 by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.

  7. Controversies in prostate cancer staging implementation at a tertiary cancer center.

    PubMed

    Sexton, Tracy; Rodrigues, George; Brecevic, Ed; Boyce, Laura; Parrack, Denise; Lock, Michael; D'Souza, David

    2006-12-01

    To assess accuracy of recorded prostate cancer stage after implementation of a quality assurance staging improvement plan. Genitourinary multidisciplinary TNM staging guidelines were prospectively implemented. Educational programs for health records technicians (HRT) and clinicians preceded implementation of the new guidelines. Patient stage information was entered into the Oncology Patient Information System (OPIS) as part of the usual operations of the cancer center by an HRT. Physician and HRT auditors performed a subsequent quality assurance audit on 97 prostate cancer patients seen over a 2-month period. Assessment of staging accuracy and reasons for discrepancies between the OPIS stage and auditor stage were analyzed and reported. Fifty-four (52%) charts showed discrepancies between auditors. Of the fifty-four, twelve (22%) had discrepancies between OPIS and auditor, thirty (56%) showed discrepancies between auditors, and twelve (22%) had discrepancies between OPIS, physician auditor, and HRT auditor. Forty-three (41%) cases had no discrepancies. Reasons for discrepancies included: misinterpretation of the digital rectal examination (16/54), inappropriate use of TRUS/MRI (9/54) in staging, stage not assigned at initial diagnosis (9/54), misinterpretation of pathology (7/54), TNM staging confusion (4/54), OPIS update not performed (3/54), inappropriate use of biopsy data (3/54), disagreement between consultants (2/54), and misinterpretation of TURP result (1/54). Overall staging accuracy was 76% for OPIS, 65% for the physician auditor and 62% for the HRT auditor. Despite guidelines and educational interventions, computer registry staging accuracy remains an issue. On-going audit procedures are proposed to identify and correct both published and institutional staging guidelines.

  8. Development of the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center Gynecologic Applicators for the Treatment of Cervical Cancer: Historical Analysis

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Yordy, John S., E-mail: john.yordy@utsouthwestern.edu; Almond, Peter R.; Delclos, Luis

    Purpose: To provide historical background on the development and initial studies of the gynecological (gyn) applicators developed by Dr. Gilbert H. Fletcher, a radiation oncologist and chairperson from 1948 to 1981 of the department at the M.D. Anderson Hospital (MDAH) for Cancer Research in Houston, TX, and to acknowledge the previously unrecognized contribution that Dr. Leonard G. Grimmett, a radiation physicist and chairperson from 1949 to 1951 of the physics department at MDAH, made to the development of the gynecological applicators. Methods and Materials: We reviewed archival materials from the Historical Resource Center and from the Department of Radiation Physicsmore » at University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, as well as contemporary published papers, to trace the history of the applicators. Conclusions: Dr. Fletcher's work was influenced by the work on gynecologic applicators in the 1940s in Europe, especially work done at the Royal Cancer Hospital in London. Those efforts influenced not only Dr. Fletcher's approach to the design of the applicators but also the methods used to perform in vivo measurements and determine the dose distribution. Much of the initial development of the dosimetry techniques and measurements at MDAH were carried out by Dr. Grimmett.« less

  9. Advanced Cancer Detection Center

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2009-01-01

    Hydrochloride (Periactin®), With and Without a Nutritional Supplement, PediaSure, on Weight in Children with Cancer/Treatment Related Cachexia (HLMCC 0702...Prevention of Cancer/Treatment-Related Cachexia in Children Receiving Moderate to Highly Emetic Chemotherapy (HLMCC 0703) • Modafinil to Improve...hydrochloride (periactin) and megestrol acetate (megace) on weight in children with cancer/treatment-related cachexia . J Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 30(11

  10. Research priorities in cancer cachexia: The University of Rochester Cancer Center NCI Community Oncology Research Program Research Base Symposium on Cancer Cachexia and Sarcopenia.

    PubMed

    Dunne, Richard F; Mustian, Karen M; Garcia, Jose M; Dale, William; Hayward, Reid; Roussel, Breton; Buschmann, Mary M; Caan, Bette J; Cole, Calvin L; Fleming, Fergal J; Chakkalakal, Joe V; Linehan, David C; Hezel, Aram F; Mohile, Supriya G

    2017-12-01

    Cancer cachexia remains understudied and there are no standard treatments available despite the publication of an international consensus definition and the completion of several large phase III intervention trials in the past 6 years. In September 2015, The University of Rochester Cancer Center NCORP Research Base led a Symposium on Cancer Cachexia and Sarcopenia with goals of reviewing the state of the science, identifying knowledge gaps, and formulating research priorities in cancer cachexia through active discussion and consensus. Research priorities that emerged from the discussion included the implementation of morphometrics into clinical decision making, establishing specific diagnostic criteria for the stages of cachexia, expanding patient selection in intervention trials, identifying clinically meaningful trial endpoints, and the investigation of exercise as an intervention for cancer cachexia. Standardizing how we define and measure cancer cachexia, targeting its complex biologic mechanisms, enrolling patients early in their disease course, and evaluating exercise, either alone or in combination, were proposed as initiatives that may ultimately result in the improved design of cancer cachexia therapeutic trials.

  11. Phase I clinical trial will test multi-targeted immunotherapy in common childhood cancer | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell immunotherapy targeting the protein CD19 has shown promise in treating acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). CD22-CAR T-cell therapy has yielded similarly encouraging results, but many patients relapse after either therapy. In an upcoming phase I clinical trial, Center for Cancer Research investigators will test a new strategy—treating

  12. Patient Care Coordinator | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    PROGRAM DESCRIPTION Within the Leidos Biomedical Research Inc.’s Clinical Research Directorate, the Clinical Monitoring Research Program (CMRP) provides high-quality comprehensive and strategic operational support to the high-profile domestic and international clinical research initiatives of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Clinical Center (CC), National Institute of Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Since its inception in 2001, CMRP’s ability to provide rapid responses, high-quality solutions, and to recruit and retain experts with a variety of backgrounds to meet the growing research portfolios of NCI, NIAID, CC, NHLBI, NIAMS, NCATS, NINDS, and NIMH has led to the considerable expansion of the program and its repertoire of support services. CMRP’s support services are strategically aligned with the program’s mission to provide comprehensive, dedicated support to assist National Institutes of Health researchers in providing the highest quality of clinical research in compliance with applicable regulations and guidelines, maintaining data integrity, and protecting human subjects. For the scientific advancement of clinical research, CMRP services include comprehensive clinical trials, regulatory, pharmacovigilance, protocol navigation and development, and programmatic and project management support for facilitating the conduct of 400+ Phase I, II, and III domestic and international trials on a yearly basis. These trials investigate the prevention, diagnosis, treatment of, and therapies for cancer, influenza, HIV, and other infectious diseases and viruses such as hepatitis C, tuberculosis, malaria, and Ebola virus; heart, lung, and

  13. Further and Higher Education Partnerships. The Future for Collaboration.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Abramson, Mike, Ed.; And Others

    The following papers are included: "Introduction" (Mike Abramson, John Bird, Anne Stennett); "Partnership Imperatives: A Critical Appraisal" (Mike Abramson); "Further and Higher Education Partnerships: The Evolution of a National Policy Framework" (John Bird); "Finance: The Bedrock of Good Partnerships"…

  14. Tenure Track Investigator | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    The Neuro-Oncology Branch (NOB), Center for Cancer Research (CCR) of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Bethesda, MD, is actively recruiting for a tenure-track principal investigator to work in the area of immunology and/or immunotherapy.  The NOB Immunology/Immunotherapy Investigator will be tasked with forming and leading an independent research program.  This position will build the basic immunology program in the NOB and complement ongoing and planned translational research and clinical trials evaluating the effects of immunotherapy in patients with primary brain tumors.  This program will be able to access biospecimens generated from ongoing and planned immunotherapy protocols within the NOB, thus creating an opportunity to perform correlative studies to interrogate the complex biology of immunologic response, toxicity, and treatment resistance.  Demonstrated expertise in scientific inquiries in immunotherapy and/or immunology are essential, but prior work in brain tumors is not required.  This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing trans-institutional research team that promotes and supports collaborations across the basic, translational, and clinical research spectrum to develop novel therapeutics for individuals with primary central nervous system malignancies that will globally influence the field.

  15. Statistical Analysis of Research Data | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Recent advances in cancer biology have resulted in the need for increased statistical analysis of research data. The Statistical Analysis of Research Data (SARD) course will be held on April 5-6, 2018 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at the National Institutes of Health's Natcher Conference Center, Balcony C on the Bethesda Campus. SARD is designed to provide an overview on the general principles of statistical analysis of research data.  The first day will feature univariate data analysis, including descriptive statistics, probability distributions, one- and two-sample inferential statistics.

  16. Social Media Use for Cancer Education at a Community-Based Cancer Center in South Korea.

    PubMed

    Heo, Jaesung; Chun, Mison; Lee, Hyun Woo; Woo, Jeong-Hee

    2016-12-12

    The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the education system using social media. Eight educational video clips were developed instructing the viewer on cancer-related issues such as prevention, treatment, and survivorship. Each video was made with participation of medical professors and posted on a YouTube channel. A mobile phone application was produced containing a scheduler function, introduction of a community cancer center program, and cancer information. A medical blog was established to provide stationary materials such as images and articles. Descriptive analysis was done by Google analytics. From May of 2014 to June of 2016, 15,247 total views were recorded on the YouTube channel, and the average view duration was about 3 min. The most popular video was about chemotherapy treatment; 5409 (36%) people watched this video, and 3615 (23.5%) people viewed a video on balanced dietary habits. As well as South Korea, 1,113 (7%) views were confirmed in the United States and 175 (1%) in Japan. The equipment used to watch the contents were mobile phones (59%), laptops (33%), and tablets (6%). Five hundred people installed the smartphone application from March of 2015 to July of 2016. Three hundred eighty-three medical contents were posted on the blog since March of 2015. Cancer education is necessary to address the education needs of patients with cancer and their caregivers. Education based on social media could be an effective method that reaches beyond geographical boundaries.

  17. Measuring patient-centered communication in cancer care: a literature review and the development of a systematic approach.

    PubMed

    McCormack, Lauren A; Treiman, Katherine; Rupert, Douglas; Williams-Piehota, Pamela; Nadler, Eric; Arora, Neeraj K; Lawrence, William; Street, Richard L

    2011-04-01

    Patient-centered communication (PCC) is a critical element of patient-centered care, which the Institute of Medicine (Committee on Quality of Health Care in America, 2001) promulgates as essential to improving healthcare delivery. Consequently, the US National Cancer Institute's Strategic Plan for Leading the Nation (2006) calls for assessing the delivery of PCC in cancer care. However, no comprehensive measure of PCC exists, and stakeholders continue to embrace different conceptualizations and assumptions about how to measure it. Our approach was grounded in the PCC conceptual framework presented in a recent US National Cancer Institute monograph (Epstein & Street, 2007). In this study, we developed a comprehensive inventory of domains and subdomains for PCC by reviewing relevant literature and theories, interviewing a limited number of cancer patients, and consulting experts. The resulting measurement domains are organized under the six core functions specified in the PCC conceptual framework: exchanging information, fostering healing relationships, recognizing and responding to emotions, managing uncertainty, making decisions, and enabling patient self-management. These domains represent a promising platform for operationalizing the complicated PCC construct. Although this study focused specifically on cancer care, the PCC measurements are relevant to other clinical contexts and illnesses, given that patient-centered care is a goal across all healthcare. Finally, we discuss considerations for developing PCC measures for research, quality assessment, and surveillance purposes. United States Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute (2006). The NCI Strategic Plan for Leading the Nation: To Eliminate the Suffering and Death Due to Cancer. NIH Publication No. 06-5773. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  18. In Memoriam: Amar J.S. Klar, Ph.D. | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    In Memoriam: Amar J.S. Klar, Ph.D. The Center for Cancer Research mourns the recent death of colleague and friend Amar J.S. Klar, Ph.D.  Dr. Klar was a much-liked and respected member of the NCI community as part of the Gene Regulation and Chromosome Biology Laboratory since 1988.

  19. Foundation laid for understanding essentials of cell division | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    NCI Center for Cancer Research (CCR) scientists reported new molecular insights into understanding a critical aspect of cell division through a cross-disciplinary effort that combines cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), biochemical and cell biological approaches. Errors in segregation of chromosomes during mitosis can lead to an aberrant number of chromosomes, a condition

  20. Quality Control Specialist | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Within the Leidos Biomedical Research Inc.’s Clinical Research Directorate, the Clinical Monitoring Research Program (CMRP) provides high-quality comprehensive and strategic operational support to the high-profile domestic and international clinical research initiatives of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Clinical Center (CC), National Institute of Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Since its inception in 2001, CMRP’s ability to provide rapid responses, high-quality solutions, and to recruit and retain experts with a variety of backgrounds to meet the growing research portfolios of NCI, NIAID, CC, NHLBI, NIAMS, NCATS, NINDS, and NIMH has led to the considerable expansion of the program and its repertoire of support services. CMRP’s support services are strategically aligned with the program’s mission to provide comprehensive, dedicated support to assist National Institutes of Health researchers in providing the highest quality of clinical research in compliance with applicable regulations and guidelines, maintaining data integrity, and protecting human subjects. For the scientific advancement of clinical research, CMRP services include comprehensive clinical trials, regulatory, pharmacovigilance, protocol navigation and development, and programmatic and project management support for facilitating the conduct of 400+ Phase I, II, and III domestic and international trials on a yearly basis. These trials investigate the prevention, diagnosis, treatment of, and therapies for cancer, influenza, HIV, and other infectious diseases and viruses such as hepatitis C, tuberculosis, malaria, and Ebola virus; heart, lung, and blood diseases and

  1. The Effects of a Culturally Tailored, Patient-Centered Psychosocial Intervention in South Korean Cancer Survivors.

    PubMed

    Kim, Dohun; Chang, Sun Ju; Lee, Hyun Ok; Lee, Seung Hee

    2018-01-01

    This study aimed to develop a culturally tailored, patient-centered psychosocial intervention program and to investigate the effects of the program on health-related quality of life, sleep disturbance, and depression in cancer survivors. This was a one-group pretest and posttest design. A total of 19 cancer survivors participated in the program. The program was designed to have an 8-week duration with one class per week. Every class was composed of a 90-min education session and a 90-min exercise. Among the health-related quality of life subscales, the scores of global health status/quality of life, physical functioning, and emotional functioning at posttest were statistically increased than those at pretest. Fatigue scores significantly decreased, whereas no changes were observed in sleep disturbance or depression scores. The findings of this study suggested that a culturally tailored, patient-centered psychosocial intervention could be applied in clinical settings to improve health-related quality of life in cancer survivors.

  2. Physician Assistant | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    PROGRAM DESCRIPTION Within the Leidos Biomedical Research Inc.’s Clinical Research Directorate, the Clinical Monitoring Research Program (CMRP) provides high-quality comprehensive and strategic operational support to the high-profile domestic and international clinical research initiatives of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Clinical Center (CC), National Institute of Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Since its inception in 2001, CMRP’s ability to provide rapid responses, high-quality solutions, and to recruit and retain experts with a variety of backgrounds to meet the growing research portfolios of NCI, NIAID, CC, NHLBI, NIAMS, NCATS, NINDS, and NIMH has led to the considerable expansion of the program and its repertoire of support services. CMRP’s support services are strategically aligned with the program’s mission to provide comprehensive, dedicated support to assist National Institutes of Health researchers in providing the highest quality of clinical research in compliance with applicable regulations and guidelines, maintaining data integrity, and protecting human subjects. For the scientific advancement of clinical research, CMRP services include comprehensive clinical trials, regulatory, pharmacovigilance, protocol navigation and development, and programmatic and project management support for facilitating the conduct of 400+ Phase I, II, and III domestic and international trials on a yearly basis. These trials investigate the prevention, diagnosis, treatment of, and therapies for cancer, influenza, HIV, and other infectious diseases and viruses such as hepatitis C, tuberculosis, malaria, and Ebola virus; heart, lung, and

  3. Transitioning childhood cancer survivors to adult-centered healthcare: insights from parents, adolescent, and young adult survivors.

    PubMed

    Casillas, Jacqueline; Kahn, Katherine L; Doose, Michelle; Landier, Wendy; Bhatia, Smita; Hernandez, Joanna; Zeltzer, Lonnie K

    2010-09-01

    To determine Latino adolescent and young adults (AYA) cancer survivors' perceived barriers or facilitators to transition from pediatric to adult-centered survivorship care and to also assess the parents' perspective of care. Partnering with a community-based organization that serves Latino survivors, we conducted a qualitative, constant comparative analytic approach exploring in-depth themes that have salience for Latino pediatric cancer survivors seeking care in the adult healthcare setting. Twenty-seven Latino AYA survivors (>or=15 years of age) completed key informant interviews and 21 Latino parents participated in focus groups. Both AYA survivors and parents identified two major facilitative factors for survivorship care: Involvement of the nuclear family in the AYA's survivorship care in the adult healthcare setting and including symptom communication in late effects discussions. Barriers to care included: perceived stigma of a cancer history and continued emotional trauma related to discussions about the childhood cancer experience. Barriers to survivorship care include cancer stigma for both patient and nuclear family, which can impact on seeking survivorship care due to constraints placed on discussions because it remains difficult to discuss 'cancer' years later. Future research can evaluate if these findings are unique to Latino childhood cancer survivors or are found in other populations of AYA cancer survivors transitioning to adult-centered healthcare. This community-based participatory research collaboration also highlights the opportunity to learn about the needs of childhood cancer survivors from the lens of community leaders serving culturally diverse populations. (c) 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  4. Strategies for Appropriate Patient-centered Care to Decrease the Nationwide Cost of Cancers in Korea.

    PubMed

    Bae, Jong-Myon

    2017-07-01

    In terms of years of life lost to premature mortality, cancer imposes the highest burden in Korea. In order to reduce the burden of cancer, the Korean government has implemented cancer control programs aiming to reduce cancer incidence, to increase survival rates, and to decrease cancer mortality. However, these programs may paradoxically increase the cost burden. For examples, a cancer screening program for early detection could bring about over-diagnosis and over-treatment, and supplying medical services in a paternalistic manner could lead to defensive medicine or futile care. As a practical measure to reduce the cost burden of cancer, appropriate cancer care should be established. Ensuring appropriateness requires patient-doctor communication to ensure that utility values are shared and that autonomous decisions are made regarding medical services. Thus, strategies for reducing the cost burden of cancer through ensuring appropriate patient-centered care include introducing value-based medicine, conducting cost-utility studies, and developing patient decision aids.

  5. Strategies for Appropriate Patient-centered Care to Decrease the Nationwide Cost of Cancers in Korea

    PubMed Central

    2017-01-01

    In terms of years of life lost to premature mortality, cancer imposes the highest burden in Korea. In order to reduce the burden of cancer, the Korean government has implemented cancer control programs aiming to reduce cancer incidence, to increase survival rates, and to decrease cancer mortality. However, these programs may paradoxically increase the cost burden. For examples, a cancer screening program for early detection could bring about over-diagnosis and over-treatment, and supplying medical services in a paternalistic manner could lead to defensive medicine or futile care. As a practical measure to reduce the cost burden of cancer, appropriate cancer care should be established. Ensuring appropriateness requires patient-doctor communication to ensure that utility values are shared and that autonomous decisions are made regarding medical services. Thus, strategies for reducing the cost burden of cancer through ensuring appropriate patient-centered care include introducing value-based medicine, conducting cost-utility studies, and developing patient decision aids. PMID:28768400

  6. Is the Distance Worth It? Patients With Rectal Cancer Traveling to High-Volume Centers Experience Improved Outcomes.

    PubMed

    Xu, Zhaomin; Becerra, Adan Z; Justiniano, Carla F; Boodry, Courtney I; Aquina, Christopher T; Swanger, Alex A; Temple, Larissa K; Fleming, Fergal J

    2017-12-01

    It is unclear whether traveling long distances to high-volume centers would compensate for travel burden among patients undergoing rectal cancer resection. The purpose of this study was to determine whether operative volume outweighs the advantages of being treated locally by comparing the outcomes of patients with rectal cancer treated at local, low-volume centers versus far, high-volume centers. This was a population-based study. The National Cancer Database was queried for patients with rectal cancer. Patients with stage II or III rectal cancer who underwent surgical resection between 2006 and 2012 were included. The outcomes of interest were margins, lymph node yield, receipt of neoadjuvant chemoradiation, adjuvant chemotherapy, readmission within 30 days, 30-day and 90-day mortality, and 5-year overall survival. A total of 18,605 patients met inclusion criteria; 2067 patients were in the long-distance/high-volume group and 1362 in the short-distance/low-volume group. The median travel distance was 62.6 miles for the long-distance/high-volume group and 2.3 miles for the short-distance/low-volume group. Patients who were younger, white, privately insured, and stage III were more likely to have traveled to a high-volume center. When controlled for patient factors, stage, and hospital factors, patients in the short-distance/low-volume group had lower odds of a lymph node yield ≥12 (OR = 0.51) and neoadjuvant chemoradiation (OR = 0.67) and higher 30-day (OR = 3.38) and 90-day mortality (OR = 2.07) compared with those in the long-distance/high-volume group. The short-distance/low-volume group had a 34% high risk of overall mortality at 5 years compared with the long-distance/high-volume group. We lacked data regarding patient and physician decision making and surgeon-specific factors. Our results indicate that when controlled for patient, tumor, and hospital factors, patients who traveled a long distance to a high-volume center had improved lymph node yield

  7. Patient-Centered Care in Breast Cancer Genetic Clinics

    PubMed Central

    Brédart, Anne; Anota, Amélie; Kuboth, Violetta; Lareyre, Olivier; Cano, Alejandra; Stoppa-Lyonnet, Dominique; Schmutzler, Rita; Dolbeault, Sylvie

    2018-01-01

    With advances in breast cancer (BC) gene panel testing, risk counseling has become increasingly complex, potentially leading to unmet psychosocial needs. We assessed psychosocial needs and correlates in women initiating testing for high genetic BC risk in clinics in France and Germany, and compared these results with data from a literature review. Among the 442 counselees consecutively approached, 212 (83%) in France and 180 (97%) in Germany, mostly BC patients (81% and 92%, respectively), returned the ‘Psychosocial Assessment in Hereditary Cancer’ questionnaire. Based on the Breast and Ovarian Analysis of Disease Incidence and Carrier Estimation Algorithm (BOADICEA) BC risk estimation model, the mean BC lifetime risk estimates were 19% and 18% in France and Germany, respectively. In both countries, the most prevalent needs clustered around the “living with cancer” and “children-related issues” domains. In multivariate analyses, a higher number of psychosocial needs were significantly associated with younger age (b = −0.05), higher anxiety (b = 0.78), and having children (b = 1.51), but not with country, educational level, marital status, depression, or loss of a family member due to hereditary cancer. These results are in line with the literature review data. However, this review identified only seven studies that quantitatively addressed psychosocial needs in the BC genetic counseling setting. Current data lack understandings of how cancer risk counseling affects psychosocial needs, and improves patient-centered care in that setting. PMID:29439543

  8. Epidemiological profile of nonmelanoma skin cancer in renal transplant recipients: experience of a referral center*

    PubMed Central

    Ferreira, Flávia Regina; Ogawa, Marilia Marufuji; Nascimento, Luiz Fernando Costa; Tomimori, Jane

    2014-01-01

    BACKGROUND Nonmelanoma skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in humans and also the malignant disease that is increasingly common among kidney transplant recipients. OBJECTIVE To determine the epidemiological characteristics of renal transplant recipients with nonmelanoma skin cancer seen at a referral transplantation center. METHODS Cross-sectional descriptive study with renal transplant recipients presenting nonmelanoma skin cancer, treated at a transplantation referral center between 08/01/2004 and 08/31/2009. Analyzed variables were: gender, age, skin phototype, occupational and recreational sun exposure, use of photoprotection, personal and family history of non-melanoma skin cancer, clinical type and location, time between transplantation and the appearance of the first nonmelanoma skin cancer, occurrence of viral warts, timing of transplantation, type of donor, cause of kidney failure, previous transplants, comorbidities, pre-transplant dialysis, type and duration of dialysis. RESULTS 64 subjects were included. Males - 71.9%; low skin phototypes (up to Fitzpatrick III) - 89%; mean age - 57.0 years - and mean age at transplant - 47.3 years; sun exposure - 67.2% occupational - and 64.1% recreational; photoprotection - 78.2% (although only 34.4% in a regular manner); squamous cell carcinoma - 67.2%; squamous cell carcinoma/basal cell carcinoma ratio - 2:1; personal history of nonmelanoma skin cancer - 25% - and family history - 10.9%; location at photoexposed area - 98.4%; average latency time between transplantation and first nonmelanoma skin cancer appearance - 78.3 months; viral warts (HPV) after transplant - 53.1%; average timing of transplantation - 115.5 months; living donor - 64.1%; triple regimen (antirejection) - 73.2%; comorbidities - 92.2%; pre-transplant dialysis - 98.4%; hemodialysis - 71.7%; average duration of dialysis - 39.1 months; previous transplants - 3.1%; hypertension as cause of renal failure - 46.9%. CONCLUSION This study allowed

  9. New immunotherapy approach leads to remission in patients with the most common type of childhood cancer | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell immunotherapy has emerged as a promising treatment for pre-B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), the most common type of childhood cancer. B-ALL is characterized by an overproduction of immature white blood cells called lymphoblasts. In a trial led by Center for Cancer Research investigators, around 70 to 90 percent of patients whose B-ALL has relapsed or developed resistance to chemotherapy entered remission after CAR T-cell therapy targeting CD19. Read more…

  10. Reducing Cancer Disparities Through Innovative Partnerships: A Collaboration of the South Carolina Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network and Federally Qualified Health Centers

    PubMed Central

    Young, Vicki M.; Freedman, Darcy A.; Adams, Swann Arp; Brandt, Heather M.; Xirasagar, Sudha; Felder, Tisha M.; Ureda, John R.; Hurley, Thomas; Khang, Leepao; Campbell, Dayna; Hébert, James R.

    2011-01-01

    The South Carolina Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network, in partnership with the South Carolina Primary Health Care Association, and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), aims to promote evidence-based cancer interventions in community-based primary care settings. Partnership activities include (1) examining FQHCs’ readiness and capacity for conducting research, (2) developing a cancer-focused data sharing network, and (3) integrating a farmers’ market within an FQHC. These activities identify unique opportunities for public health and primary care collaborations. PMID:21932143

  11. ETIB tests safety and effectiveness of Baricitinib for chronic GVHD | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    The Center for Cancer Research has launched a new clinical trial focusing on improving the treatment of chronic graft-versus-host disease, a common adverse reaction that may develop after certain bone marrow transplants.  Learn more...

  12. Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use in Individuals Presenting for Care at a Comprehensive Cancer Center.

    PubMed

    Judson, Patricia L; Abdallah, Reem; Xiong, Yin; Ebbert, Judith; Lancaster, Johnathan M

    2017-03-01

    To define the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in individuals presenting for care at a comprehensive cancer center. A total of 17 639 individuals presenting to an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center (and consortium sites) completed a questionnaire regarding CAM use. Data were analyzed using the univariate χ 2 test to assess CAM use associated with a number of variables, including cancer status, age, gender, marital status, ethnicity, race, employment, and education level. Eighty-seven percent of individuals who completed the CAM survey acknowledged CAM therapy use within the previous 12 months. Of the 5 broad categories of CAM, the most commonly used were biologically based approaches (14 759/17 639 [83.67%]), mind-body interventions (4624/17 485 [26.45%]), manipulative and body-based therapies (3957/17 537 [22.56%]), alternative medical systems (429/15 952 [2.69%]), and energy therapies (270/15 872 [1.7%]). CAM use was more prevalent among women, non-Hispanics, Caucasians, patients 60 to 69 years of age, and those who are married, have a higher level of education, and are employed ( P < .005). This is the largest report of CAM use in individuals presenting for care at a comprehensive cancer center. Our analysis revealed that a very high percentage of patients utilize CAM. Because many of these CAM interventions are not studied in oncology patients, additional research on safety, efficacy, and mechanisms of action are essential. Furthermore, it is important that oncologists understand CAM modalities and counsel their patients about their use.

  13. Out-FOXing Pancreatic Cancer | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal cancer types worldwide with increasing incidence and mortality rates in the United States. Consequently, it is projected to become the second leading cause of cancer death by 2020. Poor patient outcomes are due to a combination of diagnosis at an advanced stage and a lack of effective treatments. However, a better understanding of the molecular pathways at work in pancreatic cancers may lead to the identification of novel therapeutic targets.

  14. Management of anemia and iron deficiency in a cancer center in France.

    PubMed

    Laï-Tiong, Florence; Brami, Cloé; Dubroeucq, Olivier; Scotté, Florian; Curé, Hervé; Jovenin, Nicolas

    2016-03-01

    Anemia affects most patients treated for cancer by chemotherapy. It is a known major contributor to fatigue and loss of quality of life and is likely to have a negative effect on prognosis and mortality from cancer. The main purpose of this study was to characterize the management of anemia and iron deficiency in a French oncology day-care center. A retrospective study was conducted between May and November 2012 in the oncology day unit of the Jean Godinot Cancer Center (France). The 133 patients included were all over the age of 18 and being treated by chemotherapy and had mild, moderate, or severe anemia. Over half (58%) the patients were shown to be receiving no specific treatment for anemia. Iron balance was assessed in 71 patients and iron deficiency diagnosed in 37. Stepwise logistic regression showed that patients with severe to moderate anemia were nearly four times more likely to have an iron balance assessment than those with mild anemia (OR, 3.78; 95% CI, 1.84-7.76; P = 0.0003). Classical logistic regression shows that older patients (≥70) are three times less likely to have an iron balance assessment than patients <70 years (OR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.12-0.86; P = 0.06). An ideal medical setting for the management of anemia and iron deficiency, and the associated quality-of-life concerns, has yet to be defined for patients with cancer. Screening and treatment of mild to moderate anemia are inadequate, despite the advent of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents. Large scale, multicenter studies are required to define a clear medical framework for the management of anemia and iron deficiency.

  15. Integrating Palliative Care Into Comprehensive Cancer Centers: Consensus-Based Development of Best Practice Recommendations

    PubMed Central

    Stiel, Stephanie; Simon, Steffen T.; Schmitz, Andrea; van Oorschot, Birgitt; Stachura, Peter; Ostgathe, Christoph

    2016-01-01

    Background. International associations admit that specialized palliative care (SPC) is an obvious component of excellent cancer care. Nevertheless, gaps in integration at the international level have been identified. Recommendations for integrating SPC in clinical care, research, and education are needed, which are subject of the present study. Materials and Methods. A Delphi study, with three written Delphi rounds, including a face-to-face-meeting with a multiprofessional expert panel (n = 52) working in SPC in 15 German Comprehensive Cancer Centers (CCCs) funded by the German Cancer Aid was initiated. Initial recommendations are built on evidence-based literature. Consensus was defined in advance with ≥80% agreement based on the question of whether each recommendation was unambiguously formulated, relevant, and realizable for a CCC. Results. A total of 38 experts (73.1%) from 15 CCCs performed all three Delphi rounds. Consensus was achieved for 29 of 30 recommendations. High agreement related to having an organizationally and spatially independent palliative care unit (≥6 beds), a mobile multiprofessional SPC team, and cooperation with community-based SPC. Until round 3, an ongoing discussion was registered on hospice volunteers, a chair of palliative care, education in SPC among staff in emergency departments, and integration of SPC in decision-making processes such as tumor boards or consultation hours. Integration of SPC in decision-making processes was not consented by a low-rated feasibility (76.3%) due to staff shortage. Conclusion. Recommendations should be considered when developing standards for cancer center of excellence in Germany. Definition and implementation of indicators of integration of SPC in CCCs and evaluation of its effectiveness are current and future challenges. Implications for Practice: General and specialized palliative care (SPC) is an integral part of comprehensive cancer care. However, significant diversity concerning the design

  16. Efficiency of colorectal cancer care among veterans: analysis of treatment wait times at Veterans Affairs Medical Centers.

    PubMed

    Merkow, Ryan P; Bilimoria, Karl Y; Sherman, Karen L; McCarter, Martin D; Gordon, Howard S; Bentrem, David J

    2013-07-01

    Timeliness of cancer treatment is an important aspect of health care quality. Veterans Affairs Medical Centers (VAMCs) are expected to treat a growing number of patients with cancer. Our objectives were to examine treatment times from diagnosis to first-course therapy for patients with colon and rectal cancers and assess factors associated with prolonged wait times. From the VA Central Cancer Registry, patients who underwent colon or rectal resection for cancer from 1998 to 2008 were identified. Time from diagnosis to definitive cancer-directed therapy was measured, and multivariable regression methods were used to determine predictors of prolonged wait times for colon (≥ 45 days) and rectal (≥ 60 days) cancers. From 124 VAMCs, 14,097 patients underwent colectomy, and 3,390 underwent rectal resection for cancer. For colon cancer, the median time to treatment increased by 68% over time (P < .001). From 2007 to 2008, the median time to colectomy was 32 days. Predictors of prolonged wait times included age ≥ 55 years (v < 55 years), time period (2007 to 2008 v 1998 to 2000), black race (v white), marriage status (married v unmarried), high-volume center status (v low volume), and treatment at a different hospital (v same hospital as initial diagnosis; all P < .05). For rectal cancer, the overall median time to first-course treatment increased by 74% (P < .001). From 2007 to 2008, the median time to proctectomy was 47 days. Similar predictors of prolonged wait times were identified for rectal cancer. Time to first treatment has increased for patients with colon and rectal cancers at VAMCs. Patient, tumor, and hospital factors are associated with prolonged time to treatment.

  17. Robotic Whipple Procedure for Pancreatic Cancer: The Moffitt Cancer Center Pathway.

    PubMed

    Rashid, Omar M; Mullinax, John E; Pimiento, Jose M; Meredith, Kenneth L; Malafa, Mokenge P

    2015-07-01

    Resection of malignancies in the head and uncinate process of the pancreas (Whipple procedure) using a robotic approach is emerging as a surgical option. Although several case series of the robotic Whipple procedure have been reported, detailed descriptions of operative techniques and a clear pathway for adopting this technology are lacking. We present a focused review of the procedure as it applies to pancreatic cancer and describe our clinical pathway for the robotic Whipple procedure used in pancreatic cancer and review the outcomes of our early experience. A systematic review of the literature is provided, focusing on the indications, variations in surgical techniques, complications, and oncological results of the robotic Whipple procedure. A clinical pathway has been defined for preoperative training of surgeons, the requirements for hospital privileges, patient selection, and surgical techniques for the robotic Whipple procedure. The robotic technique for managing malignant lesions of the pancreas head is safe when following well-established guidelines for adopting the technology. Preliminary data demonstrate that perioperative convalescence may exceed end points when compared with the open technique. The robotic Whipple procedure is a minimally invasive approach for select patients as part of multidisciplinary management of periampullary lesions in tertiary centers where clinicians have developed robotic surgical programs. Prospective trials are needed to define the short- and long-term benefits of the robotic Whipple procedure.

  18. Electronic Chemotherapy Order Entry: A Major Cancer Center's Implementation

    PubMed Central

    Sklarin, Nancy T.; Granovsky, Svetlana; O'Reilly, Eileen M.; Zelenetz, Andrew D.

    2011-01-01

    Implementation of a computerized provider order entry system for complex chemotherapy regimens at a large cancer center required intense effort from a multidisciplinary team of clinical and systems experts with experience in all facets of the chemotherapy process. The online tools had to resemble the paper forms used at the time and parallel the successful established process as well as add new functionality. Close collaboration between the institution and the vendor was necessary. This article summarizes the institutional efforts, challenges, and collaborative processes that facilitated universal chemotherapy computerized electronic order entry across multiple sites during a period of several years. PMID:22043182

  19. Electronic Chemotherapy Order Entry: A Major Cancer Center's Implementation.

    PubMed

    Sklarin, Nancy T; Granovsky, Svetlana; O'Reilly, Eileen M; Zelenetz, Andrew D

    2011-07-01

    Implementation of a computerized provider order entry system for complex chemotherapy regimens at a large cancer center required intense effort from a multidisciplinary team of clinical and systems experts with experience in all facets of the chemotherapy process. The online tools had to resemble the paper forms used at the time and parallel the successful established process as well as add new functionality. Close collaboration between the institution and the vendor was necessary. This article summarizes the institutional efforts, challenges, and collaborative processes that facilitated universal chemotherapy computerized electronic order entry across multiple sites during a period of several years.

  20. Complications of Bilateral Neck Dissection in Thyroid Cancer From a Single High-Volume Center.

    PubMed

    McMullen, Caitlin; Rocke, Daniel; Freeman, Jeremy

    2017-04-01

    The morbidity of bilateral lateral neck dissection (BLND) for thyroid cancers has not been described in detail. This study delineates the specific complications arising from BLND for thyroid cancers at a single high-volume center. To determine the morbidity associated with BLNDs for differentiated thyroid cancers at our institution. This was a retrospective review of medical records performed to identify patients having undergone BLNDs for thyroid cancers by a single surgeon at an academic, tertiary medical center in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, from 1988 to 2015. Patients who underwent BLND for papillary, follicular, or medullary thyroid cancers were identified through operative procedure codes and review of operative and pathology reports. The indication for this procedure was suspicious bilateral lateral compartment on imaging and clinical examination. Sixty-two patients who underwent BLND for thyroid cancers, with or without total thyroidectomy and central compartment dissection, were identified. The main outcome measures for this study were unanticipated medical or surgical complications during the operation or in the postoperative period. Secondary measures were oncologic outcomes, including regional structural or biochemical recurrence. Of the 62 patients, 24 were male (39%), and 38 (61%) were female. Their mean age was 46 years (range, 17-80 years). The overall risk of permanent hypoparathyroidism was 37%. There was 1 case of unanticipated permanent recurrent nerve paralysis and 1 case of temporary nerve paresis. Postoperative chyle fistula occurred in 6 cases (10%). There were 3 readmissions within 30 days of surgery, 1 pulmonary embolism, and 1 perioperative mortality. Fifty percent of patients had pN0 contralateral necks despite preoperative clinical suspicion. Four patients were found to have anaplastic thyroid cancers intraoperatively. Five patients (8%) developed nodal recurrence in the neck. Four patients died of their disease within available follow

  1. Stopping Liver Cancer's Rogue COP | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Liver cancer is the fourth most common cancer type and the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Many liver tumors are actually metastases, tumors seeded in the liver by cancer cells from another organ, but hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs), the most common liver tumors, are a heterogeneous family of cancers that arise in hepatocytes, the functional cells of the liver.

  2. Cancer Genetics and Signaling | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    The Cancer, Genetics, and Signaling (CGS) Group at the National Cancer Institute at Frederick  offers a competitive postdoctoral training and mentoring program focusing on molecular and genetic aspects of cancer. The CGS Fellows Program is designed to attract and train exceptional postdoctoral fellows interested in pursuing independent research career tracks. CGS Fellows

  3. Clinico-pathology of lung cancer in a regional cancer center in Northeastern India.

    PubMed

    Mandal, Sanjeet Kumar; Singh, Thaudem Tomcha; Sharma, Takhenchangbam Dhaneshor; Amrithalingam, Venkatesan

    2013-01-01

    Globally, there have been important changes in trends amongst gender, histology and smoking patterns of lung cancer cases. This retrospective study was conducted on 466 patients with lung cancer who were registered in Regional Cancer Center, Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Manipur from January 2008 to December 2012. Most were more than 60 years of age (67.8%) with a male: female ratio of 1.09:1. Some 78.8% of patients were chronic smokers with male smoker to female smoker ratio of 1.43:1. Consumption of alcohol was found in 29.4%, both smoking and alcohol in 27.5%, betel nut chewing in 37.9% and tobacco chewing in 25.3%. A history of tuberculosis was present in 16.3% of patients. The most frequent symptom was coughing (36.6%) and most common radiological presentation was a mass lesion (70%). Most of the patients had primary lung cancer in the right lung (60.3%). The most common histological subtype was squamous cell carcinoma (49.1%), also in the 40-60 year age group (45.9%), more than 60 year age group (51.6%), males (58.1%) and females (41.8%). As many as 91.9% of squamous cell carcinoma patients had a history of smoking. About 32.5% of patients had distant metastasis at presentation with brain (23.8%) and positive malignant cells in pleural effusions (23.1%) as common sites. The majority of patients were in stage III (34.4%), stage IV (32.5%) and stage II (30.2%). Our analysis suggests that the gender gap has been narrowed such that about half of the patients diagnosed with lung cancer are women in this part of India. This alarming rise in female incidence is mainly attributed to an increased smoking pattern. Squamous cell carcinoma still remains the commonest histological subtype. Most of the patients were elderly aged and presented at locally or distantly advanced stages.

  4. Learning from Cancer Precursors | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Cancers that are preceded by distinct nonmalignant lesions provide an opportunity to study cancer progression and develop early detection and intervention strategies. Multiple myeloma—a cancer of the bone marrow that originates in a type of white blood cell called plasma cells—is consistently preceded by one of two nonmalignant precursor diseases: monoclonal gammopathy of

  5. Risk factors for bowel dysfunction after sphincter-preserving rectal cancer surgery: a prospective study using the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center bowel function instrument.

    PubMed

    Ihn, Myong Hoon; Kang, Sung-Bum; Kim, Duck-Woo; Oh, Heung-Kwon; Lee, Soo Young; Hong, Sa Min

    2014-08-01

    Until recently, no studies have prospectively evaluated bowel function after sphincter-preserving surgery for rectal cancer with the use of a validated bowel function scoring system. The aim of this study was to investigate possible risk factors for altered bowel function after sphincter-preserving surgery. This was a prospective study. The study was conducted between January 2006 and May 2012 at the authors' institution. Patients who underwent sphincter-preserving rectal cancer surgery were recruited. Bowel function was assessed 1 day before (baseline) and at 1 year after sphincter-preserving surgery or temporary ileostomy takedown with the use of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center questionnaire. Multivariable analysis was performed to identify the factors associated with altered bowel function after surgery. Overall, 266 patients were eligible for the analysis. The tumor was located in the upper, middle, and lower rectum in 68 (25.5%), 113 (42.5%), and 85 (32.0%) patients. Intersphincteric resection and temporary ileostomy were performed in 18 (6.8%) and 129 (48.5%) patients. The mean Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center score was 64.5 ± 7.6 at 1 year after sphincter-preserving surgery or temporary ileostomy takedown. The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center score decreased in 163/266 patients (61.3%) between baseline and 1 year after surgery. Tumor location (p = 0.01), operative method (p = 0.03), anastomotic type (p = 0.01), and temporary ileostomy (p = 0.01) were associated with altered bowel function after sphincter-preserving surgery in univariate analyses. In multivariable analysis, only tumor location was independently associated with impaired bowel function after sphincter-preserving rectal cancer surgery. This study was limited by its nonrandomized design and the lack of measurement before preoperative chemoradiotherapy. We suggest that preoperative counseling should be implemented to inform patients of the risk of bowel dysfunction

  6. Prevalence of renal insufficiency in elderly cancer patients in a tertiary cancer center

    PubMed Central

    Pontes, Lucíola de Barros; Antunes, Yuri Philippe Pimentel Vieira; Bugano, Diogo Diniz Gomes; Karnakis, Theodora; del Giglio, Auro; Kaliks, Rafael Aliosha

    2014-01-01

    Objective To estimate the prevalence of abnormal glomerular filtration rate in elderly patients with solid tumors. Methods A retrospective study with patients aged >65 years diagnosed with solid tumors between January 2007 and December 2011 in a cancer center. The following data were collected: sex, age, serum creatinine at the time of diagnosis and type of tumor. Renal function was calculated using abbreviated Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) formulae and then staged in accordance with the clinical practice guidelines published by the Working Group of the National Kidney Foundation. Results A total of 666 patients were included and 60% were male. The median age was 74.2 years (range: 65 to 99 years). The most prevalent diagnosis in the study population were colorectal (24%), prostate (20%), breast (16%) and lung cancer (16%). The prevalence of elevated serum creatinine (>1.0mg/dL) was 30%. However, when patients were assessed using abbreviated MDRD formulae, 66% had abnormal renal function, stratified as follows: 45% with stage 2, 18% with stage 3, 3% with stage 4 and 0.3% with stage 5. Conclusion To the best of our knowledge, this was the first study to estimate the frequency of renal insufficiency in elderly cancer patients in Brazil. The prevalence of abnormal renal function among our cohort was high. As suspected, the absolute creatinine level does underestimate renal function impairment and should not be used as predictor of chemotherapy metabolism, excretion and consequent toxicity. PMID:25295449

  7. PROACT: Iterative Design of a Patient-Centered Visualization for Effective Prostate Cancer Health Risk Communication.

    PubMed

    Hakone, Anzu; Harrison, Lane; Ottley, Alvitta; Winters, Nathan; Gutheil, Caitlin; Han, Paul K J; Chang, Remco

    2017-01-01

    Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the US, and yet most cases represent localized cancer for which the optimal treatment is unclear. Accumulating evidence suggests that the available treatment options, including surgery and conservative treatment, result in a similar prognosis for most men with localized prostate cancer. However, approximately 90% of patients choose surgery over conservative treatment, despite the risk of severe side effects like erectile dysfunction and incontinence. Recent medical research suggests that a key reason is the lack of patient-centered tools that can effectively communicate personalized risk information and enable them to make better health decisions. In this paper, we report the iterative design process and results of developing the PROgnosis Assessment for Conservative Treatment (PROACT) tool, a personalized health risk communication tool for localized prostate cancer patients. PROACT utilizes two published clinical prediction models to communicate the patients' personalized risk estimates and compare treatment options. In collaboration with the Maine Medical Center, we conducted two rounds of evaluations with prostate cancer survivors and urologists to identify the design elements and narrative structure that effectively facilitate patient comprehension under emotional distress. Our results indicate that visualization can be an effective means to communicate complex risk information to patients with low numeracy and visual literacy. However, the visualizations need to be carefully chosen to balance readability with ease of comprehension. In addition, due to patients' charged emotional state, an intuitive narrative structure that considers the patients' information need is critical to aid the patients' comprehension of their risk information.

  8. Clinical trial will investigate targeted radionuclide therapy for inoperable rare tumors | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    In an upcoming phase II clinical trial, Center for Cancer Research investigators will explore the ability of a targeted radioactive drug to treat inoperable pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma, both rare tumors.  Learn more...

  9. Oncofertility resources at NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers.

    PubMed

    Clayman, Marla L; Harper, Maya M; Quinn, Gwendolyn P; Reinecke, Joyce; Shah, Shivani

    2013-12-01

    NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers (CCCs) set the standard for providing exemplary patient care. Quality cancer care includes discussions about fertility and referrals to fertility specialists for patients at risk for sterility. This study sought to determine what fertility preservation (FP) resources are available in CCCs and how well those are integrated into patient care. Leaders at each CCC received a letter requesting a short telephone interview with individuals who could provide information about the institution's FP resources. A semi-structured interview guide was used and responses were audio-recorded. Data were analyzed using content and thematic analysis. Interviews were conducted with 30 of the 39 CCCs that see adult patients (77%). The remaining institutions included 4 nonresponders, 3 that referred the interviewers to childhood cancer survivorship clinics, 1 that refused, and 1 that could not identify any FP resources. Participants were primarily affiliated with reproductive endocrinology (n=15) or hematology/oncology divisions (n=10). Institutional policies regarding consistent provision of FP information were rare (n=4), although most sites (n=20) either had some services on-site or had referral programs (n=8). However, only 13 had some experimental services, such as ovarian tissue cryopreservation. Respondents reported barriers to provision of FP, including oncologists' identification of patients at risk, low referral rates, and perceptions of patient prognosis. Only 8 (27%) sites had staff with time dedicated to FP. CCCs vary widely in implementing FP-recommended practice to their patients. CCCs are positioned to provide exemplary oncofertility care, but most need to better integrate FP information and referral into practice.

  10. Reformulating the Depression Model of Learned Hopelessness for Academic Outcomes

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Au, Raymond C. P.; Watkins, David; Hattie, John; Alexander, Patricia

    2009-01-01

    This review explores developments in the construct of learned hopelessness, which originated in the clinical literature dealing with depression. In that context, the model developed by Abramson, Metalsky, and Alloy [Abramson, L. Y., Metalsky, G. I., & Alloy, L. B. (1989). "Hopelessness depression: A theory-based subtype of depression."…

  11. Cancer survivors' disclosure of complementary health approaches to physicians: the role of patient-centered communication.

    PubMed

    Sohl, Stephanie J; Borowski, Laurel A; Kent, Erin E; Smith, Ashley Wilder; Oakley-Girvan, Ingrid; Rothman, Russell L; Arora, Neeraj K

    2015-03-15

    Cancer survivors' disclosure of complementary health approaches (CHAs) to their follow-up care physicians is necessary to ensure the safe and optimal use of such approaches. Rates of disclosure of CHAs are variable and may be facilitated by patient-centered communication. This cross-sectional study conducted in 2003-2004 examined a population-based sample of leukemia, colorectal, and bladder cancer survivors (n=623) who were 2 to 5 years after their diagnosis. A subset of participants who reported using CHAs (n=196) was analyzed with multivariate logistic regression to examine the association between patients' perceptions of their physician's patient-centered communication (ie, information exchange, affective behavior, knowledge of patients as persons) and patients' disclosure of CHA use to their physician with adjustments for physician, patient, and patient-physician relationship factors. Thirty-one percent of the full sample used CHAs, and 47.6% of CHA users disclosed their use to their physicians. Disclosure was significantly associated with patient-centered communication even with adjustments for hypothesized covariates (odds ratio [OR], 1.37; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09-1.71). Perceived physician knowledge of the patient as a person (OR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.10-1.48) and information exchange (OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.02-1.60) were the aspects of patient-centered communication that contributed to this association. The main reason for nondisclosure assessed in the survey was that survivors did not think that it was important to discuss CHAs (67.0%). A majority of physicians encouraged continued use of CHAs when they were disclosed (64.8%). Results support the idea that improving the overall patient centeredness of cancer follow-up care and improving the disclosure of CHA use are potentially synergistic clinical goals. © 2014 American Cancer Society. This article has been contributed to by US Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.

  12. Development of a Community-Based Palliative Care Model for Advance Cancer Patients in Public Health Centers in Busan, Korea.

    PubMed

    Kim, Sook-Nam; Choi, Soon-Ock; Shin, Seong Hoon; Ryu, Ji-Sun; Baik, Jeong-Won

    2017-07-01

    A feasible palliative care model for advance cancer patients is needed in Korea with its rapidly aging population and corresponding increase in cancer prevalence. This study describes the process involved in the development of a community-based palliative care (CBPC) model implemented originally in a Busan pilot project. The model development included steps I and II of the pilot project, identification of the service types, a survey exploring the community demand for palliative care, construction of an operational infrastructure, and the establishment of a service delivery system. Public health centers (including Busan regional cancer centers, palliative care centers, and social welfare centers) served as the regional hubs in the development of a palliative care model. The palliative care project included the provision of palliative care, establishment of a support system for the operations, improvement of personnel capacity, development of an educational and promotional program, and the establishment of an assessment system to improve quality. The operational infrastructure included a service management team, provision teams, and a support team. The Busan Metropolitan City CBPC model was based on the principles of palliative care as well as the characteristics of public health centers that implemented the community health projects. The potential use of the Busan CBPC model in Korea should be explored further through service evaluations.

  13. A Brief History of Thoracic Surgery at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

    PubMed

    Walsh, Garrett Lyndon; Mehran, Reza John

    2016-01-01

    This article describes the history of the creation of the Department of Thoracic Surgery at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  14. Contralateral prophylactic mastectomy rate stable at major Canadian breast cancer center.

    PubMed

    Roberts, Amanda; Sandhu, Lakhbir; Cil, Tulin D; Hofer, Stefan O P; Zhong, Toni

    2016-06-10

    To examine trends of contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) rates at a Canadian academic breast cancer center. A single-institution retrospective cohort study was completed. Women of any age who underwent at least a unilateral mastectomy (UM) for primary unilateral breast carcinoma between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2010 were included. Patients who underwent CPM on the same day as UM were isolated to create two distinct cohorts. Patient and procedure characteristics were compared across groups using R software (version 3.1.0). The percentage of CPMs per year was determined. The Cochrane-Armitage test was used to assess the trend of CPMs over time. A P value of < 0.05 was considered significant. A total of 811 women met the inclusions/exclusion criteria; 759 (93.6%) underwent UM alone and 52 (6.4%) underwent UM with immediate CPM. The absolute number of procedures (UM and UM + CPM) increased over time, from 83 in 2004 to 147 in 2010 reflecting an increase in mastectomy volume. Annual CPM rates did not increase over time (P = 0.7) and varied between 2.6% to 10.7%. Family history of breast cancer [OR 3.6 (1.8-7.3)] and immediate reconstruction [10.0 (5.2-19.3)] were both significantly associated with CPM. Women who underwent CPM were younger (median age CPM 49 years vs UM 52 years, P < 0.0001) but age less than 50 years was not statistically associated with increased rates of CPM. CPM rates from 2004 to 2010 at a high-volume Canadian breast cancer center did not increase over time, in contrast to trends observed in the United States.

  15. Out-FOXing Pancreatic Cancer | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal cancer types worldwide with increasing incidence and mortality rates in the United States. Consequently, it is projected to become the second leading cause of cancer death by 2020. Poor patient outcomes are due to a combination of diagnosis at an advanced stage and a lack of effective treatments. However, a better understanding of

  16. Patient Navigators: Agents of Creating Community-Nested Patient-Centered Medical Homes for Cancer Care

    PubMed Central

    Simon, Melissa A.; Samaras, Athena T.; Nonzee, Narissa J.; Hajjar, Nadia; Frankovich, Carmi; Bularzik, Charito; Murphy, Kara; Endress, Richard; Tom, Laura S.; Dong, XinQi

    2016-01-01

    Patient navigation is an internationally utilized, culturally grounded, and multifaceted strategy to optimize patients’ interface with the health-care team and system. The DuPage County Patient Navigation Collaborative (DPNC) is a campus–community partnership designed to improve access to care among uninsured breast and cervical cancer patients in DuPage County, IL. Importantly, the DPNC connects community-based social service delivery with the patient-centered medical home to achieve a community-nested patient-centered medical home model for cancer care. While the patient navigator experience has been qualitatively documented, the literature pertaining to patient navigation has largely focused on efficacy outcomes and program cost effectiveness. Here, we uniquely highlight stories of women enrolled in the DPNC, told from the perspective of patient navigators, to shed light on the myriad barriers that DPNC patients faced and document the strategies DPNC patient navigators implemented. PMID:27594792

  17. Cancer Incidence in World Trade Center Rescue and Recovery Workers, 2001–2008

    PubMed Central

    Wallenstein, Sylvan; Shapiro, Moshe; Teitelbaum, Susan L.; Stevenson, Lori; Kochman, Anne; Kaplan, Julia; Dellenbaugh, Cornelia; Kahn, Amy; Biro, F. Noah; Crane, Michael; Crowley, Laura; Gabrilove, Janice; Gonsalves, Lou; Harrison, Denise; Herbert, Robin; Luft, Benjamin; Markowitz, Steven B.; Moline, Jacqueline; Niu, Xiaoling; Sacks, Henry; Shukla, Gauri; Udasin, Iris; Lucchini, Roberto G.; Boffetta, Paolo; Landrigan, Philip J.

    2013-01-01

    Background: World Trade Center (WTC) rescue and recovery workers were exposed to a complex mix of pollutants and carcinogens. Objective: The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate cancer incidence in responders during the first 7 years after 11 September 2001. Methods: Cancers among 20,984 consented participants in the WTC Health Program were identified through linkage to state tumor registries in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were calculated to compare cancers diagnosed in responders to predicted numbers for the general population. Multivariate regression models were used to estimate associations with degree of exposure. Results: A total of 575 cancers were diagnosed in 552 individuals. Increases above registry-based expectations were noted for all cancer sites combined (SIR = 1.15; 95% CI: 1.06, 1.25), thyroid cancer (SIR = 2.39; 95% CI: 1.70, 3.27), prostate cancer (SIR = 1.21; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.44), combined hematopoietic and lymphoid cancers (SIR = 1.36; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.71), and soft tissue cancers (SIR = 2.26; 95% CI: 1.13, 4.05). When restricted to 302 cancers diagnosed ≥ 6 months after enrollment, the SIR for all cancers decreased to 1.06 (95% CI: 0.94, 1.18), but thyroid and prostate cancer diagnoses remained greater than expected. All cancers combined were increased in very highly exposed responders and among those exposed to significant amounts of dust, compared with responders who reported lower levels of exposure. Conclusion: Estimates should be interpreted with caution given the short follow-up and long latency period for most cancers, the intensive medical surveillance of this cohort, and the small numbers of cancers at specific sites. However, our findings highlight the need for continued follow-up and surveillance of WTC responders. PMID:23613120

  18. Enhancing quality improvements in cancer care through CME activities at a nationally recognized cancer center.

    PubMed

    Uemura, Marc; Morgan, Robert; Mendelsohn, Mary; Kagan, Jean; Saavedra, Crystal; Leong, Lucille

    2013-06-01

    Changing healthcare policy will undoubtedly affect the healthcare environment in which providers function. The current Fee for Service reimbursement model will be replaced by Value-Based Purchasing, where higher quality and more efficient care will be emphasized. Because of this, large healthcare organizations and individual providers must adapt to incorporate performance outcomes into patient care. Here, we present a Continuing Medical Education (CME)-based initiative at the City of Hope National Cancer Center that we believe can serve as a model for using CME as a value added component to achieving such a goal.

  19. NCI Contact Center

    Cancer.gov

    The NCI Contact Center (formerly the Cancer Information Service) provides accurate, up-to-date, and reliable information on cancer that is easy to understand. Trained information specialists provide personalized responses to a range of cancer questions.

  20. 2014 Korean Liver Cancer Study Group-National Cancer Center Korea practice guideline for the management of hepatocellular carcinoma.

    PubMed

    2015-01-01

    The guideline for the management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was first developed in 2003 and revised in 2009 by the Korean Liver Cancer Study Group and the National Cancer Center, Korea. Since then, many studies on HCC have been carried out in Korea and other countries. In particular, a substantial body of knowledge has been accumulated on diagnosis, staging, and treatment specific to Asian characteristics, especially Koreans, prompting the proposal of new strategies. Accordingly, the new guideline presented herein was developed on the basis of recent evidence and expert opinions. The primary targets of this guideline are patients with suspicious or newly diagnosed HCC. This guideline provides recommendations for the initial treatment of patients with newly diagnosed HCC.

  1. Information technology-enabled team-based, patient-centered care: The example of depression screening and management in cancer care.

    PubMed

    Randhawa, Gurvaneet S; Ahern, David K; Hesse, Bradford W

    2017-03-01

    The existing healthcare delivery systems across the world need to be redesigned to ensure high-quality care is delivered to all patients. This redesign needs to ensure care is knowledge-based, patient-centered and systems-minded. The rapid advances in the capabilities of information and communication technology and its recent rapid adoption in healthcare delivery have ensured this technology will play a vital role in the redesign of the healthcare delivery system. This commentary highlights promising new developments in health information technology (IT) that can support patient engagement and self-management as well as team-based, patient-centered care. Collaborative care is an effective approach to screen and treat depression in cancer patients and it is a good example of the benefits of team-based and patient-centered care. However, this approach was developed prior to the widespread adoption and use of health IT. We provide examples to illustrate how health IT can improve prevention and treatment of depression in cancer patients. We found several knowledge gaps that limit our ability to realize the full potential of health IT in the context of cancer and comorbid depression care. These gaps need to be filled to improve patient engagement; enhance the reach and effectiveness of collaborative care and web-based programs to prevent and treat depression in cancer patients. We also identify knowledge gaps in health IT design and implementation. Filling these gaps will help shape policies that enable clinical teams to deliver high-quality cancer care globally.

  2. Academic-Community Partnership to Develop a Patient-Centered Breast Cancer Risk Reduction Program for Latina Primary Care Patients.

    PubMed

    Castañeda, Sheila F; Giacinto, Rebeca E; Medeiros, Elizabeth A; Brongiel, Ilana; Cardona, Olga; Perez, Patricia; Talavera, Gregory A

    2016-06-01

    This collaborative study sought to address Latina breast cancer (BC) disparities by increasing health literacy (HL) in a community health center situated on the US-Mexico border region of San Diego County. An academic-community partnership conducted formative research to develop a culturally tailored promotora-based intervention with 109 individuals. The Spanish language program, entitled Nuestra Cocina: Mesa Buena, Vida Sana (Our Kitchen: Good Table, Healthy Life), included six sessions targeting HL, women's health, BC risk reduction, and patient-provider communication; sessions include cooking demonstrations of recipes with cancer-risk-reducing ingredients. A pilot study with 47 community health center Latina patients was conducted to examine the program's acceptability, feasibility, and ability to impact knowledge and skills. Pre- and post-analyses demonstrated that participants improved their self-reported cancer screening, BC knowledge, daily fruit and vegetable intake, and ability to read a nutrition label (p < 0.05). Results of the pilot study demonstrate the importance of utilizing patient-centered culturally appropriate noninvasive means to educate and empower Latina patients.

  3. Academic-Community Partnership to Develop a Patient-Centered Breast Cancer Risk Reduction Program for Latina Primary Care Patients

    PubMed Central

    Castañeda, Sheila F.; Giacinto, Rebeca E.; Medeiros, Elizabeth A.; Brongiel, Ilana; Cardona, Olga; Perez, Patricia; Talavera, Gregory A.

    2015-01-01

    This collaborative study sought to address Latina breast cancer (BC) disparities by increasing health literacy (HL) in a community health center situated on the US-Mexico border region of San Diego County. An academic-community partnership conducted formative research to develop a culturally tailored promotora-based intervention with 109 individuals. The Spanish language program, entitled Nuestra Cocina: Mesa Buena, Vida Sana (Our Kitchen: Good Table, Healthy Life), included six sessions targeting HL, women’s health, BC risk reduction, and patient-provider communication; sessions include cooking demonstrations of recipes with cancer-risk-reducing ingredients. A pilot study with 47 community health center Latina patients was conducted to examine the program’s acceptability, feasibility, and ability to impact knowledge and skills. Pre- and post-analyses demonstrated that participants improved their self-reported cancer screening, BC knowledge, daily fruit and vegetable intake, and ability to read a nutrition label (p<0.05). Results of the pilot study demonstrate the importance of utilizing patient-centered culturally appropriate noninvasive means to educate and empower Latina patients. PMID:27271058

  4. Cancer Genetics and Signaling | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    The Cancer, Genetics, and Signaling (CGS) Group at the National Cancer Institute at Frederick  offers a competitive postdoctoral training and mentoring program focusing on molecular and genetic aspects of cancer. The CGS Fellows Program is designed to attract and train exceptional postdoctoral fellows interested in pursuing independent research career tracks. CGS Fellows participate in a structured mentoring program designed for scientific and career development and transition to independent positions.

  5. Oncologic emergencies in a cancer center emergency department and in general emergency departments countywide and nationwide.

    PubMed

    Yang, Zhi; Yang, Runxiang; Kwak, Min Ji; Qdaisat, Aiham; Lin, Junzhong; Begley, Charles E; Reyes-Gibby, Cielito C; Yeung, Sai-Ching Jim

    2018-01-01

    Although cancer patients (CPs) are increasingly likely to visit emergency department (ED), no population-based study has compared the characteristics of CPs and non-cancer patients (NCPs) who visit the ED and examined factors associated with hospitalization via the ED. In this study, we (1) compared characteristics and diagnoses between CPs and NCPs who visited the ED in a cancer center or general hospital; (2) compared characteristics and diagnoses between CPs and NCPs who were hospitalized via the ED in a cancer center or general hospital; and (3) investigated important factors associated with such hospitalization. We analyzed patient characteristic and diagnosis [based on International Classification of Diseases-9 (ICD-9) codes] data from the ED of a comprehensive cancer center (MDACC), 24 general EDs in Harris County, Texas (HCED), and the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS) from 1/1/2007-12/31/2009. Approximately 3.4 million ED visits were analyzed: 47,245, 3,248,973, and 104,566 visits for MDACC, HCED, and NHAMCS, respectively, of which 44,143 (93.4%), 44,583 (1.4%), and 632 (0.6%) were CP visits. CPs were older than NCPs and stayed longer in EDs. Lung, gastrointestinal (excluding colorectal), and genitourinary (excluding prostate) cancers were the three most common diagnoses related to ED visits at general EDs. CPs visiting MDACC were more likely than CPs visiting HCED to be privately insured. CPs were more likely than NCPs to be hospitalized. Pneumonia and influenza, fluid and electrolyte disorders, and fever were important predictive factors for CP hospitalization; coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, and heart failure were important factors for NCP hospitalization. CPs consumed more ED resources than NCPs and had a higher hospitalization rate. Given the differences in characteristics and diagnoses between CPs and NCPs, ED physicians must pay special attention to CPs and be familiar with their unique set of oncologic

  6. Prostate Cancer Stem-Like Cells | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Prostate cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related death among men, killing an estimated 27,000 men each year in the United States. Men with advanced prostate cancer often become resistant to conventional therapies. Many researchers speculate that the emergence of resistance is due to the presence of cancer stem cells, which are believed to be a small subpopulation

  7. Phase I clinical trial will test multi-targeted immunotherapy in common childhood cancer | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell immunotherapy targeting the protein CD19 has shown promise in treating acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). CD22-CAR T-cell therapy has yielded similarly encouraging results, but many patients relapse after either therapy. In an upcoming phase I clinical trial, Center for Cancer Research investigators will test a new strategy—treating patients with a CAR T-cell therapy that targets CD19 and CD22 simultaneously.

  8. [Urethral stricture rate after prostate cancer radiotherapy : Five-year data of a certified prostate cancer center].

    PubMed

    Kranz, J; Maurer, G; Maurer, U; Deserno, O; Schulte, S; Steffens, J

    2017-03-01

    A urethral stricture is a scar of the urethral epithelium which can cause obstructive voiding dysfunction with consequential damage of the upper urinary tract. Almost 45% of all strictures are iatrogenic; they develop in 2-9% of patients after radical prostatectomy, but can also occur after prostate cancer radiotherapy. This study provides 5‑year data of a certified prostate cancer center (PKZ) in terms of urethral strictures. Between 01/2008 and 12/2012 a total of 519 men were irradiated for prostate cancer (LDR and HDR brachytherapy as well as external beam radiation). The entire cohort was followed-up prospectively according to a standardized protocol (by type of irradiation). Short segment urethral strictures were treated by urethrotomy, recurrent and long segment stenosis with buccal mucosa urethroplasty. A total of 18 of 519 (3.4%) patients developed a urethral stricture post-therapeutically, which recurred in 66% of cases after the first operative treatment. The largest risk for developing a urethral stricture is attributed to the HDR brachytherapy (8.9%). Urethral strictures after prostate cancer radiotherapy should be diagnosed and treated in time for long-term preservation of renal function. The rate of radiogenic urethral strictures (3.4%) is equivalent to those after radical prostatectomy. Due to a high rate of recurrences, urethrotomy has a limited importance after irradiation.

  9. Cancer Imaging at the Crossroads of Precision Medicine: Perspective From an Academic Imaging Department in a Comprehensive Cancer Center.

    PubMed

    Van den Abbeele, Annick D; Krajewski, Katherine M; Tirumani, Sree Harsha; Fennessy, Fiona M; DiPiro, Pamela J; Nguyen, Quang-Dé; Harris, Gordon J; Jacene, Heather A; Lefever, Greg; Ramaiya, Nikhil H

    2016-04-01

    The authors propose one possible vision for the transformative role that cancer imaging in an academic setting can play in the current era of personalized and precision medicine by sharing a conceptual model that is based on experience and lessons learned designing a multidisciplinary, integrated clinical and research practice at their institution. The authors' practice and focus are disease-centric rather than imaging-centric. A "wall-less" infrastructure has been developed, with bidirectional integration of preclinical and clinical cancer imaging research platforms, enabling rapid translation of novel cancer drugs from discovery to clinical trial evaluation. The talents and expertise of medical professionals, scientists, and staff members have been coordinated in a horizontal and vertical fashion through the creation of Cancer Imaging Consultation Services and the "Adopt-a-Radiologist" campaign. Subspecialized imaging consultation services at the hub of an outpatient cancer center facilitate patient decision support and management at the point of care. The Adopt-a-Radiologist campaign has led to the creation of a novel generation of imaging clinician-scientists, fostered new collaborations, increased clinical and academic productivity, and improved employee satisfaction. Translational cancer research is supported, with a focus on early in vivo testing of novel cancer drugs, co-clinical trials, and longitudinal tumor imaging metrics through the imaging research core laboratory. Finally, a dedicated cancer imaging fellowship has been developed, promoting the future generation of cancer imaging specialists as multidisciplinary, multitalented professionals who are trained to effectively communicate with clinical colleagues and positively influence patient care. Copyright © 2016 American College of Radiology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  10. Customizing Therapies for Lung Cancer | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in both men and women. Although there have been modest improvements in short-term survival over the last few decades, five-year survival rates for lung cancer remain low at only 16 percent. Treatment for lung cancer depends on the stage of the disease at diagnosis, but generally consists of some combination of surgery,

  11. Stopping Liver Cancer's Rogue COP | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Liver cancer is the fourth most common cancer type and the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Many liver tumors are actually metastases, tumors seeded in the liver by cancer cells from another organ, but hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs), the most common liver tumors, are a heterogeneous family of cancers that arise in hepatocytes, the functional cells of the liver. HCCs are often associated with cirrhosis or liver scarring. Because of the variation in tumor phenotypes, the poor understanding of the molecular origins of these tumors, and the increasing number of diagnoses especially in the US, HCC is a major clinical challenge.

  12. Economic constraints - the growing challenge for Western breast cancer centers.

    PubMed

    Seidel, Rene P; Lux, Michael P; Hoellthaler, Josef; Beckmann, Matthias W; Voigt, Wieland

    2013-03-01

    Breast cancer care in Western countries has reached a considerable level of quality and standardization, which has contributed to the decline in breast cancer mortality. Certified Breast Cancer Centers (BCC) represent an important element of this development. Related to changes in reimbursement and growing costs, BCC face economic constraints which ultimately could endanger the achievements of the past. Thus, BCC have to optimize their care strategies from an economic perspective, particularly by increasing efficiency but also by adapting their service portfolio. This could result in competitive advantages and additional revenue by increasing case numbers and extra charges to patients. Furthermore, an intensification of collaboration with the outpatient sector resulting in an integrated and managed 'trans-sectoral' care approach which could allow to shift unprofitable procedures to the outpatient sector - in the sense of a win-win situation for both sectors and without loss of care quality - seems reasonable. Structured and specialized consulting approaches can further be a lever to fulfill economic requirements in order to avoid cuts in medical care quality for the sake of a balanced budget. In this review, economic constraints of BCC with a focus on the German healthcare system and potential approaches to ameliorate these financial burdens are being discussed.

  13. HIV-associated hematologic malignancies: Experience from a Tertiary Cancer Center in India.

    PubMed

    Reddy, Rakesh; Gogia, Ajay; Kumar, Lalit; Sharma, Atul; Bakhshi, Sameer; Sharma, Mehar C; Mallick, Saumyaranjan; Sahoo, Ranjit

    2016-01-01

    Data on HIV associated hematologic malignancies is sparse from India. This study attempts to analyze the spectrum and features of this disease at a tertiary cancer center in India. Retrospective study from case records of patients registered with a diagnosis of hematologic malignancy and HIV infection between January 2010 and June 2015. Thirteen cases of HIV associated hematologic malignancies were identified, six of them pediatric. HIV diagnosis was concurrent to diagnosis of cancer in 12 and preceded it in one of them. ECOG PS at presentation was >1 in all of them. All patients, except one, had B symptoms. Six of the patients had bulky disease and six are stage 4. Predominant extranodal disease was seen in 67% of them. NHL accounted for 10 of 13 patients and DLBCL-Germinal center was the most common subtype. Mean CD4+ cell count was 235/μL (range, 32-494). HAART could be given along with chemotherapy to 11 patients. Two-thirds of patients received standard doses of therapy. Chemo-toxicity required hospitalization in 58%. CR was achieved in 45% and 36% had progressive disease with first-line therapy. At the time of last follow up, 3 patients were alive with responsive disease, 2 in CR and 1 in PR. None of the pediatric patients were long time responders. These malignancies were of advanced stage and higher grade. Goal of therapy, in the HAART era, is curative. Pediatric patients had dismal outcome despite good chemotherapy and HAART. There is an urgent need to improve data collection for HIV related cancers in India.

  14. Continuous palliative sedation for patients with advanced cancer at a tertiary care cancer center.

    PubMed

    Prado, Bernard Lobato; Gomes, Diogo Bugano Diniz; Usón Júnior, Pedro Luiz Serrano; Taranto, Patricia; França, Monique Sedlmaier; Eiger, Daniel; Mariano, Rodrigo Coutinho; Hui, David; Del Giglio, Auro

    2018-01-04

    Palliative sedation (PS) is an intervention to treat refractory symptoms and to relieve suffering at the end of life. Its prevalence and practice patterns vary widely worldwide. The aim of our study was to evaluate the frequency, clinical indications and outcomes of PS in advanced cancer patients admitted to our tertiary comprehensive cancer center. We retrospectively studied the use of PS in advanced cancer patients who died between March 1st, 2012 and December 31st, 2014. PS was defined as the use of continuous infusion of midazolam or neuroleptics for refractory symptoms in the end of life. This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of our institution (project number 2481-15). During the study period, 552 cancer patients died at the institution and 374 met the inclusion criteria for this study. Main reason for exclusion was death in the Intensive Care Unit. Among all included patients, 54.2% (n = 203) received PS. Patients who received PS as compared to those not sedated were younger (67.8 vs. 76.4 years-old, p < 0.001) and more likely to have a diagnosis of lung cancer (23% vs. 14%, p = 0.028). The most common indications for sedation were dyspnea (55%) and delirium (19.7%) and the most common drugs used were midazolam (52.7%) or midazolam and a neuroleptic (39.4%). Median initial midazolam infusion rate was 0.75 mg/h (interquartile range - IQR - 0.6-1.5) and final rate was 1.5 mg/h (IQR 0.9-3.0). Patient survival (length of hospital stay from admission to death) of those who had PS was more than the double of those who did not (33.6 days vs 16 days, p < 0.001). The palliative care team was involved in the care of 12% (n = 25) of sedated patients. PS is a relatively common practice in the end-of-life of cancer patients at our hospital and it is not associated with shortening of hospital stay. Involvement of a dedicated palliative care team is strongly recommended if this procedure is being considered. Further research is

  15. Novel target for high-risk neuroblastoma identified in pre-clinical research | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Pre-clinical research by investigators at the Center for Cancer Research and their colleagues have identified a number of novel epigenetic targets for high-risk neuroblastoma and validated a promising new targeted inhibitor in pre-clinical models.  Read more...

  16. Mapping Cancer Cells’ Starting Lines | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Many of the defective regulatory pathways that lead to aberrant proliferation in cancer converge on DNA replication. So replication regulatory pathways could be targeted to more specifically kill cancer cells.  Unfortunately such targeting would require knowing where and when DNA replication starts in the cancer genome.  In yeast, the locations of replication initiation sites on chromatin have been extensively mapped, but in human cancer cells only a handful of these sites have been identified.

  17. 2014 Korean Liver Cancer Study Group-National Cancer Center Korea Practice Guideline for the Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

    PubMed Central

    2015-01-01

    The guideline for the management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was first developed in 2003 and revised in 2009 by the Korean Liver Cancer Study Group and the National Cancer Center, Korea. Since then, many studies on HCC have been carried out in Korea and other countries. In particular, a substantial body of knowledge has been accumulated on diagnosis, staging, and treatment specific to Asian characteristics, especially Koreans, prompting the proposal of new strategies. Accordingly, the new guideline presented herein was developed on the basis of recent evidence and expert opinions. The primary targets of this guideline are patients with suspicious or newly diagnosed HCC. This guideline provides recommendations for the initial treatment of patients with newly diagnosed HCC. PMID:25995680

  18. Breast Cancer Center Support Grant

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1999-09-01

    indicator for the disease. Am J Epidemiol 1980 ; 111:301-8. (42) Dupont WD, Page DL. Breast cancer risk associated with proliferative disease, age...1993;187:75-9. (52) Burhenne HJ, Burhenne LW, Goldberg F, Hislop TG, Worth AJ, Rebbeck PM, et al. Interval breast cancers in the Screening Mammography...Basier, Ian M. Thompson Until the mid- 1980s , early detection for prostate cancer had only one tool—digital rectal examination (DRE). The tool is

  19. Determinants of Breast Cancer Screening by Mammography in Women Referred to Health Centers of Urmia, Iran

    PubMed

    Moghaddam Tabrizi, Fatemeh; Vahdati, Sakineh; Khanahmadi, Shahriar; Barjasteh, Samira

    2018-04-25

    Background: In women, breast cancer accounts for 30 percent of all cancers and it is the second leading cause of mortality. Mammography is considered an effective procedure to detect early breast cancer recommended by World Health Organization. This study was aimed to evaluate breast cancer screening determinants in women referred to health centers of Urmia for mammography in 2017. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive-analytic cross-sectional study, 348 women referred to health centers of Urmia were selected using multistage sampling. Data were collected using a standard questionnaire for mammography screening determinants, with a checklist including demographic characteristics, family, social and economic factors and midwifery background. Analysis was with SPSS software version 20for descriptive and inferential statistic tests, P<0.05 being considered significant. Results: The proportion performing mammography was 12%. Significant relationships were noted with income, menopause status, a history of breast cancer in close relatives, beliefs, inaccessibility, knowledge, cues to action, emotions, self-care, and life priorities (P<0.05). There were no significant links with age at marriage, first age of delivery, number of children, duration of breastfeeding, status of residency, education, marital status, occupation, history of breastfeeding, and previous breast problems (P>0.05). Conclusions: The findings of this study showed that the status of breast cancer screening in participating women was not satisfactory. Therefore, promotion of screening methods by health policy makers in Iran is necessary and given that reliance solely on education is not sufficient, it is essential to pay attention to barriers and eliminate them. Creative Commons Attribution License

  20. Understanding Family Caregiver Communication to Provide Family-Centered Cancer Care.

    PubMed

    Wittenberg, Elaine; Buller, Haley; Ferrell, Betty; Koczywas, Marianna; Borneman, Tami

    2017-12-01

    To describe a family caregiver communication typology and demonstrate identifiable communication challenges among four caregiver types: Manager, Carrier, Partner, and Lone. Case studies based on interviews with oncology family caregivers. Each caregiver type demonstrates unique communication challenges that can be identified. Recognition of a specific caregiver type will help nurses to adapt their own communication to provide tailored support. Family-centered cancer care requires attention to the communication challenges faced by family caregivers. Understanding the challenges among four family caregiver communication types will enable nurses to better address caregiver burden and family conflict. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  1. Prostate Cancer Stem-Like Cells | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Prostate cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related death among men, killing an estimated 27,000 men each year in the United States. Men with advanced prostate cancer often become resistant to conventional therapies. Many researchers speculate that the emergence of resistance is due to the presence of cancer stem cells, which are believed to be a small subpopulation of tumor cells that can self-renew and give rise to more differentiated tumor cells. It is thought that these stem cells survive initial therapies (such as chemotherapy and hormone therapy) and then generate new tumor cells that are resistant to these standard treatments. If prostate cancer stem cells could be identified and characterized, it might be possible to design treatments that prevent resistance.

  2. Cancer Therapy Directed by Comprehensive Genomic Profiling: A Single Center Study.

    PubMed

    Wheler, Jennifer J; Janku, Filip; Naing, Aung; Li, Yali; Stephen, Bettzy; Zinner, Ralph; Subbiah, Vivek; Fu, Siqing; Karp, Daniel; Falchook, Gerald S; Tsimberidou, Apostolia M; Piha-Paul, Sarina; Anderson, Roosevelt; Ke, Danxia; Miller, Vincent; Yelensky, Roman; Lee, J Jack; Hong, David S; Kurzrock, Razelle

    2016-07-01

    Innovative molecular diagnostics deployed in the clinic enable new ways to stratify patients into appropriate treatment regimens. These approaches may resolve a major challenge for early-phase clinical trials, which is to recruit patients who, while having failed previous treatments, may nevertheless respond to molecularly targeted drugs. We report the findings of a prospective, single-center study conducted in patients with diverse refractory cancers who underwent comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP; next-generation sequencing, 236 genes). Of the 500 patients enrolled, 188 (37.6%) received either matched (N = 122/188, 65%) or unmatched therapy (N = 66/188, 35%). The most common reasons that patients were not evaluable for treatment included insufficient tissue, death, or hospice transfer. The median number of molecular alterations per patient was five (range, 1-14); median number of prior therapies, four. The most common diagnoses were ovarian cancer (18%), breast cancer (16%), sarcoma (13%), and renal cancer (7%). Of the 339 successfully profiled patients, 317 (93.5%) had at least one potentially actionable alteration. By calculating matching scores, based on the number of drug matches and genomic aberrations per patient, we found that high scores were independently associated with a greater frequency of stable disease ≥6 months/partial/complete remission [22% (high scores) vs. 9% (low scores), P = 0.024], longer time-to-treatment failure [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.52; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.36-0.74; P = 0.0003], and survival (HR = 0.65; 95% CI = 0.43-1.0; P = 0.05). Collectively, this study offers a clinical proof of concept for the utility of CGP in assigning therapy to patients with refractory malignancies, especially in those patients with multiple genomic aberrations for whom combination therapies could be implemented. Cancer Res; 76(13); 3690-701. ©2016 AACR. ©2016 American Association for Cancer Research.

  3. De novo head and neck cancer arising in solid organ transplantation recipients: The Asan Medical Center experience.

    PubMed

    Park, Marn Joon; Roh, Jong-Lyel; Choi, Seung-Ho; Nam, Soon Yuhl; Kim, Sang Yoon; Lee, Yoon Se

    2018-08-01

    De novo cancers of head and neck area in solid organ transplantation recipients show standardized incidence ratio (SIR) of 3.8. Immunosuppression following transplantation is suggested to play as a crucial factor in pathogenesis of secondary malignancy. Prognosis of head and neck cancer arising in solid organ transplantation recipients is proven to have poor prognosis. The incidence, risk, prognosis, and survival of de novo malignancy of head and neck area in solid organ transplantation recipients in single-tertiary medical center followed up for 20 years. A retrospective medical record review of the patients who received solid organ transplantation in Asan Medical Center from 1997 to 2016 was conducted. Patients confirmed as de novo malignancy in the head and neck area after organ transplantation were included, and presented as in the case-series format. Patients with previous history of head and neck malignancy, irradiation history of head and neck area, cutaneous malignant lesion, hematopoietic malignant lesion, malignancy of thyroid and parathyroid gland and metastatic lesions newly developed in head and neck area were excluded. The incidence of head and neck malignancy in South Korea were reviewed from the National Cancer Information Center of South Korea. For the statistical analysis, standardized incidence ratio (SIR) was obtained with 95% confidence interval. Solid organ transplantation recipients show 20 times higher incidence of de novo cancer of head and neck area compared to general population. Of 13 de novo head and neck malignancy arising after solid organ transplantation, 2 (15.4%) patients were unable to withstand definitive management due to poor general condition. 2 (15.4%) patients had loco-regional recurrence, 1 (7.7%) patient with distant metastasis, and 3 (23.1%) patients died of cancer progression. Immunosuppression following solid organ transplantation gives a twenty-fold increased risk for the development of de novo head and neck cancer. A

  4. Experimental drug STA-8666 causes complete tumor regression in animal models of pediatric sarcomas | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    New studies from scientists in the NCI Center for Cancer Research’s (CCR) Pediatric Oncology Branch suggest that an experimental drug called STA-8666 could be an effective treatment for the childhood cancers Ewing sarcoma and rhabdomyosarcoma. In mouse models of these diseases, STA-8666 eliminated tumors and prolonged survival beyond that of animals treated with a related

  5. Signaling, Gene Regulation and Cancer | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Although there have been tremendous progress in cancer research and treatment, the mortality caused by this disease is still very high. Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide and second leading cause of death in the United States of America. Signaling, Gene Regulation and Cancer covers topics including the role of various signaling pathways in development, regulation

  6. Mapping Cancer Cells’ Starting Lines | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Many of the defective regulatory pathways that lead to aberrant proliferation in cancer converge on DNA replication. So replication regulatory pathways could be targeted to more specifically kill cancer cells.  Unfortunately such targeting would require knowing where and when DNA replication starts in the cancer genome.  In yeast, the locations of replication initiation sites

  7. University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center: Phenotypic Examination of PIK3CA Allelic Series using In Vitro/In Vivo Sensor Platforms | Office of Cancer Genomics

    Cancer.gov

    The CTD2 Center at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center utilized an established and operational MCF10A normal breast epithelial cell model to assess the ability of candidate driver aberrations to promote cell grow in anchorage-independent conditions (soft agar assay) and proliferate in the absence of insulin and epidermal growth factor (EGF).

  8. Repair Mechanism of UV-damaged DNA in Xeroderma Pigmentosum | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is a rare, inherited disorder characterized by extreme skin sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight. XP is caused by mutations in genes involved in nucleotide excision repair (NER) of damaged DNA. Normal cells are usually able to fix this damage before it leads to problems; however, the DNA damage is not repaired normally in patients with XP. As more abnormalities form in DNA, cells malfunction and eventually become cancerous or die. XP patients have more than a 10,000-fold increased risk of developing skin cancer. Kenneth Kraemer, M.D., in CCR’s Dermatology Branch, has been studying XP patients at the Clinical Center for more than 40 years.

  9. Proton Therapy At Siteman Cancer Center: The State Of The Art

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bloch, Charles

    2011-06-01

    Barnes-Jewish Hospital is on the verge of offering proton radiation therapy to its patients. Those treatments will be delivered from the first Monarch 250, a state-of-the-art cyclotron produced by Still River Systems, Inc., Littleton, MA. The accelerator is the world's first superconducting synchrocyclotron, with a field-strength of 10 tesla, providing the smallest accelerator for high-energy protons currently available. On May 14, 2010 it was announced that the first production unit had successfully extracted 250 MeV protons. That unit is scheduled for delivery to the Siteman Cancer Center, an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center at Washington University School of Medicine. At a weight of 20 tons and with a diameter of less than 2 meters the compact cyclotron will be mounted on a gantry, another first for proton therapy systems. The single-energy system includes 3 contoured scatterers and 14 different range modulators to provide 24 distinct beam delivery configurations. This allows proton fields up to 25 cm in diameter, with a maximum range from 5.5 to 32 cm and spread-out-Bragg-peak extent up to 20 cm. Monte Carlo simulations have been run using MCNPX to simulate the clinical beam properties. Those calculations have been used to commission a commercial treatment planning system prior to final clinical measurements. MCNPX was also used to calculate the neutron background generated by protons in the scattering system and patient. Additional details of the facility and current status will be presented.

  10. Indicators of malnutrition in children with cancer: A study of 690 patients from a tertiary care cancer center.

    PubMed

    Srivastava, R; Pushpam, D; Dhawan, D; Bakhshi, S

    2015-01-01

    Large data pertaining to indicators of malnutrition in children with cancer is lacking from India. In view of this, we prospectively analyzed consecutive de novo childhood patients with cancer presenting at a tertiary care center. Height and weight of each child (n = 690) were compared with World Health Organization child growth standards-2006 for that particular age and sex to get weight-for-age, height-for-age, and weight-for-height indices and below 2SD of the reference median on these indices were considered as underweight, stunted, and wasted, respectively. Body mass index (BMI) for age was also analyzed for thinness and obesity. Prevalence of malnutrition based on Z-score for weight-for-age, height-for-age, weight-for-height, and BMI-for-age was 30%, 31%, 35%, and 41%, respectively. Weight-for-age (underweight) was significantly associated (P = 0.018) with solid tumors. Height-for-age, weight-for-age, and BMI-for-age were significantly associated (P = 0.007, P = 0.016, and P ≤ 0.001, respectively) with rural community. Malnutrition was observed in approximately one-third of children with cancer. Malnutrition is associated with solid tumors and those coming from rural community. Wasting has a higher prevalence in children with cancer in <5 years of age group.

  11. Learning from Cancer Precursors | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Cancers that are preceded by distinct nonmalignant lesions provide an opportunity to study cancer progression and develop early detection and intervention strategies. Multiple myeloma—a cancer of the bone marrow that originates in a type of white blood cell called plasma cells—is consistently preceded by one of two nonmalignant precursor diseases: monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) or smoldering myeloma. Ola Landgren, M.D., Ph.D., and Adam Waxman, B.A., of the CCR Medical Oncology Branch recently published a case presentation and review in JAMA that discusses current understanding of myeloma precursor diseases and future opportunities for improving personalized management of patients with these conditions.

  12. A cancer center's approach to engaging African American men about cancer: the men's fellowship breakfast, Southeastern Michigan, 2008-2014.

    PubMed

    Langford, Aisha T; Griffith, Derek M; Beasley, Derrick D; Braxton, Effat Id-Deen

    2014-09-25

    Despite disproportionate rates of cancer morbidity and mortality among African American men, few community-based efforts have been developed and sustained to educate African American men about cancer. The University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center implemented a series of breakfasts to improve cancer awareness, screening, and education among African American men. This article describes the rationale for and history of the community intervention. The 21 breakfasts were held from 2008 through mid-2014 in Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor, Michigan. Ypsilanti ranks below Michigan and the nation on most socioeconomic indicators, although most residents are high school graduates (88% in Ypsilanti and 96.5% in Ann Arbor). African American men in Ypsilanti have higher death rates for diseases associated with poor diet and inadequate physical activity compared with Ypsilanti whites and general populations in Michigan and the nation. We conducted a multicomponent qualitative process evaluation including staff meetings, conversations with participants, and focus groups. We collected 425 post-event surveys to evaluate the breakfasts quantitatively. Participants were African American (85%), were aged 51 to 70 years (54%), had health insurance (89%), and had some college education (38%). Fifty-three percent of participants reported interest in the breakfast topics including nutrition; 46%, prostate cancer; 34%, colorectal cancer, and 32%, pain management; 62% reported willingness to participate in a clinical trial. African American men are interested in learning about health and are willing to attend a health-focused breakfast series. The Men's Fellowship Breakfast is a promising strategy for bringing men together to discuss cancer screening and risk reduction.

  13. Minority Use of a National Cancer Institute-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center and Non-specialty Hospitals in Two Florida Regions.

    PubMed

    Sultan, Dawood H; Gishe, Jemal; Hanciles, Angella; Comins, Meg M; Norris, Claire M

    2015-09-01

    To examine cancer treatment disparities at a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center (NCI-CCC) and non-specialty hospitals. Florida hospital discharge datasets were used. ICD9-CM codes were used to define patients with female reproductive organ cancers (FROC), male reproductive organ cancers (MROC), and OTHER cancer diagnoses. A total of 7462 NCI-CCC patients and 21,875 non-specialty hospital patients were included in the statistical analysis. Data analysis was conducted in SAS 9.2. Increases in age reduced the odds of receiving treatment at the NCI-CCC. Male patients were more likely than female patients to be treated at the NCI-CCC. Age-adjusted odds of African American and Hispanic out/inpatients being treated at the NCI-CCC were significantly lower than those of White out/inpatients. Only patients with workers' compensation, charity, or other insurance had higher odds of being treated at the NCI-CCC. The odds of minority patients receiving outpatient treatment at the NCI-CCC declined after 2005. The odds of receiving inpatient treatment at the NCI-CCC significantly increased after 2006. More targeted outreach by the NCI-CCC is required. However, we expect the creation of local Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) to reduce the numbers of minority and older patients at the NCI-CCC. Coordinated quality care at ACOs implies a potential for retaining the patient market share held by non-specialty hospitals and a potential for increased demand for ACO care by minority and older patients.

  14. Our Vision | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Our Vision The mission of the NCI-CCR-LCP is to develop a multi-disciplinary program focused on the prevention, early detection, improved diagnosis and treatment of liver cancer. Liver cancer is the 2nd most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide.

  15. Decreased Cancer Mortality-to-Incidence Ratios with Increased Accessibility of Federally Qualified Health Centers

    PubMed Central

    Adams, Swann Arp; Choi, Seul Ki; Khang, Leepao; Campbell, Dayna A.; Friedman, Daniela B.; Eberth, Jan M.; Glasgow, Russell E.; Tucker-Seeley, Reginald; Xirasagar, Sudha; Yip, Mei Po; Young, Vicki M.; Hébert, James R.

    2015-01-01

    Federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) offer primary and preventive healthcare, including cancer screening, for the nation’s most vulnerable population. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between access to FQHCs and cancer mortality-to-incidence ratios (MIRs). One-way analysis of variance was conducted to compare the mean MIRs for breast, cervical, prostate, and colorectal cancers for each U.S. county for 2006–2010 by access to FQHCs (direct access, in-county FQHC; indirect access, adjacent-county FQHC; no access, no FQHC either in the county or in adjacent counties). ArcMap 10.1 software was used to map cancer MIRs and FQHC access levels. The mean MIRs for breast, cervical, and prostate cancer differed significantly across FQHC access levels (p < 0.05). In urban and healthcare professional shortage areas, mean MIRs decreased as FQHC access increased. A trend of lower breast and prostate cancer MIRs in direct access to FQHCs was found for all racial groups, but this trend was significant for whites only. States with a large proportion of rural and medically underserved areas had high mean MIRs, with correspondingly more direct FQHC access. Expanding FQHCs to more underserved areas and concentrations of disparity populations may have an important role in reducing cancer morbidity and mortality, as well as racial-ethnic disparities, in the United States. PMID:25634545

  16. Experimental drug STA-8666 causes complete tumor regression in animal models of pediatric sarcomas | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    New studies from scientists in the NCI Center for Cancer Research’s (CCR) Pediatric Oncology Branch suggest that an experimental drug called STA-8666 could be an effective treatment for the childhood cancers Ewing sarcoma and rhabdomyosarcoma. In mouse models of these diseases, STA-8666 eliminated tumors and prolonged survival beyond that of animals treated with a related drug, irinotecan. Read more…

  17. The Hopelessness Theory of Depression: A Quarter Century in Review.

    PubMed

    Liu, Richard T; Kleiman, Evan M; Nestor, Bridget A; Cheek, Shayna M

    2015-12-01

    Since the formulation of the hopelessness theory of depression (Abramson, Metalsky, & Alloy, 1989) a quarter century ago, it has garnered considerable interest. The current paper presents a systematic review of this theory including its subsequent elaborations (Rose and Abramson's [1992] developmental elaboration, Abela and Sarin's [2002] weakest-link approach, Panzarella, Alloy, and Whitehouse's [2006] expansion of the hopelessness theory, and the hopelessness theory of suicide [Abramson et al., 2000]), followed by recommendations for future study. Although empirical support was consistently found for several major components of the hopelessness theory, further work is required assessing this theory in relation to clinically significant phenomena. Among the most significant hindrances to advancement in this area is the frequent conceptual confusion between the hopelessness theory and the reformulated learned helplessness theory.

  18. Promising drug target could restore immune system’s ability to fight HIV | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Scientists in NCI’s Center for Cancer Research have identified a new target for drugs that could help people who are HIV-positive eliminate recalcitrant pools of the virus. The research findings were published January 5 in Science. Read more…

  19. Postdoctoral Fellow | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Dr. St. Croix’s laboratory at the Mouse Cancer Genetics Program (MCGP), National Cancer Institute, USA has an open postdoctoral position. We seek a highly motivated, creative and bright individual to participate in a collaborative project that involves the targeting of tumor-associated stroma using T-cells engineered to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs). The laboratory focuses on the characterization and exploitation of molecules associated with tumor angiogenesis. The successful candidate would be involved in developing, producing and characterizing new therapeutic antibodies and CARs that recognize cancer cells or its associated stroma, and preclinical testing of these agents using mouse tumor models. The tumor angiogenesis lab is located at the National Cancer Institute in Frederick with access to state-of-the-art facilities for antibody engineering, genomic analysis, pathology, and small animal imaging, among others. Detailed information about Dr. St. Croix’s research and publications can be accessed at https://ccr.cancer.gov/Mouse-Cancer-Genetics-Program/brad-st-croix.

  20. Economic Constraints – the Growing Challenge for Western Breast Cancer Centers

    PubMed Central

    Seidel, Rene P.; Lux, Michael P.; Hoellthaler, Josef; Beckmann, Matthias W.; Voigt, Wieland

    2013-01-01

    Summary Breast cancer care in Western countries has reached a considerable level of quality and standardization, which has contributed to the decline in breast cancer mortality. Certified Breast Cancer Centers (BCC) represent an important element of this development. Related to changes in reimbursement and growing costs, BCC face economic constraints which ultimately could endanger the achievements of the past. Thus, BCC have to optimize their care strategies from an economic perspective, particularly by increasing efficiency but also by adapting their service portfolio. This could result in competitive advantages and additional revenue by increasing case numbers and extra charges to patients. Furthermore, an intensification of collaboration with the outpatient sector resulting in an integrated and managed ‘trans-sectoral’ care approach which could allow to shift unprofitable procedures to the outpatient sector – in the sense of a win-win situation for both sectors and without loss of care quality – seems reasonable. Structured and specialized consulting approaches can further be a lever to fulfill economic requirements in order to avoid cuts in medical care quality for the sake of a balanced budget. In this review, economic constraints of BCC with a focus on the German healthcare system and potential approaches to ameliorate these financial burdens are being discussed. PMID:24715842

  1. [Investigation of gastric cancers detected at a medical check-up center].

    PubMed

    Kura, T; Kumaki, T; Matsuhisa, T; Tanaka, S

    1996-06-01

    Most of the gastric cancers investigated in this study were detected during mass screening at a Medical Check-up Center. The research period was 5 years, from 1990 to 1994. The total number of patients undergoing initial gastric examinations was 300,658. Four point eight percent of these needed detailed examinations, and 77.2% actually underwent detailed examinations. Over the 5 years, the number of gastric cancers detected was 253. The rate of detection of these cancers was almost unchanged every year, with the average rate of change being 0.11%. The rate of detected gastric cancers was investigated according to age and sex. No cancers were found below age 29, and the rate gradually rose over age 30. Over age 50, the rate in males was twice that in females. The rate of early gastric cancers was 66.4% of all reported cancers. As regards location of 253 cases, 16.5% were in the C-area, 45.8% in the M-area, 36.2% in the A-area; 19.2% were in the greater curvature, 33.9% were in the lesser curvature, 17.3% in the anterior wall, and 26.1% in the posterior wall. The sizes of the lesions were as follows: 11.5% were below 1.0 cm, 29.6% were from 1.1 cm to 2.0 cm, 46.6% were from 2.1 cm to 5.0 cm, and 12.3% were over 5.1 cm. It was considered that indirect X-rays were slightly inferior to direct X-rays in detecting early gastric cancer. The X-ray positionings in which cancers were detected were: 75.7% by supine double contrast and 48.6% by compression in 144 cases of early cancer. On the other hand, the rate were 75.6% by supine double contrast, and 51.2% by compression in 82 cases of advanced cancer. A similar tendency was found in one-shot X-ray positioning which revealed cancers. The rate of gastric cancer notdetected by X-ray pictures was 5.9% of the 253 cases. The size of the cancers notdetected by X-ray was within 2.0 cm in all cases. 58.7% of the 155 early cancer patients and 48.2% of the 83 advanced cancer patients had examinations the previous year. Therefore, it

  2. Postdoctoral Fellow | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    A postdoctoral training position in translational cancer biology is currently available in the Laboratory of Genitourinary Cancer Pathogenesis (LGCP) of the National Cancer Institute (NCI). The position is located in the laboratory of David VanderWeele M.D., Ph.D., whose research group uses in vitro and in vivo functional studies and pathology specimens and next-generation sequencing data to identify and target drivers of prostate cancer progression. The laboratory is interested in characterizing clinically significant, potentially lethal prostate cancer. We are specifically interested in molecular alterations that drive progression of subclones to dominance development of metastatic disease and characterizing therapeutic vulnerabilities. Current work is aimed at using xenograft and organoid models to further characterize the role of putative drivers of progression, and to develop ways to target these alterations.

  3. Mutational Landscapes of Smoking-Related Cancers in Caucasians and African Americans: Precision Oncology Perspectives at Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center

    PubMed Central

    Kytola, Ville; Topaloglu, Umit; Miller, Lance D.; Bitting, Rhonda L.; Goodman, Michael M.; D`Agostino, Ralph B.; Desnoyers, Rodwige J.; Albright, Carol; Yacoub, George; Qasem, Shadi A.; DeYoung, Barry; Thorsson, Vesteinn; Shmulevich, Ilya; Yang, Meng; Shcherban, Anastasia; Pagni, Matthew; Liu, Liang; Nykter, Matti; Chen, Kexin; Hawkins, Gregory A.; Grant, Stefan C.; Petty, W. Jeffrey; Alistar, Angela Tatiana; Levine, Edward A.; Staren, Edgar D.; Langefeld, Carl D.; Miller, Vincent; Singal, Gaurav; Petro, Robin M.; Robinson, Mac; Blackstock, William; Powell, Bayard L.; Wagner, Lynne I.; Foley, Kristie L.; Abraham, Edward; Pasche, Boris; Zhang, Wei

    2017-01-01

    Background: Cancers related to tobacco use and African-American ancestry are under-characterized by genomics. This gap in precision oncology research represents a major challenge in the health disparities in the United States. Methods: The Precision Oncology trial at the Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center enrolled 431 cancer patients from March 2015 to May 2016. The composition of these patients consists of a high representation of tobacco-related cancers (e.g., lung, colorectal, and bladder) and African-American ancestry (13.5%). Tumors were sequenced to identify mutations to gain insight into genetic alterations associated with smoking and/or African-American ancestry. Results: Tobacco-related cancers exhibit a high mutational load. These tumors are characterized by high-frequency mutations in TP53, DNA damage repair genes (BRCA2 and ATM), and chromatin remodeling genes (the lysine methyltransferases KMT2D or MLL2, and KMT2C or MLL3). These tobacco-related cancers also exhibit augmented tumor heterogeneities. Smoking related genetic mutations were validated by The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset that includes 2,821 cases with known smoking status. The Wake Forest and The Cancer Genome Atlas cohorts (431 and 7,991 cases, respectively) revealed a significantly increased mutation rate in the TP53 gene in the African-American subgroup studied. Both cohorts also revealed 5 genes (e.g. CDK8) significantly amplified in the African-American population. Conclusions: These results provide strong evidence that tobacco is a major cause of genomic instability and heterogeneity in cancer. TP53 mutations and key oncogene amplifications emerge as key factors contributing to cancer outcome disparities among different racial/ethnic groups. PMID:28824725

  4. Mutational Landscapes of Smoking-Related Cancers in Caucasians and African Americans: Precision Oncology Perspectives at Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center.

    PubMed

    Kytola, Ville; Topaloglu, Umit; Miller, Lance D; Bitting, Rhonda L; Goodman, Michael M; D Agostino, Ralph B; Desnoyers, Rodwige J; Albright, Carol; Yacoub, George; Qasem, Shadi A; DeYoung, Barry; Thorsson, Vesteinn; Shmulevich, Ilya; Yang, Meng; Shcherban, Anastasia; Pagni, Matthew; Liu, Liang; Nykter, Matti; Chen, Kexin; Hawkins, Gregory A; Grant, Stefan C; Petty, W Jeffrey; Alistar, Angela Tatiana; Levine, Edward A; Staren, Edgar D; Langefeld, Carl D; Miller, Vincent; Singal, Gaurav; Petro, Robin M; Robinson, Mac; Blackstock, William; Powell, Bayard L; Wagner, Lynne I; Foley, Kristie L; Abraham, Edward; Pasche, Boris; Zhang, Wei

    2017-01-01

    Background: Cancers related to tobacco use and African-American ancestry are under-characterized by genomics. This gap in precision oncology research represents a major challenge in the health disparities in the United States. Methods: The Precision Oncology trial at the Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center enrolled 431 cancer patients from March 2015 to May 2016. The composition of these patients consists of a high representation of tobacco-related cancers (e.g., lung, colorectal, and bladder) and African-American ancestry (13.5%). Tumors were sequenced to identify mutations to gain insight into genetic alterations associated with smoking and/or African-American ancestry. Results: Tobacco-related cancers exhibit a high mutational load. These tumors are characterized by high-frequency mutations in TP53 , DNA damage repair genes ( BRCA2 and ATM), and chromatin remodeling genes (the lysine methyltransferases KMT2D or MLL2 , and KMT2C or MLL3) . These tobacco-related cancers also exhibit augmented tumor heterogeneities. Smoking related genetic mutations were validated by The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset that includes 2,821 cases with known smoking status. The Wake Forest and The Cancer Genome Atlas cohorts (431 and 7,991 cases, respectively) revealed a significantly increased mutation rate in the TP53 gene in the African-American subgroup studied. Both cohorts also revealed 5 genes (e.g. CDK8 ) significantly amplified in the African-American population. Conclusions: These results provide strong evidence that tobacco is a major cause of genomic instability and heterogeneity in cancer. TP53 mutations and key oncogene amplifications emerge as key factors contributing to cancer outcome disparities among different racial/ethnic groups.

  5. [Obstacles and facilitators of conducting studies - the perspective of colorectal cancer centers' coordinators].

    PubMed

    Kowalski, C; Ferencz, J; Benz, S; Post, S; Seufferlein, T; Stinner, B; Penzes, O; Wesselmann, S

    2016-05-01

    Clinical trials and health services research are crucial pillars for improving patient care. This paper examines factors inhibiting and promoting the study activity and the knowledge and use of trial registries (e. g. DRKS, StudyBox) as an opportunity to learn about existing studies. The coordinators of 274 cancer center sites certified according to the requirements of the German Cancer Society were surveyed using a standardized online questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive and bivariate statistics to identify associations with characteristics of the sites (e. g. patient volume, ownership, teaching status). 176 sites participated in the survey (64.2 %). The central obstacle to study participa-tion from the centers' view is the low number of existing studies. General knowledge of the population about studies was considered low. Trial registries are known to almost all respondents, but are rarely used. The results of the survey suggest that comprehensive measures are needed to sustainably increase the study activity. These include, for example, better information about studies, for example through appropriate databases, and (industry-independent) research funding. One possible way to sensitize patients for studies could be the comprehensive education of the population about the purpose of studies. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

  6. [Evolution of the number of incident cases of prostate cancer in France from 2001 to 2012 from 5 hospital centers].

    PubMed

    Helfrich, O; Crouzet, S; Ruffion, A; Houlgatte, A; Cavillon, C; Gerard, C; Villers, A

    2015-03-01

    The main objective is the study of the evolution of the number of incident cases of prostate cancer in France from 2001 to 2012 from 5 hospital centers of urology. The secondary objective is to describe the characteristics of the incident cases and to compare them to those of the patients of the national registers of cancer for the period. Prospective observational multicentric study from 01/01/2001 to 31/12/2012 of databases in 5 French, public and private hospital centers of urology. The inclusive centers were selected outside departments with cancer register. The collected data were the prostatic biopsies performed in every center and the number of positive biopsies. The biopsies in cases of already known cancer and in re-evaluation were excluded. The data of age and stage (PSA and Gleason grade) were collected. The estimation of the incidence standardized in France is established after a period of observation of 3 years. The data updated in 2009 show a peak of incidence in 2005 then a decrease from 2006 (64,518 cases) until 2009 (53,465 cases). The median age in the diagnosis was of 70 years in 2005. Overall, 18,392 prostatic biopsies were included in the analysis. The average rate of positive biopsies was stable over the period 51.41% (IQR 0,02). The total number of cases of positive biopsies increased from 2001 to 2007 (482 cases in 1028 cases) in 2007, then decreased from 2008 to 2012 (649 cases). There was no difference in this variation between the centers. The median age in the diagnosis was of 70 years (EIQ=1.5) in 2001 and 68 years (EIQ=2.75) in 2012. PSA at diagnosis was<10ng/mL in 65% of cases and 10 to 20ng/mL in 22% of cases in 2012. The population of patients of the study differed significantly from that of FRANCIM on the distribution by age ranges (year 2005, P<0.0001 and year 2009, P<0.001), which explains the gap of one year (on 2007 instead of 2006) of the peak of incidental cases. The evolution of the number of incidental cases of prostate

  7. Brain metastases in cancer patients attending a Gamma Knife Center: A study from a single institute in Iran

    PubMed Central

    Azimi, Parisa; Shahzadi, Sohrab; Bitaraf, Mohammad Ali; Azar, Maziar; Alikhani, Mazdak; Zali, Alireza; Sadeghi, Sohrab; Montazeri, Ali

    2017-01-01

    Background: This study was aimed to explore data on brain metastases in cancer patients attending the Iranian Gamma Knife Center. Meterials and Methods: This was a retrospective study. In all 5216 case records of patients who referred to the Iranian Gamma Knife Center for treatment of brain tumors during year 2003-2011 were reviewed. Data were explored to identify patients who developed brain metastases due to cancer and assessed the information as applied to cancer patients including survival analysis. Results: Two hundred and twenty patients were identified as having brain metastases due to cancer. The mean age of patients was 54.0 (standard deviation [SD] =12.7) years. Patients were followed for an average of 7 months after treatment with gamma-knife. The median survival time for different the Graded Prognostic Assessment (GPA) was: GPA: 0-1, 4.0 ± 0.4 months; GPA: 1.5-2.5, 6.0 ± 0.7 months; GPA: 3, 9.0 ± 0.9 months; and GPA: 3.5-4.0, 12.0 ± 1.8 months and the overall median survival was 7.0 (SD = 0.6) months. Conclusion: The findings suggest that many cancer patients in Iran might develop brain metastasis. Although, this is not a very high incidence compared with the existing statistics from other countries, there is an urgent need to explore the issue further. PMID:28761536

  8. Brain metastases in cancer patients attending a Gamma Knife Center: A study from a single institute in Iran.

    PubMed

    Azimi, Parisa; Shahzadi, Sohrab; Bitaraf, Mohammad Ali; Azar, Maziar; Alikhani, Mazdak; Zali, Alireza; Sadeghi, Sohrab; Montazeri, Ali

    2017-01-01

    This study was aimed to explore data on brain metastases in cancer patients attending the Iranian Gamma Knife Center. This was a retrospective study. In all 5216 case records of patients who referred to the Iranian Gamma Knife Center for treatment of brain tumors during year 2003-2011 were reviewed. Data were explored to identify patients who developed brain metastases due to cancer and assessed the information as applied to cancer patients including survival analysis. Two hundred and twenty patients were identified as having brain metastases due to cancer. The mean age of patients was 54.0 (standard deviation [SD] =12.7) years. Patients were followed for an average of 7 months after treatment with gamma-knife. The median survival time for different the Graded Prognostic Assessment (GPA) was: GPA: 0-1, 4.0 ± 0.4 months; GPA: 1.5-2.5, 6.0 ± 0.7 months; GPA: 3, 9.0 ± 0.9 months; and GPA: 3.5-4.0, 12.0 ± 1.8 months and the overall median survival was 7.0 (SD = 0.6) months. The findings suggest that many cancer patients in Iran might develop brain metastasis. Although, this is not a very high incidence compared with the existing statistics from other countries, there is an urgent need to explore the issue further.

  9. User-centered design of quality of life reports for clinical care of patients with prostate cancer

    PubMed Central

    Izard, Jason; Hartzler, Andrea; Avery, Daniel I.; Shih, Cheryl; Dalkin, Bruce L.; Gore, John L.

    2014-01-01

    Background Primary treatment of localized prostate cancer can result in bothersome urinary, sexual, and bowel symptoms. Yet clinical application of health-related quality-of-life (HRQOL) questionnaires is rare. We employed user-centered design to develop graphic dashboards of questionnaire responses from patients with prostate cancer to facilitate clinical integration of HRQOL measurement. Methods We interviewed 50 prostate cancer patients and 50 providers, assessed literacy with validated instruments (Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine short form, Subjective Numeracy Scale, Graphical Literacy Scale), and presented participants with prototype dashboards that display prostate cancer-specific HRQOL with graphic elements derived from patient focus groups. We assessed dashboard comprehension and preferences in table, bar, line, and pictograph formats with patient scores contextualized with HRQOL scores of similar patients serving as a comparison group. Results Health literacy (mean score, 6.8/7) and numeracy (mean score, 4.5/6) of patient participants was high. Patients favored the bar chart (mean rank, 1.8 [P = .12] vs line graph [P <.01] vs table and pictograph); providers demonstrated similar preference for table, bar, and line formats (ranked first by 30%, 34%, and 34% of providers, respectively). Providers expressed unsolicited concerns over presentation of comparison group scores (n = 19; 38%) and impact on clinic efficiency (n = 16; 32%). Conclusion Based on preferences of prostate cancer patients and providers, we developed the design concept of a dynamic HRQOL dashboard that permits a base patient-centered report in bar chart format that can be toggled to other formats and include error bars that frame comparison group scores. Inclusion of lower literacy patients may yield different preferences. PMID:24787105

  10. User-centered design of quality of life reports for clinical care of patients with prostate cancer.

    PubMed

    Izard, Jason; Hartzler, Andrea; Avery, Daniel I; Shih, Cheryl; Dalkin, Bruce L; Gore, John L

    2014-05-01

    Primary treatment of localized prostate cancer can result in bothersome urinary, sexual, and bowel symptoms. Yet clinical application of health-related quality-of-life (HRQOL) questionnaires is rare. We employed user-centered design to develop graphic dashboards of questionnaire responses from patients with prostate cancer to facilitate clinical integration of HRQOL measurement. We interviewed 50 prostate cancer patients and 50 providers, assessed literacy with validated instruments (Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine short form, Subjective Numeracy Scale, Graphical Literacy Scale), and presented participants with prototype dashboards that display prostate cancer-specific HRQOL with graphic elements derived from patient focus groups. We assessed dashboard comprehension and preferences in table, bar, line, and pictograph formats with patient scores contextualized with HRQOL scores of similar patients serving as a comparison group. Health literacy (mean score, 6.8/7) and numeracy (mean score, 4.5/6) of patient participants was high. Patients favored the bar chart (mean rank, 1.8 [P = .12] vs line graph [P < .01] vs table and pictograph); providers demonstrated similar preference for table, bar, and line formats (ranked first by 30%, 34%, and 34% of providers, respectively). Providers expressed unsolicited concerns over presentation of comparison group scores (n = 19; 38%) and impact on clinic efficiency (n = 16; 32%). Based on preferences of prostate cancer patients and providers, we developed the design concept of a dynamic HRQOL dashboard that permits a base patient-centered report in bar chart format that can be toggled to other formats and include error bars that frame comparison group scores. Inclusion of lower literacy patients may yield different preferences. Copyright © 2014 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

  11. Pattern of skin cancer among Saudi patients attending a tertiary care center in Dhahran, Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. A 20-year retrospective study.

    PubMed

    Al-Dawsari, Najla A; Amra, Nasir

    2016-12-01

    Skin cancer is the ninth most common malignancy in Saudi Arabia. It represented 3.2% of all newly diagnosed cancer cases in the year 2010. The aim of this study was to determine the epidemiology of skin cancer in relation to age, sex, and anatomic location among Saudi patients attending the Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare center in Dhahran, Eastern province of Saudi Arabia. We retrospectively reviewed the surgical pathology records of Saudi nationals from 1995 to 2014 at the Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare center, which directly provides for the healthcare needs of Saudi Aramco company employees and dependents in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Tumor metastases to skin, skin involvement by primary breast carcinoma, and B-cell leukemia/lymphoma with secondary involvement by skin were excluded. The total number of primary skin tumors was 204. The commonest cutaneous malignancies were basal cell carcinoma (36%) followed by squamous cell carcinoma (23%), with the head and neck being the commonest location for both tumors. Mycosis fungoides (MF) was the third most common malignancy (11%). Malignant melanoma was the fourth commonest skin malignancy (7%) with the lower extremities being the commonest location. The four most common skin cancers in our tertiary center in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia were squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, MF, and malignant melanoma. Other regions of Saudi Arabia report a similar pattern of skin cancers as our center, with MF having a higher frequency at our center. © 2016 The International Society of Dermatology.

  12. MRI evaluation following partial HIFU therapy for localized prostate cancer: A single-center study.

    PubMed

    Hoquetis, L; Malavaud, B; Game, X; Beauval, J B; Portalez, D; Soulie, M; Rischmann, P

    2016-09-01

    To evaluate the value of MRI for surveillance of primary hemi-HIFU therapy for localized PCa in a single-center. Patients with localized prostate cancer were treated with hemi-HIFU from October 2009 to March 2014. All patients performed MRI before focal therapy, the reader was blinded to the treatment. Oncological failure was defined as positive biopsy or biochemical recurrence (Phoenix). Twenty-five patients were treated with hemi-HIFU in one center. The median nadir PSA was 1.45±1.4ng/mL. Prostate volume decreased from 45 cc to 25 cc on MRI findings. At 20 months, none of the patients had histological recurrence. Biochemical-free survival rate was 88%. MRI evaluation had a negative predictive value of 100% on the treated area and 81% on the untreated area. PSAd≥0.1ng/mL(2) was a predictive factor for cancer on untreated area (P=0.042). MRI control at 6 months is a potentially effective evaluation of treated area after hemi-HIFU and may replace randomized biopsies if PSAd<0.1ng/mL(2) during follow-up. 4. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  13. University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (UT-MDACC): Phenotypic Examination of PIK3CA Allelic Series using In Vitro/In Vivo Sensor Platforms | Office of Cancer Genomics

    Cancer.gov

    The CTD2 Center at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center utilized an established and operational MCF10A normal breast epithelial cell model to assess the ability of candidate driver aberrations to promote cell grow in anchorage-independent conditions (soft agar assay) and proliferate in the absence of insulin and epidermal growth factor (EGF).

  14. Targeted Infrared Photoimmunotherapy for Cancer | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    A longstanding goal of cancer therapy is the extensive destruction of cancer cells with minimal collateral damage to normal cells. This goal has been very hard to accomplish. Most existing efficacious treatments inevitably inflict collateral damage on nearby normal cells and tissue.

  15. Perspectives on barriers and facilitators to minority recruitment for clinical trials among cancer center leaders, investigators, research staff, and referring clinicians: enhancing minority participation in clinical trials (EMPaCT).

    PubMed

    Durant, Raegan W; Wenzel, Jennifer A; Scarinci, Isabel C; Paterniti, Debora A; Fouad, Mona N; Hurd, Thelma C; Martin, Michelle Y

    2014-04-01

    The study of disparities in minority recruitment to cancer clinical trials has focused primarily on inquiries among minority populations. Yet very little is known about the perceptions of individuals actively involved in minority recruitment to clinical trials within cancer centers. Therefore, the authors assessed the perspectives of cancer center clinical and research personnel on barriers and facilitators to minority recruitment. In total, 91 qualitative interviews were conducted at 5 US cancer centers among 4 stakeholder groups: cancer center leaders, principal investigators, research staff, and referring clinicians. All interviews were recorded and transcribed. Qualitative analyses of response data was focused on identifying prominent themes related to barriers and facilitators to minority recruitment. The perspectives of the 4 stakeholder groups were largely overlapping with some variations based on their unique roles in minority recruitment. Four prominent themes were identified: 1) racial and ethnic minorities are influenced by varying degrees of skepticism related to trial participation, 2) potential minority participants often face multilevel barriers that preclude them from being offered an opportunity to participate in a clinical trial, 3) facilitators at both the institutional and participant level potentially encourage minority recruitment, and 4) variation between internal and external trial referral procedures may limit clinical trial opportunities for racial and ethnic minorities. Multilevel approaches are needed to address barriers and optimize facilitators within cancer centers to enhance minority recruitment for cancer clinical trials. © 2014 American Cancer Society.

  16. KSC-2013-2986

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2013-06-29

    CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, Rick Abramson, Delaware North Parks and Resorts president, speaks to guests during the opening of the 90,000-square-foot "Space Shuttle Atlantis" facility. The new $100 million facility includes interactive exhibits that tell the story of the 30-year Space Shuttle Program and highlight the future of space exploration. The "Space Shuttle Atlantis" exhibit formally opened to the public on June 29, 2013.Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

  17. KSC-2013-2985

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2013-06-29

    CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, Rick Abramson, Delaware North Parks and Resorts president, speaks to guests during the opening of the 90,000-square-foot "Space Shuttle Atlantis" facility. The new $100 million facility includes interactive exhibits that tell the story of the 30-year Space Shuttle Program and highlight the future of space exploration. The "Space Shuttle Atlantis" exhibit formally opened to the public on June 29, 2013.Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

  18. KSC-2013-2974

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2013-06-28

    CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, Rick Abramson, Delaware North Parks and Resorts president speaks to news media representatives during the opening of the 90,000-square-foot "Space Shuttle Atlantis" facility. The new $100 million facility includes interactive exhibits that tell the story of the 30-year Space Shuttle Program and highlight the future of space exploration. The "Space Shuttle Atlantis" exhibit formally opened to the public on June 29, 2013.Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

  19. Investigating Genetic Alterations in Bladder Cancer | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Bladder cancer (BC) is the fifth most common cancer worldwide and the sixth most common cancer in the U.S. Mutations in a number of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes were previously associated with invasive or noninvasive forms of the disease. More recently, next generation sequencing (NGS) of bladder tumors from over 100 Chinese patients revealed alterations in additional

  20. Administrative Resource Center | Division of Cancer Prevention

    Cancer.gov

    The Division of Cancer Prevention (DCP) conducts and supports research to determine a person's risk of cancer and to find ways to reduce the risk. This knowledge is critical to making progress against cancer because risk varies over the lifespan as genetic and epigenetic changes can transform healthy tissue into invasive cancer.

  1. [Psychosocial Situation and Patient Satisfaction among Clients of Cancer Counselling Centers in Saxony].

    PubMed

    Götze, Heide; Röder, Heiko; Frenschkowski, Sandra; Mehnert, Anja

    2016-07-01

    Outpatient psychosocial counselling (OPC) centers for those affected by cancer fulfill 2 main purposes: (a) to offer low-threshold psychological, social and legal counselling, and (b) to refer clients to other services. Here we report findings from a user-based assessment of OPC in the state of Saxony, Germany. This study was funded in part by the Saxon State Ministry of Social Affairs and Consumer Protection. We used a paper-based questionnaire to survey 213 clients of OPC in Saxony at 2 points (t1: up to one week after first contact, t2: 4 months after t1). All participants were cancer patients. The survey assessed utilization of services, depressive symptoms (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7), quality of life (SF-8) as well as clients' satisfaction with the counselling service (ZUF-8). The majority of clients (81%) were referred to the OPC from a hospital or rehabilitation center. 46% of patients only had one contact. 78% of counselling sessions treated matters of social law. Patients suffered from 13 problems on average, the most common being fatigue and exhaustion, worries, anxiety, uncertainty about the future, and pain. Half the patients (49%) reported moderate to severe anxiety and 68% showed elevated levels of depressive symptoms. Psychosocial distress did not change significantly over time (GAD-7: p=0.580, PHQ-9: p=0.101). Patients' quality of life was low overall (cut-off<50). At t2, quality of life had particularly increased in physical aspects, but overall quality of life remained lower than in the general population (all subscales: p<0.05). We identified younger age and lower income as risk factors for higher psychosocial distress and lower quality of life. Patients were very satisfied with the counselling they received, 9% reported to be dissatisfied. Our results show that psychosocial distress remains high over a longer period of time at least for some patients. This illustrates the persisting need for long-term support regarding physical, mental and social

  2. Speech Research, A Report on the Status and Progress of Studies on the Nature of Speech, Instrumentation for Its Investigation, and Practical Applications.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1980-03-31

    Arthur S . Abramson* Eric L. Andreasson David Dechovitz Thomas Baer Elizabeth P. Clark Laurie Feldman Fredericka Bell -Berti+ Vincent Gulisano Hollis...the hearing-impaired child: Theory and practice. Washington, D.C.: A. G. Bell , 1976. Lisker, L., & Abramson, A. S . Some effects of context on voice...1977, 3, 673- 685. Bell -Berti, F., & Harris, K. S . Anticipatory coarticulation: Some implications from a study of lip rounding. Journal of the

  3. Patient Care Coordinator | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    PROGRAM DESCRIPTION Within the Leidos Biomedical Research Inc.’s Clinical Research Directorate, the Clinical Monitoring Research Program (CMRP) provides high-quality comprehensive and strategic operational support to the high-profile domestic and international clinical research initiatives of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Clinical Center (CC), National Institute of Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Since its inception in 2001, CMRP’s ability to provide rapid responses, high-quality solutions, and to recruit and retain experts with a variety of backgrounds to meet the growing research portfolios of NCI, NIAID, CC, NHLBI, NIAMS, NCATS, NINDS, and NIMH has led to the considerable expansion of the program and its repertoire of support services. CMRP’s support services are strategically aligned with the program’s mission to provide comprehensive, dedicated support to assist National Institutes of Health researchers in providing the highest quality of clinical research in compliance with applicable regulations and guidelines, maintaining data integrity, and protecting human subjects. For the scientific advancement of clinical research, CMRP services include comprehensive clinical trials, regulatory, pharmacovigilance, protocol navigation and development, and programmatic and project management support for facilitating the conduct of 400+ Phase I, II, and III domestic and international trials on a yearly basis. These trials investigate the prevention, diagnosis, treatment of, and therapies for cancer, influenza, HIV, and other infectious diseases and viruses such as hepatitis C, tuberculosis, malaria, and Ebola virus; heart, lung, and

  4. For Patients | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    All patients with primary liver cancer referred to the National Cancer Institute are presented and discussed at a weekly interdisciplinary tumor board to identify the best and most effective treatment option

  5. Estimation of Future Cancer Burden Among Rescue and Recovery Workers Exposed to the World Trade Center Disaster.

    PubMed

    Singh, Ankura; Zeig-Owens, Rachel; Moir, William; Hall, Charles B; Schwartz, Theresa; Vossbrinck, Madeline; Jaber, Nadia; Webber, Mayris P; Kelly, Kerry J; Ortiz, Viola; Koffler, Ellen; Prezant, David J

    2018-06-01

    Elevated rates of cancer have been reported in individuals exposed to the World Trade Center (WTC) disaster, including Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) rescue and recovery workers. To project the future burden of cancer in WTC-exposed FDNY rescue and recovery workers by estimating the 20-year cancer incidence. A total of 14 474 WTC-exposed FDNY employees who were cancer-free on January 1, 2012; subgroup analyses were conducted of the cohort's white male population (n = 12 374). In this closed-cohort study, we projected cancer incidence for the January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2031, period. Simulations were run using demographic-specific New York City (NYC) cancer and national mortality rates for each individual, summed for the whole cohort, and performed 1000 times to produce mean estimates. Additional analyses in the subgroup of white men compared case counts produced by using 2007-2011 FDNY WTC Health Program (FDNY-WTCHP) cancer rates vs NYC rates. Average and 20-year aggregate costs of first-year cancer care were estimated using claims data. World Trade Center disaster exposure defined as rescue and recovery work at the WTC site at any time from September 11, 2001, to July 25, 2002. (1) Projected number of incident cancers in the full cohort, based on NYC cancer rates; (2) cancer incidence estimates in the subgroup projected using FDNY-WTCHP vs NYC rates; and (3) estimated first-year treatment costs of incident cancers. On January 1, 2012, the cohort was 96.8% male, 87.1% white, and had a mean (SD) age of 50.2 (9.2) years. The projected number of incident cancer cases was 2960 (95% CI, 2883-3037). In our subgroup analyses using FDNY-WTCHP vs NYC cancer rates, the projected number of new cases in white men was elevated (2714 [95% CI, 2638-2786] vs 2596 [95% CI, 2524-2668]). Accordingly, we expect more prostate (1437 [95% CI, 1383-1495] vs 863 [95% CI, 816-910]), thyroid (73 [95% CI, 60-86] vs 57 [95% CI, 44-69]), and melanoma cases (201 [95

  6. Postdoctoral Fellow | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Dr. Mitchell Ho’s laboratory at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland, USA has an open postdoctoral position. We seek a highly motivated and creative individual to participate in a collaborative research project that involves the targeting of tumor-specific cell surface glypicans (e.g. GPC2, GPC3) using human T-cells engineered to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs). The laboratory focuses on the understanding of the role of glypicans in cancer signaling, in particular Wnt signaling, and the development of CAR T cell therapies for treating liver cancer, neuroblastoma and other cancers. The successful candidate would be involved in isolation of human antibodies and camel or shark single domain antibodies using phage display, yeast display and mammalian cell display technologies, and production of CAR T cells, and preclinical testing of the CAR T cells using mouse tumor models. A recent paper related to the background of this project has been published in PNAS (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28739923). Detailed information about Dr. Ho's research and publications can be accessed at: https://ccr.cancer.gov/mitchell-ho

  7. A POX on Renal Cancer Cells | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Proline oxidase, or POX, is an enzyme responsible for metabolizing the amino acid proline. POX contributes to the regulation of cell death that occurs when cellular systems malfunction, a process called apoptosis. Previous studies have determined that levels of POX are reduced in several types of human cancer. Likewise, many cancer cells become resistant to apoptosis, suggesting a link between POX and cancer cell survival.

  8. Cost of Operating Central Cancer Registries and Factors That Affect Cost: Findings From an Economic Evaluation of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Program of Cancer Registries

    PubMed Central

    Tangka, Florence K. L.; Subramanian, Sujha; Beebe, Maggie Cole; Weir, Hannah K.; Trebino, Diana; Babcock, Frances; Ewing, Jean

    2016-01-01

    Context The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention evaluated the economics of the National Program of Cancer Registries to provide the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the registries, and policy makers with the economic evidence-base to make optimal decisions about resource allocation. Cancer registry budgets are under increasing threat, and, therefore, systematic assessment of the cost will identify approaches to improve the efficiencies of this vital data collection operation and also justify the funding required to sustain registry operations. Objectives To estimate the cost of cancer registry operations and to assess the factors affecting the cost per case reported by National Program of Cancer Registries–funded central cancer registries. Methods We developed a Web-based cost assessment tool to collect 3 years of data (2009-2011) from each National Program of Cancer Registries–funded registry for all actual expenditures for registry activities (including those funded by other sources) and factors affecting registry operations. We used a random-effects regression model to estimate the impact of various factors on cost per cancer case reported. Results The cost of reporting a cancer case varied across the registries. Central cancer registries that receive high-quality data from reporting sources (as measured by the percentage of records passing automatic edits) and electronic data submissions, and those that collect and report on a large volume of cases had significantly lower cost per case. The volume of cases reported had a large effect, with low-volume registries experiencing much higher cost per case than medium- or high-volume registries. Conclusions Our results suggest that registries operate with substantial fixed or semivariable costs. Therefore, sharing fixed costs among low-volume contiguous state registries, whenever possible, and centralization of certain processes can result in economies of scale. Approaches to improve quality of

  9. The Central Role of Meaning in Adjustment to the Loss of a Child to Cancer: Implications for the Development of Meaning-Centered Grief Therapy

    PubMed Central

    Lichtenthal, Wendy G.; Breitbart, William

    2015-01-01

    Purpose of review This review describes research on meaning and meaning-making in parents who lost a child to cancer, suggesting the need for a meaning-centered therapeutic approach to improve their sense of meaning, purpose, and identity and to help with management of prolonged grief symptoms. Recent findings Several studies have demonstrated that parents bereaved by cancer experience unique meaning related challenges associated with the caregiving and illness experience, including struggles with making sense of their loss, benefit-finding, their sense of identity and purpose, disconnection from sources of meaning, and sustaining a sense of meaning in their child’s life. Meaning-Centered Grief Therapy, adapted from Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy, directly addresses these issues, highlighting the choices parents have in how they face their pain, how they honor their child and his/her living legacy, the story they create, and how they live their lives. Summary Given the important role that meaning plays in adjustment to the loss of a child to cancer, a meaning-focused approach such as Meaning-Centered Grief Therapy, may help improve parents’ sense of meaning and grief symptoms. It seems particularly appropriate for parents who lost a child to cancer because it does not pathologize their struggles and directly targets issues they frequently face. PMID:25588204

  10. Breast cancer screening (breast self-examination, clinical breast exam, and mammography) in women referred to health centers in Tabriz, Iran.

    PubMed

    Khalili, Azizeh Farshbaf; Shahnazi, Mahnaz

    2010-04-01

    Breast cancer is the most common cancer and the most common cause of death in Iranian women aged 35-55 years. Breast cancer screening comprises breast self-examination (BSE), clinical breast examination (CBE) and mammography. The study aimed to examine the performance of screening methods among women referring to health centers of Tabriz, Iran. This was a descriptive-analytical research carried out on 400 women aged 20-50 years. The samples were chosen through random multistage sampling among health centers of Tabriz then active records of women. A questionnaire and observational checklist was used to elicit socio-demographic information and performance of women towards breast cancer screening methods. Descriptive and inferential statistics (chi-square and Fisher's exact test) were used to analyze the data. Only 18.8% of women did breast self-examination, 19.1% had clinical breast examination and 3.3% had mammogram. Statistical test showed a significant relationship between performing BSE and educational level, employment, income, number of children, breastfeeding history, breastfeeding quality and family history of breast cancer. There was a significant correlation between performing CBE and history of breast tumor and also, between performing the mammography and family history of breast cancer and history of breast tumor (P < 0.05). The findings showed that the performance of breast cancer screening methods was not satisfactory. Performance in high risk women was very desirable than others. The presentation of imperative education about breast cancer screening methods through health staff especially in pregnancy, post-partum and even in pre marriage counseling periods seems necessary.

  11. Quality of life and disease understanding: impact of attending a patient-centered cancer symposium.

    PubMed

    Padrnos, Leslie; Dueck, Amylou C; Scherber, Robyn; Glassley, Pamela; Stigge, Rachel; Northfelt, Donald; Mikhael, Joseph; Aguirre, Annette; Bennett, Robert M; Mesa, Ruben A

    2015-06-01

    To evaluate the impact of a patient-centered symposium as an educational intervention on a broad population of cancer patients. We developed a comprehensive patient symposium. Through voluntary questionnaires, we studied the impact of this cancer symposium on quality of life, cancer-specific knowledge, and symptom management among cancer patients. Symposium attendees were provided surveys prior to and 3 months following the educational intervention. Surveys included (1) EORTC-QLQ-C30; (2) disease understanding tool developed for this conference; (3) validated disease-specific questionnaires. Changes over time were assessed using McNemar's tests and paired t-tests for categorical and continuous variables, respectively. A total of 158 attendees completed the pre-convention survey. Most respondents reported at least "quite a bit" of understanding regarding treatment options, screening modalities, symptomatology, and cancer-related side effects. Attendees endorsed the least understanding of disease-related stress, risk factors, fatigue management, and legal issues related to disease/treatment. At 3 months, there was improvement in understanding (12 of 14 areas of self-reported knowledge especially regarding nutrition, and stress/fatigue management). However, no significant change was seen in QLQ-C30 functioning, fatigue, pain, or insomnia. A patient symposium, as an educational intervention improves a solid knowledge base amongst attendees regarding their disease, increases knowledge in symptom management, but may be insufficient to impact QoL as a single intervention. © 2015 The Authors. Cancer Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  12. Effects of patient-centered communication on anxiety, negative affect, and trust in the physician in delivering a cancer diagnosis: A randomized, experimental study.

    PubMed

    Zwingmann, Jelena; Baile, Walter F; Schmier, Johann W; Bernhard, Jürg; Keller, Monika

    2017-08-15

    When bad news about a cancer diagnosis is being delivered, patient-centered communication (PCC) has been considered important for patients' adjustment and well-being. However, few studies have explored how interpersonal skills might help cancer patients cope with anxiety and distress during bad-news encounters. A prospective, experimental design was used to investigate the impact of the physician communication style during a bad-news encounter. Ninety-eight cancer patients and 92 unaffected subjects of both sexes were randomly assigned to view a video of a clinician delivering a first cancer diagnosis with either an enhanced patient-centered communication (E-PCC) style or a low patient-centered communication (L-PCC) style. Participants rated state anxiety and negative affect before and immediately after the video exposure, whereas trust in the physician was rated after the video exposure only. Main and interaction effects were analyzed with generalized linear models. Viewing the disclosure of a cancer diagnosis resulted in a substantial increase in state anxiety and negative affect among all participants. This emotional response was moderated by the physician's communication style: Participants viewing an oncologist displaying an E-PCC style were significantly less anxious than those watching an oncologist displaying an L-PCC style. They also reported significantly higher trust in the physician. Under a threatening, anxiety-provoking disclosure of bad news, a short sequence of empathic PCC influences subjects' psychological state, insofar that they report feeling less anxious and more trustful of the oncologist. Video exposure appears to be a valuable method for investigating the impact of a physician's communication style during critical encounters. Cancer 2017;123:3167-75. © 2017 American Cancer Society. © 2017 American Cancer Society.

  13. Evaluating long-term patient-centered outcomes following prostate cancer treatment: findings from the Michigan Prostate Cancer Survivor study.

    PubMed

    Darwish-Yassine, May; Berenji, Manijeh; Wing, Diane; Copeland, Glenn; Demers, Raymond Y; Garlinghouse, Carol; Fagerlin, Angela; Newth, Gail E; Northouse, Laurel; Holmes-Rovner, Margaret; Rovner, David; Sims, Jerry; Wei, John T

    2014-03-01

    Advances in screening and treatment of prostate cancer have dramatically increased the number of survivors in the US population. Yet the effect of screening is controversial, and in some instances may not be beneficial. Previous studies have typically only reported outcomes of treatment and symptoms within a short time frame following treatment. The persistence of such symptoms over time necessitates an improvement of survivor care so that the medical and support needs of these patients are met. This study aims to perform a patient-centered survey of prostate cancer survivors in the Michigan Cancer Registry to identify treatment side effect rates, evaluate survivors' access to preventive care services post-prostate cancer treatment, and assess the informational needs of these survivors regarding their prostate cancer. Linking case files of the Michigan Cancer Registry with records from the National Death Index, we identified prostate cancer patients diagnosed between 1985 and 2004 and alive on 31 December 2005. Participants were selected using a stratified cross-sectional sampling strategy to ensure adequate inclusion of survivors based upon race and ethnicity, urban versus rural location, and number of years since diagnosis of prostate cancer. A total of 2,499 surveys were completed and returned. (1) Physical symptoms--assessing bowel, sexual, urinary, and vitality symptoms by treatment modality. (2) Access to care--identifying whether diagnostic tests for prostate cancer (prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and digital rectal examination) were performed. Determining whether the survivors had knowledge of the "watchful waiting" paradigm for prostate cancer surveillance. (3) Informational needs--assessing whether the informational needs of patients were addressed by providers. Evaluating the significant predictors associated with seeking information about prostate cancer from any other source. Identifying what factors influenced a person to actively seek out

  14. A Ten-Year Assessment of a Biomedical Engineering Summer Research Internship within a Comprehensive Cancer Center

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Wright, A. S.; Wu, X.; Frye, C. A.; Mathur, A. B.; Patrick, C. W., Jr.

    2007-01-01

    A Biomedical Engineering Internship Program conducted within a Comprehensive Cancer Center over a 10 year period was assessed and evaluated. Although this is a non-traditional location for an internship, it is an ideal site for a multidisciplinary training program for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) students. We made a…

  15. Physician Assistant/Sr. Nurse Practitioner | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    PROGRAM DESCRIPTION Within the Leidos Biomedical Research Inc.’s Clinical Research Directorate, the Clinical Monitoring Research Program (CMRP) provides high-quality comprehensive and strategic operational support to the high-profile domestic and international clinical research initiatives of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Clinical Center (CC), National Institute of Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Since its inception in 2001, CMRP’s ability to provide rapid responses, high-quality solutions, and to recruit and retain experts with a variety of backgrounds to meet the growing research portfolios of NCI, NIAID, CC, NHLBI, NIAMS, NCATS, NINDS, and NIMH has led to the considerable expansion of the program and its repertoire of support services. CMRP’s support services are strategically aligned with the program’s mission to provide comprehensive, dedicated support to assist National Institutes of Health researchers in providing the highest quality of clinical research in compliance with applicable regulations and guidelines, maintaining data integrity, and protecting human subjects. For the scientific advancement of clinical research, CMRP services include comprehensive clinical trials, regulatory, pharmacovigilance, protocol navigation and development, and programmatic and project management support for facilitating the conduct of 400+ Phase I, II, and III domestic and international trials on a yearly basis. These trials investigate the prevention, diagnosis, treatment of, and therapies for cancer, influenza, HIV, and other infectious diseases and viruses such as hepatitis C, tuberculosis, malaria, and Ebola virus; heart, lung, and

  16. Dietary acrylamide intake and risk of breast cancer: The Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective Study.

    PubMed

    Kotemori, Ayaka; Ishihara, Junko; Zha, Ling; Liu, Rong; Sawada, Norie; Iwasaki, Motoki; Sobue, Tomotaka; Tsugane, Shoichiro

    2018-03-01

    Acrylamide forms during cooking and is classified as a probable carcinogen in humans, mandating the need for epidemiological studies of dietary acrylamide and cancers. However, the risk of dietary acrylamide exposure to breast cancer in Japanese women has not been assessed. We investigated the association between dietary acrylamide intake and risk of breast cancer in the Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective Study. The present study included 48 910 women aged 45-74 years who responded to a 5-year follow-up survey questionnaire. Dietary acrylamide intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals. During an average of 15.4 years of follow up, 792 breast cancers were diagnosed. Energy-adjusted dietary acrylamide intake was not associated with the risk of breast cancer (adjusted hazard ratio for highest versus lowest tertile = .95, 95% confidence intervals: 0.79-1.14, P-trend = .58). Further, no significant associations were observed when stratified analyses were conducted by smoking status, coffee consumption, alcohol consumption, body mass index, menopausal status, estrogen receptor status, and progesterone receptor status. In conclusion, dietary acrylamide intake was not associated with the risk of breast cancer in this population-based prospective cohort study of Japanese women. © 2017 The Authors. Cancer Science published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Japanese Cancer Association.

  17. Postdoctoral Fellow | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    A Postdoctoral Fellow position is available in Dr. Chuong Dinh Hoang's laboratory within the Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Oncology Branch (TGIB), National Cancer Institute, NIH. Our broad goal is to explore the molecular and cellular biology of thoracic cancers, namely mesothelioma and/ or non-small cell lung carcinoma, thymoma, etc. Currently, we have projects that involve investigating microRNA-mRNA interactions in malignant mesothelioma. New projects will focus on the pathogenic signaling pathways relevant to tumor initiation, invasion, metastasis, and resistance. With these projects, we have translational aims of developing novel molecular biomarkers and therapeutic targets based on an understanding of the pathogenetic mechanisms active in these cancers. Also, we are developing novel delivery platforms for nucleic-based agents that require pre-clinical testing in mouse tumor models. The culmination of these projects will be linked to clinical human protocols in these thoracic cancers of interest. This is a great opportunity for candidates who are interested in cancer biology and want to enhance their career potential by working in our research program with outstanding support of other established laboratories and core facilities in the National Cancer Institute. This laboratory effort will be in close collaboration with other faculty in our branch. We work closely with the Thoracic Oncology Section of David S. Schrump, M.D. (Chief, TGIB), which focuses on epigenetic mechanisms and regulation of thoracic tumors; and with the lab of Dr. Taylor Ripley, M.D., which focuses on metabolism of thoracic tumors.

  18. Cancer Biotechnology | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Biotechnology advances continue to underscore the need to educate NCI fellows in new methodologies. The Cancer Biotechnology course will be held on the NCI-Frederick campus on January 29, 2016 (Bldg. 549, Main Auditorium) and the course will be repeated on the Bethesda campus on February 9, 2016 (Natcher Balcony C). The latest advances in DNA, protein and image analysis will

  19. Antibody-linked drug shrinks various types of tumors in preclinical study | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    A preclinical study by Center for Cancer Research investigators and colleagues shows that a drug guided by an attached target-seeking antibody can recognize cells infiltrating tumors, the tumor stroma, and cause various types of tumors to shrink, and in many cases, disappear. Their findings suggest that when stromal cells take up the ADC, they cleave the drug from the antibody

  20. Selectively engaging immune responses may be key to fighting HIV infection | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    An infection-fighting white blood cell known as a CD14+ monocyte could be a key element in developing an effective human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) vaccine, according to a new finding published May 21, 2018, in Nature Medicine. The primate study was conducted at the Center for Cancer Research, NCI, and led by Genoveffa Franchini, M.D., Senior Investigator in the Vaccine

  1. Selectively engaging immune responses may be key to fighting HIV infection | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    An infection-fighting white blood cell known as a CD14+ monocyte could be a key element in developing an effective human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) vaccine, according to a new finding published May 21, 2018, in Nature Medicine. The primate study was conducted at the Center for Cancer Research, NCI, and led by Genoveffa Franchini, M.D., Senior Investigator in the Vaccine Branch.

  2. Testicular Cancer Resource Center

    MedlinePlus

    ... letter you can mail out to increase testicular cancer awareness. NOTE: The information contained herein is NOT a substitute for professional medical attention! Hosted by: Last updated Jan 15, 2013 Copyright ©1997 - 2013 TCRC All Rights Reserved

  3. HPV in Head and Neck Cancer-30 Years of History.

    PubMed

    Syrjänen, Stina; Rautava, Jaana; Syrjänen, Kari

    The interesting history of papillomavirus (PV) research has been reviewed before. The history of human papillomavirus (HPV) in head and neck region starts in 1901 when the contagious transmission of warty lesions into the mouth via oral sex was described, although the confirmation of their viral etiology had to wait until 1907. Ullman was the first to associate the human wart virus with laryngeal warts. Parsons and Kidd described the natural history of oral PV infections in rabbits already in 1942, but these findings were corroborated in humans only recently. Koilocytotic atypia described by Koss and Durfee in 1956 was recognized as a sign of HPV infection in cervical precancer lesions only in 1976-1977 (Meisels and Fortin; Purola and Savia). This prompted systematic surveys of head and neck lesions for the detection of koilocytosis since the late 1970s, and the authors of this communication were the first to propose the HPV involvement in a subgroup of head and neck cancers. Brandsma and Abramson demonstrated HPV16 DNA in tonsillar SCCs in 1989. Since the early 2000s, HPV research of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) has made impressive progress, confirming that the specific anatomic site plays a key role in determining the susceptibility to HPV infection. The most likely cancer sites associated with HPV are the base of the tongue and palatine tonsils, followed by oral cavity, larynx, and sinonasal mucosa. There is substantial geographic variation in HPV association with HNSCC. Patients with HPV-associated HNSCC are younger, and survival is better than in the absence of HPV.

  4. Local, Regional and Large Scale Integrated Networks

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1975-08-01

    e.g., [Abramson, 1970, 1973, Kleinrock, 1973, Kleinrock, 1975, Roberts, 1973, Gitman , 19𔃿] , have shown that this "fixed assignment" of the...Abramson, 1973, ■- Kleinrock, 1973]), or intentionally avoid the issue of packet routing by proper assumptions [ Gitman , 1975]. The issue of...Communications Sys- tems," Memorandum RM-4781-PR, The Rand Corpora- tion, February 1966. Frank, H., I. Gitman , R. Van Slyke, "Pc-jket I.adio System

  5. Maximizing the value of a breast center.

    PubMed

    Goldman, Mickey; Chang, Dan

    2010-08-01

    This article focuses on the value and benefit of a Breast Center to an organization by identifying the best ways to maximize their contribution in order to create and sustain a financially viable, clinically respected and community-oriented Breast Center. The goal of the Breast Center is to ultimately benefit the community and the hospital's Comprehensive Cancer Program as a whole. The value propositions are divided into three areas that have positive impacts to the program and hospital, collectively. These value propositions are: 1. Financial Value e identified values of the Breast Center that contribute to the bottom line - or Return on Investment (ROI) - of the Cancer Program. 2. Clinical Quality Values - identified values of the Breast Center that improve the quality of care and outcomes of the patients. 3. Intangibles Values - identified values of the Breast Center that connect to the community and women that is invaluable to the Cancer Program. 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  6. CCR Careers | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Be part of our mission to make breakthrough scientific discoveries to find cures and treatments for cancer. Our principal investigators lead teams of laboratory scientists, trainees, clinicians, and administrators to unlock scientific knowledge to advance the fight against cancer and HIV/AIDS.

  7. Heroes and Legends Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2016-11-11

    Rick Abramson, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Delaware North Companies Parks and Resorts, speaks to guests during the opening of the Heroes and Legends attraction at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The new facility includes the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame and looks back to the pioneering efforts of Mercury, Gemini and Apollo. It sets the stage by providing the background and context for space exploration and the legendary men and women who pioneered the nation's journey into space.

  8. Mutant HABP2 Causes Non-Medullary Thyroid Cancer | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that lies at the base of the throat in front of the windpipe. A member of the endocrine system, the thyroid secretes hormones to regulate heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, and metabolism. Cancer of the thyroid is the most common endocrine cancer and the eighth most common cancer in the U.S. An estimated 63,450 Americans will be diagnosed with thyroid cancer this year. The vast majority is of follicular cell origin, and the remaining cancer originates from parafollicular cells, so called medullary thyroid cancer.

  9. Postdoctoral Fellow | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    The Genetics of Cancer Susceptibility Section in the Mouse Cancer Genetics Program at NCI is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to identify novel genetic interactors of BRCA2 using CRISPR-based genetic screen in mouse embryonic stem cells and perform functional studies in mouse models.

  10. Using Computational Modeling to Assess the Impact of Clinical Decision Support on Cancer Screening within Community Health Centers

    PubMed Central

    Carney, Timothy Jay; Morgan, Geoffrey P.; Jones, Josette; McDaniel, Anna M.; Weaver, Michael; Weiner, Bryan; Haggstrom, David A.

    2014-01-01

    Our conceptual model demonstrates our goal to investigate the impact of clinical decision support (CDS) utilization on cancer screening improvement strategies in the community health care (CHC) setting. We employed a dual modeling technique using both statistical and computational modeling to evaluate impact. Our statistical model used the Spearman’s Rho test to evaluate the strength of relationship between our proximal outcome measures (CDS utilization) against our distal outcome measure (provider self-reported cancer screening improvement). Our computational model relied on network evolution theory and made use of a tool called Construct-TM to model the use of CDS measured by the rate of organizational learning. We employed the use of previously collected survey data from community health centers Cancer Health Disparities Collaborative (HDCC). Our intent is to demonstrate the added valued gained by using a computational modeling tool in conjunction with a statistical analysis when evaluating the impact a health information technology, in the form of CDS, on health care quality process outcomes such as facility-level screening improvement. Significant simulated disparities in organizational learning over time were observed between community health centers beginning the simulation with high and low clinical decision support capability. PMID:24953241

  11. Coffee Consumption and Lung Cancer Risk: The Japan Public Health Center-Based Prospective Study.

    PubMed

    Narita, Saki; Saito, Eiko; Sawada, Norie; Shimazu, Taichi; Yamaji, Taiki; Iwasaki, Motoki; Sasazuki, Shizuka; Noda, Mitsuhiko; Inoue, Manami; Tsugane, Shoichiro

    2018-04-05

    Many epidemiological studies have indicated a positive association between coffee intake and lung cancer risk, but such findings were suggested to be confounded by smoking. Furthermore, only a few of these studies have been conducted in Asia. Here, we investigated the association between coffee intake and lung cancer risk in one of the largest prospective cohort studies in Japan. We investigated the association of coffee drinking and subsequent incidence of lung cancer among 41,727 men and 45,352 women in the Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective Study using Cox proportional hazards regression, with adjustment for potential confounders and by strata of smoking status. Coffee and other dietary intakes were assessed once at baseline with a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). During 1,481,887 person-years of follow-up between 1990 and 2011, a total of 1,668 lung cancer cases were identified. In a multivariate regression model, coffee consumption was not associated with risk of lung cancer (HR 1.16; 95% CI, 0.82-1.63; P trend = 0.285 for men and HR 1.49; 95% CI, 0.79-2.83; P trend = 0.942 for women). However, there was a significant increase in the risk for small cell carcinoma (HR 3.52; 95% CI, 1.49-8.28; P trend < 0.001). Our prospective study suggests that habitual consumption of coffee is not associated with an increased risk of lung cancer incidence, despite observing a significant increase in the risk for small cell carcinoma.

  12. About Foregut Cancers | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    About Foregut Cancers The foregut is the section of the upper gastrointestinal tract that includes the esophagus, stomach, pancreas, liver and bile ducts. The focus of the NIH Foregut Team is clinical research and care of patients with tumors of the foregut, including:

  13. Advanced and recurring thymic carcinoma is target of new clinical trial | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Adults diagnosed with thymic carcinoma who overexpress the protein mesothelin may be eligible to participate in a new clinical trial at the NIH Clinical Center. The study will look at the safety and effectiveness of an investigational drug, anetumab ravtansine, developed by Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals. The drug works by binding to mesothelin, therefore overexpression of the protein could be useful for targeting cancer cells. Read more...

  14. Predictors of Colorectal Cancer Screening Prior to Implementation of a Large Pragmatic Trial in Federally Qualified Health Centers.

    PubMed

    Petrik, Amanda F; Le, Thuy; Keast, Erin; Rivelli, Jennifer; Bigler, Keshia; Green, Beverly; Vollmer, William M; Coronado, Gloria

    2018-02-01

    Colorectal cancer screening can prevent cancer deaths. Federally qualified health centers serve a unique patient population that often is not screened. Knowing who in this environment is getting screened via fecal testing and via colonoscopy can assist in tailoring intervention to raise rates of colorectal cancer screening. We examined patient-level and neighborhood-level characteristics associated with being up to date with colorectal cancer screening guidelines. We also examined associations between these factors and being screened with a fecal test. We observed an increase in colorectal cancer screening rates from 2010 to 2015. Adjusted analyses revealed that the following factors were significantly associated with colorectal cancer screening: aged 65 or older, having any type of insurance, previous outpatient visits, and current or other preventive screenings. Among adults aged 50-75 who were up to date with colorectal cancer screening, factors associated with use of fecal testing, as opposed to colonoscopy, were: being younger, speaking a non-English language, being uninsured, having prior office visits, and having had a flu shot in past year. Our findings may inform clinic-based effort to raise rates of colorectal cancer screening, especially in the community clinic setting. ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT01742065.

  15. Epidemiology, surgical management and early postoperative outcome in a cohort of gastric cancer patients of a tertiary referral center in relation to multi-center quality assurance studies.

    PubMed

    Garlipp, Benjamin; Schwalenberg, Jens; Adolf, Daniela; Lippert, Hans; Meyer, Frank

    2011-03-01

    The aim of the study was to analyze epidemiologic parameters, treatment-related data and prognostic factors in the management of gastric cancer patients of a university surgical center under conditions of routine clinical care before the onset of the era of multimodal therapies. By analyzing our data in relation with multi-center quality assurance trials [German Gastric Cancer Study - GGCS (1992) and East German Gastric Cancer Study - EGGCS (2004)] we aimed at providing an instrument of internal quality control at our institution as well as a base for comparison with future analyses taking into account the implementation of evolving (multimodal) therapies and their influence on treatment results. Retrospective analysis of prospectively gathered data of gastric cancer patients treated at a single institution during a defined 10-year time period with multivariate analysis of risk factors for early postoperative outcome. From 04/01/1993 through 03/31/2003, a total of 328 gastric cancer patients were treated. In comparison with the EGGCS cohort there was a larger proportion of patients with locally advanced and proximally located tumors. 272 patients (82.9%) underwent surgery with curative intent; in 88.4% of these an R0 resection was achieved (EGGCS/GGCS: 82.5%/71.5%). 68.2% of patients underwent preoperative endoluminal ultrasound (EUS) (EGGCS: 27.4%); the proportion of patients undergoing EUS increased over the study period. Diagnostic accuracy of EUS for T stage was 50.6% (EGGCS: 42.6%). 77.2% of operated patients with curative intent underwent gastrectomy (EGGCS/GGCS: 79.8%/71.1%). Anastomotic leaks at the esophagojejunostomy occurred slightly more frequently (8.8%) than in the EGGCS (5.9%) and GGCS (7.2%); however, postoperative morbidity (36.1%) and early postoperative mortality (5.3%) were not increased compared to the multi-center quality assurance study results (EGGCS morbidity, 45%); EGGCS/GGCS mortality, 8%/8.9%). D2 lymphadenectomy was performed in 72

  16. System Strategies for Colorectal Cancer Screening at Federally Qualified Health Centers

    PubMed Central

    Levy, Barcey T.; Moss, Carol A.; Bay, Camden P.

    2015-01-01

    Objectives. We assessed the protocols and system processes for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening at federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) in 4 midwestern states. Methods. We identified 49 FQHCs in 4 states. In January 2013, we mailed their medical directors a 49-item questionnaire about policies on CRC screening, use of electronic medical records, types of CRC screening recommended, clinic tracking systems, referrals for colonoscopy, and barriers to providing CRC. Results. Forty-four questionnaires (90%) were returned. Thirty-three of the respondents (75%) estimated the proportion of their patients up-to-date with CRC screening, with a mean of 35%. One major barrier to screening was inability to provide colonoscopy for patients with a positive fecal occult blood test (59%). The correlation of system strategies and estimated percentage of patients up-to-date with CRC screening was 0.43 (P = .01). Conclusions. CRC system strategies were associated with higher CRC screening rates. Implementing system strategies for CRC screening takes time and effort and is important to maintain, to help prevent, or to cure many cases of CRC, the second leading cause of cancer in the United States. PMID:24832146

  17. Postdoctoral Fellows | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    The Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology (LTIB) functions as a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary translational research programmatic effort with the goal of developing novel immunotherapies for cancer. The LTIB strategic plan focuses on the development of novel immunotherapeutics for human cancer, not only as monotherapies, but more importantly, in combination with

  18. Designing Trojan Horses | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Waging battle against cancer cells without inflicting damage on normal tissue has long been a goal for cancer treatment. A new type of drug called immunotoxins may help make this goal a reality. Much like the Greeks used a wooden horse to get soldiers inside the gates of Troy, immunotoxins use clever genetic engineering to get a lethal toxin inside cancer cells. Each immunotoxin consists of two components an antibody and a toxin that are fused together. The custom-designed antibody acts as a homing signal, seeking out a specific target present on the surface of cancer cells. When the antibody binds its target, the whole immunotoxin is brought inside the cell. Unwittingly, the cancer cell has exposed itself to a powerful poison, a mistake that will likely condemn it to death.

  19. [Social counseling in outpatient cancer counseling centers : Offers and use by advice-seekers].

    PubMed

    Ernst, Jochen; Mehnert, Anja; Weis, Joachim; Faust, Tanja; Giesler, Jürgen M; Roick, Julia

    2016-11-01

    Outpatient psychosocial cancer care has gained importance in recent years and psychosocial counselling services (PCS) offer a broad spectrum of counselling interventions. Yet there is no published research on PCS legal counselling services. This study investigated the range of issues addressed by legal counselling and their relationship with characteristics of advice seekers and counsellors. We analyzed the records of 21 PCS funded by the German Cancer Aid (DKH) including 5203 advice seekers (80 % patients, 20 % others including friends and family; age ∅ 54 years; 24 % male) in 20,947 counselling sessions. We calculated descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression analyses (legal counselling: yes/no). Fifty-five percent of counselling seekers received legal counselling and 28 % approached the PCS exclusively for legal counselling. The proportion of people seeking legal advice ranged from 15 to 87 % between counselling centers. The most common topics during legal counselling were medical rehabilitation programs (57 %) and disability law (43 %). Counselling occurred in a single session in 68 % of cases and was mostly sought by older and unemployed persons with a recent diagnosis. Legal counselling made up 18 % of counselling time. Legal advice was mostly given by social workers (71 %). Legal counselling is a major part of psychosocial care services. Our results reveal large differences between counselling centers. Further research on quality of care and efficacy of legal counseling is needed.

  20. Biomarkers Predict Prognosis of Esophageal Cancer Patients | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    New treatment strategies are needed to improve outcomes for patients with esophageal cancer. With five-year survival rates less than 25 percent, this is one of the deadliest forms of cancer. There are two main types of esophageal cancer—squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Esophageal adenocarcinoma is frequently preceded by Barrett’s esophagus, a chronic inflammatory condition caused by gastroesophageal reflux. It is known that communication between tumor cells and the immune system can alter the behavior of tumor cells, and chronic inflammation has been implicated in several types of human cancers, including cancer of the esophagus.

  1. Designing Audience-Centered Interactive Voice Response Messages to Promote Cancer Screenings Among Low-Income Latinas

    PubMed Central

    De Jesus, Maria; Sprunck-Harrild, Kim M.; Tellez, Trinidad; Bastani, Roshan; Battaglia, Tracy A.; Michaelson, James S.; Emmons, Karen M.

    2014-01-01

    Introduction Cancer screening rates among Latinas are suboptimal. The objective of this study was to explore how Latinas perceive cancer screening and the use and design of interactive voice response (IVR) messages to prompt scheduling of 1 or more needed screenings. Methods Seven focus groups were conducted with Latina community health center patients (n = 40) in need of 1 or more cancer screenings: 5 groups were of women in need of 1 cancer screening (breast, cervical, or colorectal), and 2 groups were of women in need of multiple screenings. A bilingual researcher conducted all focus groups in Spanish using a semistructured guide. Focus groups were recorded, transcribed, and translated into English for analysis. Emergent themes were identified by using thematic content analysis. Results Participants were familiar with cancer screening and viewed it positively, although barriers to screening were identified (unaware overdue for screening, lack of physician referral, lack of insurance or insufficient insurance coverage, embarrassment or fear of screening procedures, fear of screening outcomes). Women needing multiple screenings voiced more concern about screening procedures, whereas women in need of a single screening expressed greater worry about the screening outcome. Participants were receptive to receiving IVR messages and believed that culturally appropriate messages that specified needed screenings while emphasizing the benefit of preventive screening would motivate them to schedule needed screenings. Conclusion Participants’ receptiveness to IVR messages suggests that these messages may be an acceptable strategy to promote cancer screening among underserved Latina patients. Additional research is needed to determine the effectiveness of IVR messages in promoting completion of cancer screening. PMID:24625364

  2. Brain metastases in patients diagnosed with a solid primary cancer during childhood: experience from a single referral cancer center.

    PubMed

    Suki, Dima; Khoury Abdulla, Rami; Ding, Minming; Khatua, Soumen; Sawaya, Raymond

    2014-10-01

    Metastasis to the brain is frequent in adult cancer patients but rare among children. Advances in primary tumor treatment and the associated prolonged survival are said to have increased the frequency of brain metastasis in children. The authors present a series of cases of brain metastases in children diagnosed with a solid primary cancer, evaluate brain metastasis trends, and describe tumor type, patterns of occurrence, and prognosis. Patients with brain metastases whose primary cancer was diagnosed during childhood were identified in the 1990-2012 Tumor Registry at The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. A review of their hospital records provided demographic data, history, and clinical data, including primary cancer sites, number and location of brain metastases, sites of extracranial metastases, treatments, and outcomes. Fifty-four pediatric patients (1.4%) had a brain metastasis from a solid primary tumor. Sarcomas were the most common (54%), followed by melanoma (15%). The patients' median ages at diagnosis of the primary cancer and the brain metastasis were 11.37 years and 15.03 years, respectively. The primary cancer was localized at diagnosis in 48% of patients and disseminated regionally in only 14%. The primary tumor and brain metastasis presented synchronously in 15% of patients, and other extracranial metastases were present when the primary cancer was diagnosed. The remaining patients were diagnosed with brain metastasis after initiation of primary cancer treatment, with a median presentation interval of 17 months after primary cancer diagnosis (range 2-77 months). At the time of diagnosis, the brain metastasis was the first site of systemic metastasis in only 4 (8%) of the 51 patients for whom data were available. Up to 70% of patients had lung metastases when brain metastases were found. Symptoms led to the brain metastasis diagnosis in 65% of cases. Brain metastases were single in 60% of cases and multiple in 35%; 6% had only

  3. Obesity-Linked Mouse Models of Liver Cancer | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Jimmy Stauffer, Ph.D., and colleagues working with Robert  Wiltrout, Ph.D., in CCR’s Cancer and Inflammation Program, along with collaborators in the Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, have developed a novel mouse model that demonstrates how fat-producing phenotypes can influence the development of hepatic cancer.   The team recently reported their findings in Cancer Research.

  4. Postdoctoral Fellow | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Dr. St. Croix’s laboratory at the Mouse Cancer Genetics Program (MCGP), National Cancer Institute, USA has an open postdoctoral position. We seek a highly motivated, creative and bright individual to participate in a collaborative project that involves the targeting of tumor-associated stroma using T-cells engineered to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs). The laboratory

  5. Communications Specialist | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Be part of our mission to support research against cancer. We have an exciting opportunity for a talented communicator to join our team and be part of the effort to find cures for cancer. We are looking for a creative, team-oriented communications professional, with strong writing skills to publicize our research advances, employment and training opportunities and clinical

  6. Designing Trojan Horses | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Waging battle against cancer cells without inflicting damage on normal tissue has long been a goal for cancer treatment. A new type of drug called immunotoxins may help make this goal a reality. Much like the Greeks used a wooden horse to get soldiers inside the gates of Troy, immunotoxins use clever genetic engineering to get a lethal toxin inside cancer cells. Each

  7. The development and implementation of a volunteer lay navigation competency framework at an outpatient cancer center.

    PubMed

    Lorhan, Shaun; Wright, Michelle; Hodgson, Sally; van der Westhuizen, Michael

    2014-09-01

    To describe the development and delivery of a competency framework designed to guide the recruitment, training, and competency screening of volunteer lay navigators at an outpatient cancer centre in Victoria, BC. Volunteers that passed a screening interview underwent 22 h of training focusing on the scope of the navigator's role, communication skills, and cancer center processes and resources. Volunteers that passed a post-training interview, by demonstrating a basic level of competency in three domains (Self as Navigator, Communication, and Knowledge/Information), were invited to participate as volunteer lay navigators in a three-step intervention with newly diagnosed lung cancer patients at the British Columbia Cancer Agency-Vancouver Island Centre. Of the 27 volunteers who attended a screening interview, 20 were invited to participate in training. From the subset of 20, 13 of these participants achieved competency scores high enough to qualify them to practice as volunteer lay navigators. By incorporating the lessons we have learned from this study, we believe that the lay navigation competency framework serves as a useful model for selecting, training, and supporting competent navigators.

  8. National Cancer Center Singapore: the way forward.

    PubMed

    Teo, Melissa; Soo, Khee Chee

    2016-02-01

    Cancer is the leading cause of death in Singapore, comprising almost 30% of annual deaths. The incidence and prevalence continue to rise, resulting in Singapore having the highest age-standardized rate of cancer in southeast Asia. A review of national health policies in 1992 resulted in the creation of a National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) in 1999. The current NCCS, with its three pillars of clinical service, research and education, manages about 70% of all new cancer cases in the countries public healthcare system. As it outgrows its current outfit and looks to the new NCCS building in 2020, the goal must be for strategic planning to attract and retain the best minds and heart in the field of cancer if it were to continue to be successful in achieving its vision and mission. This article chronicles the NCCS's history and details the foundation of its strategic plans.

  9. Decreased early mortality associated with the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia at National Cancer Institute-designated cancer centers in California.

    PubMed

    Ho, Gwendolyn; Wun, Ted; Muffly, Lori; Li, Qian; Brunson, Ann; Rosenberg, Aaron S; Jonas, Brian A; Keegan, Theresa H M

    2018-05-01

    To the authors' knowledge, few population-based studies to date have evaluated the association between location of care, complications with induction therapy, and early mortality in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Using linked data from the California Cancer Registry and Patient Discharge Dataset (1999-2014), the authors identified adult (aged ≥18 years) patients with AML who received inpatient treatment within 30 days of diagnosis. A propensity score was created for treatment at a National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center (NCI-CC). Inverse probability-weighted, multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine associations between location of care, complications, and early mortality (death ≤60 days from diagnosis). Of the 7007 patients with AML, 1762 (25%) were treated at an NCI-CC. Patients with AML who were treated at NCI-CCs were more likely to be aged ≤65 years, live in higher socioeconomic status neighborhoods, have fewer comorbidities, and have public health insurance. Patients treated at NCI-CCs had higher rates of renal failure (23% vs 20%; P = .010) and lower rates of respiratory failure (11% vs 14%; P = .003) and cardiac arrest (1% vs 2%; P = .014). After adjustment for baseline characteristics, treatment at an NCI-CC was associated with lower early mortality (odds ratio, 0.46; 95% confidence interval, 0.38-0.57). The impact of complications on early mortality did not differ by location of care except for higher early mortality noted among patients with respiratory failure treated at non-NCI-CCs. The initial treatment of adult patients with AML at NCI-CCs is associated with a 53% reduction in the odds of early mortality compared with treatment at non-NCI-CCs. Lower early mortality may result from differences in hospital or provider experience and supportive care. Cancer 2018;124:1938-45. © 2018 American Cancer Society. © 2018 American Cancer Society.

  10. Safe and successful implementation of CPOE for chemotherapy at a children's cancer center.

    PubMed

    Hoffman, James M; Baker, Donald K; Howard, Scott C; Laver, Joseph H; Shenep, Jerry L

    2011-02-01

    Computerized prescriber order entry (CPOE) for medications has been implemented in only approximately 1 in 6 United States hospitals, with CPOE for chemotherapy lagging behind that for nonchemotherapy medications. The high risks associated with chemotherapy combined with other aspects of cancer care present unique challenges for the safe and appropriate use of CPOE. This article describes the process for safe and successful implementation of CPOE for chemotherapy at a children's cancer center. A core principle throughout the development and implementation of this system was that it must be as safe (and eventually safer) as existing paper systems and processes. The history of requiring standardized, regimen-specific, preprinted paper order forms served as the foundation for safe implementation of CPOE for chemotherapy. Extensive use of electronic order sets with advanced functionality; formal process redesign and system analysis; automated clinical decision support; and a phased implementation approach were essential strategies for safe implementation of CPOE. With careful planning and adequate resources, CPOE for chemotherapy can be safely implemented.

  11. Defining a standard set of patient-centered outcomes for men with localized prostate cancer.

    PubMed

    Martin, Neil E; Massey, Laura; Stowell, Caleb; Bangma, Chris; Briganti, Alberto; Bill-Axelson, Anna; Blute, Michael; Catto, James; Chen, Ronald C; D'Amico, Anthony V; Feick, Günter; Fitzpatrick, John M; Frank, Steven J; Froehner, Michael; Frydenberg, Mark; Glaser, Adam; Graefen, Markus; Hamstra, Daniel; Kibel, Adam; Mendenhall, Nancy; Moretti, Kim; Ramon, Jacob; Roos, Ian; Sandler, Howard; Sullivan, Francis J; Swanson, David; Tewari, Ashutosh; Vickers, Andrew; Wiegel, Thomas; Huland, Hartwig

    2015-03-01

    Value-based health care has been proposed as a unifying force to drive improved outcomes and cost containment. To develop a standard set of multidimensional patient-centered health outcomes for tracking, comparing, and improving localized prostate cancer (PCa) treatment value. We convened an international working group of patients, registry experts, urologists, and radiation oncologists to review existing data and practices. The group defined a recommended standard set representing who should be tracked, what should be measured and at what time points, and what data are necessary to make meaningful comparisons. Using a modified Delphi method over a series of teleconferences, the group reached consensus for the Standard Set. We recommend that the Standard Set apply to men with newly diagnosed localized PCa treated with active surveillance, surgery, radiation, or other methods. The Standard Set includes acute toxicities occurring within 6 mo of treatment as well as patient-reported outcomes tracked regularly out to 10 yr. Patient-reported domains of urinary incontinence and irritation, bowel symptoms, sexual symptoms, and hormonal symptoms are included, and the recommended measurement tool is the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite Short Form. Disease control outcomes include overall, cause-specific, metastasis-free, and biochemical relapse-free survival. Baseline clinical, pathologic, and comorbidity information is included to improve the interpretability of comparisons. We have defined a simple, easily implemented set of outcomes that we believe should be measured in all men with localized PCa as a crucial first step in improving the value of care. Measuring, reporting, and comparing identical outcomes across treatments and treatment centers will provide patients and providers with information to make informed treatment decisions. We defined a set of outcomes that we recommend being tracked for every man being treated for localized prostate cancer. Copyright

  12. Postdoctoral Fellow | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    The Wolin laboratory has recently moved to the National Cancer Institute as part of a new initiative in RNA Biology. A fully funded postdoctoral position is available in the areas of noncoding RNA function, RNA surveillance pathways, and the mechanisms by which defects in RNA decay pathways contribute to diseases such as cancer and autoimmunity. We use mammalian cells and

  13. Cancer Biotechnology | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Biotechnology advances continue to underscore the need to educate NCI fellows in new methodologies. The Cancer Biotechnology course will be held on the NCI-Frederick campus on January 29, 2016 (Bldg. 549, Main Auditorium) and the course will be repeated on the Bethesda campus on February 9, 2016 (Natcher Balcony C). The latest advances in DNA, protein and image analysis will be presented. Clinical and postdoctoral fellows who want to learn about new biotechnology advances are encouraged to attend this course.

  14. Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy in the Treatment of Oropharyngeal Cancer: An Update of the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center Experience

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Setton, Jeremy; Caria, Nicola; Romanyshyn, Jonathan

    2012-01-01

    Purpose: To update the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center's experience with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) in the treatment of oropharyngeal cancer (OPC). Methods and Materials: Between September 1998 and April 2009, 442 patients with histologically confirmed OPC underwent IMRT at our center. There were 379 men and 63 women with a median age of 57 years (range, 27-91). The disease was Stage I in 2%, Stage II in 4%, Stage III in 21%, and Stage IV in 73% of patients. The primary tumor subsite was tonsil in 50%, base of tongue in 46%, pharyngeal wall in 3%, and soft palate in 2%.more » The median prescription dose to the planning target volume of the gross tumor was 70 Gy for definitive (n = 412) cases and 66 Gy for postoperative cases (n = 30). A total 404 patients (91%) received chemotherapy, including 389 (88%) who received concurrent chemotherapy, the majority of which was platinum-based. Results: Median follow-up among surviving patients was 36.8 months (range, 3-135). The 3-year cumulative incidence of local failure, regional failure, and distant metastasis was 5.4%, 5.6%, and 12.5%, respectively. The 3-year OS rate was 84.9%. The incidence of late dysphagia and late xerostomia {>=}Grade 2 was 11% and 29%, respectively. Conclusions: Our results confirm the feasibility of IMRT in achieving excellent locoregional control and low rates of xerostomia. According to our knowledge, this study is the largest report of patients treated with IMRT for OPC.« less

  15. Clinical research participation among adolescent and young adults at an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center and affiliated pediatric hospital.

    PubMed

    Sanford, Stacy D; Beaumont, Jennifer L; Snyder, Mallory A; Reichek, Jennifer; Salsman, John M

    2017-05-01

    Minimal clinical trial participation among adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer limits scientific progress and ultimately their clinical care and outcomes. These analyses examine the current state of AYA clinical research participation at a Midwestern comprehensive cancer center and affiliated pediatric hospital to advise program development and increase availability of trials and AYA participation. Enrollment is examined across all diagnoses, the entire AYA age spectrum (15-39), and both cancer therapeutic and supportive care protocols. his study was a retrospective review of electronic medical records via existing databases and registries for all AYAs. Data were collected for AYAs seen by an oncologist at the adult outpatient cancer center or at the pediatric hospital between the years 2010 and 2014. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were conducted to characterize this sample. In the pediatric setting, 42.3% of AYAs were enrolled in a study compared to 11.2% in the adult setting. Regression analyses in the pediatric setting revealed that AYAs with private insurance or Caucasian race were more likely to participate. Within the adult setting, ethnicity, race, insurance, and diagnosis were associated with study participation; 54.8% of study enrollments were for cancer therapeutic and 43.4% for supportive care studies. These results are comparable to previously published data and support the need for new local and national AYA initiatives to increase the availability of and enrollment in therapeutic clinical trials. The same is true for supportive care studies which play a crucial role in improving quality of life.

  16. A POX on Renal Cancer Cells | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Proline oxidase, or POX, is an enzyme responsible for metabolizing the amino acid proline. POX contributes to the regulation of cell death that occurs when cellular systems malfunction, a process called apoptosis. Previous studies have determined that levels of POX are reduced in several types of human cancer. Likewise, many cancer cells become resistant to apoptosis,

  17. The LOX Invasion: Stopping the Spread of Breast Cancer | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Metastasis is the primary cause of death in breast cancer patients. In 10% of breast cancer diagnoses, the cancer has already spread to distant organs in the body. Although breast cancer has the potential to spread to almost any region of the body, the most common is the bone, followed by the lung and liver. Understanding the mechanisms for breast cancer invasion and

  18. Colorectal cancer screening at US community health centers: Examination of sociodemographic disparities and association with patient-provider communication.

    PubMed

    Lin, Sue C; McKinley, Duane; Sripipatana, Alek; Makaroff, Laura

    2017-11-01

    Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates are low among underserved populations. High-quality patient-physician communication potentially influences patients' willingness to undergo CRC screening. Community health centers (HCs) provide comprehensive primary health care to underserved populations. This study's objectives were to ascertain national CRC screening rates and to explore the relations between sociodemographic characteristics and patient-provider communication on the receipt of CRC screening among HC patients. Using 2014 Health Center Patient Survey data, bivariate and multivariate analyses examined the association of sociodemographic variables (sex, race/ethnicity, age, geography, preferred language, household income, insurance, and employment status) and patient-provider communication with the receipt of CRC screening. Patients between the ages of 65 and 75 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.49; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.33-4.64) and patients not in the labor force (aOR, 2.32; 95% CI, 1.37-3.94) had higher odds of receiving CRC screening, whereas patients who were uninsured (aOR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.18-0.61) and patients who were non-English-speaking (aOR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.18-0.99) had lower odds. Patient-provider communication was not associated with the receipt of CRC screening. The CRC screening rate for HC patients was 57.9%, whereas the rate was 65.1% according to the 2012 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System and 58.2% according to the 2013 National Health Interview Survey. The high ratings of patient-provider communication, regardless of the screening status, suggest strides toward a patient-centered medical home practice transformation that will assist in a positive patient experience. Addressing the lack of insurance, making culturally and linguistically appropriate patient education materials available, and training clinicians and care teams in cultural competency are critical for increasing future CRC screening rates. Cancer 2017

  19. NCI Alliance for Nanotechnology in Cancer

    Cancer.gov

    The NCI Alliance for Nanotechnology in Cancer funds the Cancer Nanotechnology Training Centers collectively with the NCI Cancer Training Center. Find out about the funded Centers, to date, that train our next generation of scientists in the field of Canc

  20. Effect of a Patient-Centered Communication Intervention on Oncologist-Patient Communication, Quality of Life, and Health Care Utilization in Advanced Cancer

    PubMed Central

    Epstein, Ronald M.; Duberstein, Paul R.; Fenton, Joshua J.; Fiscella, Kevin; Hoerger, Michael; Tancredi, Daniel J.; Xing, Guibo; Gramling, Robert; Mohile, Supriya; Franks, Peter; Kaesberg, Paul; Plumb, Sandy; Cipri, Camille S.; Street, Richard L.; Shields, Cleveland G.; Back, Anthony L.; Butow, Phyllis; Walczak, Adam; Tattersall, Martin; Venuti, Alison; Sullivan, Peter; Robinson, Mark; Hoh, Beth; Lewis, Linda; Kravitz, Richard L.

    2018-01-01

    IMPORTANCE Observational studies demonstrate links between patient-centered communication, quality of life (QOL), and aggressive treatments in advanced cancer, yet few randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of communication interventions have been reported. OBJECTIVE To determine whether a combined intervention involving oncologists, patients with advanced cancer, and caregivers would promote patient-centered communication, and to estimate intervention effects on shared understanding, patient-physician relationships, QOL, and aggressive treatments in the last 30 days of life. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Cluster RCT at community- and hospital-based cancer clinics in Western New York and Northern California; 38 medical oncologists (mean age 44.6 years; 11 (29%) female) and 265 community-dwelling adult patients with advanced nonhematologic cancer participated (mean age, 64.4 years, 146 [55.0%] female, 235 [89%] white; enrolled August 2012 to June 2014; followed for 3 years); 194 patients had participating caregivers. INTERVENTIONS Oncologists received individualized communication training using standardized patient instructors while patients received question prompt lists and individualized communication coaching to identify issues to address during an upcoming oncologist visit. Both interventions focused on engaging patients in consultations, responding to emotions, informing patients about prognosis and treatment choices, and balanced framing of information. Control participants received no training. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The prespecified primary outcome was a composite measure of patient-centered communication coded from audio recordings of the first oncologist visit following patient coaching (intervention group) or enrollment (control). Secondary outcomes included the patient-physician relationship, shared understanding of prognosis, QOL, and aggressive treatments and hospice use in the last 30 days of life. RESULTS Data from 38 oncologists (19 randomized

  1. Large Population-Based Study Reveals Disparities in Myeloma Precursor Disease | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Multiple myeloma (MM) is a cancer of plasma cells, which are antibody-producing white blood cells. Patients with MM have a characteristic excess of monoclonal antibodies, so called M proteins, in their serum, urine, or both and plasma cell infiltration into their bone marrow at multiple sites. African Americans are more than twice as likely as whites to develop MM, but the reason for this higher prevalence is not entirely clear. Since MM is nearly always preceded by the premalignant condition monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), Ola Landgren, M.D., Ph.D., a Senior Investigator in CCR’s Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, and colleagues from NCI’s Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, the Mayo Clinic, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), wanted to determine whether there were also disparities in MGUS prevalence or in biomarkers associated with a high risk of MGUS progression to MM.

  2. Tenure Track Investigator | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    This position, which is supported with stable financial resources, is the equivalent of Assistant Professor/Associate Professor in an academic department. The Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Oncology Branch (TGIB) is looking for a candidate who will complement our current group of principal investigators focused on thoracic and gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. The candidate is expected to develop a translational research program focused on GI cancers. As such, the candidate will conduct both laboratory-based investigations, as well as develop a clinical program related to work being conducted in his or her laboratory. We encourage outstanding physician scientists investigating any area of GI research to apply. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to, hepatobiliary and colon rectal cancer, and development of novel therapeutics. Candidates may be eligible to join the NCI Liver Cancer Program.

  3. The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Proton Therapy Facility

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Smith, Alfred; Newhauser, Wayne; Latinkic, Mitchell; Hay, Amy; McMaken, Bruce; Styles, John; Cox, James

    2003-08-01

    The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC), in partnership with Sanders Morris Harris Inc., a Texas-based investment banking firm, and The Styles Company, a developer and manager of hospitals and healthcare facilities, is building a proton therapy facility near the MDACC main complex at the Texas Medical Center in Houston, Texas USA. The MDACC Proton Therapy Center will be a freestanding, investor-owned radiation oncology center offering state-of-the-art proton beam therapy. The facility will have four treatment rooms: three rooms will have rotating, isocentric gantries and the fourth treatment room will have capabilities for both large and small field (e.g. ocular melanoma) treatments using horizontal beam lines. There will be an additional horizontal beam room dedicated to physics research and development, radiation biology research, and outside users who wish to conduct experiments using proton beams. The first two gantries will each be initially equipped with a passive scattering nozzle while the third gantry will have a magnetically swept pencil beam scanning nozzle. The latter will include enhancements to the treatment control system that will allow for the delivery of proton intensity modulation treatments. The proton accelerator will be a 250 MeV zero-gradient synchrotron with a slow extraction system. The facility is expected to open for patient treatments in the autumn of 2005. It is anticipated that 675 patients will be treated during the first full year of operation, while full capacity, reached in the fifth year of operation, will be approximately 3,400 patients per year. Treatments will be given up to 2-shifts per day and 6 days per week.

  4. The outcomes of esophageal and gastric cancer treatments in a retrospective study, single center experience.

    PubMed

    Alimoghaddam, Kamran; Jalali, Arash; Aliabadi, Leyla Sharifi; Ghaffari, Fatemeh; Maheri, Roghieh; Eini, Ezzat; Mashhadireza, Maryam; Mousavi, Seied Asadollah; Bahar, Babak; Jahani, Mohammad; Ghavamzadeh, Ardeshir

    2014-01-01

    Esophageal and gastric cancers are among the most common cancers in Iran. Usually survival of these cases is poor despite of treatment. Here we studied outcome of these cases in our center to have an estimation of general prognosis of patients. In this retrospective study, we reviewed the data of patient's files before treatment, including cancer stage at diagnosis, types of treatments and outcomes. We studied 368 patients treated between 1995 and 2011. The study included 368 patients (248 [67.4%] males and 120 [32.6%] females) with a median age of 58 (range: 23 - 94). Sixty nine patients (18.8%) had esophageal cancer with a median age of 58.5 years (range: 33 - 84), and 47.8% (33/69) of whom were male. Sixty five (17.7%) were reported to have gastro-esophageal junction (GEJ) with a median age of 62.0 (range: 32 - 94), among them 72.3% (47/65) of whom were male and finally Two hundred thirty four (63.6%) had gastric cancer with a median age of 57.0 (range: 23 - 82), which 71.8% (168/234) of whom were male. The Median follow-up was 10 months. The majority of patients were diagnosed at an advanced stage of disease. Stage III or IV was observed in 65.0% (39/60) of patients with esophageal cancer, 75.0% (33/44) with GEJ cancer and 65.4% (121/185) with gastric cancer. In this study, 58% of patients with esophageal cancer, 50.8% with GEJ and gastric cancers had unresectable disease or metastases at presentation. One-year EFS was 51.8% (95% CI: 39.8 - 67.3%), 32.8% (95% CI: 22.1 - 48.7%), and 56.7% (95% CI: 50.1 - 64.3%) in patients with esophageal, GEJ and gastric cancers, respectively (p = 0.002). The 1-year OS was 54.5% (95% CI: 42.6 - 69.8%), 39.5% (95 CI: 28.1 - 55.5%), and 68.2% (95% CI: 61.8 - 75.3%), respectively (p < 0.001). Cancers of the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract contribute to the high mortality and morbidity rates because they are more likely to be diagnosed at late or advanced stages of disease. Cancer of the GEJ has a poor prognosis compared to

  5. Paul Carlson | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Paul Carlson, Ph.D. March 28 Principal Investigator Laboratory of Mucosal Pathogens and Cellular Immunology Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER), FDA Topic:  "Research and Regulation of novel biologic products at the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research"

  6. Factors affecting satisfaction with cancer information provided through the social networking services of the National Cancer Information Center in Korea.

    PubMed

    Kye, Su Yeon; Lee, Min Hee; Yoo, Jisu; Oh, Kyung Hee; Jun, Jae Kwan

    2017-01-01

    This study aimed to identify the characteristics of social networking service (SNS) users and to assess the relationship of those factors to user satisfaction with the SNSs of the National Cancer Information Center (NCIC) in South Korea. A Web-based survey was completed by 1,670 users of the NCIC SNSs, who provided data on the sources they consulted for information about cancer, determinants of SNS use, sources of NCIC SNS awareness, the time of day they used the SNS, and their satisfaction level. Facebook users mainly became aware of the NCIC SNSs through an acquaintance's recommendation, while Twitter was accessed through other SNSs or blogs. Users in their 30s were less satisfied with the NCIC SNSs than those in their teens and 20s. Browsing for cancer-related information on the Internet, prioritizing information quality, and engaging in active use were related to a high level of satisfaction with the NCIC SNSs. Individuals who were exposed to the NCIC SNSs through other SNSs or printed materials were less satisfied with their experience of the NCIC SNSs than those who received a recommendation from an acquaintance. These findings may act as a catalyst to guide public health agencies to enhance their use of SNSs.

  7. Factors affecting satisfaction with cancer information provided through the social networking services of the National Cancer Information Center in Korea

    PubMed Central

    2017-01-01

    OBJECTIVES This study aimed to identify the characteristics of social networking service (SNS) users and to assess the relationship of those factors to user satisfaction with the SNSs of the National Cancer Information Center (NCIC) in South Korea. METHODS A Web-based survey was completed by 1,670 users of the NCIC SNSs, who provided data on the sources they consulted for information about cancer, determinants of SNS use, sources of NCIC SNS awareness, the time of day they used the SNS, and their satisfaction level. RESULTS Facebook users mainly became aware of the NCIC SNSs through an acquaintance’s recommendation, while Twitter was accessed through other SNSs or blogs. Users in their 30s were less satisfied with the NCIC SNSs than those in their teens and 20s. Browsing for cancer-related information on the Internet, prioritizing information quality, and engaging in active use were related to a high level of satisfaction with the NCIC SNSs. Individuals who were exposed to the NCIC SNSs through other SNSs or printed materials were less satisfied with their experience of the NCIC SNSs than those who received a recommendation from an acquaintance. CONCLUSIONS These findings may act as a catalyst to guide public health agencies to enhance their use of SNSs. PMID:29228522

  8. 77 FR 62167 - World Trade Center Health Program; Addition of Certain Types of Cancer to the List of WTC-Related...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-10-12

    ... DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES 42 CFR Part 88 [Docket No. CDC-2012-0007; NIOSH-257] RIN 0920-AA49 World Trade Center Health Program; Addition of Certain Types of Cancer to the List of WTC...

  9. Combination Therapy Improves Survival in Prostate Cancer Model | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Surgery and radiotherapy are the recommended treatments for localized prostate cancer. Recurrent prostate cancer, however, is often treated with androgen-deprivation therapy. Most patients who undergo this type of therapy eventually develop castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Though initially androgen-related therapies for CRPC had been thought to be ineffective,

  10. Professional Quality of Life among Professional Care Providers at Cancer Palliative Care Centers in Bengaluru, India.

    PubMed

    Kaur, Amanpreet; Sharma, Mahendra P; Chaturvedi, Santosh K

    2018-01-01

    Being a professional care provider at cancer palliative care settings is demanding and stressful. Literature has indicated the prevalence of high burnout (BO) and distress; however, there is a dearth of studies in India, with no study available on professional quality of life in the field of palliative care. The aim of the present study was to explore the professional quality of life, namely-compassion satisfaction [CS], burnout [BO], and secondary traumatic stress [STS] among professional care providers at cancer palliative care centers. A cross-sectional, descriptive, and quantitative study was carried out at four cancer palliative care centers in Bengaluru after the permissions and ethical approvals. The tools used were brief sociodemographic datasheet and professional quality of life (ProQoL)-Version 5 administered with 65 participants (mean age = 32.5 and standard deviation = 11.78) with work experience of at least 6 months. A descriptive, correlational, and inferential analysis of the quantitative data was undertaken. The results revealed that an average level of CS and BO was reported by 32 (49.2%) and 35 (53.8%) study participants, respectively, while 62 (95.4%) participants reported higher STS on ProQoL scale-Version 5. Significant differences in levels of CS, BO, and STS were found based on additional training taken in palliative care ( P = 0.01), designation type ( P < 0.001), and workplace type ( P = 0.01). The overall results strongly suggest that a short intervention targeting STS and BO can help the study population and further enhance their CS and patient care.

  11. The LOX Invasion: Stopping the Spread of Breast Cancer | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Metastasis is the primary cause of death in breast cancer patients. In 10% of breast cancer diagnoses, the cancer has already spread to distant organs in the body. Although breast cancer has the potential to spread to almost any region of the body, the most common is the bone, followed by the lung and liver. Understanding the mechanisms for breast cancer invasion and metastasis is therefore vital for designing new therapies to prevent the spread of the disease.

  12. Suicidality and its associated factors in cancer patients: results of a multi-center study in Korea.

    PubMed

    Shim, Eun-Jung; Park, Jae-Hyun

    2012-01-01

    The current study examined the prevalence and associated factors of suicidality among Korean cancer patients. Moreover, the association of multiple psychological morbidities with suicidality was investigated among cancer patients. A cross-sectional, multi-center survey of 400 cancer patients was administered in five cancer-treatment hospitals throughout South Korea. Study variables were assessed using standardized measures including the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview suicidality module, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Impact of Event Scale-Revised. 20.1% (80/399) of patients were positive cases of suicidality. Having no religion (p = .010), poor performance status (p = .000), and psychological comorbidity (p = .021) were significantly associated with the experience of suicidality in the multivariate analysis. Compared to "fully active" patients, patients who were capable of self-care but unable to perform any work activities had about a six times higher risk of suicidality (p = .000). Compared to patients with no psychological morbidity, the risk of suicidality was significantly higher among patients with comorbid anxiety and depression (p = .024), those experiencing comorbid depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (p = 0.051), and those experiencing comorbid anxiety, depression and PTSD (p = .001). This study found that having no religion, impaired levels of overall functioning, and "multiple psychological morbidities" were associated with suicidality in Korean cancer patients. These findings suggest a need for careful monitoring of these factors and enhanced comprehensive care addressing both the physical and psychosocial functioning of patients with cancer in suicide prevention efforts.

  13. Surgical outcomes of robot-assisted rectal cancer surgery using the da Vinci Surgical System: a multi-center pilot Phase II study.

    PubMed

    Tsukamoto, Shunsuke; Nishizawa, Yuji; Ochiai, Hiroki; Tsukada, Yuichiro; Sasaki, Takeshi; Shida, Dai; Ito, Masaaki; Kanemitsu, Yukihide

    2017-12-01

    We conducted a multi-center pilot Phase II study to examine the safety of robotic rectal cancer surgery performed using the da Vinci Surgical System during the introduction period of robotic rectal surgery at two institutes based on surgical outcomes. This study was conducted with a prospective, multi-center, single-arm, open-label design to assess the safety and feasibility of robotic surgery for rectal cancer (da Vinci Surgical System). The primary endpoint was the rate of adverse events during and after robotic surgery. The secondary endpoint was the completion rate of robotic surgery. Between April 2014 and July 2016, 50 patients were enrolled in this study. Of these, 10 (20%) had rectosigmoid cancer, 17 (34%) had upper rectal cancer, and 23 (46%) had lower rectal cancer; six underwent high anterior resection, 32 underwent low anterior resection, 11 underwent intersphincteric resection, and one underwent abdominoperineal resection. Pathological stages were Stage 0 in 1 patient, Stage I in 28 patients, Stage II in 7 patients and Stage III in 14 patients. Pathologically complete resection was achieved in all patients. There was no intraoperative organ damage or postoperative mortality. Eight (16%) patients developed complications of all grades, of which 2 (4%) were Grade 3 or higher, including anastomotic leakage (2%) and conversion to open surgery (2%). The present study demonstrates the feasibility and safety of robotic rectal cancer surgery, as reflected by low morbidity and low conversion rates, during the introduction period. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com

  14. Helping cancer patients across the care continuum: the navigation program at the Queen's Medical Center.

    PubMed

    Allison, Amanda L; Ishihara-Wong, Debra D M; Domingo, Jermy B; Nishioka, Jocelyn; Wilburn, Andrea; Tsark, JoAnn U; Braun, Kathryn L

    2013-04-01

    Research suggests that cancer patient navigation improves care, but few reports describe the variety of patients managed by a hospital-based navigation program. Differences in navigated patients by the intensity (low, medium, or high) of navigation services they received were examined. The 835 clients seen by the navigators in a hospital-based cancer center were first stratified by quarter and by four ethnic groups. Randomized selection from each group assured there would be equal representation for analysis of Hawaiians, Filipinos, Japanese, and Whites and even numbers over all time intervals. Five professionals extracted data from these case records on demographics, type/stage of cancer, diagnosis and treatment dates, barriers, and navigator actions. Clients had breast (30.0%), lung (15.8%), esophageal (6.7%), colon (5.8%), ovarian (4.2%), prostate (3.3%), and other cancers (34.2%). The median number of actions taken on behalf of a client was 4 (range 1-83), and the median number of days a case was open was 14 (range 1-216). High intensity cases (those receiving more assistance over longer periods of time) were more likely than low-intensity cases to need help with education and reassurance, transportation, care coordination, and covering costs. Although there were no demographic differences across intensity groups, Neighbor Island patients from Hawai'i, Maui, Moloka'i, Lana'i and Kaua'i were more likely to need help with arranging travel, care coordination, and costs associated with getting treatment (all at P=.05), and patients on public insurance were more likely to have stage 4 cancer (P=.001) and to need help with costs (P=.006). Findings suggest that this hospital-based navigation program is filling a real need of patients across the cancer care continuum. A triage protocol and an integrated data capture system could help improve the targeting and documentation of cancer patient navigation services.

  15. Primary Care Provider Practices and Perceptions Regarding HPV Vaccination and Anal Cancer Screening at a Boston Community Health Center.

    PubMed

    Apaydin, Kaan Z; Fontenot, Holly B; Shtasel, Derri L; Mayer, Kenneth H; Keuroghlian, Alex S

    2018-02-26

    Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and anal cancer screening are valuable, yet underutilized, tools in prevention of HPV-related cancers among sexual and gender minority (SGM) populations. The aim of this study was to characterize primary care providers' (PCPs) practices and perceptions pertaining to HPV vaccination and anal cancer screening. A survey assessing self-reported practice characteristics related to HPV vaccination and anal cancer screening, as well as perceived barriers to vaccination and anal cancer screening at the patient-, provider-, and system-level was distributed to PCPs at a Federally-Qualified Health Center that specializes in care for SGM populations in the greater Boston area. A total of 33 PCPs completed the survey. All PCPs strongly recommended HPV vaccination to their patients by emphasizing that the vaccine is extremely important or very important. Most PCPs told their patients that the HPV vaccine prevents cervical cancer (96.9%), anal cancer (96.9%), oropharyngeal cancer (72.7%), penile cancer (57.5%), and genital warts (63.6%). There is substantial variability among providers regarding recommendations for anal cancer screening and follow-up. Most PCPs perceived that patient-level factors such as poverty, mental illness, and substance use disorders were barriers to HPV vaccination and anal cancer screening. Systems-level barriers such as lack of clinical time with each patient and lack of staffing were also described as barriers to vaccination and screening. Patient-, provider- and systems-level improvements are important to increase HPV vaccination and anal cancer screening rates.

  16. 2017 Technology Showcase | NCI Technology Transfer Center | TTC

    Cancer.gov

    The 2017 Technology Showcase is an inaugural, half-day event showcased technologies developed by the National Cancer Institute's Center for Cancer Research (CCR) and the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research (FNLCR).

  17. Comparison of Clinicopathological Characteristics in the Patients with Cardiac Cancer with or without Esophagogastric Junctional Invasion: A Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study

    PubMed Central

    Ito, Hiroaki; Inoue, Haruhiro; Odaka, Noriko; Satodate, Hitoshi; Suzuki, Michitaka; Mukai, Shumpei; Takehara, Yusuke; Omoto, Tomokatsu; Kudo, Shin-ei

    2013-01-01

    Background. This study addresses clinicopathological differences between patients with gastric cardia and subcardial cancer with and without esophagogastric junctional invasion. Methods. We performed a single-center, retrospective cohort study. We studied patients who underwent curative surgery for gastric cardia and subcardial cancers. Tumors centered in the proximal 5 cm of the stomach were classed into two types, according to whether they did (Ge) or did not (G) invade the esophagogastric junction. Results. A total of 80 patients were studied; 19 (73.1%) of 26 Ge tumors and 16 (29.6%) of 54 G tumors had lymph nodes metastases. Incidence of nodal metastasis in pT1 tumors was significantly higher in the Ge tumor group. No nodal metastasis in cervical lymph nodes was recognized. Only two patients with Ge tumors had mediastinal lymph node metastases. Incidence of perigastric lymph node metastasis was significantly higher in those with Ge tumors. Ge tumors tended to be staged as progressive disease using the esophageal cancer staging manual rather than the gastric cancer staging manual. Conclusion. Because there are some differences in clinicopathological characteristics, it is thought to be adequate to distinguish type Ge from type G tumor. PMID:23365732

  18. Dana-Farber Cancer Institute: Identification of Therapeutic Targets Across Cancer Types | Office of Cancer Genomics

    Cancer.gov

    The Dana Farber Cancer Institute CTD2 Center focuses on the use of high-throughput genetic and bioinformatic approaches to identify and credential oncogenes and co-dependencies in cancers. This Center aims to provide the cancer research community with information that will facilitate the prioritization of targets based on both genomic and functional evidence, inform the most appropriate genetic context for downstream mechanistic and validation studies, and enable the translation of this information into therapeutics and diagnostics.

  19. Novel Antibody Targets Glypican-3 in Liver Cancer | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    New treatments for patients with liver cancer, the third most common cause of cancer-related death, are desperately needed. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer, and HCC tumors are particularly insensitive to chemotherapy. Surgery is the standard treatment for HCCs caught early, but only about a third of cases are identified at this stage.

  20. Performance of Self-Report to Establish Cancer Diagnoses in Disaster Responders and Survivors, World Trade Center Health Registry, New York, 2001-2007.

    PubMed

    Li, Jiehui; Cone, James E; Alt, Abigail K; Wu, David R; Liff, Jonathan M; Farfel, Mark R; Stellman, Steven D

    2016-01-01

    Large-scale disasters may disrupt health surveillance systems, depriving health officials and researchers of timely and accurate information needed to assess disaster-related health effects and leading to use of less reliable self-reports of health outcomes. In particular, ascertainment of cancer in a population is ordinarily obtained through linkage of self-reported data with regional cancer registries, but exclusive reliance on these sources following a disaster may result in lengthy delays or loss of critical data. To assess the impact of such reliance, we validated self-reported cancer in a cohort of 59,340 responders and survivors of the World Trade Center disaster against data from 11 state cancer registries (SCRs). We focused on residents of the 11 states with SCRs and on cancers diagnosed from September 11, 2001, to the date of their last survey participation. Medical records were also sought in a subset of 595 self-reported cancer patients who were not recorded in an SCR. Overall sensitivity and specificity of self-reported cancer were 83.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 81.9, 85.9) and 98.5% (95% CI 98.4, 98.6), respectively. Site-specific sensitivities were highest for pancreatic (90.9%) and testicular (82.4%) cancers and multiple myeloma (84.6%). Compared with enrollees with true-positive reports, enrollees with false-negative reports were more likely to be non-Hispanic black (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.8, 95% CI 1.2, 2.9) or Asian (aOR=2.2, 95% CI 1.2, 4.1). Among the 595 cases not recorded in an SCR, 13 of 62 (21%) cases confirmed through medical records were reportable to SCRs. Self-report of cancer had relatively high sensitivity among adults exposed to the World Trade Center disaster, suggesting that self-reports of other disaster-related conditions less amenable to external validation may also be reasonably valid.

  1. Foregut cancers get new attention at CCR | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    The newly formed NIH Foregut Team will focus on cancers of the esophagus, stomach, pancreas, liver, bile ducts and part of the small intestine. Although these tumors are not the most common types of cancers, they are among the deadliest. Learn more...

  2. Modulating Cancer Risk: The Gut Takes Control | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Cancer risk is influenced by a number of factors, including exposure to chemicals in food and drugs and other molecules in the environment. Some of these chemicals may increase risk of developing cancer, while others, including many chemicals in vegetables, may confer protection.

  3. Work Experiences of Patients Receiving Palliative Care at a Comprehensive Cancer Center: Exploratory Analysis.

    PubMed

    Glare, Paul A; Nikolova, Tanya; Alickaj, Alberta; Patil, Sujata; Blinder, Victoria

    2017-07-01

    Employment-related issues have been largely overlooked in cancer patients needing palliative care. These issues may become more relevant as cancer evolves into more of a chronic illness and palliative care is provided independent of stage or prognosis. To characterize the employment situations of working-age palliative care patients. Cross-sectional survey setting/subjects: Consecutive sample of 112 patients followed in palliative care outpatient clinics at a comprehensive cancer center. Thirty-seven-item self-report questionnaire covering demographics, clinical status, and work experiences since diagnosis. The commonest cancer diagnoses were breast, colorectal, gynecological, and lung. Eighty-one percent had active disease. Seventy-four percent were on treatment. Eighty percent recalled being employed at the time of diagnosis, with 65% working full time. At the time of the survey, 44% were employed and 26% were working full time. Most participants said work was important, made them feel normal, and helped them feel they were "beating the cancer". Factors associated with being employed included male gender, self-employed, and taking less than three months off work. Respondents with pain and/or other symptoms were significantly less likely to be working. On multivariate analysis, only pain (odds ratio [OR] 8.16, p < 0.001) and other physical symptoms (OR 5.90, p = 0.012) predicted work status; gender (OR 2.07), self-employed (OR 3.07), and current chemotherapy (OR 1.81) were included in the model, but were not statistically significant in this small sample. Work may be an important issue for some palliative care patients. Additional research is needed to facilitate ongoing employment for those who wish or need to continue working.

  4. Characteristics of Effective Colorectal Cancer Screening Navigation Programs in Federally Qualified Health Centers: a Systematic Review

    PubMed Central

    Domingo, Jermy-Leigh B.; Braun, Kathryn L.

    2017-01-01

    In the U.S., colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality have declined due to screening and improvements in early detection; however, racial/ethnic disparities in screening and mortality persist. Patient navigation has been shown to be effective in increasing CRC screening prevalence. This systematic review answered three questions about navigation in federally qualified community health centers (FQHCs): 1) Which navigation activities increased CRC screening prevalence? 2) What were the challenges to implementing these programs in FQHCs? 3) Which clinic protocols supported screening completion? Findings suggest that navigation services must be tailored to the specific screening test provided. Federally qualified community health centers report difficulty maintaining a current electronic medical records system and sustaining funding; they should establish excellent patient tracking systems (for follow-up and annual rescreening) and establish multiple protocols to facilitate screening completion. With the movement toward patient-centered care models, patient navigation will be integral to FQHCs and their clients. PMID:28238992

  5. Focusing on function to mine cancer genome data | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    CCR scientists have devised a strategy to sift through the tens of thousands of mutations in cancer genome data to find mutations that actually drive the disease. They have used the method to discover that the JNK signaling pathway, which in different contexts can either spur cancerous growth or rein it in, acts as a tumor suppressor in gastric cancers

  6. Bridging the digital divide by increasing computer and cancer literacy: community technology centers for head-start parents and families.

    PubMed

    Salovey, Peter; Williams-Piehota, Pamela; Mowad, Linda; Moret, Marta Elisa; Edlund, Denielle; Andersen, Judith

    2009-01-01

    This article describes the establishment of two community technology centers affiliated with Head Start early childhood education programs focused especially on Latino and African American parents of children enrolled in Head Start. A 6-hour course concerned with computer and cancer literacy was presented to 120 parents and other community residents who earned a free, refurbished, Internet-ready computer after completing the program. Focus groups provided the basis for designing the structure and content of the course and modifying it during the project period. An outcomes-based assessment comparing program participants with 70 nonparticipants at baseline, immediately after the course ended, and 3 months later suggested that the program increased knowledge about computers and their use, knowledge about cancer and its prevention, and computer use including health information-seeking via the Internet. The creation of community computer technology centers requires the availability of secure space, capacity of a community partner to oversee project implementation, and resources of this partner to ensure sustainability beyond core funding.

  7. Going the Extra Mile: Improved Survival for Pancreatic Cancer Patients Traveling to High-volume Centers.

    PubMed

    Lidsky, Michael E; Sun, Zhifei; Nussbaum, Daniel P; Adam, Mohamed A; Speicher, Paul J; Blazer, Dan G

    2017-08-01

    This study compares outcomes following pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for patients treated at local, low-volume centers and those traveling to high-volume centers. Although outcomes for PD are superior at high-volume institutions, not all patients live in proximity to major medical centers. Theoretical advantages for undergoing surgery locally exist. The 1998 to 2012 National Cancer Data Base was queried for T1-3N0-1M0 pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients who underwent PD. Travel distances to treatment centers were calculated. Overlaying the upper and lower quartiles of travel distance with institutional volume established short travel/low-volume (ST/LV) and long travel/high-volume (LT/HV) cohorts. Overall survival was evaluated. Of 7086 patients, 773 ST/LV patients traveled ≤6.3 (median 3.2) miles to centers performing ≤3.3 PDs yearly, and 758 LT/HV patients traveled ≥45 (median 97.3) miles to centers performing ≥16 PDs yearly. LT/HV patients had higher stage disease (P < 0.001), but lower margin positivity (20.5% vs 25.9%, P = 0.01) and improved lymphadenectomy (16 vs 11 nodes, P < 0.01). Moreover, LT/HV patients had shorter hospitalizations (9 vs 12 days, P < 0.01) and lower 30-day mortality (2.0% vs 6.3%, P < 0.01) with similar 30-day readmission rates (10.1% vs 9.8%, P = 0.83). Despite more advanced disease, LT/HV patients had superior unadjusted survival (20.3 vs 15.7 months). After adjustment, travel to a high-volume center remained associated with reduced long-term mortality (hazard ratio 0.75, P < 0.01). Despite an increased travel burden, patients treated at high-volume centers had improved perioperative outcomes, short-term mortality, and overall survival. These data support ongoing efforts to centralize care for patients undergoing PD.

  8. Mutant HABP2 Causes Non-Medullary Thyroid Cancer | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that lies at the base of the throat in front of the windpipe. A member of the endocrine system, the thyroid secretes hormones to regulate heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, and metabolism. Cancer of the thyroid is the most common endocrine cancer and the eighth most common cancer in the U.S. An estimated 63,450 Americans will be

  9. The Role of Re-resection for Breast Cancer Liver Metastases-a Single Center Experience.

    PubMed

    BacalbaȘa, Nicolae; Balescu, Irina; Dima, Simona; Popescu, Irinel

    2015-12-01

    The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of hepatic re-resection for breast cancer liver metastases. Between January 2004 and December 2014 seven patients were submitted to liver re-resection for breast cancer liver metastases at our Center. The main inclusion criteria were presence of isolated liver metastases and absence of systemic recurrent disease Results: The median age at the time of breast surgery was 51 years (range=39-69 years). The first liver resection was performed after a median period of 34.7 months and consisted of minor hepatectomies in six and major hepatectomy in one patient. The second liver resection was performed after a median interval of 22 months from the first liver resection and consisted of major resection in one case and minor resection in the other six cases. Postoperative complications occurred in a single case after the first liver surgery and in two cases after the second hepatic resection, all cases being successfully managed conservatively. Overall postoperative mortality was 0. The median overall survival after the second liver resection was 28 months. Re-resection for breast cancer liver metastases can be safely performed and may bring survival benefit. Copyright© 2015 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved.

  10. Protocol Coordinator | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    PROGRAM DESCRIPTION Within the Leidos Biomedical Research Inc.’s Clinical Research Directorate, the Clinical Monitoring Research Program (CMRP) provides high-quality comprehensive and strategic operational support to the high-profile domestic and international clinical research initiatives of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Clinical Center (CC), National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Since its inception in 2001, CMRP’s ability to provide rapid responses, high-quality solutions, and to recruit and retain experts with a variety of backgrounds to meet the growing research portfolios of NCI, NIAID, CC, NHLBI, NIAMS, NCATS, NINDS, and NIMH has led to the considerable expansion of the program and its repertoire of support services. CMRP’s support services are strategically aligned with the program’s mission to provide comprehensive, dedicated support to assist National Institutes of Health researchers in providing the highest quality of clinical research in compliance with applicable regulations and guidelines, maintaining data integrity, and protecting human subjects. For the scientific advancement of clinical research, CMRP services include comprehensive clinical trials, regulatory, pharmacovigilance, protocol navigation and development, and programmatic and project management support for facilitating the conduct of 400+ Phase I, II, and III domestic and international trials on a yearly basis. These trials investigate the prevention, diagnosis, treatment of, and therapies for cancer, influenza, HIV, and other infectious diseases and viruses such as hepatitis C, tuberculosis, malaria, and Ebola virus; heart, lung, and blood

  11. Novel Antibody Targets Glypican-3 in Liver Cancer | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    New treatments for patients with liver cancer, the third most common cause of cancer-related death, are desperately needed. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer, and HCC tumors are particularly insensitive to chemotherapy. Surgery is the standard treatment for HCCs caught early, but only about a third of cases are identified at this stage. Antibody therapy offers a potential alternative for treating later-stage tumors.

  12. Professional Quality of Life among Professional Care Providers at Cancer Palliative Care Centers in Bengaluru, India

    PubMed Central

    Kaur, Amanpreet; Sharma, Mahendra P; Chaturvedi, Santosh K

    2018-01-01

    Context: Being a professional care provider at cancer palliative care settings is demanding and stressful. Literature has indicated the prevalence of high burnout (BO) and distress; however, there is a dearth of studies in India, with no study available on professional quality of life in the field of palliative care. Aims: The aim of the present study was to explore the professional quality of life, namely-compassion satisfaction [CS], burnout [BO], and secondary traumatic stress [STS] among professional care providers at cancer palliative care centers. Settings and Design: A cross-sectional, descriptive, and quantitative study was carried out at four cancer palliative care centers in Bengaluru after the permissions and ethical approvals. Subjects and Methods: The tools used were brief sociodemographic datasheet and professional quality of life (ProQoL)-Version 5 administered with 65 participants (mean age = 32.5 and standard deviation = 11.78) with work experience of at least 6 months. Analysis: A descriptive, correlational, and inferential analysis of the quantitative data was undertaken. Results: The results revealed that an average level of CS and BO was reported by 32 (49.2%) and 35 (53.8%) study participants, respectively, while 62 (95.4%) participants reported higher STS on ProQoL scale-Version 5. Significant differences in levels of CS, BO, and STS were found based on additional training taken in palliative care (P = 0.01), designation type (P < 0.001), and workplace type (P = 0.01). Conclusion: The overall results strongly suggest that a short intervention targeting STS and BO can help the study population and further enhance their CS and patient care. PMID:29736119

  13. Outcomes in Lung Cancer: 9-Year Experience From a Tertiary Cancer Center in India

    PubMed Central

    Murali, Aditya Navile; Ganesan, Trivadi S.; Rajendranath, Rejiv; Ganesan, Prasanth; Selvaluxmy, Ganesarajah; Swaminathan, Rajaraman; Sundersingh, Shirley; Krishnamurthy, Arvind; Sagar, Tenali Gnana

    2017-01-01

    Purpose Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer mortality in the world. There are limited studies on survival outcomes of lung cancer in developing countries such as India. This study analyzed the outcomes of patients with lung cancer who underwent treatment at Cancer Institute (WIA), Chennai, India, between 2006 and 2015 to determine survival outcomes and identify prognostic factors. Patients and Methods In all, 678 patients with lung cancer underwent treatment. Median age was 58 years, and 91% of patients had non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Testing for epidermal growth factor receptor mutation was performed in 132 of 347 patients and 61 (46%) were positive. Results Median progression-free survival was 6.9 months and overall survival (OS) was 7.6 months for patients with NSCLC. Median progression-free survival was 6 months and OS was 7.2 months for patients with small-cell lung cancer. On multivariable analysis, the factors found to be significantly associated with inferior OS in NSCLC included nonadenocarcinoma histology, performance status more than 2, and stage. In small-cell lung cancer, younger age and earlier stage at presentation showed significantly better survival. Conclusion Our study highlights the challenges faced in treating lung cancer in India. Although median survival in advanced-stage lung cancer is still poor, strategies such as personalized medicine and use of second-line and maintenance chemotherapy may significantly improve the survival in patients with advanced-stage lung cancer in developing countries. PMID:29094084

  14. Head and neck cancers associated with exposure to the September 11, 2001 World Trade Center terrorist attacks.

    PubMed

    Leeman, Jonathan E; McBride, Sean M; Spielsinger, Daniel; Sherman, Eric J; Wong, Richard; Riaz, Nadeem; Lee, Nancy Y; Tsai, Chiaojung Jillian

    2018-06-15

    Exposure at the World Trade Center (WTC) terrorist collapse site on September 11, 2001 has been associated with increased cancer risk, though observational studies have identified very few cases of head and neck cancer (HNC) in exposed individuals. Eighty seven patients were identified who presented to our institution with HNC diagnosed from 2002 to 2017 who reported WTC exposure. The annual number and proportion of WTC-exposed HNC patients has been steadily increasing since 2002, with most cancers developing >10 years following the event. Furthermore, WTC-exposed patients with human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive OPC experienced significantly inferior outcomes compared with non-WTC exposed patients with HPV+ OPC (disease free survival 80.1% vs. 65.6% at 4 years, p = 0.04). This single institution study cannot establish evidence of exposure-mediated causation but higher recurrence rates in the WTC-exposed HPV+ OPC population suggest a treatment refractory tumor biology and possible exposure synergism with HPV-mediated oncogenesis. © 2018 UICC.

  15. Breast Cancer Translational Research Center of Excellence

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2017-11-01

    treating breast diseases and breast cancer. This multidisciplinary model integrates prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment and continuing care...breast diseases and breast cancer. This approach integrates prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment and continuing care, incorporation of...mammography and clinical breast examination have a very poor accuracy in the young active duty force in determining which breast abnormalities

  16. Laboratory Animal Technician | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The Laboratory Animal Sciences Program (LASP) provides exceptional quality animal care and technical support services for animal research performed at the National Cancer Institute at the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research. LASP executes this mission by providing a broad spectrum of state-of-the-art technologies and services that are focused

  17. KSC01pp0760

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2001-04-06

    Center Director Roy Bridges (center) is congratulated by Spaceport Florida Authority Executive Director Ed Gormel (left) at the 12th annual Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award Dinner held at the KSC Visitor Complex’s Debus Conference Facility. At right is Rick Abramson, president of Delaware North Parks Services of Spaceport, Inc. Bridges was presented with the 2001 Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award honoring his progressive, visionary leadership and contributions to space technology and exploration. The Florida Committee of the National Space Club presented the award. The Debus Award was first given in 1980. Created to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to the American aerospace effort, the award is named for the KSC’s first Director, Dr. Kurt H. Debus

  18. Biomarkers Predict Prognosis of Esophageal Cancer Patients | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    New treatment strategies are needed to improve outcomes for patients with esophageal cancer. With five-year survival rates less than 25 percent, this is one of the deadliest forms of cancer. There are two main types of esophageal cancer—squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Esophageal adenocarcinoma is frequently preceded by Barrett’s esophagus, a chronic inflammatory

  19. Sunitinib Proves Beneficial in Metastatic Kidney Cancer | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Many researchers and clinicians consider targeted therapies, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors and antibody-based drugs, to be a great advance in the treatment of patients with cancer. Unlike older chemotherapy drugs, targeted therapies are designed to direct drugs specifically to cancer cells or to interfere with pathways essential to tumor growth with less toxicity to

  20. Dana-Farber Cancer Institute: Identification of Therapeutic Targets in KRAS Driven Lung Cancer | Office of Cancer Genomics

    Cancer.gov

    The CTD2 Center at Dana Farber Cancer Institute focuses on the use of high-throughput genetic and bioinformatic approaches to identify and credential oncogenes and co-dependencies in cancers. This Center aims to provide the cancer research community with information that will facilitate the prioritization of targets based on both genomic and functional evidence, inform the most appropriate genetic context for downstream mechanistic and validation studies, and enable the translation of this information into therapeutics and diagnostics.

  1. University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

    MedlinePlus

    ... Clinical Trials Cancer Genomics Laboratory Cancer Prevention and ... Shot is revolutionizing the conventional medical research approach to rapidly translate findings into patient treatment options ...

  2. Fasting glucose and risk of colorectal cancer in the Korean Multi-center Cancer Cohort.

    PubMed

    Park, Hyeree; Cho, Sooyoung; Woo, Hyeongtaek; Park, Sue K; Shin, Hai-Rim; Chang, Soung-Hoon; Yoo, Keun-Young; Shin, Aesun

    2017-01-01

    Previous cohort studies have demonstrated a positive association between diabetes mellitus (DM) and colorectal cancer (CRC). However, there are few comparisons between DM groups categorized by fasting glucose level. This study examined associations between diabetes as defined by fasting glucose level and self-reported history of DM and CRC risk among Korean adults. Data from the Korean Multi-center Cancer Cohort between 1993 and 2005 were analyzed. The study population comprised 14,570 participants aged 20 years or older. Participants were followed until December 31, 2012 (median follow-up: 11.9 years). Among participants with high fasting glucose (≥126mg/dL), the risk of developing CRC was significantly higher (HR: 1.51 [1.02-2.25]) than among participants with low fasting glucose (<126mg/dL). Risk was not significantly higher among participants with self-reported history of DM (HR: 1.34 [0.78-2.31]). When both fasting glucose and history of DM were considered together, the risk of CRC among participants with both high fasting glucose and history of DM was 54% (HR: 1.54 [0.97-2.43]), and the risk of CRC among participants with high fasting glucose and no history of DM was 50% (HR: 1.50 [0.73-3.05]). When the first 5 years of follow-up were excluded, among participants with high fasting glucose, the risk of developing CRC was significantly higher (HR: 1.61 [1.02-2.56]) than among participants with low fasting glucose. Risk of CRC was also significantly higher among participants with high fasting glucose and no history of DM (HR: 1.69 [1.01-2.84]). High fasting glucose and self-reported history of DM were associated with increased risk of CRC in this Korean population.

  3. KSC00pp0021

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2000-01-12

    One of a new series of U.S. Postage stamps, The 1980s, is unveiled at the KSC Visitors Complex. The stamp, shown here, is the Space Shuttle Columbia, first launched in April 1981. This collection of stamps is the ninth in the Post Office's "Celebrate the Century" commemorative series honoring the last 100 years of American history. Taking part in the "First Day of Issue Ceremony" were astronaut Richard Linnehan, U.S. Representative, 15th Congressional District, Dave Weldon, U.S. Postal Service District Manager Viki Brennan, Center Director Roy Bridges and President of the Visitor Complex Rick Abramson

  4. KSC-00pp0022

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2000-01-12

    A new series of U.S. Postage stamps, The 1980s, is unveiled at the KSC Visitors Complex. Taking part in the "First Day of Issue Ceremony" were astronaut Richard Linnehan, U.S. Representative, 15th Congressional District, Dave Weldon, U.S. Postal Service District Manager Viki Brennan, Center Director Roy Bridges and President of the Visitor Complex Rick Abramson. Among the stamps issued is one of Space Shuttle Columbia (upper left corner), first launched in April 1981. This collection of stamps is the ninth in the Post Office's "Celebrate the Century" commemorative series honoring the last 100 years of American history

  5. KSC00pp0010

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2000-01-12

    A new series of U.S. Postage stamps, The 1980s, is unveiled at the KSC Visitors Complex. Shown taking part in the "First Day of Issue Ceremony" are (left to right) astronaut Richard Linnehan, U.S. Representative, 15th Congressional District, Dave Weldon, U.S. Postal Service District Manager Viki Brennan, Center Director Roy Bridges and President of the Visitor Complex Rick Abramson. Among the stamps issued is one of Space Shuttle Columbia, first launched in April 1981. This collection of stamps is the ninth in the Post Office's "Celebrate the Century" commemorative series honoring the last 100 years of American history

  6. KSC-00pp0010

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2000-01-12

    A new series of U.S. Postage stamps, The 1980s, is unveiled at the KSC Visitors Complex. Shown taking part in the "First Day of Issue Ceremony" are (left to right) astronaut Richard Linnehan, U.S. Representative, 15th Congressional District, Dave Weldon, U.S. Postal Service District Manager Viki Brennan, Center Director Roy Bridges and President of the Visitor Complex Rick Abramson. Among the stamps issued is one of Space Shuttle Columbia, first launched in April 1981. This collection of stamps is the ninth in the Post Office's "Celebrate the Century" commemorative series honoring the last 100 years of American history

  7. KSC00pp0022

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2000-01-12

    A new series of U.S. Postage stamps, The 1980s, is unveiled at the KSC Visitors Complex. Taking part in the "First Day of Issue Ceremony" were astronaut Richard Linnehan, U.S. Representative, 15th Congressional District, Dave Weldon, U.S. Postal Service District Manager Viki Brennan, Center Director Roy Bridges and President of the Visitor Complex Rick Abramson. Among the stamps issued is one of Space Shuttle Columbia (upper left corner), first launched in April 1981. This collection of stamps is the ninth in the Post Office's "Celebrate the Century" commemorative series honoring the last 100 years of American history

  8. KSC-00pp0021

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2000-01-12

    One of a new series of U.S. Postage stamps, The 1980s, is unveiled at the KSC Visitors Complex. The stamp, shown here, is the Space Shuttle Columbia, first launched in April 1981. This collection of stamps is the ninth in the Post Office's "Celebrate the Century" commemorative series honoring the last 100 years of American history. Taking part in the "First Day of Issue Ceremony" were astronaut Richard Linnehan, U.S. Representative, 15th Congressional District, Dave Weldon, U.S. Postal Service District Manager Viki Brennan, Center Director Roy Bridges and President of the Visitor Complex Rick Abramson

  9. KSC00pp0011

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2000-01-12

    One of a new series of U.S. Postage stamps, The 1980s, is unveiled at the KSC Visitors Complex. The stamp, shown here, is the Space Shuttle Columbia, first launched in April 1981. This collection of stamps is the ninth in the Post Office's "Celebrate the Century" commemorative series honoring the last 100 years of American history. Taking part in the "First Day of Issue Ceremony" are (left to right) astronaut Richard Linnehan, U.S. Representative, 15th Congressional District, Dave Weldon, U.S. Postal Service District Manager Viki Brennan, Center Director Roy Bridges and President of the Visitor Complex Rick Abramson

  10. KSC-00pp0011

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2000-01-12

    One of a new series of U.S. Postage stamps, The 1980s, is unveiled at the KSC Visitors Complex. The stamp, shown here, is the Space Shuttle Columbia, first launched in April 1981. This collection of stamps is the ninth in the Post Office's "Celebrate the Century" commemorative series honoring the last 100 years of American history. Taking part in the "First Day of Issue Ceremony" are (left to right) astronaut Richard Linnehan, U.S. Representative, 15th Congressional District, Dave Weldon, U.S. Postal Service District Manager Viki Brennan, Center Director Roy Bridges and President of the Visitor Complex Rick Abramson

  11. The hopelessness theory of depression: attributional aspects.

    PubMed

    Alloy, L B; Abramson, L Y; Metalsky, G I; Hartlage, S

    1988-02-01

    In this article, we clarify, expand and revise the basic postulates of the hopelessness theory of depression (Abramson, Alloy & Metalsky, 1988a; Abramson, Metalsky & Alloy, 1987, 1988b; previously referred to as the reformulated helplessness theory of depression: Abramson, Seligman & Teasdale, 1978) and place the theory more explicitly in the context of work in descriptive psychiatry about the heterogeneity among the depressive disorders. We suggest that the hopelessness theory hypothesizes the existence in nature of an, as yet, unidentified subtype of depression--'hopelessness depression'--defined, in part, by its cause. We then give a critique of work conducted to test the hopelessness theory and explicate the limitations in research strategy associated with this line of work. Our critique includes a logical analysis that deduces the conceptual and methodological inadequacies of the research strategies used to test the theory. Finally, we suggest more adequate research strategies for testing the hopelessness theory and discuss conceptual and assessment issues that will arise in conducting such tests with special emphasis on attributional styles.

  12. Postdoctoral Fellow | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Highly motivated postdoctoral fellows sought to work on tumor immunology with a strong background in biology preferentially cellular immunology. The tumor immunology group in the laboratory is exploring mechanisms of improving vaccines and immunotherapy for cancer, especially by discovering new principles to enhance and steer T cell immune responses. The group is focusing on negative immunoregulatory mechanisms used for immune evasion by cancer cells. The postdoctoral fellow will work on a project to understand the negative regulatory mechanisms of tumor immunity especially the mechanisms initiated by NKT cells. Group members also have an opportunity to gain knowledge of HIV/mucosal immunology by interacting with the HIV research group in the lab.

  13. Combination Therapy Improves Survival in Prostate Cancer Model | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Surgery and radiotherapy are the recommended treatments for localized prostate cancer. Recurrent prostate cancer, however, is often treated with androgen-deprivation therapy. Most patients who undergo this type of therapy eventually develop castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Though initially androgen-related therapies for CRPC had been thought to be ineffective, further studies have demonstrated that the disease remains dependent on the signaling of androgens, such as testosterone, for its continued progression. This development suggests that alternative strategies for manipulating androgen signaling may prove useful for treating CRPC.

  14. Sexual Quality of Life and Needs for Sexology Care of Cancer Patients Admitted for Radiotherapy: A 3-Month Cross-Sectional Study in a Regional Comprehensive Reference Cancer Center.

    PubMed

    Almont, Thierry; Delannes, Martine; Ducassou, Anne; Corman, André; Bondil, Pierre; Moyal, Elizabeth; Schover, Leslie; Huyghe, Eric

    2017-04-01

    Providing early and better care in onco-sexuality and a better understanding of the sexual health care needs of patients before they start treatment is required. To assess sexual quality of life and need for sexology care of patients when they are starting radiotherapy. We performed a cross-sectional study of adult patients with cancer admitted for radiotherapy treatment in a regional comprehensive cancer center. We selected all consecutive adult patients scheduled to start radiotherapy within a 3-month period and excluded patients who could not complete the questionnaires. Patients were asked to complete the Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire (SQoL) and a needs-assessment questionnaire. Total score on the SQoL and willingness (yes or no) to get help for a sexual problem. The study sample was composed of 77 men and 123 women. The average SQoL scores were 68.4 ± 20.9 and 47.1 ± 13.0 for men and women, respectively (P < .001). Of sexually active patients, 58% had decreased frequency of intercourse or had completely stopped sexual activity after their cancer diagnosis. Half the participants wanted care for their sexual concerns. The proportion desiring specific types of care varied from 28.5% (couple counseling) to 54.5% (sexual physician) with variation by sex or type of cancer. Furthermore, 11.5% of participants declared their willingness to join support groups. Early interventions before radiotherapy could improve sexual quality of life, particularly in women. Strengths are the SQoL validated in men and women, the original window for assessment, and the study location. Limitations are the monocentric design, the potential recall bias for data before cancer diagnosis, and the fact that some patients had treatments before radiotherapy. Our data suggest the need to examine the sexual health trajectory in a prospective fashion from diagnosis to survivorship. Almont T, Delannes M, Ducasson A, et al. Sexual Quality of Life and Needs for Sexology Care of Cancer

  15. Pancreatic Cancer Sensitive to Selective p38 Pathway Inhibition | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the most-common cancer of the pancreas, is an aggressive disease that is estimated by the American Cancer Society to be the fourth leading cause of cancer death in men and women in 2015. Like most solid tumors, PDAC is surrounded by an inflammatory microenvironment containing numerous infiltrating immune cells. These cells are unable to

  16. Cancer Therapy

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1979-01-01

    The patient shown is undergoing cancer radiation treatment in a hospital-like atmosphere but he is not in a hospital. The treatment room is at NASA's Lewis Research Center, Cleveland, Ohio. It is a converted portion of the Center's cyclotron facility, originally designed for radiation studies related to nuclear propulsion for aircraft and spacecraft. Under an agreement between the Center and the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, the 50 million volt cyclotron is now being used to evaluate the effectiveness of "fast neutron" therapy in the treatment of cancerous tumors.

  17. Proteome Characterization Centers - TCGA

    Cancer.gov

    The centers, a component of NCI’s Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium, will analyze a subset of TCGA samples to define proteins translated from cancer genomes and their related biological processes.

  18. Communications Specialist | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Be part of our mission to support research against cancer. We have an exciting opportunity for a talented communicator to join our team and be part of the effort to find cures for cancer. We are looking for a creative, team-oriented communications professional, with strong writing skills to publicize our research advances, employment and training opportunities and clinical trials program. Work involves production of a monthly internal newsletter with circulation of 3,000, writing and editing a variety of stories, such as features on patients, and developing content for communications tactics. Must have a Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Biosciences and/or related field; Master’s degree or equivalent professional experience preferred. Full time position, business hours.

  19. Ten-year cancer incidence in rescue/recovery workers and civilians exposed to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.

    PubMed

    Li, Jiehui; Brackbill, Robert M; Liao, Tim S; Qiao, Baozhen; Cone, James E; Farfel, Mark R; Hadler, James L; Kahn, Amy R; Konty, Kevin J; Stayner, Leslie T; Stellman, Steven D

    2016-09-01

    Cancer incidence in exposed rescue/recovery workers (RRWs) and civilians (non-RRWs) was previously reported through 2008. We studied occurrence of first primary cancer among World Trade Center Health Registry enrollees through 2011 using adjusted standardized incidence ratios (SIRs), and the WTC-exposure-cancer association, using Cox proportional hazards models. All-cancer SIR was 1.11 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03-1.20) in RRWs, and 1.08 (95% CI 1.02-1.15) in non-RRWs. Prostate cancer and skin melanoma were significantly elevated in both populations. Thyroid cancer was significantly elevated only in RRWs while breast cancer and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma were significantly elevated only in non-RRWs. There was a significant exposure dose-response for bladder cancer among RRWs, and for skin melanoma among non-RRWs. We observed excesses of total and specific cancers in both populations, although the strength of the evidence for causal relationships to WTC exposures is somewhat limited. Continued monitoring of this population is indicated. Am. J. Ind. Med. 59:709-721, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  20. Comparative effectiveness of prostate cancer treatments for patient-centered outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA Compliant).

    PubMed

    Jayadevappa, Ravishankar; Chhatre, Sumedha; Wong, Yu-Ning; Wittink, Marsha N; Cook, Ratna; Morales, Knashawn H; Vapiwala, Neha; Newman, Diane K; Guzzo, Thomas; Wein, Alan J; Malkowicz, Stanley B; Lee, David I; Schwartz, Jerome S; Gallo, Joseph J

    2017-05-01

    In the context of prostate cancer (PCa) characterized by the multiple alternative treatment strategies, comparative effectiveness analysis is essential for informed decision-making. We analyzed the comparative effectiveness of PCa treatments through systematic review and meta-analysis with a focus on outcomes that matter most to newly diagnosed localized PCa patients. We performed a systematic review of literature published in English from 1995 to October 2016. A search strategy was employed using terms "prostate cancer," "localized," "outcomes," "mortality," "health related quality of life," and "complications" to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs), prospective, and retrospective studies. For observational studies, only those adjusting for selection bias using propensity-score or instrumental-variables approaches were included. Multivariable adjusted hazard ratio was used to assess all-cause and disease-specific mortality. Funnel plots were used to assess the level of bias. Our search strategy yielded 58 articles, of which 29 were RCTs, 6 were prospective studies, and 23 were retrospective studies. The studies provided moderate data for the patient-centered outcome of mortality. Radical prostatectomy demonstrated mortality benefit compared to watchful waiting (all-cause HR = 0.63 CI = 0.45, 0.87; disease-specific HR = 0.48 CI = 0.40, 0.58), and radiation therapy (all-cause HR = 0.65 CI = 0.57, 0.74; disease-specific HR = 0.51 CI = 0.40, 0.65). However, we had minimal comparative information about tradeoffs between and within treatment for other patient-centered outcomes in the short and long-term. Lack of patient-centered outcomes in comparative effectiveness research in localized PCa is a major hurdle to informed and shared decision-making. More rigorous studies that can integrate patient-centered and intermediate outcomes in addition to mortality are needed.

  1. Multidisciplinary Optimization of Oral Chemotherapy Delivery at the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center.

    PubMed

    Mulkerin, Daniel L; Bergsbaken, Jason J; Fischer, Jessica A; Mulkerin, Mary J; Bohler, Aaron M; Mably, Mary S

    2016-10-01

    Use of oral chemotherapy is expanding and offers advantages while posing unique safety challenges. ASCO and the Oncology Nursing Society jointly published safety standards for administering chemotherapy that offer a framework for improving oral chemotherapy practice at the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center. With the goal of improving safety, quality, and uniformity within our oral chemotherapy practice, we conducted a gap analysis comparing our practice against ASCO/Oncology Nursing Society guidelines. Areas for improvement were addressed by multidisciplinary workgroups that focused on education, workflows, and information technology. Recommendations and process changes included defining chemotherapy, standardizing patient and caregiver education, mandating the use of comprehensive electronic order sets, and standardizing documentation for dose modification. Revised processes allow pharmacists to review all orders for oral chemotherapy, and they support monitoring adherence and toxicity by using a library of scripted materials. Between August 2015 and January 2016, revised processes were implemented across the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center clinics. The following are key performance indicators: 92.5% of oral chemotherapy orders (n = 1,216) were initiated within comprehensive electronic order sets (N = 1,315), 89.2% compliance with informed consent was achieved, 14.7% of orders (n = 193) required an average of 4.4 minutes review time by the pharmacist, and 100% compliance with first-cycle monitoring of adherence and toxicity was achieved. We closed significant gaps between institutional practice and published standards for our oral chemotherapy practice and experienced steady improvement and sustainable performance in key metrics. We created an electronic definition of oral chemotherapies that allowed us to leverage our electronic health records. We believe our tools are broadly applicable.

  2. Multidisciplinary Optimization of Oral Chemotherapy Delivery at the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center

    PubMed Central

    Bergsbaken, Jason J.; Fischer, Jessica A.; Mulkerin, Mary J.; Bohler, Aaron M.; Mably, Mary S.

    2016-01-01

    Purpose: Use of oral chemotherapy is expanding and offers advantages while posing unique safety challenges. ASCO and the Oncology Nursing Society jointly published safety standards for administering chemotherapy that offer a framework for improving oral chemotherapy practice at the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center. Methods: With the goal of improving safety, quality, and uniformity within our oral chemotherapy practice, we conducted a gap analysis comparing our practice against ASCO/Oncology Nursing Society guidelines. Areas for improvement were addressed by multidisciplinary workgroups that focused on education, workflows, and information technology. Recommendations and process changes included defining chemotherapy, standardizing patient and caregiver education, mandating the use of comprehensive electronic order sets, and standardizing documentation for dose modification. Revised processes allow pharmacists to review all orders for oral chemotherapy, and they support monitoring adherence and toxicity by using a library of scripted materials. Results: Between August 2015 and January 2016, revised processes were implemented across the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center clinics. The following are key performance indicators: 92.5% of oral chemotherapy orders (n = 1,216) were initiated within comprehensive electronic order sets (N = 1,315), 89.2% compliance with informed consent was achieved, 14.7% of orders (n = 193) required an average of 4.4 minutes review time by the pharmacist, and 100% compliance with first-cycle monitoring of adherence and toxicity was achieved. Conclusion: We closed significant gaps between institutional practice and published standards for our oral chemotherapy practice and experienced steady improvement and sustainable performance in key metrics. We created an electronic definition of oral chemotherapies that allowed us to leverage our electronic health records. We believe our tools are broadly applicable. PMID

  3. DOE Center of Excellence in Medical Laser Applications. Final report

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Jacques, S.L.

    1998-01-01

    An engineering network of collaborating medical laser laboratories are developing laser and optical technologies for medical diagnosis and therapy and are translating the engineering into medical centers in Portland, OR, Houston, TX, and Galveston, TX. The Center includes the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, the University of Texas-Austin, Texas A and M University, Rice University, the University Texas Medical Branch-Galveston, Oregon Medical Laser Center (Providence St. Vincent Medical Center, Oregon Health Sciences University, and Oregon Graduate Institute, Portland, OR), and the University of Oregon. Diagnostics include reflectance, fluorescence, Raman IR, laser photoacoustics, optical coherence tomography, and several newmore » video techniques for spectroscopy and imaging. Therapies include photocoagulation therapy, laser welding, pulsed laser ablation, and light-activated chemotherapy of cancer (photodynamic therapy, or PDT). Medical applications reaching the clinic include optical monitoring of hyperbilirubinemia in newborns, fluorescence detection of cervical dysplasia, laser thrombolysis of blood clots in heart attack and brain stroke, photothermal coagulation of benign prostate hyperplasia, and PDT for both veterinary and human cancer. New technologies include laser optoacoustic imaging of breast tumors and hemorrhage in head trauma and brain stroke, quality control monitoring of dosimetry during PDT for esophageal and lung cancer, polarization video reflectometry of skin cancer, laser welding of artificial tissue replacements, and feedback control of laser welding.« less

  4. Study reveals potentially prognostic gene, metabolism changes in kidney cancers | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    The Cancer Genome Atlas Research Network investigators, including CCR scientists, identified genetic and metabolic pathway changes linked to reduced survival of patients within and across subtypes of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), a type of kidney cancer. The study, published April 5, 2018, in Cell Reports, is part of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) Program, a joint effort of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI).

  5. Renal Cancer Biomarkers | NCI Technology Transfer Center | TTC

    Cancer.gov

    The National Cancer Institute's Laboratory of Proteomics and Analytical Technologies is seeking statements of capability or interest from parties interested in collaborative research to further develop, evaluate, or commercialize diagnostic, therapeutic and prognostic cancer biomarkers from clinical specimens.

  6. Cancer-Related Pain: Prevalence, Severity and Management in a Tertiary Care Center in the Middle East

    PubMed Central

    Hamieh, Nadine M; Akel, Reem; Anouti, Bilal; Traboulsi, Cindy; Makki, Iman; Hamieh, Lana; Tfayli, Arafat

    2018-01-01

    Background: Despite pain awareness and the development of treatment guidelines, cancer-related pain assessment and management remain suboptimal. Our objectives were to estimate the prevalence and severity of pain and its interference with daily activities, and evaluate adequacy of treatment in cancer patients in Lebanon. Methods: A total of 400 cancer patients aged 18 and above were interviewed at the American University of Beirut Medical Center surgical and medical oncology floors, outpatient clinics and chemotherapy units from March 2016-February 2017. The subjects covered were socio-demographics, clinical data, and presence of pain in the past month with use of the Brief Pain Inventory questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were conducted using t-test, chi-square and Fischer’s exact tests. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were used to examine relationships between pain severity and pain interference. Logistic regression was employed to determine risk factors for pain. Results: The majority of participants were Lebanese (76.0%), females (62.7%), married (80.2%), of Muslim faith (64.2%), of urban residence (85.8%), and with insurance plans (81.3%). Most had breast cancer (38.8%), were stage 4 (52.7%) and underwent a combination of surgery and systemic therapy (55.1%). The prevalence of pain in the past month was 29.8%. Among patients with pain, the highest proportion had moderate pain (37.8%) and around 46% received inadequate treatment. Conclusion: More awareness about cancer-related pain is needed to improve pain management and encourage referral to palliative care and pain specialists early-on in diagnosis of disease. PMID:29582633

  7. Transformational leadership, transnational culture and political competence in globalizing health care services: a case study of Jordan's King Hussein Cancer Center.

    PubMed

    Moe, Jeffrey L; Pappas, Gregory; Murray, Andrew

    2007-11-16

    Following the demise of Jordan's King Hussein bin Talal to cancer in 1999, the country's Al-Amal Center was transformed from a poorly perceived and ineffectual cancer care institution into a Western-style comprehensive cancer center. Renamed King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC), it achieved improved levels of quality, expanded cancer care services and achieved Joint Commission International accreditation under new leadership over a three-year period (2002-2005). An exploratory case research method was used to explain the rapid change to international standards. Sources including personal interviews, document review and on-site observations were combined to conduct a robust examination of KHCC's rapid changes. The changes which occurred at the KHCC during its formation and leading up to its Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation can be understood within the conceptual frame of the transformational leadership model. Interviewees and other sources for the case study suggest the use of inspirational motivation, idealized influence, individualized consideration and intellectual stimulation, four factors in the transformational leadership model, had significant impact upon the attitudes and motivation of staff within KHCC. Changes in the institution were achieved through increased motivation and positive attitudes toward the use of JCI continuous improvement processes as well as increased professional training. The case study suggests the role of culture and political sensitivity needs re-definition and expansion within the transformational leadership model to adequately explain leadership in the context of globalizing health care services, specifically when governments are involved in the change initiative. The KHCC case underscores the utility of the transformational leadership model in an international health care context. To understand leadership in globalizing health care services, KHCC suggests culture is broader than organizational or societal culture to

  8. Transformational leadership, transnational culture and political competence in globalizing health care services: a case study of Jordan's King Hussein Cancer Center

    PubMed Central

    Moe, Jeffrey L; Pappas, Gregory; Murray, Andrew

    2007-01-01

    Background Following the demise of Jordan's King Hussein bin Talal to cancer in 1999, the country's Al-Amal Center was transformed from a poorly perceived and ineffectual cancer care institution into a Western-style comprehensive cancer center. Renamed King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC), it achieved improved levels of quality, expanded cancer care services and achieved Joint Commission International accreditation under new leadership over a three-year period (2002–2005). Methods An exploratory case research method was used to explain the rapid change to international standards. Sources including personal interviews, document review and on-site observations were combined to conduct a robust examination of KHCC's rapid changes. Results The changes which occurred at the KHCC during its formation and leading up to its Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation can be understood within the conceptual frame of the transformational leadership model. Interviewees and other sources for the case study suggest the use of inspirational motivation, idealized influence, individualized consideration and intellectual stimulation, four factors in the transformational leadership model, had significant impact upon the attitudes and motivation of staff within KHCC. Changes in the institution were achieved through increased motivation and positive attitudes toward the use of JCI continuous improvement processes as well as increased professional training. The case study suggests the role of culture and political sensitivity needs re-definition and expansion within the transformational leadership model to adequately explain leadership in the context of globalizing health care services, specifically when governments are involved in the change initiative. Conclusion The KHCC case underscores the utility of the transformational leadership model in an international health care context. To understand leadership in globalizing health care services, KHCC suggests culture is broader

  9. Prostate Cancer Clinical Trials Group - The University of Michigan Site

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-06-01

    Medicine and Urology University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center Internal Medicine , Hematology Oncology 7314 Cancer Center, SPC 5946 Ann...Arbor, MI 48109-5946 mahahuss@umich.edu David C. Smith, M.D., FACP, Professor, Departments of Internal Medicine and Urology University of Michigan...Comprehensive Cancer Center Internal Medicine , Hematology Oncology 7302 Cancer Center, SPC 5946 Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5946 dcsmith@umich.edu

  10. 75 FR 11894 - Center For Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meetings

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-03-12

    ... personal privacy. Name of Committee: Center for Scientific Review Special Emphasis Panel; Cancer Diagnostics and Therapeutics SBIR/STTR. Date: March 18, 2010. Time: 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Agenda: To review and... of Committee: Center for Scientific Review Special Emphasis Panel; Member Conflict: Cancer Therapy...

  11. Performance of Self-Report to Establish Cancer Diagnoses in Disaster Responders and Survivors, World Trade Center Health Registry, New York, 2001–2007

    PubMed Central

    Cone, James E.; Alt, Abigail K.; Wu, David R.; Liff, Jonathan M.; Farfel, Mark R.; Stellman, Steven D.

    2016-01-01

    Objective Large-scale disasters may disrupt health surveillance systems, depriving health officials and researchers of timely and accurate information needed to assess disaster-related health effects and leading to use of less reliable self-reports of health outcomes. In particular, ascertainment of cancer in a population is ordinarily obtained through linkage of self-reported data with regional cancer registries, but exclusive reliance on these sources following a disaster may result in lengthy delays or loss of critical data. To assess the impact of such reliance, we validated self-reported cancer in a cohort of 59,340 responders and survivors of the World Trade Center disaster against data from 11 state cancer registries (SCRs). Methods We focused on residents of the 11 states with SCRs and on cancers diagnosed from September 11, 2001, to the date of their last survey participation. Medical records were also sought in a subset of 595 self-reported cancer patients who were not recorded in an SCR. Results Overall sensitivity and specificity of self-reported cancer were 83.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 81.9, 85.9) and 98.5% (95% CI 98.4, 98.6), respectively. Site-specific sensitivities were highest for pancreatic (90.9%) and testicular (82.4%) cancers and multiple myeloma (84.6%). Compared with enrollees with true-positive reports, enrollees with false-negative reports were more likely to be non-Hispanic black (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.8, 95% CI 1.2, 2.9) or Asian (aOR=2.2, 95% CI 1.2, 4.1). Among the 595 cases not recorded in an SCR, 13 of 62 (21%) cases confirmed through medical records were reportable to SCRs. Conclusion Self-report of cancer had relatively high sensitivity among adults exposed to the World Trade Center disaster, suggesting that self-reports of other disaster-related conditions less amenable to external validation may also be reasonably valid. PMID:27252562

  12. Cannabis use among patients at a comprehensive cancer center in a state with legalized medicinal and recreational use.

    PubMed

    Pergam, Steven A; Woodfield, Maresa C; Lee, Christine M; Cheng, Guang-Shing; Baker, Kelsey K; Marquis, Sara R; Fann, Jesse R

    2017-11-15

    Cannabis is purported to alleviate symptoms related to cancer treatment, although the patterns of use among cancer patients are not well known. This study was designed to determine the prevalence and methods of use among cancer patients, the perceived benefits, and the sources of information in a state with legalized cannabis. A cross-sectional, anonymous survey of adult cancer patients was performed at a National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center in Washington State. Random urine samples for tetrahydrocannabinol provided survey validation. Nine hundred twenty-six of 2737 eligible patients (34%) completed the survey, and the median age was 58 years (interquartile range [IQR], 46-66 years). Most had a strong interest in learning about cannabis during treatment (6 on a 1-10 scale; IQR, 3-10) and wanted information from cancer providers (677 of 911 [74%]). Previous use was common (607 of 926 [66%]); 24% (222 of 926) used cannabis in the last year, and 21% (192 of 926) used cannabis in the last month. Random urine samples found similar percentages of users who reported weekly use (27 of 193 [14%] vs 164 of 926 [18%]). Active users inhaled (153 of 220 [70%]) or consumed edibles (154 of 220 [70%]); 89 (40%) used both modalities. Cannabis was used primarily for physical (165 of 219 [75%]) and neuropsychiatric symptoms (139 of 219 [63%]). Legalization significantly increased the likelihood of use in more than half of the respondents. This study of cancer patients in a state with legalized cannabis found high rates of active use across broad subgroups, and legalization was reported to be important in patients' decision to use. Cancer patients desire but are not receiving information about cannabis use during their treatment from oncology providers. Cancer 2017;123:4488-97. © 2017 The Authors. Cancer published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Cancer Society. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution

  13. Chromatin Pioneers | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Taking advantage of their ability to explore provocative ideas, NCI investigators pioneered the study of chromatin to demonstrate its functional importance and lay the groundwork for understanding its role in cancer and other diseases.

  14. Researchers unmask secret to long-lasting effects of botulinum neurotoxin A in motor neurons | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    A team of scientists led by the Center for Cancer Research's Allan M. Weissman, M.D., and Yien Che Tsai, Ph.D., has discovered a molecular mechanism that explains the extreme toxicity of botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT/A), the most potent BoNT strain. The discovery, published June 5 in PNAS, also identifies a molecular target that the researchers hope will eventually lead to

  15. Antisense Oligonucleotide Therapy for Patients with Advanced Cancer | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the U.S. Improvements in therapy have increased the survival of patients with CRC from 10 months to two years, but for patients who stop responding to treatments, such as irinotecan, options for additional therapy are limited. Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) may offer advantages over traditional

  16. Activateable Imaging Probes Light Up Inside Cancer Cells | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Imaging can be used to help diagnose cancer as well as monitor tumor progression and response to treatment. The field of molecular imaging focuses on techniques capable of detecting specific molecular targets associated with cancer; the agents used for molecular imaging—often called probes—are multifunctional, with components that allow them to both interact with their

  17. Adoptive Cell Therapies: One Cancer at a Time | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    After completing medical school and a general surgery residency at the University of Missouri, Kansas City, Christian Hinrichs, M.D., planned on doing cancer research at the start of his fellowship at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in 1996. However, a detour sent him into surgical oncology, and Hinrichs only returned to his research interests through a subsequent surgical

  18. Neuro-Oncology Branch patient education | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Patient Education We want to ensure that our patients are well informed. To help answer some of the questions you may have, visit the resources listed below. National Cancer Institute (NCI) NCI is the Federal Government’s principal agency for cancer research and training. As part of its mission, NCI provides information on cancer.

  19. A patient-centered approach to counseling patients with head and neck cancer undergoing human papillomavirus testing: a clinician's guide.

    PubMed

    Chu, Amy; Genden, Eric; Posner, Marshall; Sikora, Andrew

    2013-01-01

    The International Agency for Research on Cancer and the National Cancer Institute have acknowledged human papillomavirus (HPV)-16 as an independent risk factor for oropharyngeal cancer (OPC). HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer (HPVOPC) is a sexually transmitted entity that is on the rise; within the next 10 years, the annual number of HPV-associated OPC cases is projected to exceed the annual number of cervical cancer cases in the United States. Recognition of HPV status in OPC has broad implications beyond the traditional oncological concerns of timely diagnosis, accurate staging, and appropriate treatment of cancer patients. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommends testing the tumor site for HPV-status during OPC management; it is likely this will become a standard component of care for patients with high-probability tumors of the oropharynx. As the practice of HPV testing becomes more common, it behooves providers to be able to adequately address the concerns of patients with HPVOPC. Although there are currently few relevant studies focusing on this population, existing literature on HPV-infected women and patients with cervical cancer strongly supports the concept that patients with HPVOPC need education to optimally address concerns such as self-blame, guilt, intimacy, and interpersonal relationships. When HPV testing is done, it should be accompanied by evidence-driven and patient-centered counseling to best minimize negative psychosocial outcomes and ensure optimum health promotion. Based on the current state of the literature, this article is intended to be a reference for physicians to effectively manage psychosocial outcomes when diagnosing patients with HPV-associated OPC.

  20. Cellular Imaging | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Innovative imaging methods developed and refined within CCR revealed atomic-level structures of biological molecules and unveiled dynamic views of a cell’s interior that are driving the design of new treatments and diagnostics for cancer.

  1. Cost-utility analysis of meaning-centered group psychotherapy for cancer survivors.

    PubMed

    van der Spek, Nadia; Jansen, Femke; Holtmaat, Karen; Vos, Joël; Breitbart, William; van Uden-Kraan, Cornelia F; Tollenaar, Rob A E M; Cuijpers, Pim; Coupé, Veerle M H; Verdonck-de Leeuw, Irma M

    2018-04-06

    Meaning-centered group psychotherapy for cancer survivors (MCGP-CS) improves meaning, psychological well-being, and mental adjustment to cancer and reduces psychological distress. This randomized controlled trial was conducted to investigate the cost-utility of MCGP-CS compared with supportive group psychotherapy (SGP) and care-as-usual (CAU). In total, 170 patients were randomized to MCGP-CS, SGP, or CAU. Intervention costs, direct medical and nonmedical costs, productivity losses, and health-related quality of life were measured until 6 months follow-up, using the TIC-P, PRODISQ, data from the hospital information system, and the EQ-5D. The cost-utility was calculated by comparing mean cumulative costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). Mean total costs ranged from €4492 (MCGP-CS) to €5304 (CAU). Mean QALYs ranged .507 (CAU) to .540 (MCGP-CS). MCGP-CS had a probability of 74% to be both less costly and more effective than CAU, and 49% compared with SGP. Sensitivity analyses showed these findings are robust. If society is willing to pay €0 for one gained QALY, MCGP-CS has a 78% probability of being cost-effective compared with CAU. This increases to 85% and 92% at willingness-to-pay thresholds of €10 000 and €30 000, which are commonly accepted thresholds. MCGP-CS is highly likely a cost-effective intervention, meaning that there is a positive balance between the costs and gains of MCGP-CS, in comparison with SGP and CAU. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  2. Center for Cancer Research hosts 10th Annual GIST Clinic | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Patients and specialists from around the world gathered for the 10th Annual Pediatric and Wildtype GIST Clinic, which took place Wednesday, July 5 through Friday, July 7, 2017 at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. Occurring once a year, the clinic convenes clinicians, research scientists and advocates from across the country to consult with patients who have GIST.

  3. Effect of a Patient-Centered Communication Intervention on Oncologist-Patient Communication, Quality of Life, and Health Care Utilization in Advanced Cancer: The VOICE Randomized Clinical Trial.

    PubMed

    Epstein, Ronald M; Duberstein, Paul R; Fenton, Joshua J; Fiscella, Kevin; Hoerger, Michael; Tancredi, Daniel J; Xing, Guibo; Gramling, Robert; Mohile, Supriya; Franks, Peter; Kaesberg, Paul; Plumb, Sandy; Cipri, Camille S; Street, Richard L; Shields, Cleveland G; Back, Anthony L; Butow, Phyllis; Walczak, Adam; Tattersall, Martin; Venuti, Alison; Sullivan, Peter; Robinson, Mark; Hoh, Beth; Lewis, Linda; Kravitz, Richard L

    2017-01-01

    Observational studies demonstrate links between patient-centered communication, quality of life (QOL), and aggressive treatments in advanced cancer, yet few randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of communication interventions have been reported. To determine whether a combined intervention involving oncologists, patients with advanced cancer, and caregivers would promote patient-centered communication, and to estimate intervention effects on shared understanding, patient-physician relationships, QOL, and aggressive treatments in the last 30 days of life. Cluster RCT at community- and hospital-based cancer clinics in Western New York and Northern California; 38 medical oncologists (mean age 44.6 years; 11 (29%) female) and 265 community-dwelling adult patients with advanced nonhematologic cancer participated (mean age, 64.4 years, 146 [55.0%] female, 235 [89%] white; enrolled August 2012 to June 2014; followed for 3 years); 194 patients had participating caregivers. Oncologists received individualized communication training using standardized patient instructors while patients received question prompt lists and individualized communication coaching to identify issues to address during an upcoming oncologist visit. Both interventions focused on engaging patients in consultations, responding to emotions, informing patients about prognosis and treatment choices, and balanced framing of information. Control participants received no training. The prespecified primary outcome was a composite measure of patient-centered communication coded from audio recordings of the first oncologist visit following patient coaching (intervention group) or enrollment (control). Secondary outcomes included the patient-physician relationship, shared understanding of prognosis, QOL, and aggressive treatments and hospice use in the last 30 days of life. Data from 38 oncologists (19 randomized to intervention) and 265 patients (130 intervention) were analyzed. In fully adjusted models, the

  4. Novel Compounds Line up to Combat Drug Resistance in Cancer Cells | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    As the war on cancer has intensified and new molecular attacks on cancer cells have been developed, cancer cells have devised innovative ways of defending themselves. Many drugs have been designed or discovered and used to kill cancer cells; in response, these cells are staging new mechanisms to resist the effects of a variety of drugs, a phenomenon called multidrug resistance (MDR). One way cancer cells accomplish this is by catching the intruding drug and throwing it out of the cell before it can act. The arsenal that the cancer cell uses to accomplish this task is a collection of specialized proteins on its membrane called ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters.

  5. ETIB opens clinical trial for patients with HPV-16+ cancers | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Dr. Christian Hinrichs, Lasker Clinical Research Scholar in the Experimental Transplantation and Immunology Branch, is leading a study of a new therapy for cancers caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), which include cervical, throat, anal, and genital cancers. HPV-related cancer cells carry a protein called E7.  Learn more...

  6. Inflammation and Cancer: Two Pieces of the Same Puzzle? | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Chronic inflammation, in Crohn’s disease for example, is a known risk factor for malignant transformation, however the role inflammation plays in cancer initiation is poorly understood. STAT2, an important protein that regulates gene activation, is known to be stimulated by immune factors that inhibit cell growth. STAT2 also has reduced expression in the immune cells of patients with Crohn’s disease, which suggested to Ana Gamero, Ph.D., a former NCI Scholar of the Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, CCR, and now Assistant Professor at Temple University in collaboration with Nancy Colburn, Ph.D. of the Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and her colleagues, that STAT2 may be a key protein in regulating inflammation-induced cancer progression. The results of their studies were recently published in a Cancer Prevention Research article.

  7. An International Collaborative Standardizing a Comprehensive Patient-Centered Outcomes Measurement Set for Colorectal Cancer.

    PubMed

    Zerillo, Jessica A; Schouwenburg, Maartje G; van Bommel, Annelotte C M; Stowell, Caleb; Lippa, Jacob; Bauer, Donna; Berger, Ann M; Boland, Gilles; Borras, Josep M; Buss, Mary K; Cima, Robert; Van Cutsem, Eric; van Duyn, Eino B; Finlayson, Samuel R G; Hung-Chun Cheng, Skye; Langelotz, Corinna; Lloyd, John; Lynch, Andrew C; Mamon, Harvey J; McAllister, Pamela K; Minsky, Bruce D; Ngeow, Joanne; Abu Hassan, Muhammad R; Ryan, Kim; Shankaran, Veena; Upton, Melissa P; Zalcberg, John; van de Velde, Cornelis J; Tollenaar, Rob

    2017-05-01

    Global health systems are shifting toward value-based care in an effort to drive better outcomes in the setting of rising health care costs. This shift requires a common definition of value, starting with the outcomes that matter most to patients. The International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement (ICHOM), a nonprofit initiative, was formed to define standard sets of outcomes by medical condition. In this article, we report the efforts of ICHOM's working group in colorectal cancer. The working group was composed of multidisciplinary oncology specialists in medicine, surgery, radiation therapy, palliative care, nursing, and pathology, along with patient representatives. Through a modified Delphi process during 8 months (July 8, 2015 to February 29, 2016), ICHOM led the working group to a consensus on a final recommended standard set. The process was supported by a systematic PubMed literature review (1042 randomized clinical trials and guidelines from June 3, 2005, to June 3, 2015), a patient focus group (11 patients with early and metastatic colorectal cancer convened during a teleconference in August 2015), and a patient validation survey (among 276 patients with and survivors of colorectal cancer between October 15, 2015, and November 4, 2015). After consolidating findings of the literature review and focus group meeting, a list of 40 outcomes was presented to the WG and underwent voting. The final recommendation includes outcomes in the following categories: survival and disease control, disutility of care, degree of health, and quality of death. Selected case-mix factors were recommended to be collected at baseline to facilitate comparison of results across treatments and health care professionals. A standardized set of patient-centered outcome measures to inform value-based health care in colorectal cancer was developed. Pilot efforts are under way to measure the standard set among members of the working group.

  8. The national database of hospital-based cancer registries: a nationwide infrastructure to support evidence-based cancer care and cancer control policy in Japan.

    PubMed

    Higashi, Takahiro; Nakamura, Fumiaki; Shibata, Akiko; Emori, Yoshiko; Nishimoto, Hiroshi

    2014-01-01

    Monitoring the current status of cancer care is essential for effective cancer control and high-quality cancer care. To address the information needs of patients and physicians in Japan, hospital-based cancer registries are operated in 397 hospitals designated as cancer care hospitals by the national government. These hospitals collect information on all cancer cases encountered in each hospital according to precisely defined coding rules. The Center for Cancer Control and Information Services at the National Cancer Center supports the management of the hospital-based cancer registry by providing training for tumor registrars and by developing and maintaining the standard software and continuing communication, which includes mailing lists, a customizable web site and site visits. Data from the cancer care hospitals are submitted annually to the Center, compiled, and distributed as the National Cancer Statistics Report. The report reveals the national profiles of patient characteristics, route to discovery, stage distribution, and first-course treatments of the five major cancers in Japan. A system designed to follow up on patient survival will soon be established. Findings from the analyses will reveal characteristics of designated cancer care hospitals nationwide and will show how characteristics of patients with cancer in Japan differ from those of patients with cancer in other countries. The database will provide an infrastructure for future clinical and health services research and will support quality measurement and improvement of cancer care. Researchers and policy-makers in Japan are encouraged to take advantage of this powerful tool to enhance cancer control and their clinical practice.

  9. Prime Contractors | Division of Cancer Prevention

    Cancer.gov

    2015-2018 Efficacy and Intermediate Endpoint Biomarkers: The Research Institute of Fox Chase Cancer Center SRI International IIT Research Institute University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center University of Alabama at Birmingham Medical College of Wisconsin University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center Weill Medical College of Cornell University Toxicology and Pharmacology

  10. Sunitinib Proves Beneficial in Metastatic Kidney Cancer | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Many researchers and clinicians consider targeted therapies, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors and antibody-based drugs, to be a great advance in the treatment of patients with cancer. Unlike older chemotherapy drugs, targeted therapies are designed to direct drugs specifically to cancer cells or to interfere with pathways essential to tumor growth with less toxicity to normal cells. Recent studies in animal models, however, have suggested that sunitinib, which inhibits the activity of several receptor tyrosine kinases including one critical for tumor blood vessel formation, may actually accelerate tumor growth after treatment stops.

  11. Activateable Imaging Probes Light Up Inside Cancer Cells | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Imaging can be used to help diagnose cancer as well as monitor tumor progression and response to treatment. The field of molecular imaging focuses on techniques capable of detecting specific molecular targets associated with cancer; the agents used for molecular imaging—often called probes—are multifunctional, with components that allow them to both interact with their molecular target and emit a detectable signal.

  12. Adoptive Cell Therapies: One Cancer at a Time | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    After completing medical school and a general surgery residency at the University of Missouri, Kansas City, Christian Hinrichs, M.D., planned on doing cancer research at the start of his fellowship at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in 1996. However, a detour sent him into surgical oncology, and Hinrichs only returned to his research interests through a subsequent surgical oncology fellowship at NCI.

  13. Colorectal cancer in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a single-center experience.

    PubMed

    Sinagra, E; Guarnotta, V; Raimondo, D; Mocciaro, F; Dolcimascolo, S; Rizzolo, C A; Puccia, F; Maltese, N; Citarrella, R; Messina, M; Spada, M; Tomasello, G; Cappello, F; Leone, A; Rossi, F; Di Mitri, R; Morreale, G C; Marasà, S; Midiri, M; Midiri, F; Sinagra, D

    2017-01-01

    Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). The aim of the study is to evaluate the prevalence of CRC in a cohort of Caucasian patients with T2DM and the association with other variables previously known to be related with increased risk of CRC. We retrospectively evaluated the data of 741 consecutive Caucasian patients with T2DM who underwent colonoscopic screening in our tertiary referral center. A control cohort of 333 patients with thyroid disease was selected to evaluate the difference in the incidence of CRC. At a median follow-up of 132.5 months (range 33.3-175.7), 67 cases of cancer (prevalence 9%) occurred; among these, 14 cases of CRC were reported (prevalence 1.88%) among the diabetic patients, while only two case (one of these was a CRC) (overall prevalence 0.006%, prevalence of CRC 0.003%) occurred in the control group; the difference between the prevalence of CRC was statistically significant (chi-square 4.21, p=0.04). The median duration of T2DM to CRC diagnosis was 168 months (range 12-768). At the univariate analysis, older age (p=0.001, r 0.138) and diabetes duration (p=0.001, r 0.138) were related to higher risk of cancer, while metformin seems to be protective towards cancer (p=0.07, r -0.098). In the subset of patients with CRC, the age (RR = 2.25; 95% CI: 0.30 - 17.31; p less than 0.001), the diabetes duration (RR = 1.93; 95% CI: 0.25 – 14.77; p = 0.001) and the sulphonylureas treatment (RR = 2.33; 95% CI: 0.78 – 7.38; p = 0.007) were independently correlated with CRC. In our study, the prevalence of CRC in the cohort of patients with T2DM was higher compared to that from the National Tumor Register in 2010 (0.5%). Furthermore, we could speculate that sulphonylureas may play a role in CRC carcinogenesis impairing the physiological insulin secretion.

  14. Incidence of second cancers after radiotherapy and systemic chemotherapy in heritable retinoblastoma survivors: A report from the German reference center.

    PubMed

    Temming, Petra; Arendt, Marina; Viehmann, Anja; Eisele, Lewin; Le Guin, Claudia H D; Schündeln, Michael M; Biewald, Eva; Astrahantseff, Kathy; Wieland, Regina; Bornfeld, Norbert; Sauerwein, Wolfgang; Eggert, Angelika; Jöckel, Karl-Heinz; Lohmann, Dietmar R

    2017-01-01

    Survivors of heritable retinoblastoma carry a high risk to develop second cancers. Eye-preserving radiotherapy raises this risk, while the impact of chemotherapy remains less defined. This population-based study characterizes the impact of all treatment modalities on second cancers incidence and type after retinoblastoma treatment in Germany. Data on second cancer incidence in 648 patients with heritable retinoblastoma treated between 1940 and 2008 at the German national reference center for retinoblastoma were analyzed to identify associations with treatment. The cumulative incidence ratio (per 1,000 person years) of second cancers was 8.6 (95% confidence interval 7.0-10.4). Second cancer incidence was influenced by type of retinoblastoma treatment but not by the year of diagnosis or by sex. Radiotherapy and systemic chemotherapy increased the incidence of second cancers (by 3.0- and 1.8-fold, respectively). While radiotherapy was specifically associated with second cancers arising within the periorbital region in the previously irradiated field, chemotherapy was the strongest risk factor for second cancers in other localizations. Soft tissue sarcomas and osteosarcomas were the most prevalent second cancers (standardized incidence ratio 179.35 compared to the German population). Second cancers remain a major concern in heritable retinoblastoma survivors. Consistent with previous reports, radiotherapy increased second cancer incidence and influenced type and localization. However, chemotherapy was the strongest risk factor for second malignancies outside the periorbital region. Our results provide screening priorities during life-long oncological follow-up based on the curative therapy the patient has received and emphasize the need for less-detrimental therapies for children with heritable retinoblastoma. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  15. 78 FR 26056 - National Cancer Institute; Notice of Closed Meeting

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-05-03

    ... Cancer Institute, Division of Extramural Activities, Research Programs Review Branch, 9609 Medical Center... Biology Research; 93.397, Cancer Centers Support; 93.398, Cancer Research Manpower; 93.399, Cancer Control...

  16. 78 FR 26055 - National Cancer Institute; Notice of Closed Meeting

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-05-03

    ... Logistics Branch, Division of Extramural Activities, National Cancer Institute, NIH, 9609 Medical Center... Biology Research; 93.397, Cancer Centers Support; 93.398, Cancer Research Manpower; 93.399, Cancer Control...

  17. FAQs | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    New to NIH: Frequently Asked Questions Traveling to a new hospital can be stressful. We hope the information provided here will answer your questions before your first visit to the Pediatric Oncology Branch, located within the NIH Clinical Center. You can find answers to the following frequently asked questions below:

  18. International Cancer Proteogenome Consortium | Office of Cancer Clinical Proteomics Research

    Cancer.gov

    The International Cancer Proteogenome Consortium (ICPC), is a voluntary scientific organization that provides a forum for collaboration among some of the world's leading cancer and proteogenomic research centers.

  19. Mig6 Puts the Brakes on Mutant EGFR-Driven Lung Cancer | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide. These cancers are often induced by mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), resulting in constitutive activation of the protein’s tyrosine kinase domain. Lung cancers expressing these EGFR mutants are initially sensitive to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), such as erlotinib, but often

  20. Meeting patients' health information needs in breast cancer center hospitals - a multilevel analysis.

    PubMed

    Kowalski, Christoph; Lee, Shoou-Yih D; Ansmann, Lena; Wesselmann, Simone; Pfaff, Holger

    2014-11-25

    Breast cancer patients are confronted with a serious diagnosis that requires them to make important decisions throughout the journey of the disease. For these decisions to be made it is critical that the patients be well informed. Previous studies have been consistent in their findings that breast cancer patients have a high need for information on a wide range of topics. This paper investigates (1) how many patients feel they have unmet information needs after initial surgery, (2) whether the proportion of patients with unmet information needs varies between hospitals where they were treated and (3) whether differences between the hospitals account for some of these variation. Data from 5,024 newly-diagnosed breast cancer patients treated in 111 breast center hospitals in Germany were analyzed and combined with data on hospital characteristics. Multilevel linear regression models were calculated taking into account hospital characteristics and adjusting for patient case mix. Younger patients, those receiving mastectomy, having statutory health insurance, not living with a partner and having a foreign native language report higher unmet information needs. The data demonstrate small between-hospital variation in unmet information needs. In hospitals that provide patient-specific information material and that offer health fairs as well as those that are non-teaching or have lower patient-volume, patients are less likely to report unmet information needs. We found differences in proportions of patients with unmet information needs between hospitals and that hospitals' structure and process-related attributes of the hospitals were associated with these differences to some extent. Hospitals may contribute to reducing the patients' information needs by means that are not necessarily resource-intensive.