Medical Specialties Commons^™

Nurse-Led Education On Oral Chemotherapy Medications, Carmen Lucia Glick Alonso

Master's Projects and Capstones

Problem: Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death among women in the United States. Annually, around 264,000 breast cancer cases are diagnosed in women and 2,400 in men (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022). According to the American Cancer Society, the risk of a woman in the United States being diagnosed with breast cancer in their life is around 13% (2022).

Context: Along with a cancer diagnosis comes the need to introduce patient education about new oral chemotherapy treatments. As a treatment team member, the oncology nurse plays a vital role in this …

Indwelling Pleural Catheterization Maximizes Functionality And Quality Of Life In Management Of Recurrent Malignant Pleural Effusions, Avinash Ramkissoon

Clinical Research in Practice: The Journal of Team Hippocrates

A clinical decision report using:

Davies HE, Mishra EK, Kahan BC, et al. Effect of an indwelling pleural catheter vs chest tube and talc pleurodesis for relieving dyspnea in patients with malignant pleural effusion: The TIME2 randomized controlled trial. J Am Med Assoc. 2012;307(22):2383-2389. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2012.5535

for the management of recurrent malignant pleural effusions in a patient with metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

Response To Chen Et. Al, Albert Stuart Reece, Gary Kenneth Hulse

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Whilst our paper was published in three parts to assist with readability it is essentially a single report. Our analysis moves logically from continuous and categorical bivariate studies to inverse probability weighted multivariate (IPWM) and then geospatiotemporal analysis and finally statistical analysis of geospatiotemporal models. Context is important. As stated by Chen and colleagues IPWM models are very powerful and present compelling conclusions and have the effect of transforming ecological into pseudo-randomized studies from which it is entirely proper to draw causal conclusions. That this report follows similar earlier IPWM and geotemporospatial reports on the commonest cancer in adults and …

The Impact Of Obesity And Adipokines On Breast And Gynecologic Malignancies, Surabhi Tewari, Roberto Vargas, Ofer Reizes

Faculty Scholarship

The link between obesity and multiple disease comorbidities is well established. In 2003, Calle and colleagues presented the relationship between obesity and several cancer types, including breast, ovarian, and endometrial malignancies. Nearly, 20% of cancer-related deaths in females can be accounted for by obesity. Identifying obesity as a risk factor for cancer led to a focus on the role of fat-secreted cytokines, known as adipokines, on carcinogenesis and tumor progression. Early studies indicated that the adipokine leptin increases cell proliferation, invasion, and inhibition of apoptosis in multiple cancer types. As a greater appreciation of the obesity–cancer link has amassed, we …

A Machine Learning Model Of Response To Hypomethylating Agents In Myelodysplastic Syndromes, Nathan Radakovich, David A. Sallman, Rena Buckstein, Andrew Brunner, Amy Dezern, Sudipto Mukerjee, Rami Komrokji, Najla Al-Ali, Jacob Shreve, Yazan Rouphail, Anne Parmentier, Alexandre Mamedov, Mohammed Siddiqui, Yihong Guan, Teodora Kuzmanovic, Metis Hasipek, Babal Jha, Jaroslaw P. Maciejewski, Mikkael A. Sekeres, Aziz Nazha

Department of Medical Oncology Faculty Papers

Hypomethylating agents (HMA) prolong survival and improve cytopenias in individuals with higher-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Only 30-40% of patients, however, respond to HMAs, and responses may not occur for more than 6 months after HMA initiation. We developed a model to more rapidly assess HMA response by analyzing early changes in patients’ blood counts. Three institutions’ data were used to develop a model that assessed patients’ response to therapy 90 days after the initiation using serial blood counts. The model was developed with a training cohort of 424 patients from2 institutions and validated on an independent cohort of 90 patients. …

Cancer As A Channelopathy—Appreciation Of Complimentary Pathways Provides A Different Perspective For Developing Treatments, Harry J. Hgould@Lsuhsc.Edu Gould, Dennis Paul

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Life depends upon the ability of cells to evaluate and adapt to a constantly changing environment and to maintain internal stability to allow essential biochemical reactions to occur. Ions and ion channels play a crucial role in this process and are essential for survival. Alterations in the expression of the transmembrane proteins responsible for maintaining ion balance that occur as a result of mutations in the genetic code or in response to iatrogenically induced changes in the extracellular environment is a characteristic feature of oncogenesis and identifies cancer as one of a constellation of diseases known as channelopathies. The classification …

Smoking And Other Determinants Of Covid Severity Among Cancer Patients, Sameh Gomaa, Lindsay Wilde, Md, Tara Rakiewicz, Kuang-Yi Wen

Department of Medical Oncology Posters

Introduction

• Cancer patients might be more susceptible to COVID-19 infection.
• With a higher incidence of acute complications, severe disease and higher mortality rates.
• Identifying factors contributing to severe disease remains essential to avoid the risk of severe and often fatal COVID-19 exposure.
• We report on the predisposing factors for severe COVID-19 and increased hospitalization burden in cancer patients at the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center (SKCC) in Philadelphia.

Cancer Patient Beliefs And Attitudes Regarding Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy, Nedal Darwish, Delaney C. Stuhr, Haily M. Datz, Halima Bakillah, Tenzin Tseky, Mohamed Manaa, Serge Dauphin

Advances in Clinical Medical Research and Healthcare Delivery

The development and widespread use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have advanced the field of oncology in a short period of time. Despite this, patient perception regarding this new medication class has not been adequately assessed, which may affect treatment decisions and adherence. The Belief about Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ) is a validated survey composed of 18 questions which analyzes patient’s beliefs about the necessity of prescribed medication and concern about the potential adverse events caused by the medication. General medication overuse and harm are also determined. This is the first study to utilize the BMQ for patients on ICI therapy.

Cancer-Specific Survival After Diagnosis In Men Versus Women: A Pan-Cancer Analysis., Yan He, Yonglin Su, Junsong Zeng, Weelic Chong, Xiaolin Hu, Yu Zhang, Xingchen Peng

Department of Medical Oncology Faculty Papers

Comprehensive understanding of cancer-specific survival differences in gender is critical for cancer prevention and treatment. Based on the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results database, we included data from the most prevalent cancers (lung, esophageal, liver, pancreatic, stomach, colorectal, kidney, and bladder cancer). Cox proportional hazards regression models were constructed to estimate hazard ratios, simultaneously adjusting for demographic, clinical, and treatment factors. Overall, male patients had a worse cancer-specific survival than female patients. After adjustment for cancer prevalence with 1:1 matching, gender remained a significant factor in cancer-specific survival. Among the included cancer types, female patients showed survival benefit in lung, …

Prevalence, Distribution, And Histopathological Features Of Malignant Tumors Reported At Tertiary Level In Afghanistan: A 3-Year Study, Haider Ali Malakzai, Ahmed Maseh Haidary, Saleema A. Gulzar, Mujtaba Haidari, Abdul Sami Ibrahimkhil, Ramin Saadaat, Ahmadullah Hakimi, Sayed Murtaza Sadat Hofiani, Soma Rahmani, Jamshid Abdul Ghafar

School of Nursing & Midwifery

Purpose: Cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity, and therefore, tremendous research work is continuously being done around the world with consideration of etiopathogenesis as well as identification of therapeutic targets. Decades of continuous war in Afghanistan has left the medical infrastructure of the country in a miserable situation. There is a serious deficiency in research work in the fields of pathology and oncology at the moment with minimal data available to elaborate about the demographic characteristics of various malignant disorders in the country, which would be indispensable to pave the way for further research and …

The Molecular Landscape Of Early-Stage Breast Cancer With Lymph Node Metastasis, Farhad Ghasemi

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Axillary lymph nodes (ALNs) are the primary site of metastasis in breast cancer, and their involvement has implications in disease staging, prognostication, and treatment decisions. A non-invasive modality of assessing the risk of ALN metastasis can improve care in patients with early-stage breast cancer by omitting the morbidity and costs associated with axillary surgery.

This thesis explores the molecular landscape of early-stage breast cancers with ALN metastasis and shows the potential of tumour molecular signatures in predicting ALN involvement. After a systematic review of the literature, we use data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) to develop molecular signatures correlated …

Defining The Cooperation Between Mhc-I And Mhc-Ii Neoantigen-Driven T Cell Responses To Develop Effective Personalized Immunotherapies, Charmelle Williams

Dissertations & Theses (Open Access)

Immune checkpoint therapy (ICT) (e.g. anti-CTLA-4 (α-CTLA-4), anti-PD-1 (α-PD-1)) enables durable T cell-dependent anti-tumor immunity in certain cancer patients. Since a subset of patients respond to ICT, this work aims at developing a more in-depth understanding of T-cell responses to MHC class I (MHC-I) and MHC class II (MHC-II) tumor antigens that are derived from aberrant expression of non-mutant antigens or driver and passenger somatic alterations that can function as tumor neoantigens. We used a poorly immunogenic Braf^v600e Pten^-/- Cdkn2a^-/- YUMM1.7 (Y1.7) murine melanoma line with a paucity of endogenous neoantigens that is unresponsive to ICT, and …

Doubling Down On Sepsis: A Quality Improvement Project To Improve Sepsis Bundle Compliance On An Inpatient Oncology Unit, Kayla Slay

Dissertations

Problem: Sepsis is a leading cause of death worldwide, and the second most common cause of death in cancer patients. Early management of sepsis through use of sepsis bundles have been shown to improve patient outcomes, yet bundle adherence is unfortunately inconsistent.

Methods: A two-nurse team, called the Sepsis Sidekicks, was a process improvement initiative to increase compliance with the center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) sepsis bundle and improve patient outcomes related to sepsis. The observational quality improvement project utilized a Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) model over a six-week period where quantitative data was collected using a retrospective chart review. …

An Investigation Into Use Of Natural Mistletoe Extracts And Their Formulations As Potential Anti-Cancer Treatments In Human Carcinomas, Rebecca Healy, Anne M. Friel

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

Cancer is a prevalent disease that is responsible for around 10 million deaths a year. Cases and deaths will continue to rise daily if nothing is done to find the most effective treatment. Mistletoe is an evergreen, semi-parasitic plant that grows on trees. This plant contains a number of biologically active compounds that contribute to its anti-cancer properties e.g., lectins. Mistletoe is obtained from nature and has been shown to be safe, potent, and effective in treating cancer. Herein we review the biological effects of mistletoe on cancer cells, formulations that can be used in cancer treatment and discuss the …

The Risk And Prognosis Of Covid-19 Infection In Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Ghada M. Elgohary, Shahrukh Hashmi, Jan Styczynski, Mohamed A. Kharfan-Dabaja, Rehab M. Alblooshi, Rafael De La Camara, Sherif Mohmed, Alfadel Alshaibani, Simone Cesaro, Nashwa Abd El-Aziz, Reem Almaghrabi, Usama Gergis, Navneet S. Majhail, Roy F. Chemaly, Mahmoud Aljurf, Riad El Fakih

Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Therapy

Numerous studies have been published regarding outcomes of cancer patients infected with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus causing the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. However, most of these are single-center studies with a limited number of patients. To better assess the outcomes of this new infection in this subgroup of susceptible patients, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 infection on cancer patients. We performed a literature search using PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus for studies that reported the risk of infection and complications of COVID-19 in cancer patients …

Physical Activity In Older Adults With Metastatic Gastrointestinal Cancer: A Pilot And Feasibility Study, Justin C. Brown, Elizabeth Brighton, Nancy Campbell, Nadine J. Mccleary, Thomas A. Abrams, James M. Cleary, Peter C. Enzinger, Kimmie Ng, Douglas Rubinson, Brian M. Wolpin, Matthew B. Yurgelun, Jeffrey A. Meyerhardt

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Financial Toxicity Tumor Board: A Multi-Disciplinary Team Activity Required In Low And Middle-Income Countries (Lmic), Ahmed Nadeem Abbasi, Sohail Rasool, Laraib Khan

Department of Radiation Oncology

No abstract provided.

Combined Treatment With Niclosamide And Camptothecin Enhances Anticancer Effect In U87 Mg Human Glioblastoma Cells, Laura Valdez, Benxu Cheng, Daniela Gonzalez, Reanna Rodriguez, Paola Campano, Andrew Tsin, Xiaoqian Fang

School of Medicine Publications and Presentations

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the deadliest cancers of the brain. Its ability to infiltrate healthy brain tissues renders it difficult to remove surgically. Furthermore, it exhibits high rates of radio- and chemoresistance, making the survival rates of patients with GBM poor. Therefore, novel effective therapies for GBM remain urgently in demand. Niclosamide is an anti-helminthic drug and recently it has been receiving attention due to its reported anticancer effects in cancer models, including GBM. Furthermore, camptothecin (CPT) is a naturally-occurring alkaloid and has been previously reported to be a potential chemotherapeutic agent by targeting the nuclear topoisomerase I. …

The Future Of Targeted Kinase Inhibitors In Melanoma, Signe Caksa, Usman Baqai, A E Aplin

Department of Cancer Biology Faculty Papers

Melanoma is a cancer of the pigment-producing cells of the body and its incidence is rising. Targeted inhibitors that act against kinases in the MAPK pathway are approved for BRAF-mutant metastatic cutaneous melanoma and increase patients' survival. Response to these therapies is limited by drug resistance and is less durable than with immune checkpoint inhibition. Conversely, rare melanoma subtypes have few therapeutic options for advanced disease and MAPK pathway targeting agents show minimal anti-tumor effects. Nevertheless, there is a future for targeted kinase inhibitors in melanoma: in new applications such as adjuvant or neoadjuvant therapy and in novel combinations with …

Foundations Of Plasmas For Medical Applications, T. Von Woedtke, Mounir Laroussi, M. Gherardi

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

Plasma medicine refers to the application of nonequilibrium plasmas at approximately body temperature, for therapeutic purposes. Nonequilibrium plasmas are weakly ionized gases which contain charged and neutral species and electric fields, and emit radiation, particularly in the visible and ultraviolet range. Medically-relevant cold atmospheric pressure plasma (CAP) sources and devices are usually dielectric barrier discharges and nonequilibrium atmospheric pressure plasma jets. Plasma diagnostic methods and modelling approaches are used to characterize the densities and fluxes of active plasma species and their interaction with surrounding matter. In addition to the direct application of plasma onto living tissue, the treatment of liquids …

Developing Novel Water-Soluble Porphyrins For Potential Use As Photosensitizers In Photodynamic Therapy, Kayla R. Whittington

Honors Theses

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a treatment modality for various illnesses, including some types of cancer. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States. The prevalence of lung cancer in certain gender, racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups add to existing health disparities in the United States. For this reason, it is necessary to address the social determinants underlying lung cancer disparities, as well as improve treatment options. These treatment options should be cost effective, convenient, and increase survival rates. This research focused on synthesizing novel water-soluble porphyrin compounds for use as photosensitive agents in PDT for …

The Impact Of Dietary Fiber On Breast Cancer Incidence, Peyton North

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Abstract

Introduction & Background

The role of dietary fiber in breast cancer etiology remains unclear. A negative correlation may be due to fiber’s ability to stave off obesity and aid in the extraction of serum estrogen, two known risk factors for the disease. Effects may differ by source, and type, of fiber. Most of the data available is from research with non-Hispanic white women. However, fiber intake may vary significantly across cultures.

Purpose Statement & Question

The research sought to investigate whether an increased intake of dietary fiber was associated with a corresponding decrease in the incidence of breast cancer. …

T Cell Therapy: Underlying Mechanisms And Current Advancements, Griffin Mccloy

Senior Honors Theses

As the second leading cause of death in 2016, cancer is one of the most serious diseases facing the world today. T cell therapy is a current area of research attempting to address the disease with two primary division: CAR-T and TCR-T cell therapy. The immune system naturally produces T lymphocytes to aid in the recognition and removal of cells infected with viruses or transformed into cancer. Under normal circumstances, T lymphocytes identify and destroy cancerous cells; however, some cancerous cell types can evade this system. With the use of genetic editing technology, T lymphocytes can gain the ability to …

An Analysis Of The Psychological And Physical Effects Of A Physical Activity Program During In-Patient Pediatric Cancer Treatment, Zoë Winters

Undergraduate Theses

There is limited published research regarding the use of physical activity in cancer treatment programs, and even fewer in pediatric treatment plans; however, there is a common consensus that following the conclusion of cancer treatment an individual’s physical fitness has been majorly impacted. The inactivity that commonly coexists with cancer treatment often results in extended periods of time in rehabilitation programs and decreased independence. Along with the physical detriments caused by inactivity, increased dependence on others often brings about feelings of helplessness that can further cause emotional detriments. It has however been demonstrated in previous research that adding physical activity …

Editorial: Anticancer Potential Of Artemisia Annua, Jill M. Kolesar, Peter H. Seeberger

Pharmacy Practice and Science Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Dna-Pkcs: A Targetable Protumorigenic Protein Kinase., Emanuela Dylgjeri, Karen E Knudsen

Department of Cancer Biology Faculty Papers

DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) is a pleiotropic protein kinase that plays critical roles in cellular processes fundamental to cancer. DNA-PKcs expression and activity are frequently deregulated in multiple hematologic and solid tumors and have been tightly linked to poor outcome. Given the potentially influential role of DNA-PKcs in cancer development and progression, therapeutic targeting of this kinase is being tested in preclinical and clinical settings. This review summarizes the latest advances in the field, providing a comprehensive discussion of DNA-PKcs functions in cancer and an update on the clinical assessment of DNA-PK inhibitors in cancer therapy.

Risk Factors For Hospitalizations Among Older Adults With Gastrointestinal Cancers, Daneng Li, Can-Lan Sun, Rebecca Allen, Christiana J Crook, Abrahm Levi, Richard Ballena, Heidi D Klepin, Rawad Elias, Supriya G Mohile, William P Tew, Cynthia Owusu, Hyman B Muss, Stuart M Lichtman, Cary P Gross, Andrew Chapman, Ajeet Gajra, Harvey J Cohen, Vani Katheria, Arti Hurria, William Dale

Department of Medical Oncology Faculty Papers

Background: Older adults (≥65 years) with gastrointestinal (GI) cancers who receive chemotherapy are at increased risk of hospitalization caused by treatment-related toxicity. Geriatric assessment (GA) has been previously shown to predict risk of toxicity in older adults undergoing chemotherapy. However, studies incorporating the GA specifically in older adults with GI cancers have been limited. This study sought to identify GA-based risk factors for chemotherapy toxicity-related hospitalization among older adults with GI cancers.

Patients and methods: We performed a secondary post hoc subgroup analysis of two prospective studies used to develop and validate a GA-based chemotherapy toxicity score. The incidence of …

Analyzing The Relationship Between The Quality Of Life And Race Of Lung Cancer Survivors, Alina S. Wise

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Purpose: The relationship between racial disparities and the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of lung cancer patients is not well understood. The purpose of this study was to quantify the overall HRQoL of lung cancer patients and compare differences in HRQoL among racial groups in the United States.

Methods: We analyzed data from the Behavioral Risk Factors Surveillance System (BRFSS), a population-based national cross-sectional study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The BRFSS is conducted annually in all 50 states and collects information on demographics, health behaviors, health-related experiences, health conditions, use of medications, and use of …

In Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma (Hcc) (P), Is Bevacizumab With Atezolizumab (I) More Effective Than Sorafenib (C) In Long-Term Clinical Prognosis (O)?, Joon Lee

Capstone Showcase

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer death globally. China contributes to half of the global incidence of liver cancer, with about 70-85% being HCC. Definitive treatment for this condition would be surgical resection with liver transplant but for obvious reasons, the majority of affected patients are unable to meet the necessary criteria. Sorafenib is a form of chemotherapy that has been the mainstay treatment of HCC since its approval in 2007. More recently, the combination of Bevacizumab and Atezolizumab has shown greater efficacy in the treatment of unresectable HCC. Additionally, this new combination therapy shows favorable …

Implementation Barriers To Integrating Exercise As Medicine In Oncology: An Ecological Scoping Review, Mary A. Kennedy, Sara Bayes, Robert U. Newton, Yvonne Zissiadis, Nigel Spry, Dennis Taaffe, Nicolas H. Hart, Daniel A. Galvao

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Purpose

While calls have been made for exercise to become standard practice in oncology, barriers to implementation in real-world settings are not well described. This systematic scoping review aimed to comprehensively describe barriers impeding integration of exercise into routine oncology care within healthcare systems.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted across six electronic databases (since 2010) to identify barriers to implementing exercise into real-world settings. An ecological framework was used to classify barriers according to their respective level within the healthcare system.

Results

A total of 1,376 results were retrieved; 50 articles describing implementation barriers in real-world exercise oncology …