Laura Bourdeanu

Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in Asian women with breast cancer receiving anthracycline-based adjuvant chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) remain among the most frequently reported distressing side effects associated with anthracycline-based chemotherapy despite significant advances in antiemetic management. The main risk factor for severity of CINV is the emetogenic potential of the chemotherapeutic agents. However, patient-related risk factors have been identified, including genetic makeup. Although studies have noted that ethnicity influences nausea and vomiting in other contexts, there is a paucity of research regarding the impact of ethnicity on CINV. This study was undertaken to evaluate whether Asian women receiving anthracycline-based chemotherapy experience more CINV than non-Asians. METHODS A retrospective, comparative, correlational chart review was performed to abstract the relevant variables. RESULTS Data from a convenience sample of 358 women with breast cancer who received chemotherapy with doxorubicin between 2004 and 2008 at City of Hope in Duarte, California, were evaluated. The sample consisted of Caucasians (45%), Hispanics (27.7%), Asians (19.8%), and African Americans (7.5%). The results indicate that Asian women with breast cancer undergoing anthracycline-based chemotherapy experienced statistically significantly more clinically important CINV than their non-Asian counterparts. LIMITATIONS The data were collected retrospectively, with a certain population distribution at a specific time. CONCLUSION This study provides interesting preliminary evidence that Asian ethnicity plays a role in the development of severe CINV. When managing chemotherapy toxicities in women with breast cancer, health-care providers should tailor therapy to individual risk profiles. Specifically, consideration of antiemetic therapy should accommodate patient characteristics, such as Asian descent.

Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma with Calf Muscle Localization

Although diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) usually occurs in the lymph nodes, approximately 30–40% of the time it can have an extranodal site of involvement and it can arise in nearly every body site such as intestine, bone, breast, liver, skin, lung, and central nervous system. Muscle involvement of DLBCL is especially uncommon, comprising 0.5% of extranodal NHL. We report a case of a 72-year-old man with extranodal DLBCL of a unique manifestation in the calf muscle, involving predominantly the gastrocnemius muscle. The patient achieved complete response and remained free of local recurrence or metastasis following diagnosis.

Nursing perspectives on trastuzumab emtansine for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer.

Increased understanding of the molecular composition of breast cancer tumors has led to the development of targeted anticancer agents. Novel therapies directed against human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) in breast cancer have been developed. One such agent, trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1), is an antibody drug conjugate that has been shown to be effective in the treatment of women with HER2-positive breast cancer. Phase I and II studies have determined a maximum tolerated dose, and several phase Ib/II, II, and III studies have shown improved tolerability and efficacy compared with the combination of trastuzumab and chemotherapy. The most concerning grade 3 or higher adverse events associated with T-DM1 include thrombocytopenia and transaminitis. To ensure that these adverse events do not delay or interrupt treatment, oncology nurses need to familiarize themselves with these risks and their management. This article reviews the clinical development of T-DM1 and its usage, with a focus on the nurses role in preventing and managing adverse events associated with T-DM1 therapy.

Arterial thrombosis associated with adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer: A case report

Purpose: To report a case of arterial thrombosis in a 63‐year‐old female undergoing treatment with multiagent chemotherapy for breast cancer. An overview of the prevalence and pathogenesis of the disorder, clinical diagnosis, and treatment are discussed. Data sources: Case report, diagnostic evidence, and scientific literature. Conclusions: Arterial thrombosis is an extremely rare complication of multichemotherapy treatment of breast cancer. Although the risk of arterial thromboembolism appears to be low, it can have devastating complications that result in significant morbidities and, sometimes, death. Implications for practice: As the risk of arterial thrombosis is low, many healthcare providers may not be aware of this potentially serious complication. Thrombosis prophylaxis should be considered for patients with risk factors. In cases where arterial thrombosis occurs, immediate thrombolitic therapy or operative intervention should be considered.

Supporting Asian patients with metastatic breast cancer during ixabepilone therapy

Importance of the field: Ixabepilone is currently FDA-approved in metastatic breast cancer, and most patients in the registrational trials were Caucasian. Studies in Asian populations receiving other cytotoxic agents have revealed differential pharmacokinetics and clinical outcomes. As such, clinicians should understand the possible contributions of Asian ethnicity and culture to the clinical profile of ixabepilone. Areas covered in this review: Studies in Asian patients receiving other chemotherapeutics reported altered toxicity profiles for myelosuppression, neurotoxicity and gastrointestinal symptoms. Encouragingly, the limited clinical data in Asian patients receiving ixabepilone suggest that efficacy and toxicity in these women resemble those reported in the ixabepilone registrational trials. What the reader will gain: The reader will better understand how Asian genetics and culture may influence treatment outcomes and patient attitudes toward therapy and interaction with caregivers. Management of ixabepilone-related adverse events is also discussed with an emphasis on special considerations for Asian patients. Take home message: Awareness of possible altered drug response in Asian patients will aid clinicians in monitoring for toxicity, recognizing the need for dose modification and educating patients. Sensitivity to cultural aspects that are unique to Asians may improve adherence, reporting of adverse events and trust among Asian patients receiving ixabepilone.

Breast Cancer Risk Factors: a Cross- Cultural Comparison between the West and the East

Background: The incidence of breast cancer in Lebanon is higher than any other Middle –Eastern country, is diagnosed at a younger age than women in Western countries, and is more aggressive and fatal. Therefore addressing risk factors in this population is of paramount importance. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional, comparative design evaluated the risk factors for breast cancer in a convenient sample of 105 Lebanese-American women with 250 Lebanese. Odds Ratio, Chi square t-tests or ANOVA were used to compare the two groups’ risk factors and knowledge of screening tools. Associations found to be statistically significant were included in three multiple logistic regression models to estimate the odds of each variable for performing a mammography, a clinical breast exam (CBE) and a breast self-exam (BSE). Results: There were more Muslims in the Lebanese-American sample who perceived having a better income, and had a better understanding of the effectiveness of the mammogram, the CBE and the BSE. The Lebanese group reached menopause at an older age, t = 2.66, p = 0.05, smoked more, OR = 1.42, p = 0.001 and were five times more likely to live close to a main road or highway, OR = 5.75, p = 0.001 than the Lebanese-American group. The Lebanese- Americana group breast fed longer χ2= 11.68, p = .008, used contraceptives more, OR = 1.74, p = 0.027, exercised more, OR = 1.61, p < 0.001, and consumed more vegetables and fruits than their Lebanese counterparts, OR= 1.22, p = 0.002, and OR = 1.27 p = 0.001, respectively. For ever having a mammogram, the duration of breastfeeding (>6 months), effectiveness of the mammogram, and exercise were significant predictors. While for ever having a CBE, smoking, eating fruits, and exercise were significant. No variables were related to performing a BSE. Conclusion: The Lebanese women had higher risk factors for developing breast cancer, and had less knowledge of the benefits of breast cancer screening tools, calling for the importance of promoting healthy life styles and education.

P1-11-06: Barriers to Enrollment in Cancer Therapeutic Clinical Trials: A Comprehensive Cancer Center Experience.

PURPOSE: Well-conducted cancer therapeutic clinical trials are essential for improving patient outcomes. Unfortunately, less than 5% of new cancer patients participate in clinical trials on average nationwide. Failure to recruit eligible patients represents a major impediment to the success of clinical trials. Barriers to patient accrual in cancer clinical trials must be identified and overcome to increase patient participation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 418 patients with a diagnosis of breast cancer seen at City of Hope Medical Center in 2009 was performed. Along with descriptive analysis of patient demographic data, logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate predictors of enrollment. RESULTS: Of the 418 new breast cancer patients in 2009, we determined that 138 (33%) were eligible for available therapeutic clinical trials at City of Hope. At the initial visits, physicians did not consider clinical trials in 32% (44/138) of these patients. Of the 138 eligible patients, 58% (80/138) of patients participated in clinical trials. The remainder (58/138, 42%) either declined trial participation despite meeting eligibility criteria (14/58, 24%), or were not considered for clinical trials by their respective physician (44/58, 76%). By logistic regression analysis, patients with Stages II and III disease were significantly more likely to enroll in clinical trials compared to those with stage 0 or I (OR=2.89, 95% CI, 1.17−7.12, P = .02; OR=9.17, 95% Cl, 2.65−31.76, P=0.0005;, respectively). Age, preferred language, marital status, family history of breast cancer, and race were not found to be significant predictors of enrollment in therapeutic clinical trials. CONCLUSION: While enrollment of eligible breast cancer patients onto therapeutic clinical trials at City of Hope is high (58%), overall the proportion going onto clinical trials remains low (80/418, 19%), though higher than national averages. We found that the majority of patients did not enroll due to lack of availability of a suitable trial, ineligibility, or lack of offering of trial enrollment by the treating MD. Barriers to cancer clinical trial accrual should be prospectively identified and addressed in future studies, with the hope of leading to more vigorous enrollment. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2011;71(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-11-06.

Abstract P3-13-01: Delayed Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting in Asian Women with Breast Cancer

Background: Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) remain among the most frequently reported distressing side effects associated with a doxorubicin-based chemotherapy regimen, and it can significantly affect patients’ quality of life and compliance with therapy. Despite the significant advances in antiemetic management in preventing and controlling CINV, as many as 50% of patients still experience some degree of nausea and vomiting. The main risk factor for the degree of CINV is the emetogenic potential of the chemotherapeutic agents. However, several patient-related risk factors have been identified, including individuals’ genetic makeup. Although several studies have noted that ethnicity influences nausea and vomiting related to motion sickness, fluorescein dye, and pregnancy, no studies have evaluated the relationship between ethnicity and CINV; specifically, if there is a higher incidence of severe CINV in patients of Asian descent. Methods: A retrospective, comparative, correlational chart review was performed to abstract all relevant variables. The association between CINV and ethnicity was examined through chi square analysis. Results: Data from a convenience sample of 300 women with breast cancer who received chemotherapy that includes doxorubicin between 2004 and 2008 at City of Hope in Duarte, CA, were evaluated. The sample consisted of Caucasians (46.3%), African Americans (3.7%), Asians (24.0%), and Hispanics (26.0%). The results of this study indicate that Asian women with breast cancer undergoing treatment with chemotherapy that includes doxorubicin experienced statistically significantly more severe CINV (grade ≥ 2) than their non-Asian counterparts (X 2 = 10.601, p = .001). Conclusion: This study provides strong but preliminary evidence that Asian ethnicity plays a role in the development of severe CINV. When managing chemotherapy toxicities in women with breast cancer, healthcare providers are advised to optimize their patients’ outcomes by ensuring that therapy is tailored according to each patient9s individual risk profile. Consideration of the antiemetic therapy should accommodate patient characteristics, specifically being of Asian descent. In this way, effective prevention of CINV can be maximized during a patient9s initial treatment. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2010;70(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-13-01.