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The use of medical cannabis has rapidly increased among cancer patients worldwide. Cannabis is often administered concomitantly with cancer medications, including immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). As the cannabinoid receptors are abundantly expressed and modulate immune cells, it has been hypothesised that cannabis may attenuate the activity of ICIs. We aimed to assess the effect of cannabis on ICIs' efficiency in patients having non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).The murine model of CT26 tumour-bearing mice treated with an anti-PD-1 antibody and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) was used to evaluate the interaction between THC and ICIs in vivo. Correlation between use of medical cannabis and clinical outcome was evaluated in a cohort of 201 consecutive metastatic NSCLC patients treated with monotherapy pembrolizumab as a first-line treatment.Median overall survival (OS) of the mice receiving a control vehicle, THC, anti-PD-1 antibody or their combination was 21, 24, 31 and 54 days, respectively (p 0.05 for the combination treatment compared to a control vehicle), indicating that THC did not reduce the efficacy of anti-PD-1 therapy. Of 201 NSCLC patients treated with first-line monotherapy pembrolizumab for metastatic disease, 102 (50.7%) patients received licence for cannabis within the first month of treatment. Cannabis-treated patients were younger compared to the cannabis naïve patients (median age 68 versus 74, p = 0.003), with female predominance (62, 60.8% versus 34, 34.3%, p = 0.002) and with more prevailing brain metastasis (15.7% versus 5%, p = 0.013). Similar distribution of histology, smoking status, ECOG (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group) and programmed death-ligand 1 expression was noted between the groups. Liver metastases were marginally significant (19.6% versus 10.1%, p = 0.058). The most common indication for cannabis was pain (71%) followed by loss of appetite (34.3%). Time to tumour progression was similar for cannabis-naive and cannabis-treated patients (6.1 versus 5.6 months, respectively, 95% confidence interval, 0.82 to 1.38, p = 0.386), while OS was numerically higher in the cannabis-naive group (54.9 versus 23.6 months) but did not reach statistical significance (95% confidence interval 0.99 to 2.51, p = 0.08). In multivariate analyses, we did not identify cannabis use as an independent predictor factor for mortality.Preclinical and clinical data suggest no deleterious effect of cannabis on the activity of pembrolizumab as first-line monotherapy for advanced NSCLC. The differences in OS can most likely be attributed to higher disease burden and more symptomatic disease in the cannabis-treated group. These data provide reassurance regarding the absence of a deleterious effect of cannabis in this clinical setting.

Background: Most patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC) receive first-line treatment with anti-HER2 agents and have already received anti-HER2 therapy as adjuvant or neoadjuvant therapy in the local setting of their disease presentation. Despite that, they constitute only a minority among clinical trials, and their response to reintroduction to anti-HER2 treatments is inconclusive based upon conflicting studies. We aimed to examine if previous exposure influences the clinical outcome of patients treated with anti-HER2 treatments compared to patients who were naïve to anti-HER2 agents. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study of HER2-positive MBC patients who were treated with trastuzumab and pertuzumab from 2014 to 2018. We collected and analyzed data including patients’ demographic characteristic as well as extracted data of previous treatment regimens and the efficiency of the anti-HER2 therapy measured by response rate (RR), time to tumor progression (TTP), and overall survival (OS). Results: Eighty patients met the inclusion criteria, 26 (32.5%) of them were previously exposed to anti-HER2 treatments and 54 (67.5%) were not previously exposed to anti-HER2 therapy. No significant differences were detected in RR after 3 months of treatment (p = 0.684). TTP was significantly better among patients with no previous exposure in comparison with patients with previous exposure to anti-HER2 therapy (21 vs. 14 months, p = 0.044) and we noted a trend in better OS (p = 0.056). Conclusion: Our analysis suggests that previous exposure to anti-HER2 agents might influence the clinical outcome of first-line treatment in metastatic HER2 patients. These findings justify further exploration of the benefit of reintroduction of anti-HER2 treatment enabling the optimal treatment for patients with previous anti-HER2 therapy exposure.

Background Conventional first-line combination therapy for ovarian cancer comprises 6 cycles of adjuvant or neoadjuvant carboplatin (AUC5-6) with paclitaxel (175 mg/m2) every 3 weeks (PC-3W). Weekly scheduling of paclitaxel may maximize its antiangiogenic effect and reduce adverse effects. We compared the efficacy and safety of PC-3W with a modified protocol of weekly paclitaxel 80 mg/m2 and weekly carboplatin AUC2 administered on days 1, 8, and 15 in a 28-day cycle (i.e., with 1 week off-treatment [PC-W]). Materials and Methods Medical records of consecutive patients treated between 2000 and 2018 were reviewed; 707 patients were analyzed for demographic and clinical characteristics, effectiveness and toxicity. Results PC-3W was administered to 402 patients (median age, 60.5 years) and PC-W to 305 patients (median age, 62.5 years). Most patients (91.4%) were diagnosed at stage III–IV. Notwithstanding a higher proportion of residual disease and older patients in the PC-W group, median progression-free survival was 21.4 months and 13.2 months for PC-W and PC-3W, respectively; median overall survival was 75.2 and 54.0 months for PC-W and PC-3W, respectively. Cox proportional hazards model indicated improved survival for patients treated with PC-W (hazard ratio, 0.54). Similar results were observed for older patients diagnosed at ≥75 years. PC-W demonstrated a better safety profile, with lower incidence of neuropathy, neutropenia, and alopecia. Conclusion PC-W is as active and better tolerated than the standard PC-3W regimen. PC-W may serve as an alternative option for elderly or frail patients. Implications for Practice Weekly scheduling of paclitaxel 80 mg/m2 and carboplatin AUC2, administered on days 1, 8, and 15 in a 28-day cycle (PC-W) for first-line therapy for advanced ovarian cancer, is as active and better tolerated than the standard regimen of carboplatin and paclitaxel (175 mg/m2) every 3 weeks (PC-3W). It is possible that the weekly holiday on day 21 in the PC-W regimen may ensure better completion rates (which may result in treatment delays for toxicity in PC-3W). The results of this retrospective analysis highlight the weekly regimen as a valid treatment option, especially for elderly patients and those with significant comorbidities.

Objectives We evaluated the incidence of breast cancer and overall survival in a multi-center cohort of ovarian cancer patients carrying BRCA1/2 mutations in order to assess risks and formulate optimal preventive interventions and/or surveillance. Methods Medical records of 502 BRCA1/2 mutation carriers diagnosed with ovarian cancer between 2000 and 2018 at 7 medical centers in Israel and one in New York were retrospectively analyzed for breast cancer diagnosis. Data included demographics, type of BRCA mutations, surveillance methods, timing of breast cancer diagnosis, and family history of cancer. Results The median age at diagnosis of ovarian cancer was 55.8 years (range, 23.9–90.1). A third (31.5%) had a family history of breast cancer and 17.1% of ovarian cancer. Most patients (67.3%) were Ashkenazi Jews, 72.9% were BRCA1 carriers. Breast cancer preceded ovarian cancer in 17.5% and was diagnosed after ovarian cancer in 6.2%; an additional 2.2% had a synchronous presentation. Median time to breast cancer diagnosis after ovarian cancer was 46.0 months (range, 11–168). Of those diagnosed with both breast cancer and ovarian cancer (n = 31), 83.9% and 16.1% harbored BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, respectively. No deaths from breast cancer were recorded. Overall survival did not differ statistically between patients with an ovarian cancer diagnosis only and those diagnosed with breast cancer after ovarian cancer. Conclusion The low incidence of breast cancer after ovarian cancer in women carrying BRCA1/2 mutations suggests that routine breast surveillance, rather than risk-reducing surgical interventions, may be sufficient in ovarian cancer survivors.

Introduction The use of telemedicine in oncology practice is rapidly expanding and is considered safe and cost effective. However, the implications of telemedicine on patient‐physician interaction, patient satisfaction, and absence of the personal touch have not been studied to date. Following the spread of COVID‐19, telemedicine services were rapidly incorporated at the Oncology Division of Tel Aviv Medical Center. We aimed to evaluate patients' perspectives and preferences regarding telemedicine and to assess whether this virtual communication platform affects the patient‐physician relationship. Methods Between March 2020 and May 2020, adult cancer patients who conducted at least one successful telemedicine meeting were interviewed by trained medical personnel. The interview was based on validated patient satisfaction questionnaires and focused on patient‐physician interaction in relation to the last in‐patient visit. Results Of 236 patients, 172 (74%) patients agreed to participate. The study population comprised mainly patients with gastrointestinal malignancies (n = 79, 46%) with a median age of 63 years (range 21–88). The majority of patients were male (n = 93, 54%). Eighty‐nine (51.7%) patients were receiving active oncologic treatment, and 58 (33.7%) were under routine surveillance following completion of active therapy. Almost all had a sense of secured privacy (n = 171, 96%), the majority of patients affirmed that their concerns were met (n = 166, 93%) and perceived that eye contact with the treating physician was perceived (n = 156, 87%). Only a minority felt that the absence of physical clinic visits harmed their treatment (n = 36, 20%). Most patients (n = 146, 84.9%) wished to continue telemedicine services. A multivariate analysis revealed that higher satisfaction and visits for routine surveillance were both predictors of willingness to continue future telemedicine meetings over physical encounters (odds ratio [OR] = 2.41, p = .01; OR = 3.34, p = .03, respectively). Conclusion Telemedicine is perceived as safe and effective, and patients did not feel that it compromised medical care or the patient‐physician relationship. Integration of telemedicine is ideal for patients under surveillance after completion of active oncologic treatment. Physician communication skills workshops are warranted with implementing this platform. Implications for Practice During the COVID‐19 pandemic, telemedicine was rapidly implemented worldwide to facilitate continuity of quality care and treatment. Despite many potential setbacks, telemedicine has become a useful and safe tool for oncology practitioners to care for their patients. The use of telemedicine regarding patients' perspectives, emotions, and patient‐physician communication in daily oncology practice has not been studied to date. This study demonstrated telemedicine is perceived as safe and effective and does not compromise medical care or the patient‐physician relationship. Its use is ideal for surveillance after completion of active oncologic treatment. Physician communication skills workshops are warranted with implementing this platform., The use of telemedicine in oncology practice is rapidly expanding; however, the implications for patient‐physician interaction and patient satisfaction have not been well studied. This article evaluates patients' perspectives and preferences regarding telemedicine and whether a virtual communication platform affects the patient‐physician relationship.

e21097 Background: In recent years, the use of medical cannabis rapidly increased among cancer patients in Israel. Yet, cannabinoid receptors are abundantly expressed on immune cells and modulate their activity. It is abundantly being use by metastatic NSCLC patients, shortly following diagnosis and is taken in parallel to first line treatment with ICI. Recent studies suggested that the use of cannabis may reduce the efficacy of ICI. However, these studies were biased by the heterogeneity of patients and the increased use of cannabis specifically in highly symptomatic patients with high disease burden. Methods: We first tested the interaction anti-PD-1 antibody and Δ−9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in a preclinical model consisting of CT26 tumor-bearing mice, and examined the effects on tumor size, T-cell infiltrates, and mice survival. Mice were euthanized when tumor volume reached above 700 mm3. Next, we conducted a retrospective study of NSCLC patients, treated at a tertiary center, and included all consecutive patients treated with a single agent pembrolizumab as a first line treatment for advanced disease and evaluated clinical outcome and response to treatment. Results: Studies using the CT26 mice cancer model, indicated a potential beneficial effect for the combination an anti-PD-1 antibody and THC with a median overall survival (OS) of the mice receiving no treatment, THC, anti-PD-1 antibody or their combination being 21 days, 24, 31 days and 54 days, respectively (p < 0.05). Data of 201 NSCLC cancer patients who received first-line single agent pembrolizumab for metastatic disease, 102 (50.7%) patients received cannabis and 99 (49.3%) were cannabis naïve was analyzed. Their median age was 68 for the cannabis treated group and 74 for the cannabis naïve (p = 0.003), 34 (34.3%) in the cannabis treated group and 62 (60.8%) for the cannabis naïve were women (p = 0.002). Similar distribution of histology, smoking status and PDL1 expression was noted between the groups. The efficacy of pembrolizumab, as determined by time to progression (TTP) was similar for cannabis-naïve and cannabis-treated patients (6.1 vs. 4.8 months, respectively, p = 0.386), while OS was higher, though not statistically significant, in the cannabis-naïve group (54 vs. 23.3 months, respectively p = 0.08). Conclusions: Both preclinical and clinical data suggest no deleterious effect of cannabis on the activity of pembrolizumab as first line monotherapy for advanced NSCLC. The differences in OS can be most likely by attributed to higher disease burden and more symptomatic disease in the cannabis-treated group. While additional validation is required, these data provide somewhat reassuring data regarding the absence of a deleterious effect of cannabis in this clinical setting.

The widespread use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) has become a mainstay of care for a variety of malignancies. However, these therapies portend a range of adverse effects, including a potentially fatal form of cardiotoxicity which to date has not been elucidated. We aimed to evaluate the baseline characteristics of ICI-mediated cardiotoxicity. We performed a retrospective study evaluating patients treated with ICI who performed at least 2 echocardiography examinations, before and after the initiation of ICI. Cardiotoxicity was defined as Cancer Therapeutics-related Cardiac Dysfunction (CTRCD) development, with an absolute left ventricular ejection fraction reduction of >10%, to a value

The SARS-COV-2 virus emerged in Israel in March 2020 and compelled restructuring of the Israeli health care system. Despite the paucity of data, it appears that oncology patients suffer from a higher risk of complications due to COVID-19 infection, including hospitalization in the intensive care unit (ICU) and death. A delicate balance exists between the oncologists' obligation to provide optimal and effective cancer treatment and the risks enveloping treatment that may place patients vulnerable to contraction of the virus. In an effort to reorganized oncological units, guidelines were published by the American and European oncology unions (ASCO, ESMO), including cancellation of frontal meetings, converting to telemedicine and changes in treatment protocols mitigating the exposure of patients to hospital visitations. Khoury et al. reported their experiences and challenges at Bnai Zion Hospital in Haifa during the first days of the pandemic, recounting the protection of staff, patients and reorganization of the oncological unit.

The COVID-19 epidemic is transforming the most basic component of communication between patients and physicians: the face-to-face meeting. This commentary addresses the challenges unique to the oncologist conducting appointments via telemedicine.

Purpose: Heat intolerance (HI) is determined in the Israel Defense Force according to a heat tolerance test (HTT) before returning to duty after an exertional heat stroke (EHS) event. Recently, inc...

e12505 Background: In women with ER-positive, HER2-negative early stage breast cancer (BC), treatment decisions for adjuvant chemotherapy are based on genomic risk and clinical risk. Recently, an effect of non-oncology medications on cancer cell lines and cancer outcome have been suggested. In this study we aimed to systematically examine the impact of non- oncology drugs on clinical risk and genomic risk (based on OncotypeDx recurrence score [RS]) in early BC. Methods: We collected data from 1385 files of ER positive HER2 negative breast cancer patients regarding their clinical risk (stage and grade), genomic risk (OncotypeDx RS) as well as data regarding medications the patients received during the month before their surgery. Statistical analysis was applied to identify the influence of various medications on OncotypeDx RS. Results: Out of the various medications we examined, we found that Levothyroxine was significantly associated with high median OncotypeDx RS (RS median = 25 ;p < 0.0001) and Metformin was associated with low median OncotypeDx RS (RS median = 12 p < 0.0011) in comparison to patients not receiving these medications (RS median = 17). By contrast there were no differences in the clinical risk between patients who received Metformin or Levothyroxine. Notably, Levothyroxine and metformin did not impact proliferation marker (Ki67) levels but did impact progesterone-related features, suggesting they influence genomic risk through estrogen dependent modules. Indeed, scores of other genomic tests (PAM50, Mammaprint), which are determined largely by proliferative features, were not influenced by Levothyroxine or Metformin. Finally, by using contemporary guidelines to recommend adjuvant chemotherapy based on clinical risk and genomic risk (OncotypeDx ) we show that patients (Age > 50) who received Metformin treatment had 14.5% chance to be recommended adjuvant chemotherapy while patients who received Levothyroxine had 49% (p = 0.0001). Conclusions: The results of this study indicate significant impact of Metformin and Levothyroxine on clinical decisions with potential impact on early BC patients.

e18725 Background: Healthcare data sharing is important for the creation of diverse and large data sets, supporting clinical decision making, and accelerating efficient research to improve patient outcomes. This is especially vital in the case of real world data analysis. However, stakeholders are reluctant to share their data without ensuring patients’ privacy, proper protection of their data sets and the ways they are being used. Homomorphic encryption is a cryptographic capability that can address these issues by enabling computation on encrypted data without ever decrypting it, so the analytics results are obtained without revealing the raw data. The aim of this study is to prove the accuracy of analytics results and the practical efficiency of the technology. Methods: A real-world data set of colorectal cancer patients’ survival data, following two different treatment interventions, including 623 patients and 24 variables, amounting to 14,952 items of data, was encrypted using leveled homomorphic encryption implemented in the PALISADE software library. Statistical analysis of key oncological endpoints was blindly performed on both the raw data and the homomorphically-encrypted data using descriptive statistics and survival analysis with Kaplan-Meier curves. Results were then compared with an accuracy goal of two decimals. Results: The difference between the raw data and the homomorphically encrypted data results, regarding all variables analyzed was within the pre-determined accuracy range goal, as well as the practical efficiency of the encrypted computation measured by run time, are presented in table. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that data encrypted with Homomorphic Encryption can be statistical analyzed with a precision of at least two decimal places, allowing safe clinical conclusions drawing while preserving patients’ privacy and protecting data owners’ data assets. Homomorphic encryption allows performing efficient computation on encrypted data non-interactively and without requiring decryption during computation time. Utilizing the technology will empower large-scale cross-institution and cross- stakeholder collaboration, allowing safe international collaborations. Clinical trial information: 0048-19-TLV. [Table: see text]

e24005 Background: Aggressive end-of-life (EOL) care in cancer patients, especially the administration of chemotherapy, is considered a poor-quality measure, that may divert the treatment course from its' main palliative intent. Decisions taken at EOL are more than evidence-based and often rely on cultural and personal prospects. The universal and free Israeli health care system enables the administration of active treatment without financial or regulatory barriers, even at EOL. Two major advancements in recent years were the implementation of national at-home palliative care services and the approval of targeted and immunotherapies for advanced cancers. We hypothesized that these changes will reduce the use of chemotherapy at EOL. Methods: We sampled consecutive patients treated at a tertiary oncology center who died of advanced cancers between January 2019 to August 2020, and examined the administration of oncologic treatments near EOL. Results: A total of 294 patients were included. Their median age was 67 and 147 were men, 64% (189) of the patients received oncologic treatment during the last month before death, chemotherapy was administered in nearly two-thirds of the cases, 64% (121), followed by immunotherapy (21%, 40), targeted therapy (10%, 19) and a clinical trial (5%, 9). Neither age (P = 0.4), gender (P = 0.9), performance status (P = 0.8), disease duration (P = 0.5), and type of previous oncologic treatment (P = 0.3) were associated with aggressive EOL care. Conclusions: Our data demonstrate that in the absence of any regulatory or financial limitations, an aggressive EOL care may be administered to the majority of patients, regardless of age, performance status or disease duration. Despite increasing use of immunotherapy and targeted therapies and despite its’ toxicity profile and low beneficial effect at this stage, chemotherapy remained the most commonly used type of treatment. These data call for the implementation of educational measures and appropriate universal guidelines, aiming at improving quality of treatment at the EOL, focusing on quality of life rather than the elusive potential of extending life.

e13622 Background: COVID19 pandemic expedited the use of telemedicine across nations. Oncology patients as at risk population especially needed the use of telemedicine to continue patient care. Evaluating patients' compliance and satisfaction with telemedicine is needed and might vary across nations and cultures. Experience from telemedicine during COVID might help shape oncology care in the future. Methods: A questionnaire that was locally validated in the Tel-Aviv Sourasky Oncology Division was distributed internationally using the BELONG.life digital health platform, a free and anonymous application (app) for cancer pts and caregivers. Results were compared between US pts replied through the app and Israeli patients. Results: The questionnaire was distributed to 232 Israeli patients and to 362 BELONG users in the US. The compliance was 74% and 35% pts respectively. Majority of users in Israel were male (54%) versus female in the US (77%). In the US 75% were Caucasian. More Israeli patients had a family member present in the call then in the corresponding US group (47% vs 64%). Both Israeli and US pts felt satisfied with the meeting and reported the willingness to continue with the same approach in the future regardless of the pandemic situation (84.9%, 63%, respectively). 95.9% of Israeli patients were attended by their regular doctor as opposed to 71% in the US. Call time duration was prolonging to 30-60 min and willingness to repeat the calls dropped to 47% when performed with a different doctor. In the US 76% of patients reported the telemedicine call saved them precious time. Conclusions: Patients' response to telemedicine meetings across countries was positive with oncology care visits being maintained successfully despite the ongoing COID19 pandemic. Most patients regardless of country of origin showed willingness to continue with telemedicine however maintaining the care with the patient's regular physician is important for the continued use of telemedicine in reducing visits time and improving the pts interaction and satisfaction. Clinical trial information: 0227-20.

284 Background: A common perception of some oncologists is that the vast majority of their patients with metastatic disease will receive second-line treatment upon progression. Therefore, “saving” good treatment options for the future may be acceptable. We aimed to examine whether this perception correlates with real-life. Methods: Using an oncology electronic database, consisting of >27,000 patients treated at our institution, we selected consecutive patients with metastatic or locally advanced lung, colon, pancreatic, bile duct and gastric cancers who started standard first-line. We then assessed the correlation between proceeding to second-line therapy and demographic and clinical variables, including age, gender, initial performance status, BMI, hemoglobin, WBC, creatinine, glucose, calcium, as well as duration on first line therapy and survival. Results: A total of 492 patients met the inclusion criteria. Their median age was 67 and 285 were men. Their diagnoses were colon (169), lung (102), pancreas (101), bile duct (65) and gastric (55) cancers. Only 52% (255) received second-line treatment for at least 30 days (36% colon, 26% lung, 18% pancreas, 9% bile duct and 11% gastric). Receipt of second-line therapy was associated with disease site (P=0.001) as well as with age, with patients who received second-line being 5 years younger compared to those who did not (64 vs. 69 years, P=0.004). Patients who reached second-line had better performance status and higher hemoglobin level at presentation, additionally their median duration on first-line chemotherapy was substantially longer (P

260 Background: The patient-oncologist relationship is cultivated from the first clinic visit, trust and assurance established throughout the follow up period until the end of life. In March 2020, with the break of the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing restrictions were implement throughout Israel. The adoptions of telemedicine services were incorporate as a response at our institution. Almost all ambulatory activity in the oncology division in Tel Aviv Medical Center was converted to telemedicine services. Several studies report favorable results regarding patient preference and cost effectiveness of telemedicine. Methods: We conducted a telephone interview questionnaire assessing patient satisfaction. Inclusion criteria included solid tumor patients over 18 years who utilized the telemedicine platform at Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center between March 2020 - May 2020. We aimed to evaluate patient's perspectives and preferences regarding telemedicine and assess whether this virtual communication affects the patient-doctor relationship. Results: Following the COVID-19 outbreak, 400 telephone calls were made to patients, 100 patients agreed to participate and surveyed. Fifty-two percent were female. The majority of patients independently downloaded the telemedicine application and did not encounter technical constraints (67%). Family members and friend attended 45% of telemedicine visits. Patients cancer diagnosis included colorectal cancer (47%), breast cancer (18%), genitourinary cancer (18%), sarcoma (9%) lung malignancies (6%), gynecological cancer (1%) and CNS tumors (2%). Visit intent included post-treatment follow up (40%), active treatment follow (53%), and first visit intake (7%). The majority of patients felt their emotional needs were met (88%) and felt that their treatment was not harmed due to absence of a physical visit (84%). Almost all patients (99%) felt their privacy was maintained. Ninety-five percent of patients affirmed that the virtual visit relieved their worries regarding treatment interruption. Importantly, 75% of patients affirmed their interest to continue telemedicine regardless of COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions: Telemedicine is an acceptable platform that may replace follow up visits without comprising patients’ experience. Our data call for research and development of tools enabling long-term implementation of remote telemedicine and assess the patient-physician relationship and quality of care among oncology patients.

This letter to the editor responds to recent advice related to delivering difficult news via telemedicine, further encouraging productive discussions on this challenging topic.

e24125 Background: Despite lack of clinical trials reporting on beneficial effects of the cannabis plant for cancer-associated symptoms, its use is increasing worldwide. Approximately 10,000 Israeli cancer patients receive permits for the use of medical cannabis, making cannabis one of the most commonly prescribed oncology treatments in Israel and making the Israeli oncologists highly experienced with its use. The experience gained by the Israeli oncologists is therefore highly valuable. Methods: We conducted a web-based survey among all 238 Israeli oncologists, addressing personal experience; knowledge and attitudes toward the use of cannabis in oncology. Results: Response rate was 54% (n = 126), with the vast majority (87%) regularly prescribing cannabis to their patients. Anorexia, pain and nausea were the most common indications for cannabis use. While 90% of responders stated lack of sufficient knowledge regarding cannabis, its use was perceived as effective and safe. Interestingly, while most oncologists stated that opioids should be used as a first line treatment for cancer pain, most would prefer cannabis for pain relief if needed by a close relative. Oncologists who support cannabis legalization were more likely to prescribe it. Conclusions: Our findings indicate extensive use and perception of medical cannabis despite lack of knowledge, and support about efficacy and indicate a unique role for moral attitudes affecting clinical decisions. These data call for the implementation of an educational program and practical guidelines enabling more consistent and rational approach toward cannabis role in oncology.

Sleep deprivation (SD) is suggested to be associated with reduced thermo-regulatory functions. This study aimed to quantify the effect of partial (PSD) and total (TSD) 24 h SD using a standard heat tolerance test (HTT). Eleven participants underwent HTT after well-rested state, PSD and TSD. No significant physiological differences were found between the exposures but subjective discomfort was higher after TSD. Evening chronotypes' temperature during HTT was higher after TSD compared with PSD (p = 0.017). After TSD, evening chronotypes compared to intermediate chronotypes' temperature was higher during the first hour of the HTT (p

In less than a decade, we have seen a revolution in the fields of hematology and oncology with the advent of immunotherapy, specifically the use of checkpoint inhibitor therapies (anti-PDL, anti-PDL1, and anti-CTLA4). These checkpoint inhibitors have been proven to be a groundbreaking approach for advanced cancers previously thought to be resistant to all other forms of treatments. However, the clinical experience for primary brain tumors is minimal and not yet standard changing. We will review the preclinical data and clinical experience to date for the use of checkpoint inhibitors and novel lymphocytic (T cell) activating immunotherapies for primary brain tumors.

e13062 Background: To confirm data from older studies reporting reduced risks of breast cancer (BC) in BRCA mutated (BRCA+) ovarian cancer (OC) patients and to re-evaluate BC surveillance and/or prophylactic mastectomy in OC patients. Methods: Data on 430 BRCA+ mutation carriers diagnosed with OC between 2000 and 2017 in 6 medical centers (one in the USA and five in Israel) were analyzed. Data included demographics, breast surveillance type, family history, BRCA mutation types, timing of BC diagnosis (before or after OC diagnosis) and family history of cancer. Results: Median age at diagnosis of OC was 55.4 years (range, 31.3-90) and median follow-up was 4.6 years. Most patients were BRCA1 (66.6%), and 35.7% had 185delAG. Most patients (68.4%) were Ashkenazi Jews, 27.4% had a family history of BC and 16.5% were diagnosed with BC before OC. Five percent developed BC following OC diagnosis with a median time to BC diagnosis of 68 months (range, 11-210). Of those diagnosed with BC, 50% had triple-negative BC, 40% had luminal B ER+, PR-, Her2-neg and 10% had luminal A -ER+, PR+, her2-neg. There was a non-significant increase in BC after OC, and in BC prior to OC diagnosis; there was no correlation of BC with family history. No definite deaths from BC were recorded. Conclusions: The incidence of BC after OC diagnosis in the BRCA+ population at a median follow-up of 4.6 years is consistent with prior series. Prophylactic bilateral Surveillance measures should be re-evaluated in this population and may only be needed in long-term disease-free survivors and/or subpopulations to be identified. Clinical trial information: 07-146.

e23110 Background: Despite lack of clinical trials reporting on beneficial effects of the cannabis plant for cancer-associated symptoms, its use is increasing worldwide. Approximately 10,000 Israeli cancer patients receive permits for the use of medical cannabis, making cannabis one of the most commonly prescribed oncology treatments in Israel and making the Israeli oncologists highly experienced with its use. The experience gained by the Israeli oncologists is therefore highly valuable. Materials and Methods: We conducted a web-based survey among all 238 Israeli oncologists, addressing personal experience; knowledge and attitudes toward the use of cannabis in oncology. Results: Response rate was 54% (n = 126), with the vast majority (87%) regularly prescribing cannabis to their patients. Anorexia, pain and nausea were the most common indications for cannabis use. While 90% of responders stated lack of sufficient knowledge regarding cannabis, its use was perceived as effective and safe. Interestingly, while most oncologists stated that opioids should be used as a first line treatment for cancer pain, most would prefer cannabis for pain relief if needed by a close relative. Oncologists who support cannabis legalization were more likely to prescribe it. Conclusions: Our findings indicate extensive use and perception of efficacy despite lack of knowledge, and indicate unique role for moral attitudes affecting clinical decisions. These data call for the implementation of an educational program and practical guidelines enabling more consistent and rational approach toward cannabis role in oncology.

e18898Background: In Israel, the vast majority of cancer therapies are covered by a universal health insurance. We hypothesized that cancer poses a significant financial burden even in the presence...

Context. The use of the cannabis plant (Cannabis sativa L.) for the palliative treatment of cancer patients has been legalized in multiple jurisdictions including Israel. Yet, not much is currently known regarding the efficacy and patterns of use of cannabis in this setting. Objectives. To analyze the indications for the administration of cannabis among adult Israeli cancer patients and evaluate its efficacy. Methods. Efficacy and patterns of use of cannabis were evaluated using physician-completed application forms, medical files, and a detailed questionnaire in adult cancer patients treated at a single institution. Results. Of approximately 17,000 cancer patients seen, 279 (