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IntroductionPain, comorbid fatigue and sleep disturbances are common and distressing symptoms for patients with advanced cancer, negatively impacting their quality of life. Clinical guidelines recommend non-pharmacological interventions, including acupuncture and massage, for pain management in adult patients with cancer in adjunct to conventional care. However, high-quality evidence about the comparative effectiveness and long-term durability of these therapies for symptom management is limited.Methods and analysisWe describe the design of a two-arm, parallel group, multicentre randomised controlled trial that investigates the use of acupuncture versus massage for musculoskeletal pain among 300 patients with diverse types of advanced cancer. The primary aim is to evaluate the long-term effectiveness (26 weeks from randomisation) of acupuncture vs massage for pain (primary outcome) and comorbid symptoms (fatigue, sleep disturbance and quality of life). The secondary aim is to identify patient-level demographic characteristics (eg, sex, race, age), clinical factors (eg, insomnia, pain severity) and psychological attributes that are associated with a greater reduction in pain for either acupuncture or massage. Patients will receive weekly acupuncture or massage treatments for 10 weeks, followed by monthly booster sessions up to 26 weeks. The primary endpoint will be the change in worst pain intensity score from baseline to 26 weeks. We will collect validated patient-reported outcomes at multiple time points over 26 weeks.Ethics and disseminationThe Institutional Review Board at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York approved this protocol. Results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed scientific journals and conference presentations. Our findings will help patients and healthcare providers make informed decisions about incorporating non-pharmacological treatments to manage pain for patients with advanced cancer.Trial registration numberNCT04095234.

Chronic inflammation has been a proposed mechanism of resistance to aromatase inhibitors in breast cancer. Stratifying by HER2 status, a matched case-control study from the Wellness After Breast Cancer-II cohort was performed to assess whether or not elevated serum inflammatory biomarkers (C-Reactive protein [CRP], interleukin-6 [IL-6], and serum amyloid A [SAA]) and/or the presence of a high-risk IL-6 promoter genotype were associated with recurrence of hormone receptor positive (HR+) early breast cancer. Estrogen levels were also measured and correlated with biomarkers and disease outcomes. CRP and SAA were significantly associated with an increased risk of recurrence in the HR+/HER2- group, but not the HR+/HER2+ group. Mean serum estrogen levels were non-significantly elevated in patients who relapsed vs. non-relapsed patients. Surprisingly, high-risk IL-6 promoter polymorphisms were strongly associated with HER2+ breast cancer relapse, which has potential therapeutic implications, as elevated intracellular IL-6 has been associated with trastuzumab resistance in pre-clinical models.

ObjectiveInsomnia is a common, distressing, and impairing psychological outcome experienced by informal caregivers (ICs) of patients with cancer. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) and acupuncture both have known benefits for patients with cancer, but such benefits have yet to be evaluated among ICs. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary effects of CBT-I and acupuncture among ICs with moderate or greater levels of insomnia.MethodParticipants were randomized to eight sessions of CBT-I or ten sessions of acupuncture.ResultsResults highlighted challenges of identifying interested and eligible ICs and the impact of perception of intervention on retention and likely ultimately outcome.Significance of the resultsFindings suggest preliminary support for non-pharmacological interventions to treat insomnia in ICs and emphasize the importance of matching treatment modality to the preferences and needs of ICs.

ObjectiveBecause hot flashes are a common symptom experienced by women with breast cancer, we sought to explore genetic predictors associated with response to acupuncture for the treatment of hot flashes.MethodsUsing data from our completed randomized controlled trial (Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT01005108) on hot flashes among breast cancer survivors who provided biomarker collection (N = 108), we extracted and assayed DNA for single nucleotide polymorphisms in genes involved in neurotransmission, thermoregulation, and inflammation (ADORA1, COMT, TCL1A, and TRPV1). For our primary outcome we classified individuals with a 50% or more reduction in their hot flash composite score at the end of treatment as responders. We used Fisher exact test to identify individual and combined single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with treatment response.ResultsAmong women (N = 57) who received acupuncture treatment (electro or sham), we found that women who were carriers of at least one of these six genotypes (ADORA1 rs41264025-GA or rs16851029-GG or rs12744240-GT, COMT rs6269-GA, TCL1A rs2369049-GG, and TRPV1 rs8065080-TT) were more likely to respond to acupuncture for hot flashes than noncarriers (70.3% vs 37.5%, P = 0.035). These six genotypes were not associated with response in women (N = 51) who received pharmacological hot flash treatment (gabapentin or placebo pill; 37.5% vs 37.5%, P = 1.0).ConclusionsIn this exploratory, proof of concept study, we identified six genotypes that may predict response to acupuncture for hot flashes in breast cancer survivors. If confirmed by future studies, these findings may inform the development of personalized acupuncture for managing hot flashes.

ObjectiveLike any therapy, acupuncture is effective for some patients, while not helpful for others. Understanding from a patients' perspective what makes one respond or not to acupuncture can help guide further intervention development. This study aimed to identify factors that influence the perception of acupuncture's therapeutic effect among cancer survivors with insomnia.MethodWe conducted post-treatment semi-structured interviews with cancer survivors who were randomized to the acupuncture group in a clinical trial for the treatment of insomnia. Survivors were categorized into Responders and Non-Responders to acupuncture treatment based on the change in the Insomnia Severity Index with a reduction of eight points or greater as the cut-off for the response. An integrated approach to data analysis was utilized by merging an a priori set of codes derived from the key ideas and a set of codes that emerged from the data through a grounded theory approach. Codes were examined for themes and patterns.ResultsAmong 28 cancer survivors interviewed, 18 (64%) were classified as Responders. Participants perceived the ability to respond to acupuncture as dependent on treatment that effectively: (1) alleviated co-morbidities contributing to insomnia, (2) supported sleep hygiene practices, and (3) provided a durable therapeutic effect. Acupuncture treatment that did not address one of these themes often detracted from positive treatment outcomes and diminished perceived benefit from acupuncture.Significance of resultsWe identified patient-perceived contributors to response to acupuncture, such as co-morbid medical conditions, adequate support for sleep hygiene practices, and temporary therapeutic relief. Addressing these factors may improve the overall effectiveness of acupuncture for insomnia.

IntroductionChronic pain is a leading cause of disability and remains under-treated in nearly half of patients with cancer. The opioid crisis has highlighted an urgent public health need for effective nonpharmacological pain management. Electroacupuncture (EA) and Battlefield Acupuncture (BFA) represent nonpharmacological modalities used in clinical practice to manage pain; however, their effectiveness has not been rigorously evaluated in oncology settings.MethodsWe describe the design of a 3-arm, parallel, single-center, multisite randomized controlled trial that investigates EA and BFA versus usual-care wait-list control (WLC) for chronic musculoskeletal pain among 360 patients with diverse cancer types across various stages. The primary aim is to compare effects of EA and BFA versus WLC on pain, physical function, and co-morbid symptoms. The secondary aim is to examine the interaction between patient outcome expectancy and acupuncture modality (EA vs BFA) on pain reduction. The tertiary aim is to evaluate the association between genetic polymorphisms and responses to acupuncture. Patients will be randomized in a 2:2:1 ratio to EA:BFA:WLC. Acupuncture groups will receive weekly treatments over 10 weeks. WLC will receive usual care over the same evaluation period as the acupuncture groups. The primary endpoint will be the change in average pain intensity score from baseline to week 12. We will collect validated patient-reported outcomes and blood/saliva samples at multiple timepoints over 24 weeks.DiscussionOur findings will advance nonpharmacological pain management in oncology and inform personalized treatment approaches that integrate individuals' expectations and genetic biomarkers to deliver "precision" acupuncture to cancer patients with chronic pain.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02979574.

BackgroundArthralgia is a common and debilitating toxicity of aromatase inhibitors (AI) that leads to premature drug discontinuation. We sought to evaluate the clinical and genetic risk factors associated with AI-associated arthralgia (AIAA).MethodsWe performed a cross-sectional study among postmenopausal women with stage 0-III breast cancer who were prescribed a third-generation AI for adjuvant therapy. The primary outcome was patient-reported AIAA occurrence. We extracted and assayed germline DNA for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of genes implicated in estrogen and inflammation pathways. Multivariable logistic regression models examined the association between demographic, clinical, and genetic factors and AIAA. Analyses were restricted to White participants.ResultsAmong 1049 White participants, 543 (52%) reported AIAA. In multivariable analyses, women who had a college education [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) 1.49, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.00-2.20], had a more recent transition into menopause (

PurposeBreast cancer survivorship care plans (SCP) have limited content addressing women's health issues. This trial tested if young breast cancer survivors who receive a web-based, women's health SCP were more likely to improve on at least one of the four targeted issues (hot flashes, fertility-related concerns, contraception, and vaginal symptoms) compared to attention controls.MethodsA randomized controlled trial recruited female survivors ages 18-45 at diagnosis, 18-50 at enrollment, completed primary cancer treatment, and had a significant women's health issue: moderate or higher fertility-related concerns; ≥ 4 hot flashes/day with ≥ 1 of moderate severity; ≥ 1 moderate vaginal atrophy symptoms; or not contracepting/using less effective methods. Survivors underwent stratified, block randomization with equal allocation to intervention and control groups. The intervention group accessed the online SCP; controls accessed curated resource lists. In intention-to-treat analysis, the primary outcome of improvement in at least one issue by 24 weeks was compared by group.Results182 participants (86 intervention, 96 control), mean age 40.0 ± 5.9 and 4.4 ± 3.2 years since diagnosis, were randomized. 61 intervention group participants (70.9%) improved, compared to 55 controls (57.3%) (OR 1.82, 95% CI 0.99-3.4, p = 0.057). The following issue-specific improvements were observed in the intervention versus control arms: fertility-related concerns (27.9% vs. 14.6%, OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.1-4.8); hot flashes (58.5% vs. 55.8%, OR 1.1, 95% CI 0.57-2.2); vaginal symptoms (42.5% vs. 40.7%, OR 1.1, 95% CI 0.6-2.0); contraception (50% vs. 42.6%, OR 1.4, 95% CI 0.74-2.5).ConclusionsIn young breast cancer survivors, a novel, web-based SCP did not result in more change in the primary outcome of improvement in at least one of the four targeted women's health issues, than the attention control condition. The intervention was associated with improved infertility concerns, supporting efficacy of disseminating accessible, evidence-based women's health information to this population.

BackgroundYoung breast cancer survivors (YBCS) have unmet needs for managing hot flashes, fertility-related concerns, sexual health, and contraception.PurposeDescribe the design and participant characteristics of a randomized controlled trial testing the efficacy of the survivorship care plan on reproductive health (SCP-R) intervention on improving hot flashes, fertility-related concerns, sexual health, and contraception in YBCS.MethodsSCP-R is a web-based intervention with text message support encompassing evidence- based practices on four reproductive health issues. YBCS with ≥1 reproductive health issue are randomized to intervention (full SCP-R access) or attention control (access to list of online resources) arms with 24-week follow-up. The primary outcome will be improvement of at least one reproductive health issue measured by validated self-report instruments. Each YBCS nominated one healthcare provider (HCP), who can access the same materials as their patient. HCP outcomes are preparedness and confidence in discussing each issue.ResultsAmong 318 YBCS screened, 57.2% underwent randomization. Mean age was 40.0 (SD 5.9), and mean age at cancer diagnosis was 35.6 (SD 5.4). Significant hot flashes, fertility-related concerns, vaginal symptoms, and inadequate contraception were reported by 50.5%, 50%, 46.7%, 62.1% of YBCS, respectively; 70.9% had multiple issues. Among 165 nominated HCPs, 32.7% enrolled. The majority of HCPs reported preparedness (68.5-90.7%) and confidence (50.0-74.1%) in discussing reproductive health issues with YBCS. HCPs were least likely to report preparedness or confidence in discussing fertility-related concerns.ConclusionConducting a trial for improving YBCS reproductive health online is feasible, providing a mechanism to disseminate evidence-based management.

PurposeDespite the numerous benefits of physical activity (PA) for patients with cancer, many cancer survivors report challenges to participating in PA. The objectives of this study were (1) to assess barriers to PA and (2) to examine participant characteristics associated with modifiable barriers to PA among cancer survivors with pain.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey study at one academic medical center and 11 community hospitals. Participants completed the 12-item Physical Activity Barriers After Cancer (PABAC) instrument (Cronbach's alpha = 0.75). Multivariable regression models examined participant characteristics associated with PABAC scores with a higher score indicating more barriers to PA.ResultsAmong 662 survivors, 67% had moderate or severe pain (rating 4 or greater on a scale of 0 to 10). Seventy-five percent of survivors did not meet the American Cancer Society PA recommendations on average, and these individuals had higher mean PABAC scores (beta coefficient (β) = 2.02, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.96-3.09, p

Background: Racial disparities in sleep are well‐documented. However, evidence‐based options for addressing these disparities are lacking in cancer populations. To inform future research on sleep interventions, this study aims to understand racial differences in treatment responses to acupuncture and cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT‐I) among Black and White cancer survivors. Methods: We conducted a secondary analysis of a comparative effectiveness trial evaluating acupuncture versus CBT‐I for insomnia in cancer survivors. We compared insomnia severity, sleep characteristics, and co‐morbid symptoms, as well as treatment attitudes, adherence, and responses among Black and White participants. Results: Among 156 cancer survivors (28% Black), Black survivors reported poorer sleep quality, longer sleep onset latency, and higher pain at baseline, compared to White survivors (all p < 0.05). Black survivors demonstrated lower adherence to CBT‐I than White survivors (61.5% vs. 88.5%, p = 0.006), but their treatment response to CBT‐I was similar to white survivors. Black survivors had similar adherence to acupuncture as white survivors (82.3% vs. 93.4%, p = 0.16), but they had greater reduction in insomnia severity with acupuncture (−3.0 points, 95% CI −5.4 to 0.4, p = 0.02). Conclusion: This study identified racial differences in sleep characteristics, as well as treatment adherence and responses to CBT‐I and acupuncture. To address racial disparities in sleep health, future research should focus on improving CBT‐I adherence and confirming the effectiveness of acupuncture in Black cancer survivors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Informed consent is essential to ethical, rigorous research and is important to recruitment and retention in cancer trials. To examine cancer clinical trial (CCT) participants' perceptions of informed consent processes and variations in perceptions by cancer type. Cross-sectional survey from mixed-methods study at National Cancer Institute–designated Northeast comprehensive cancer center. Open-ended and forced-choice items addressed: (1) enrollment and informed consent experiences and (2) decision-making processes, including risk-benefit assessment. Eligibility: CCT participant with gastro-intestinal or genitourinary, hematologic-lymphatic malignancies, lung cancer, and breast or gynecological cancer (N = 334). Percentages satisfied with consent process and information provided; and assessing participation's perceptions of risks/benefits. Multivariable logistic or ordinal regression examined differences by cancer type. Most patient-participants felt well informed by the consent process (more than 90% overall and by cancer type) and. most (87.4%) reported that the consent form provided all the information they wanted, although nearly half (44.8%) reported that they read the form somewhat carefully or less. More than half (57.9%) said that talking to research staff (i.e., the consent process) had a greater impact on participation decisions than reading the consent form (2.1%). A third (31.1%) were very sure of joining in research studies before the informed consent process (almost half of lung cancer patients did—47.1%). Most patients personally assessed the risks and benefits before consenting. However, trust in physicians played an important role in the decision to enroll in CCT. Cancer patients rely less on written features of the informed consent process than on information obtained from the research staff and their own physicians. Research should focus on information and communication strategies that support informed consent from referring physicians, researchers, and others to improve patient risk-benefit assessment and decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectiveTo determine if interindividual genetic variation in single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related to age at natural menopause is associated with risk of ovarian failure in breast cancer survivors.MethodsA prospective cohort of 169 premenopausal breast cancer survivors recruited at diagnosis with stages 0 to III disease were followed longitudinally for menstrual pattern via self-reported daily menstrual diaries. Participants were genotyped for 13 SNPs previously found to be associated with age at natural menopause: EXO1, TLK1, HELQ, UIMC1, PRIM1, POLG, TMEM224, BRSK1, and MCM8. A risk variable summed the total number of risk alleles in each participant. The association between individual genotypes, and also the risk variable, and time to ovarian failure (>12 months of amenorrhea) was tested using time-to-event methods.ResultsMedian age at enrollment was 40.5 years (range 20.6-46.1). The majority of participants were white (69%) and underwent chemotherapy (76%). Thirty-eight participants (22%) experienced ovarian failure. None of the candidate SNPs or the summary risk variable was significantly associated with time to ovarian failure. Sensitivity analysis restricted to whites or only to participants receiving chemotherapy yielded similar findings. Older age, chemotherapy exposure, and lower body mass index were related to shorter time to ovarian failure.ConclusionsThirteen previously identified genetic variants associated with time to natural menopause were not related to timing of ovarian failure in breast cancer survivors.