Manali Patel

All Publications

• Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Intensity of Care at the End of Life for Patients With Lung Cancer: A 13-Year Population-Based Study. Journal of clinical oncology : official journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology Rodriguez, G. M., Popat, R., Rosas, L. G., Patel, M. I. 2024: JCO2301045

  Abstract

  Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Disparities in lung cancer mortality among racial and ethnic minorities are well documented. Less is known as to whether racial and ethnic minority patients with lung cancer experience higher rates of intensity of care at the end of life (EOL) compared with non-Hispanic White (NHW) patients.We conducted a population-based analysis of patients 18 years and older with a lung cancer diagnosis who died between 2005 and 2018 using the California Cancer Registry linked to patient discharge data abstracts. Our primary outcome was intensity of care in the last 14 days before death (defined as any hospital admission or emergency department [ED] visit, intensive care unit [ICU] admission, intubation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation [CPR], hemodialysis, and death in an acute care setting). We used multivariable logistic regression models to evaluate associations between race and ethnicity and intensity of EOL care.Among 207,429 patients with lung cancer who died from 2005 to 2018, the median age was 74 years (range, 18-107) and 106,821 (51%) were male, 146,872 (70.8%) were NHW, 1,045 (0.5%) were American Indian, 21,697 (10.5%) were Asian Pacific Islander (API), 15,490 (7.5%) were Black, and 22,325 (10.8%) were Hispanic. Compared with NHW patients, in the last 14 days before death, API, Black, and Hispanic patients had greater odds of a hospital admission, an ICU admission, intubation, CPR, and hemodialysis and greater odds of a hospital or ED death.Compared with NHW patients, API, Black, and Hispanic patients who died with lung cancer experienced higher intensity of EOL care. Future studies should develop approaches to eliminate such racial and ethnic disparities in care delivery at the EOL.

  View details for DOI 10.1200/JCO.23.01045

  View details for PubMedID 38478794

• Low physical function Post-Cancer diagnosis is associated with higher mortality risk in postmenopausal women. Journal of the National Cancer Institute Gonzalo-Encabo, P., Vasbinder, A., Bea, J. W., Reding, K. W., Laddu, D., LaMonte, M. J., Stefanick, M. L., Kroenke, C. H., Jung, S. Y., Shadyab, A. H., Naughton, M. J., Patel, M. I., Luo, J., Banack, H. R., Sun, Y., Simon, M. S., Dieli-Conwright, C. M. 2024

  Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Postmenopausal women with cancer experience an accelerated physical dysfunction beyond that expected through aging alone due to cancer and its treatments. The aim of this study is to determine whether declines in physical function after cancer diagnosis are associated with all-cause mortality and cancer-specific mortality.METHODS: This prospective cohort study included 8,068 postmenopausal women enrolled in the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) who were diagnosed with cancer and had physical function assessed within 1-year of cancer diagnosis. Self-reported physical function was measured using the 10-item physical function subscale of the RAND 36-Item Health Survey. Cause of death was determined by medical record review with central adjudication and linkage to the National Death Index. Death was adjudicated through February 2022.RESULTS: Over a median follow-up of 7.7years from cancer diagnosis 3,316 (41.1%) women died. Our results showed that for every 10% decline in the physical function score after cancer diagnosis, all-cause mortality and cancer-specific mortality were significantly reduced by 12% (HR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.87 to 0.89) and (HR, 0.88; 95%CI, 0.86 to 0.91), respectively. Further categorical analyses showed a significant dose-response relationship between post-diagnosis physical function categories and mortality outcomes (trend test P<.001), where the median survival time for women in the lowest physical function quartile was 9.1 (8.6, 10.6) years compared to 18.4 (15.8, 22.0) years for women in the highest physical function quartile.CONCLUSION: Postmenopausal women with low physical function after cancer diagnosis may be at higher risk of mortality from all causes and cancer-related mortality.

  View details for DOI 10.1093/jnci/djae055

  View details for PubMedID 38449287

• Lay healthcare worker financial toxicity intervention: a pilot financial toxicity screening and referral program. Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer Parikh, D. A., Rodriguez, G. M., Ragavan, M., Kerr, E., Asuncion, M. K., Hansen, J., Srinivas, S., Fan, A. C., Shah, S., Patel, M. I. 2024; 32 (3): 161

  Abstract

  Financial toxicity is a source of significant distress for patients with urologic cancers, yet few studies have addressed financial burden in this patient population.We developed a financial toxicity screening program using a lay health worker (LHW) and social worker (SW) to assess and mitigate financial toxicity in a single academic medical clinic. As part of a quality improvement project, the LHW screened all newly diagnosed patients with advanced stages of prostate, kidney, or urothelial cancer for financial burden using three COST tool questions and referred patients who had significant financial burden to an SW who provided personalized recommendations. The primary outcome was feasibility defined as 80% of patients with financial burden completing the SW consult. Secondary outcomes were patient satisfaction, change in COST Tool responses, and qualitative assessment of financial resources utilized.The LHW screened a total of 185 patients for financial toxicity; 82% (n = 152) were male, 65% (n = 120) White, and 75% (n = 139) reported annual household income >$100,000 US Dollars; 60% (n = 114) had prostate cancer. A total of 18 (9.7%) participants screened positive for significant financial burden and were referred to the SW for consultation. All participants (100%) completed and reported satisfaction with the SW consultation and had 0.83 mean lower scores on the COST Tool post-intervention assessment compared to pre-intervention (95% confidence interval [0.26, 1.41]).This multidisciplinary financial toxicity intervention using an LHW and SW was feasible, acceptable, and associated with reduced financial burden among patients with advanced stages of urologic cancers. Future work should evaluate the effect of this intervention among cancer patients in diverse settings.

  View details for DOI 10.1007/s00520-024-08357-x

  View details for PubMedID 38366165

  View details for PubMedCentralID 6494243

• Challenges and Solutions to Support Oncology Professionals Serving Underserved Populations With Cancer in the United States: Results From the ASCO Serving the Underserved Task Force. JCO oncology practice Patel, M. I., Hinyard, L., Merrill, J. K., Smith, K. T., Lei, J., Carrizosa, D., Kamaraju, S., Hlubocky, F. J., Kalwar, T., Fashoyin-Aje, L., Gomez, S. L., Jeames, S., Florez, N., Kircher, S. M., Tap, W. D. 2024: OP2300595

  Abstract

  Little data exist regarding approaches to support oncology professionals who deliver cancer care for underserved populations. In response, ASCO developed the Serving the Underserved Task Force to learn from and support oncology professionals serving underserved populations.The Task Force developed a 28-question survey to assess oncology professionals' experiences and strategies to support their work caring for underserved populations. The survey was deployed via an online link to 600 oncology professionals and assessed respondent and patient demographic characteristics, clinic-based processes to coordinate health-related social services, and strategies for professional society support and engagement. We used chi-square tests to evaluate whether there were associations between percent full-time equivalent (FTE) effort serving underserved populations (<50% FTE v ≥50% FTE) with responses.Of 462 respondents who completed the survey (77% response rate), 79 (17.1%) were Asian; 30 (6.5%) Black; 43 (9.3%) Hispanic or Latino/Latina; and 277 (60%) White. The majority (n = 366, 79.2%) had a medical doctor degree (MD). A total of 174 (37.7%) had <25% FTE, 151 (32.7%) had 25%-50% FTE, and 121 (26.2%) had ≥50% FTE effort serving underserved populations. Most best guessed patients' sociodemographic characteristics (n = 388; 84%), while 42 (9.2%) used data collected by the clinic. Social workers coordinated most health-related social services. However, in clinical settings with high proportions of underserved patients, there was greater reliance on nonclinical personnel, such as navigators (odds ratio [OR], 2.15 [95% CI, 1.07 to 4.33]) or no individual (OR, 2.55 [95% CI, 1.14 to 5.72]) for addressing mental health needs and greater reliance on physicians or advance practice practitioners (OR, 2.54 [95% CI, 1.11 to 5.81]) or no individual (OR, 1.91 [95% CI, 1.09 to 3.35]) for addressing childcare or eldercare needs compared with social workers. Prioritization of solutions, which did not differ by FTE effort serving underserved populations, included a return-on-investment model to support personnel, integrated health-related social needs screening, and collaboration with the professional society on advocacy and policy.The findings highlight crucial strategies that professional societies can implement to support oncology clinicians serving underserved populations with cancer.

  View details for DOI 10.1200/OP.23.00595

  View details for PubMedID 38354324

• Patient-Centered Decision-Making in Metastatic Breast Cancer Care Delivery: A Call to Action. Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network : JNCCN Rocque, G. B., Patel, M. I., Wallner, L. P., Bailey, S. C., Schear, R., Gunn, C. M., Rivers, J., Wilson, R., Freeman, E. C., Buckingham, T. L., May, S. G., Kamal, A. H. 2024; 22 (1)

  View details for DOI 10.6004/jnccn.2023.7113

  View details for PubMedID 38394778

• Randomized Trial of a Volunteer-Led Symptom Assessment Intervention on Documentation, Patient-Reported Outcomes, and Health Care Use Among Veterans With Lung Cancer. JCO oncology practice Banks, L. C., Kapphahn, K., Das, M., Patel, M. I. 2024: OP2300557

  Abstract

  PURPOSE: Identification and documentation of Veterans' symptoms are crucial for optimal lung cancer care delivery. The objective of this study was to determine whether a volunteer-led proactive telephone symptom assessment intervention could improve comprehensive symptom documentation.METHODS: Veterans with lung cancer were randomly assigned to usual care (control group) or usual care with proactive symptom assessment in which a peer volunteer made weekly phone calls to assess patient symptoms under nurse practitioner supervision. The primary outcome was oncologist documentation of symptoms in the electronic health record at all clinical visits within 6 months after enrollment. Secondary outcomes included patient satisfaction with decision, patient activation, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and symptom burden, measured at baseline, and 3, 6, and 9 months after enrollment, and acute care use within 9 months after enrollment.RESULTS: Among 60 Veterans randomly assigned, median (range) age was 70.2 (50-86) years; 57 (95.0%) were male. More intervention participants had oncologist documentation of symptoms than control group participants (24 [77.4%] v seven [24.1%], respectively; odds ratio, 16.46 [95% CI, 4.58 to 59.16]). Intervention group participants had greater improvements over time in HRQOL (expected mean difference, 25.3 [95% CI, 15.00 to 35.70]) and patient activation (expected mean difference, 13.6 [95% CI, 3.79 to 23.39]), lower symptom burden (expected mean difference, -6.39 [95% CI, -15.21 to -2.46]), lower rates of emergency room visits (incidence rate ratio, 0.48 [95% CI, 0.30 to 0.75]), and hospitalizations (incidence rate ratio, 0.47 [95% CI, 0.28 to 0.77]) than control group participants.CONCLUSION: This symptom assessment intervention is an effective strategy for Veterans with lung cancer.

  View details for DOI 10.1200/OP.23.00557

  View details for PubMedID 38207246

• Disparities in Phase 3 Leukemia Trials from the Last Decade: A Long Way to Go Noyola-Perez, A., Osuna-Corrales, A. J., Patel, M. I., Cortes, J., Sung, L., Angulo-Lozano, J. C., Colunga-Pedraza, P. R., Gomez-Almaguer, D., Ruiz-Arguelles, G., Leon, A. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. 2023

  View details for DOI 10.1182/blood-2023-189576

  View details for Web of Science ID 001159306702007

• Diversity in Cancer Care: Current Challenges and Potential Solutions to Achieving Equity in Clinical Trial Participation. Cancer journal (Sudbury, Mass.) Akimoto, K., Taparra, K., Brown, T., Patel, M. I. 2023; 29 (6): 310-315

  Abstract

  ABSTRACT: Access to and participation in cancer clinical trials determine whether such data are applicable, feasible, and generalizable among populations. The lack of inclusion of low-income and marginalized populations limits generalizability of the critical data guiding novel therapeutics and interventions used globally. Such lack of cancer clinical trial equity is troubling, considering that the populations frequently excluded from these trials are those with disproportionately higher cancer morbidity and mortality rates. There is an urgency to increase representation of marginalized populations to ensure that effective treatments are developed and equitably applied. Efforts to ameliorate these clinical trial inclusion disparities are met with a slew of multifactorial and multilevel challenges. We aim to review these challenges at the patient, clinician, system, and policy levels. We also highlight and propose solutions to inform future efforts to achieve cancer health equity.

  View details for DOI 10.1097/PPO.0000000000000675

  View details for PubMedID 37963364

• Clinic-based Assessment and Support for Family Caregivers of Patients With Cancer: Results of a Feasibility Study. Cancer care research online Suresh, M., Risbud, R., Patel, M. I., Lorenz, K. A., Schapira, L., Gallagher-Thompson, D., Trivedi, R. 2023; 3 (4)

  Abstract

  Cancer caregiving is burdensome with unique needs, highlighting the importance of assessing caregivers' distress. Caregivers often accompany patients to healthcare visits, presenting an opportunity to complete distress screening at patients' point-of-care.To evaluate the feasibility of caregiver distress screening at patients' point-of-care and implementing a caregiver psychoeducational session.We approached caregivers in outpatient cancer clinic waiting rooms. Participants completed depression, burden, anxiety, quality of life, and stress measures. A psychoeducational session with a psychologist was offered to those meeting clinical cutoffs for depression and/or burden. Fifty caregivers completed 1+ measure; however, due to incomplete consent documentation, findings from 23 caregivers are reported.22% of caregivers screened positive for depression, 30% burden, and 70% anxiety. More than half rated stress as moderate or higher. Mental wellbeing was slightly below that of the general population. More than 75% screened positive on 1+ distress measure. Of the 9 caregivers who met cutoffs for depression and/or burden, two (22%) accepted the psychoeducational session.Caregivers were moderately receptive to distress screening during patients' visits, but were less receptive to engaging in the psychoeducational session due to time constraints and privacy concerns.Assessing caregivers' distress can facilitate referrals for supportive services. Offering caregivers psychoeducational intervention outside of patient care may not be acceptable. Future research may evaluate the integration of routine caregiver screening within patient care to promote engagement with mental health services.This research offers a unique method of assessing cancer caregivers' distress.

  View details for DOI 10.1097/cr9.0000000000000047

  View details for PubMedID 38328267

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC10846853

• Understanding Barriers and Facilitators to High-Quality Cancer Care Among Veterans With Lung Cancer: A Qualitative Study. JCO oncology practice Lopez, C., Murillo, A., Das, M., Patel, M. I. 2023: OP2300228

  Abstract

  Veteran populations have higher lung cancer incidence and worse overall survival compared with non-Veteran populations. Although recent clinical advancements have reduced lung cancer death rates, these advances are not routinely received among Veteran populations because of multilevel factors, including Veterans' complex comorbidities, limited health literacy, and other economic and social disadvantages. This study aimed to assess Veterans' perspectives regarding their lung cancer care with a specific focus on identifying modifiable barriers to evidence-based care delivery.We conducted 1:1 semistructured interviews with 24 Veterans diagnosed with lung cancer at the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System. All interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using the constant comparative method of qualitative analysis.Four themes emerged. These included (1) social and economic disadvantages can prevent routine delivery of evidence-based cancer care; (2) fragmented care contributes to worsening patient mental and emotional well-being; (3) lack of health system interventions to address limited health literacy inhibits patient engagement in shared decision making regarding diagnosis, genomic and molecular testing, targeted and other treatments, and end-of-life care; and (4) deep appreciation for care and VA trustworthiness facilitates adherence to cancer care recommendations.This study revealed critical gaps in lung cancer care delivery and the role of institution-engendered trust in overcoming barriers in the VA system. Targeted solutions should address the identified barriers to routine, evidence-based lung cancer care delivery among Veterans.

  View details for DOI 10.1200/OP.23.00228

  View details for PubMedID 37774255

• Effect of a Community Health Worker-Led Intervention Among Low-Income and Minoritized Patients With Cancer: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Journal of clinical oncology : official journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology Patel, M. I., Kapphahn, K., Wood, E., Coker, T., Salava, D., Riley, A., Krajcinovic, I. 2023: JCO2300309

  Abstract

  To determine whether a community health worker (CHW)-led intervention could improve health-related quality of life (HRQoL; primary outcome) more than usual care among low-income and racial and ethnic minoritized populations newly diagnosed with cancer.This randomized clinical trial was conducted from November 1, 2018, until August 31, 2021, in outpatient cancer clinics in Atlantic City, NJ, and Chicago, IL. Hourly low-wage worker members of an employer union health fund age 18 years or older with newly diagnosed solid tumor and hematologic malignancies were randomly assigned 1:1 to usual care (control group) or usual care augmented with a trained CHW for 12 months (intervention group). The CHW assisted participants with advance care planning (ACP), proactively screened symptoms, and referred participants to community-based resources for identified health-related social needs. Usual care comprised nurse case management and benefits redesign (waived copayments and free transportation for any cancer care received at preferred oncology clinics in each city). The primary outcome was HRQoL. Secondary outcomes included patient activation, satisfaction with decision, ACP documentation, health care use, total health care costs, and overall survival.A total of 160 participants were enrolled. Intervention group participants had a greater increase in mean HRQoL scores at 4-month and 12-month follow-up as compared with baseline than control group participants (expected mean difference, 11.25 [95% CI, 7.28 to 15.22]; 11.29 [95% CI, 6.96 to 15.62], respectively).In this randomized trial, a CHW-led intervention significantly improved HRQoL for low-income and racial and ethnic minoritized patients with cancer more than usual care alone.

  View details for DOI 10.1200/JCO.23.00309

  View details for PubMedID 37625110

• Preface MEMO-MAGAZINE OF EUROPEAN MEDICAL ONCOLOGY Patel, M. I. 2023; 16: S90

  View details for Web of Science ID 001058013900002

• A GLOBAL CONGRESS DIGEST ON LUNG CANCER. Report from the ASCO Hybrid Congress, 2nd-6th June 2023 MEMO-MAGAZINE OF EUROPEAN MEDICAL ONCOLOGY Patel, M. I. 2023; 16: CP1-U16

  View details for DOI 10.1007/s12254-023-00912-2

  View details for Web of Science ID 001058013900001

• Leveraging Goals of Care Interventions to Deliver Personalized Care Near the End of Life. JAMA oncology Manz, C. R., Rocque, G. B., Patel, M. I. 2023

  View details for DOI 10.1001/jamaoncol.2023.1981

  View details for PubMedID 37382970

• Assessing the Needs of Those Who Serve the Underserved: A Qualitative Study among US Oncology Clinicians. Cancers Patel, M. I., Hinyard, L., Hlubocky, F. J., Merrill, J. K., Smith, K. T., Kamaraju, S., Carrizosa, D., Kalwar, T., Fashoyin-Aje, L., Gomez, S. L., Jeames, S., Florez, N., Kircher, S. M., Tap, W. D. 2023; 15 (13)

  Abstract

  BACKGROUND: The American Society of Clinical Oncology established the 'Supporting Providers Serving the Underserved' (SUS) Task Force with a goal to develop recommendations to support cancer clinicians who deliver care for populations at risk for cancer disparities. As a first step, the Task Force explored barriers and facilitators to equitable cancer care delivery.METHODS: Clinicians across the United States who deliver care predominantly for low-income and racially and ethnically minoritized populations were identified based on lists generated by the Task Force and the Health Equity Committee. Through purposive sampling based on geographical location, clinicians were invited to participate in 30-60 min semi-structured interviews to explore experiences, barriers, and facilitators in their delivery of cancer care. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, imported into qualitative data management software, and analyzed using thematic analysis.RESULTS: Thematic analysis revealed three major themes regarding barriers (lack of executive leadership recognition of resources; patient-related socio-economic needs; clinician burnout) and two major themes regarding facilitators (provider commitment, experiential training).CONCLUSIONS: Findings reveal modifiable barriers and potential solutions to facilitate equitable cancer care delivery for populations at risk for cancer disparities.

  View details for DOI 10.3390/cancers15133311

  View details for PubMedID 37444421

• Engagement of Patients with Advanced Cancer (EPAC) randomized clinical trial: Long-term effects on survival and healthcare use Patel, M. I., Agrawal, M., Kapphahn, K., Blayney, D. W., Asch, S., Bundorf, M., Milstein, A. LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. 2023

  View details for Web of Science ID 001053772000235

• Race and ethnicity reporting by US federal standards in high-impact phase 2/3 oncology clinical trial publications Taparra, K. A., Benevente, R., Shih, J., Gimmen, M. Y., Tominez, P., Kekumano, K., Pineda, E., Sherman, R., Deville, C., Peppercorn, J. M., Gomez, S. L., Bosserman, L. D., Chino, F., Patel, M. I., Shah, C. S. LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. 2023

  View details for Web of Science ID 001053772000314

• Disparities in intensity of care at the end-of-life for patients with gastrointestinal cancer Rodriguez, G. M., Kapphahn, K., Patel, M. I. LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. 2023

  View details for Web of Science ID 001053772003278

• Team-based versus technology-based supportive cancer care (SCC): Assessment of implementation across 24 different clinical settings Moufarrej, S., Mathew, M. S., Wood, E. H., Medrano, H. S., Perez, C. C., Fuller, K. E., Agrawal, M., Patel, M. I. LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. 2023

  View details for Web of Science ID 001053772000250

• Comparative effectiveness trial of two supportive cancer care (SCC) delivery models at 24 clinics: An ongoing cluster randomized trial Medrano, H. S., Wood, E. H., Kapphahn, K., Agarwal, M., Perez, C. C., Matthew, M., Fuller, K. E., Patel, M. I. LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. 2023

  View details for Web of Science ID 001053772001503

• "I Have Constant Fear": A National Qualitative Study on the Impact of COVID-19 on Cancer Care and Potential Solutions to Improve the Cancer Care Experience During the COVID-19 Pandemic. JCO oncology practice Rodriguez, G. M., Kumar, D., Patel, M. I. 2023: OP2200550

  Abstract

  The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly affected cancer care delivery for patients, including cancellation or delays in surveillance imaging, clinic visits, and treatments. Yet, gaps remain in understanding the extent of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients with cancer and potential ways to overcome these impacts.We conducted semistructured, in-depth, one-on-one qualitative interviews among adults with a past or current history of cancer in the United States. Participants from a parent quantitative survey were purposively sampled to participate in a qualitative interview. Interview questions addressed (1) experiences with cancer care delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic; (2) unmet concerns regarding care and other impacts; and (3) approaches to improve patient experiences. We conducted inductive thematic analysis.Fifty-seven interviews were conducted. Four themes emerged: (1) concern regarding the risk of COVID-19 infection among patients with cancer and their families; (2) disruptions in care increased patients' anxiety about poor cancer outcomes and death from cancer; (3) significant social and economic impacts; and (4) increased social isolation and anxiety about the future. Suggestions for current clinical practice include (1) clear communication on patients' health risks; (2) increased attention to mental health needs and access to mental health services; and (3) routine use of telemedicine as frequently as possible when clinically appropriate.These rich findings reveal the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients with cancer and potential approaches to mitigate the impact from the patient perspective. The findings not only inform current cancer care delivery but also health system responses to future public health or environmental crises that may pose a unique health risk for patients with cancer or disrupt their care.

  View details for DOI 10.1200/OP.22.00550

  View details for PubMedID 37155941

• Increasing Racial and Ethnic Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Cancer Treatment Trials: Evaluation of an ASCO-Association of Community Cancer Centers Site Self-Assessment. JCO oncology practice Guerra, C., Pressman, A., Hurley, P., Garrett-Mayer, E., Bruinooge, S. S., Howson, A., Kaltenbaugh, M., Hanley Williams, J., Boehmer, L., Bernick, L. A., Byatt, L., Charlot, M., Crews, J., Fashoyin-Aje, L., McCaskill-Stevens, W., Merrill, J., Nowakowski, G., Patel, M. I., Ramirez, A., Zwicker, V., Oyer, R. A., Pierce, L. J. 2023: OP2200560

  Abstract

  Clinical trial participants do not reflect the racial and ethnic diversity of people with cancer. ASCO and the Association of Community Cancer Centers collaborated on a quality improvement study to enhance racial and ethnic equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in cancer clinical trials. The groups conducted a pilot study to examine the feasibility, utility, and face validity of a two-part clinical trial site self-assessment to enable diverse types of research sites in the United States to (1) review internal data to assess racial and ethnic disparities in screening and enrollment and (2) review their policies, programs, procedures to identify opportunities and strategies to improve EDI. Overall, 81% of 62 participating sites were satisfied with the assessment; 82% identified opportunities for improvement; and 63% identified specific strategies and 74% thought the assessment had potential to help their site increase EDI. The assessment increased awareness about performance (82%) and helped identify specific strategies (63%) to increase EDI in trials. Although most sites (65%) were able to provide some data on the number of patients that consented, only two sites were able to provide all requested trial screening, offering, and enrollment data by race and ethnicity. Documenting and evaluating such data are critical steps toward improving EDI and are key to identifying and addressing disparities more broadly. ASCO and Association of Community Cancer Centers will partner with sites to better understand their processes and the feasibility of collecting screening, offering, and enrollment data in systematic and automated ways.

  View details for DOI 10.1200/OP.22.00560

  View details for PubMedID 36630663

• Exploring cancer care needs for Latinx adults: a qualitative evaluation. Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer Rodriguez, G. M., Leach, M., Osorio, J., Villicana, G., Koontz, Z., Wood, E. H., Duron, Y., O'Brien, D., Rosas, L. G., Patel, M. I. 2022; 31 (1): 76

  Abstract

  PURPOSE: Latinx adults with cancer, as compared with non-Latinx White adults, are diagnosed with more advanced stages and experience worse quality of life. Identifying barriers in cancer care among low-income Latinx adults is crucial to designing and implementing culturally appropriate interventions. The objective of this study was to explore the specific barriers encountered by Latinx adults after a cancer diagnosis and perspectives on the use of community health workers (CHWs) to address these barriers.METHODS: We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with low-income Latinx adults with a past or current history of cancer and/or their caregivers in a community oncology clinic located in an agricultural community in California. Analysis was based in grounded theory and performed using the constant comparative method.RESULTS: Sixteen interviews were conducted with patients alone (n=11), a caregiver alone (n=1), and patient-caregiver pairs (n=4 patients; n=4 caregivers). Four major themes emerged: (1) low cancer health literacy including cancer diagnosis and treatment, cancer fatalism, navigating next steps after diagnosis, advance directives, and precision medicine; (2) challenges in communicating and receiving supportive services due to language barriers; (3) stress and anxiety regarding financial hardships related to job loss, insurance barriers, and the COVID-19 pandemic; (4) the need for supportive, bilingual, and bicultural personnel to assist in overcoming these challenges.CONCLUSIONS: Low-income Latinx adults with cancer and their caregivers experience health literacy, communication, and financial barriers that impede quality cancer care delivery. Embedding CHWs in the care team could be one way to address these barriers to culturally concordant, accessible care.

  View details for DOI 10.1007/s00520-022-07518-0

  View details for PubMedID 36544063

• Use of Machine Learning and Lay Care Coaches to Increase Advance Care Planning Conversations for Patients With Metastatic Cancer. JCO oncology practice Gensheimer, M. F., Gupta, D., Patel, M. I., Fardeen, T., Hildebrand, R., Teuteberg, W., Seevaratnam, B., Asuncion, M. K., Alves, N., Rogers, B., Hansen, J., DeNofrio, J., Shah, N. H., Parikh, D., Neal, J., Fan, A. C., Moore, K., Ruiz, S., Li, C., Khaki, A. R., Pagtama, J., Chien, J., Brown, T., Tisch, A. H., Das, M., Srinivas, S., Roy, M., Wakelee, H., Myall, N. J., Huang, J., Shah, S., Lee, H., Ramchandran, K. 2022: OP2200128

  Abstract

  Patients with metastatic cancer benefit from advance care planning (ACP) conversations. We aimed to improve ACP using a computer model to select high-risk patients, with shorter predicted survival, for conversations with providers and lay care coaches. Outcomes included ACP documentation frequency and end-of-life quality measures.In this study of a quality improvement initiative, providers in four medical oncology clinics received Serious Illness Care Program training. Two clinics (thoracic/genitourinary) participated in an intervention, and two (cutaneous/sarcoma) served as controls. ACP conversations were documented in a centralized form in the electronic medical record. In the intervention, providers and care coaches received weekly e-mails highlighting upcoming clinic patients with < 2 year computer-predicted survival and no prior prognosis documentation. Care coaches contacted these patients for an ACP conversation (excluding prognosis). Providers were asked to discuss and document prognosis.In the four clinics, 4,968 clinic visits by 1,251 patients met inclusion criteria (metastatic cancer with no prognosis previously documented). In their first visit, 28% of patients were high-risk (< 2 year predicted survival). Preintervention, 3% of both intervention and control clinic patients had ACP documentation during a visit. By intervention end (February 2021), 35% of intervention clinic patients had ACP documentation compared with 3% of control clinic patients. Providers' prognosis documentation rate also increased in intervention clinics after the intervention (2%-27% in intervention clinics, P < .0001; 0%-1% in control clinics). End-of-life care intensity was similar in intervention versus control clinics, but patients with ≥ 1 provider ACP edit met fewer high-intensity care measures (P = .04).Combining a computer prognosis model with care coaches increased ACP documentation.

  View details for DOI 10.1200/OP.22.00128

  View details for PubMedID 36395436

• Addressing Racial Disparities to Advance Quality Care for Adults with Acute Leukemia: A Health Equity-Focused Quality Improvement Program Patel, M., Ascensao, J. L., Gurska, L., Sullivan, S., Carter, J. D., Heggen, C. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. 2022: 5098-5099

  View details for DOI 10.1182/blood-2022-158555

  View details for Web of Science ID 000893223205055

• Integrating Community Health Workers Into Care for Patients With Advanced Stages of Cancer-Fragility Index Analysis-Reply. JAMA oncology Patel, M. I., Kapphahn, K. 2022

  View details for DOI 10.1001/jamaoncol.2022.5084

  View details for PubMedID 36301583

• Health Care Professionals' Perspectives on Implementation, Adoption, and Maintenance of a Community Health Worker-Led Advance Care Planning and Cancer Symptom Screening Intervention: A Qualitative Study. JCO oncology practice Patel, M. I., Murillo, A., Agrawal, M., Coker, T. 2022: OP2200209

  Abstract

  PURPOSE: Advance care planning (ACP) and symptom screening are nationally recommended for all patients with advanced stages of cancer. Yet, routine delivery of such care remains challenging because of multilevel barriers. We hired and trained community health workers (CHWs) to assist with delivery of these services across the United States. The aim of this study was to explore health care professionals' perspectives on barriers and facilitators to these team-based approaches.METHODS: We conducted semistructured interviews with 44 health care professionals in 21 cancer clinics in seven US cities using the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance framework. We recorded, transcribed, and analyzed interviews using the framework analysis approach.RESULTS: Participants noted barriers and facilitators to implementation, adoption, and maintenance of CHW-led ACP and symptom management approaches. Participants were initially skeptical; however, they noted a positive shift in their views over time because of personal experiences and effectiveness in their clinics. There was significant variation in adoption with some using a prescriptive top-down approach and others a bottom-up approach. Most agreed that the combination of top-down and bottom-up approaches would be most efficient and effective for promoting team-based care. All participants discussed implementation and provided suggestions for maintenance including organizational support, leadership, and CHW retention.CONCLUSION: CHW-led ACP and proactive symptom management interventions are effective and accepted by cancer care professionals at scale. Tailoring on the basis of organization and local contexts is required to ensure successful adoption, implementation, and maintenance of these effective team-based care delivery approaches.

  View details for DOI 10.1200/OP.22.00209

  View details for PubMedID 36201710

• Assessing the needs of those who serve the underserved: A national survey among cancer care clinicians. Patel, M. I., Merrill, J. K., Smith, K., Carrizosa, D. R., Florez, N., Fashoyin-Aje, L. A., Gomez, S., Giuliani, M., Hinyard, L. J., Hlubocky, F. J., Jeames, S., Kalwar, T. L., Kamaraju, S., Kircher, S., Tap, W. D. LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. 2022: 175

  View details for Web of Science ID 000891944700175

• Understanding the barriers and experiences of veterans with lung cancer Lopez, C., Murillo, A., Das, M., Patel, M. I. LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. 2022: 160

  View details for Web of Science ID 000891944700160

• Acute care utilization at the end of life: Does race/ethnicity matter? Rodriguez, G. M., Rosas, L. G., Patel, M. I. LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. 2022: 189

  View details for Web of Science ID 000891944700189

• Community health workers and precision medicine: A randomized controlled trial. Contemporary clinical trials Rodriguez, L. M., Wood, E. H., Xiao, L., Duron, Y., O'Brien, D., Koontz, Z., Rosas, L. G., Patel, M. I. 2022: 106906

  Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Precision cancer care has reduced cancer-related mortality. However, minorities remain less likely to receive precision medicine than White populations with cancer due to language and system-level barriers. Precision medicine knowledge increases involvement in treatment decisions and receipt of such treatment. Few interventions exist that seek to improve precision medicine knowledge among low-income and racial and ethnic minorities with cancer.METHODS: We designed a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a community health worker (CHW)-delivered intervention on patients' knowledge of precision medicine in partnership with a community oncology clinic in Monterey, California. Eligibility includes adults with newly diagnosed, progression or recurrence of cancer, low-income, or racial and ethnic minorities, or uninsured, insured by Medicaid or by a local agricultural employer. We will randomize 110 patients with cancer to the intervention or usual cancer care. The intervention group will be assigned to a CHW who will deliver culturally tailored and personalized education on precision medicine and advance care planning, screen for social determinants of health barriers and connect patients to community resources. The primary outcome is precision medicine knowledge measured by a 6-item survey adapted from Davies at baseline, 3-, 6- and 12-months post-enrollment. Exploratory outcomes include patient satisfaction with decision, activation, health care utilization, and receipt of evidence-based precision medicine care.CONCLUSION: This trial will assess whether the CHW-led intervention can increase knowledge of precision medicine as well as several exploratory outcomes including receipt of evidence-based cancer care among low-income and racial and ethnic minority adults with cancer.CLINICALTRIALS: gov Registration # NCT04843332.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.cct.2022.106906

  View details for PubMedID 36084898

• Improving supportive care for patients with Thoracic Malignancies - A randomized controlled trial. Contemporary clinical trials communications Patel, M. I., Banks, L., Das, M. 2022; 28: 100929

  Abstract

  Veterans have higher lung cancer incidence and mortality rates than civilians. Frequently, Veterans with lung cancer suffer from undertreated symptoms due to complex comorbidities, limited social support, and reluctance in discussing symptoms with their oncologists. Evidence supports proactive symptom screening among civilians with cancer; however, no studies to date have evaluated whether Veteran volunteer-led proactive symptom screening is feasible and effective among Veterans with lung cancer. The "Improving Supportive Care for Patients with Thoracic Malignancies" study was co-developed by a pre-established Veteran and Family Advisory Board. Veterans with lung cancer are randomized in a 1:1 allocation to either a 9-month intervention combined with usual oncology care (intervention group) or usual oncology care alone (control group). A Veteran volunteer is assigned to all Veterans in the intervention group and conducts weekly symptom assessments using validated symptom surveys and reviews all symptom scores with an oncology nurse practitioner. The primary outcome is to evaluate whether the intervention improves documentation of symptoms at 6 months post-enrollment among Veterans in the intervention group as compared with the control group. Secondary outcomes include changes in patient-reported outcomes (i.e., symptom burden, patient activation, patient satisfaction with decision, health-related quality of life) and differences in acute care use (i.e., emergency department visits, hospitalizations) from baseline (time of enrollment in the study) to 3-, 6-, and 9-months post enrollment. This study addresses a significant concern expressed by Veterans and their caregivers. Findings can advance our understanding of how to improve symptom-burden among Veterans with lung cancer. ClinicalTrials.gov Registration #NCT03216109.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.conctc.2022.100929

  View details for PubMedID 35669484

• Do no harm: A call to action on COVID-19 and mask requirements. Cancer Patel, M. I., Wood, E. H., Charlot, M., Florez, N., Duron, Y., Jeames, S. E., Taparra, K. A., Velazquez Manana, A., Jain, S. 2022

  View details for DOI 10.1002/cncr.34411

  View details for PubMedID 35913498

• Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Cancer Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic. JAMA network open Patel, M. I., Ferguson, J. M., Castro, E., Pereira-Estremera, C. D., Armaiz-Pena, G. N., Duron, Y., Hlubocky, F., Infantado, A., Nuqui, B., Julian, D., Nortey, N., Steck, A., Bondy, M., Maingi, S. 2022; 5 (7): e2222009

  Abstract

  Importance: The full effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer care disparities, particularly by race and ethnicity, remains unknown.Objectives: To assess whether the race and ethnicity of patients with cancer was associated with disparities in cancer treatment delays, adverse social and economic effects, and concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic and to evaluate trusted sources of COVID-19 information by race and ethnicity.Design, Setting, and Participants: This national survey study of US adults with cancer compared treatment delays, adverse social and economic effects, concerns, and trusted sources of COVID-19 information by race and ethnicity from September 1, 2020, to January 12, 2021.Exposures: The COVID-19 pandemic.Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was delay in cancer treatment by race and ethnicity. Secondary outcomes were duration of delay, adverse social and economic effects, concerns, and trusted sources of COVID-19 information.Results: Of 1639 invited respondents, 1240 participated (75.7% response rate) from 50 US states, the District of Columbia, and 5 US territories (744 female respondents [60.0%]; median age, 60 years [range, 24-92 years]; 266 African American or Black [hereafter referred to as Black] respondents [21.5%]; 186 Asian respondents [15.0%]; 232 Hispanic or Latinx [hereafter referred to as Latinx] respondents [18.7%]; 29 American Indian or Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, or multiple races [hereafter referred to as other] respondents [2.3%]; and 527 White respondents [42.5%]). Compared with White respondents, Black respondents (odds ratio [OR], 6.13 [95% CI, 3.50-10.74]) and Latinx respondents (OR, 2.77 [95% CI, 1.49-5.14]) had greater odds of involuntary treatment delays, and Black respondents had greater odds of treatment delays greater than 4 weeks (OR, 3.13 [95% CI, 1.11-8.81]). Compared with White respondents, Black respondents (OR, 4.32 [95% CI, 2.65-7.04]) and Latinx respondents (OR, 6.13 [95% CI, 3.57-10.53]) had greater odds of food insecurity and concerns regarding food security (Black respondents: OR, 2.02 [95% CI, 1.34-3.04]; Latinx respondents: OR, 2.94 [95% CI, [1.86-4.66]), financial stability (Black respondents: OR, 3.56 [95% CI, 1.79-7.08]; Latinx respondents: OR, 4.29 [95% CI, 1.98-9.29]), and affordability of cancer treatment (Black respondents: OR, 4.27 [95% CI, 2.20-8.28]; Latinx respondents: OR, 2.81 [95% CI, 1.48-5.36]). Trusted sources of COVID-19 information varied significantly by race and ethnicity.Conclusions and Relevance: In this survey of US adults with cancer, the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with treatment delay disparities and adverse social and economic effects among Black and Latinx adults. Partnering with trusted sources may be an opportunity to overcome such disparities.

  View details for DOI 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.22009

  View details for PubMedID 35834248

• Effect of a Community Health Worker Intervention on Acute Care Use, Advance Care Planning, and Patient-Reported Outcomes Among Adults With Advanced Stages of Cancer: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA oncology Patel, M. I., Kapphahn, K., Dewland, M., Aguilar, V., Sanchez, B., Sisay, E., Murillo, A., Smith, K., Park, D. J. 2022

  Abstract

  Deficiencies in advance care planning and symptom management are associated with avoidable acute care use among patients with cancer. Community health worker (CHW)-led approaches may be an approach to reduce acute care use but remain untested in community settings.To determine whether a CHW-led advance care planning and symptom screening intervention can reduce acute care use more than usual care in a community setting.This randomized clinical trial was conducted among patients with newly diagnosed advanced-stage or recurrent solid and hematologic cancers from August 8, 2017, through November 30, 2021. Data analysis was performed November 30, 2021, through January 1, 2022, by intention to treat.Participants were randomized 1:1 to usual care (control group) or usual care with the 6-month CHW-led intervention (intervention group).The primary outcome was acute care use. Secondary outcomes included advance care planning documentation, supportive care use, patient-reported outcomes, survival, and end-of-life care use.Among 128 participants, median (range) age was 67 (19-89) years; 61 (47.7%) were female; and 2 (1.6%) were American Indian or Alaska Native, 11 (8.6%) were Asian, 5 (3.9%) were Black, 23 (18.0%) were Hispanic or Latino, 2 (1.6%) were of mixed race, 2 (1.6%) were Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, 86 (67.2%) were White, and 20 (15.6%) did not report race. Intervention participants had 62% lower risk of acute care use than the control (hazard ratio, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.19-0.76) within 6 months. At 12 months, intervention participants had 17% lower odds of acute care use (odds ratio [OR], 0.83; 95% CI, 0.69-0.98), 8 times the odds of advance care planning documentation (OR, 7.18; 95% CI, 2.85-18.13), 4 times the odds of palliative care (OR, 4.46; 95% CI, 1.88-10.55), nearly double the odds of hospice (OR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.16-2.88), and nearly double the odds of improved mental and emotional health from enrollment to 6 and 12 months postenrollment (OR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.03-3.28; and OR, 2.20; 95% CI, 1.04-4.65, respectively) than the control. There were no differences in the death (control, 26 [40.6%] vs intervention, 32 [50.0%]). Fewer intervention participants had acute care use (0 vs 6 [23.1%]) in the month before death than the control.In this randomized clinical trial, integration of a CHW-led intervention into cancer care reduced acute care use and is one approach to improve cancer care delivery for patients with advanced stages of disease in community settings.ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03154190.

  View details for DOI 10.1001/jamaoncol.2022.1997

  View details for PubMedID 35771552

• Perspectives of Low-Income and Minority Populations With Lung Cancer: A Qualitative Evaluation of Unmet Needs. JCO oncology practice Patel, M. I., Agrawal, M., Duron, Y., O'Brien, D., Koontz, Z. 2022: OP2200052

  Abstract

  PURPOSE: Lung cancer is the second most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Persistent disparities remain in the incidence, mortality, and quality of lung cancer care received among minorities and populations with low income. This study aims to evaluate perspectives of low-income and minority patients with lung cancer on health system-level barriers and facilitators to high-quality lung cancer care delivery.METHODS: Informed by community-based participatory research, we conducted semistructured interviews with 48 patients with lung cancer in the San Francisco Peninsula and Central Coast regions of California. We recorded, transcribed, and analyzed interviews using thematic analysis.RESULTS: Participants described four major structural and process barriers in current lung cancer care: unmet psychosocial support needs, lack of understanding of precision medicine, undertreated symptoms, and financial concerns about cancer, which exacerbate concerns regarding families' well-being. Participants described that trusting relationship with their cancer care team members was a facilitator for high-quality care and suggested that proactive integration of proactive psychosocial and community-based peer support could overcome some of the identified barriers.CONCLUSION: This study identified modifiable health system lung cancer care delivery barriers that contribute to persistent disparities. Opportunities to improve care include integration of community-based peer support.

  View details for DOI 10.1200/OP.22.00052

  View details for PubMedID 35696628

• A Community-Engaged Process for Adapting a Proven Community Health Worker Model to Integrate Precision Cancer Care Delivery for Low-income Latinx Adults With Cancer. Health promotion practice Wood, E. H., Leach, M., Villicana, G., Goldman Rosas, L., Duron, Y., O'Brien, D. G., Koontz, Z., Patel, M. I. 2022: 15248399221096415

  Abstract

  INTRODUCTION: Disparities in precision cancer care delivery among low-income Latinx adults are well described. In prior work, we developed a community health worker-led goals of care and cancer symptom assessment intervention. The objective of this study was to adapt this intervention for a community setting, incorporating precision cancer care delivery.METHODS: We used a two-phased systematic approach to adapt an evidence-based intervention for our community. Specifically, we used the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework to identify barriers and facilitators to precision cancer care delivery via 1-hr interviews with Latinx adults with cancer, Latinx caregivers, community leaders, primary care and oncology clinicians, and community health workers. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using the constant comparative method and grounded theory analysis. Phase 2 involved interviews with key community advisors using the Expert Panels Method to decide on final adaptations.RESULTS: Using this community-engaged approach, we identified specific intervention adaptations to ensure precision cancer care delivery in a community setting, which included: (a) expansion of the intervention inclusion criteria and mode of delivery; (b) integration of low-literacy precision cancer care intervention activities in Spanish in collaboration with community-based organizations; (c) ensuring goals reflective of patient and community priorities.CONCLUSIONS: This systematic and community-engaged approach to adapt an intervention for use in delivering precision cancer care strengthened an evidence-based approach to promote the needs and preferences of patients and key community stakeholders.

  View details for DOI 10.1177/15248399221096415

  View details for PubMedID 35658733

• The effect of a multilevel community health worker-led intervention on health-related quality of life, patient activation, acute care use, and total costs of care: A randomized controlled trial. Patel, M. I., Kapphahn, K., Salava, D., Orchard, P., Curry, R., Filazzola, A., Riley, A., Krajcinovic, I. LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. 2022

  View details for Web of Science ID 000863680301800

• Addressing Latinx CANcer Care Equity (ALCANCE) randomized controlled trial: Precision medicine and community health workers Rodriguez, G. M., Wood, E. H., Leach, M., Villicana, G., Murillo, A., Rosas, L. G., Duron, Y., O'Brien, D. G., Koontz, Z., Patel, M. I. LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. 2022

  View details for Web of Science ID 000863680304822

• Improving supportive care for patients with thoracic cancer. Banks, L., Kapphahn, K., Das, M., Wujcik, D., Stricker, C., Shanbhag, L., Stephanie, L., Zhu, G., Patel, M. I. LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. 2022

  View details for Web of Science ID 000863680300576

• Availability of data for screening, offering, and consenting patients to cancer clinical trials: Report from an ASCO-ACCC collaboration. Pressman, A. R., Hurley, P. A., Kaltenbaugh, M., Bruinooge, S., Garrett-Mayer, E., Boehmer, L., Bernick, L., Byatt, L., Charlot, M., Crews, J., Fashoyin-Aje, L. A., McCaskill-Stevens, W. J., Nowakowski, G. S., Oyer, R. A., Patel, M. I., Pierce, L. J., Ramirez, A. G., Williams, J., Zwicker, V., Guerra, C. LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. 2022

  View details for Web of Science ID 000863680301830

• Increasing Racial and Ethnic Diversity in Cancer Clinical Trials: An American Society of Clinical Oncology and Association of Community Cancer Centers Joint Research Statement. Journal of clinical oncology : official journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology Oyer, R. A., Hurley, P., Boehmer, L., Bruinooge, S. S., Levit, K., Barrett, N., Benson, A., Bernick, L. A., Byatt, L., Charlot, M., Crews, J., DeLeon, K., Fashoyin-Aje, L., Garrett-Mayer, E., Gralow, J. R., Green, S., Guerra, C. E., Hamroun, L., Hardy, C. M., Hempstead, B., Jeames, S., Mann, M., Matin, K., McCaskill-Stevens, W., Merrill, J., Nowakowski, G. S., Patel, M. I., Pressman, A., Ramirez, A. G., Segura, J., Segarra-Vasquez, B., Hanley Williams, J., Williams, J. E., Winkfield, K. M., Yang, E. S., Zwicker, V., Pierce, L. J. 2022: JCO2200754

  Abstract

  A concerted commitment across research stakeholders is necessary to increase equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) and address barriers to cancer clinical trial recruitment and participation. Racial and ethnic diversity among trial participants is key to understanding intrinsic and extrinsic factors that may affect patient response to cancer treatments. This ASCO and Association of Community Cancer Centers (ACCC) Research Statement presents specific recommendations and strategies for the research community to improve EDI in cancer clinical trials. There are six overarching recommendations: (1) clinical trials are an integral component of high-quality cancer care, and every person with cancer should have the opportunity to participate; (2) trial sponsors and investigators should design and implement trials with a focus on reducing barriers and enhancing EDI, and work with sites to conduct trials in ways that increase participation of under-represented populations; (3) trial sponsors, researchers, and sites should form long-standing partnerships with patients, patient advocacy groups, and community leaders and groups; (4) anyone designing or conducting trials should complete recurring education, training, and evaluation to demonstrate and maintain cross-cultural competencies, mitigation of bias, effective communication, and a commitment to achieving EDI; (5) research stakeholders should invest in programs and policies that increase EDI in trials and in the research workforce; and (6) research stakeholders should collect and publish aggregate data on racial and ethnic diversity of trial participants when reporting results of trials, programs, and interventions to increase EDI. The recommendations are intended to serve as a guide for the research community to improve participation rates among people from racial and ethnic minority populations historically under-represented in cancer clinical trials. ASCO and ACCC will work at all levels to advance the recommendations in this publication.

  View details for DOI 10.1200/JCO.22.00754

  View details for PubMedID 35588469

• Patient perspectives on window of opportunity clinical trials in early-stage breast cancer. Breast cancer research and treatment Parikh, D. A., Kody, L., Brain, S., Heditsian, D., Lee, V., Curtis, C., Karin, M. R., Wapnir, I. L., Patel, M. I., Sledge, G. W., Caswell-Jin, J. L. 2022

  Abstract

  Window of opportunity trials (WOT) are increasingly common in oncology research. In WOT participants receive a drug between diagnosis and anti-cancer treatment, usually for the purpose of investigating that drugs effect on cancer biology. This qualitative study aimed to understand patient perspectives on WOT.We recruited adults diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer awaiting definitive therapy at a single-academic medical center to participate in semi-structured interviews. Thematic and content analyses were performed to identify attitudes and factors that would influence decisions about WOT participation.We interviewed 25 women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. The most common positive attitudes toward trial participation were a desire to contribute to research and a hope for personal benefit, while the most common concerns were the potential for side effects and how they might impact fitness for planned treatment. Participants indicated family would be an important normative factor in decision-making and, during the COVID-19 pandemic, deemed the absence of family members during clinic visits a barrier to enrollment. Factors that could hinder participation included delay in standard treatment and the requirement for additional visits or procedures. Ultimately, most interviewees stated they would participate in a WOT if offered (N = 17/25).In this qualitative study, interviewees weighed altruism and hypothetical personal benefit against the possibility of side effect from a WOT. In-person family presence during trial discussion, challenging during COVID-19, was important for many. Our results may inform trial design and communication approaches in future window of opportunity efforts.

  View details for DOI 10.1007/s10549-022-06611-6

  View details for PubMedID 35538268

• The evolving landscape of sex-based differences in lung cancer: a distinct disease in women. European respiratory review : an official journal of the European Respiratory Society Ragavan, M., Patel, M. I. 1800; 31 (163)

  Abstract

  In stark contrast to a few decades ago when lung cancer was predominantly a disease of men who smoke, incidence rates of lung cancer in women are now comparable to or higher than those in men and are rising alarmingly in many parts of the world. Women face a unique set of risk factors for lung cancer compared to men. These include exogenous exposures including radon, prior radiation, and fumes from indoor cooking materials such as coal, in addition to endogenous exposures such as oestrogen and distinct genetic polymorphisms. Current screening guidelines only address tobacco use and likely underrepresent lung cancer risk in women. Women were also not well represented in some of the landmark prospective studies that led to the development of current screening guidelines. Women diagnosed with lung cancer have a clear mortality benefit compared to men even when other clinical and demographic characteristics are accounted for. However, there may be sex-based differences in outcomes and side effects of systemic therapy, particularly with chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Ongoing research is needed to better investigate these differences to address the rapidly changing demographics of lung cancer worldwide.

  View details for DOI 10.1183/16000617.0100-2021

  View details for PubMedID 35022255

• COVID-19 Booster Vaccine Equity for Patients with Cancer. Advances in radiation oncology Prasad, R. N., Patel, M., Palmer, J. D. 2022: 100939

  Abstract

  Current CDC recommendations mimic guidelines during initial vaccine phases by prioritizing extremely large patient populations for expedited booster vaccinations. We identified every states' COVID vaccination webpage in February of 2021. Nearly twothirds of states elected not to give adequate vaccination prioritization to patients with cancer during the initial phases under similar guidance, this approach raises the question of whether state-level decisions on how to sub prioritize patients may again inadvertently result in delayed immunizations for particularly vulnerable subgroups - such as patients with cancer. With the delta variant continuing its unchecked global spread and vaccine-related immunity potentially waning, equitable distribution of booster immunizations is essential to minimizing inherent medical, age-related, and socioeconomic inequities in COVID-related morbidity and mortality between populations.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.adro.2022.100939

  View details for PubMedID 35280348

• Use of a computer model and care coaches to increase advance care planning conversations for patients with metastatic cancer Gupta, D., Fardeen, T., Teuteberg, W., Seevaratnam, B., Asuncion, M., Alves, N., Rogers, B., Neal, J. W., Fan, A. C., Parikh, D., Patel, M. I., Shah, S., Srinivas, S., Huang, J. E., Reddy, S. A., Ganjoo, K. N., Bui, N., Hansen, J., Gensheimer, M. F., Ramchandran, K. LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. 2021

  View details for DOI 10.1200/JCO.2020.39.28_suppl.8

  View details for Web of Science ID 000707130200008

• Addressing cancer care needs for Latino adults: A formative qualitative evaluation Rodriguez, G. M., Leach, M., Osorio, J., Wood, E., Duron, Y., O'Brien, D. G., Zach, K., Rosas, L., Patel, M. I. LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. 2021

  View details for DOI 10.1200/JCO.2020.39.28_suppl.105

  View details for Web of Science ID 000707130200104

• Coaches Activating Reaching and Engaging Patients (CAREPlan): A randomized controlled trial combining two evidence-based interventions to improve goals of care documentation Parikh, D., Asuncion, M., Hansen, J., Seevaratnam, B., Khateeb, S., Rosenthal, E., Teuteberg, W., Patel, M. I. LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. 2021

  View details for DOI 10.1200/JCO.2020.39.28_suppl.2

  View details for Web of Science ID 000707130200002

• A randomized controlled trial of the effect of a community-based intervention on patient activation, health-related quality of life, and acute care use Patel, M. I., Khateeb, S., Krajcinovic, I., Salava, D., Coker, T. LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. 2021

  View details for DOI 10.1200/JCO.2020.39.28_suppl.1

  View details for Web of Science ID 000707130200336

• The Impact of COVID-19 on Patients With Cancer: A National Study of Patient Experiences. American journal of clinical oncology Rodriguez, G. M., Ferguson, J. M., Kurian, A., Bondy, M., Patel, M. I. 2021

  Abstract

  OBJECTIVES: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic abruptly disrupted cancer care. The impact of these disruptions on patient experiences remain relatively understudied. The objective of this study was to assess patients' perspectives regarding the impact of COVID-19 on their experiences, including their cancer care, emotional and mental health, and social determinants of health, and to evaluate whether these outcomes differed by cancer stage.MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a survey among adults with cancer across the United States from April 1, 2020 to August 26, 2020 using virtual snowball sampling strategy in collaboration with professional organizations, cancer care providers, and patient advocacy groups. We analyzed data using descriptive statistics, chi2 and t tests.RESULTS: Three hundred twelve people with cancer participated and represented 38 states. The majority were non-Hispanic White (n=183; 58.7%) and female (n=177; 56.7%) with median age of 57 years. Ninety-one percent spoke English at home, 70.1% had health insurance, and 67% had access to home internet. Breast cancer was the most common diagnosis (n=67; 21.5%). Most had Stage 4 disease (n=80; 25.6%). Forty-six percent (n=145) experienced a change in their care due to COVID-19. Sixty percent (n=187) reported feeling very or extremely concerned that the pandemic would affect their cancer and disproportionately experienced among those with advanced cancer stages compared with earlier stages (P<0.001). Fifty-two percent (n=162) reported impact of COVID-19 on 1 or more aspects of social determinants of health with disproportionate impact among those with advanced cancer stages compared with earlier stages.CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 impacted the care and well-being of patients with cancer and this impact was more pronounced among people with advanced cancer stages. Future work should consider tailored interventions to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on patients with cancer.

  View details for DOI 10.1097/COC.0000000000000865

  View details for PubMedID 34519677

• Incidence of Lung Cancer Among Never-Smoking Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Females. Journal of the National Cancer Institute DeRouen, M. C., Canchola, A. J., Thompson, C. A., Jin, A., Nie, S., Wong, C., Lichtensztajn, D., Allen, L., Patel, M. I., Daida, Y. G., Luft, H. S., Shariff-Marco, S., Reynolds, P., Wakelee, H. A., Liang, S., Waitzfelder, B. E., Cheng, I., Gomez, S. L. 2021

  Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Although lung cancer incidence rates according to smoking status, sex, and detailed race/ethnicity have not been available, it is estimated that over half of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) females with lung cancer have never smoked.METHODS: We calculated age-adjusted incidence rates for lung cancer according to smoking status and detailed race/ethnicity among females, focusing on AANHPI ethnic groups, and assessed relative incidence across racial/ethnic groups. We used a large-scale dataset that integrates data from electronic health records from two large healthcare systems-Sutter Health in Northern California and Kaiser Permanente Hawai'i-linked to state cancer registries for incident lung cancer diagnoses between 2000-2013. The study population included 1,222,694 females (n=244,147 AANHPI), 3,297 of which were diagnosed with lung cancer (n=535 AANHPI).RESULTS: Incidence of lung cancer among never-smoking AANHPI as an aggregate group was 17.1 per 100,000 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 14.9, 19.4), but varied widely across ethnic groups. Never-smoking Chinese American females had the highest rate (22.8 per 100,000, 95% CI=17.3, 29.1). Except for Japanese American females, incidence among every never-smoking AANHPI female ethnic group was higher than that of never-smoking non-Hispanic White females, from 66% greater among Native Hawaiian females (incidence rate ratio = 1.66; 95% CI=1.03, 2.56) to over 100% greater among Chinese American females (incidence rate ratio = 2.26; 95% CI=1.67-3.02).CONCLUSIONS: Our study revealed high rates of lung cancer among most never-smoking AANHPI female ethnic groups. Our approach illustrates the use of innovative data integration to dispel the myth that AANHPI females are at overall reduced risk of lung cancer and demonstrates the need to disaggregate this highly diverse population.

  View details for DOI 10.1093/jnci/djab143

  View details for PubMedID 34345919

• The effect of a lay health worker intervention on acute care use, patient experiences and end-of-life care: Results from a randomized clinical trial. Patel, M. I., Smith, K., Khateeb, S., Park, D. J. LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. 2021

  View details for DOI 10.1200/JCO.2021.39.15_suppl.1508

  View details for Web of Science ID 000708120600208

• The impact of COVID-19 on patients with cancer: A qualitative study. Kumar, D., Khateeb, S., Patel, M. I. LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. 2021

  View details for DOI 10.1200/JCO.2021.39.15_suppl.e18559

  View details for Web of Science ID 000708120303158

• Evolving oncology provider perspectives on care delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic. Parikh, D., Ragavan, M., Srinivas, S., Garrigues, S., Rosenthal, E., Patel, M. I. LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. 2021

  View details for DOI 10.1200/JCO.2021.39.15_suppl.e18609

  View details for Web of Science ID 000708120303202

• Integrating electronic health record, cancer registry, and geospatial data to study lung cancer in Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander ethnic groups. Cancer epidemiology, biomarkers & prevention : a publication of the American Association for Cancer Research, cosponsored by the American Society of Preventive Oncology DeRouen, M. C., Thompson, C. A., Canchola, A. J., Jin, A., Nie, S., Wong, C., Jain, J., Lichtensztajn, D. Y., Li, Y., Allen, L., Patel, M. I., Daida, Y. G., Luft, H. S., Shariff-Marco, S., Reynolds, P., Wakelee, H. A., Liang, S., Waitzfelder, B. E., Cheng, I., Gomez, S. L. 2021

  Abstract

  BACKGROUND: A relatively high proportion of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) females with lung cancer have never smoked. We used an integrative data approach to assemble a large-scale cohort to study lung cancer risk among AANHPI by smoking status with attention to representation of specific AANHPI ethnic groups.METHODS: We leveraged electronic health records (EHRs) from two healthcare systems-Sutter Health in northern California and Kaiser Permanente Hawai'i- that have high representation of AANHPI populations. We linked EHR data on lung cancer risk factors (i.e., smoking, lung diseases, infections, reproductive factors, and body size) to data on incident lung cancer diagnoses from statewide population-based cancer registries of California and Hawai'i for the period 2000-2013. Geocoded address data were linked to data on neighborhood contextual factors and regional air pollutants.RESULTS: The dataset comprises over 2.2 million adult females and males of any race/ethnicity. Over 250,000 are AANHPI females (19.6% of the female study population). Smoking status is available for over 95% of individuals. The dataset includes 7,274 lung cancer cases, including 613 cases among AANHPI females. Prevalence of never-smoking status varied greatly among AANHPI females with incident lung cancer, from 85.7% among Asian Indian to 14.4% among Native Hawaiian females.CONCLUSION: We have developed a large, multilevel dataset particularly well-suited to conduct prospective studies of lung cancer risk among AANHPI females who never smoked.IMPACT: The integrative data approach is an effective way to conduct cancer research assessing multilevel factors on cancer outcomes among small populations.

  View details for DOI 10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-21-0019

  View details for PubMedID 34001502

• Association of a Lay Health Worker-Led Intervention on Goals of Care, Quality of Life, and Clinical Trial Participation Among Low-Income and Minority Adults With Cancer. JCO oncology practice Patel, M. I., Khateeb, S., Coker, T. 2021: OP2100100

  Abstract

  PURPOSE: New approaches are needed to overcome low supportive care and clinical trial participation among low-income and minority adults with cancer. The objective of this project was to determine whether a lay health worker intervention was associated with improvements in supportive care and trial participation.METHODS: We conducted a quality improvement initiative in collaboration with a union organization. We enrolled union members newly diagnosed with cancer into a 6-month lay health worker-led intervention from October 15, 2016, to February 28, 2017. The primary outcome was goals of care. Secondary outcomes were health-related quality of life (HRQOL), health care use, and trial participation. All outcomes except HRQOL were compared with a cohort of union members diagnosed within the 6-month preintervention period.RESULTS: Sixty-six adults participated in the intervention group, and we identified 72 adults in the control group. Demographic characteristics were similar between groups. The mean age was 56.0 years; 47 (34%) were male, and 22 were White (16%). Within 6 months enrollment, more intervention group participants, as compared with the control, had clinician-documented goals of care (94% v 26%; P < .001) and participated in cancer clinical trials (72% v 22%; P < .001). At 4 months postenrollment, as compared with baseline, intervention participants experienced HRQOL improvements (mean difference, 3.98 points; standard deviation, 2.83; P < .001). Before death, more intervention group participants used palliative care and hospice than the control group.CONCLUSION: Lay health worker-led interventions may improve supportive care and clinical trial participation among low-income and minority populations with cancer.

  View details for DOI 10.1200/OP.21.00100

  View details for PubMedID 33999691

• Financial Toxicity of Cancer Care: An Analysis of Financial Burden in Three Distinct Health Care Systems. JCO oncology practice Parikh, D. A., Ragavan, M., Dutta, R., Garnet Edwards, J., Dickerson, J., Maitra, D., Aggarwal, S., Lee, F., Patel, M. I. 2021: OP2000890

  Abstract

  PURPOSE: The financial toxicity of cancer care is a source of significant distress for patients with cancer. The purpose of this study is to understand factors associated with financial toxicity in three distinct care systems.METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of patients in three care systems, Stanford Cancer Institute (SCI), VA Palo Alto Health Care System (VAPAHCS), and Santa Clara Valley Medical Center (SCVMC), from October 2017 to May 2019. We assessed demographic factors, employment status, and out-of-pocket costs (OOPCs) and administered the validated COmprehensive Score for financial Toxicity tool. We calculated descriptive statistics and conducted linear regression models to analyze factors associated with financial toxicity.RESULTS: Four hundred forty-four of 578 patients (77%) completed the entire COmprehensive Score for financial Toxicity tool and were included in the analysis. Most respondents at SCI were White, with annual household income (AHI) > $50,000 USD and Medicare insurance. At the VAPAHCS, most were White, with AHI ≤ $50,000 USD and insured by the Veterans Administration. At SCVMC, most were Asian and/or Pacific Islander, with AHI ≤ $25,000 USD and Medicaid insurance. Low AHI (P < .0001), high OOPCs (P = .003), and employment changes as a result of cancer diagnosis (P < .0001) were associated with financial toxicity in the pooled analysis. There was variation in factors associated with financial toxicity by site, with employment changes significant at SCI, OOPCs at SCVMC, and no significant factors at the VAPAHCS.CONCLUSION: Low AHI, high OOPCs, and employment changes contribute to financial toxicity; however, there are variations based on site of care. Future studies should tailor financial toxicity interventions within care delivery systems.

  View details for DOI 10.1200/OP.20.00890

  View details for PubMedID 33826366

• Addressing financial toxicity in urologic oncology patients. Parikh, D., Srinivas, S., Kerr, E., Patel, M. LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. 2021

  View details for DOI 10.1200/JCO.2021.39.6_suppl.170

  View details for Web of Science ID 000636801500215

• Defining the clinician's role in mitigating financial toxicity: an exploratory study. Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer Ragavan, M., Parikh, D., Patel, M. 2021

  Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Financial toxicity describes the financial burden imposed onto patients by a cancer diagnosis and is a growing concern. Many clinicians do not currently address financial toxicity despite patients' desire for them to do so. Current literature explores physicians' perspectives but does not clearly define an actionable role clinicians can take to address financial toxicity. We sought to fill this gap by first assessing clinicians' perspective on their role in alleviating financial toxicity at our institution. We subsequently aimed to identify current barriers to mitigating financial toxicity and to garner feedback on clinician-oriented interventions to address this growing problem.METHODS: We developed an 18-item electronic, anonymous survey through Redcap. We invited all oncology clinicians including attending physicians, advance practice providers, and trainees at our institution to participate.RESULTS: A total of 72 clinicians (30%) completed the survey. The majority agreed that clinicians have a role in addressing cost. The top three barriers to discussing cost with patients were knowledge of out of pocket costs, time, and awareness of resources. Less than half of respondents used an existing comparative cost tool to incorporate cost consciousness into treatment decisions. The most desired intervention was an institutional resource guide. In open-ended comments, the most common barrier described was transparency of out of pocket costs, and the most common solution proposed was a multi-disciplinary approach to addressing financial concerns patient face.DISCUSSION: Improving price transparency, incorporating existing resources into clinical practice, and streamlining multi-disciplinary support may help overcome barriers to addressing financial toxicity.

  View details for DOI 10.1007/s00520-021-05984-6

  View details for PubMedID 33544246

• Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Oncologist Burnout, Emotional Well-Being, and Moral Distress: Considerations for the Cancer Organization's Response for Readiness, Mitigation, and Resilience. JCO oncology practice Hlubocky, F. J., Symington, B. E., McFarland, D. C., Gallagher, C. M., Dragnev, K. H., Burke, J. M., Lee, R. T., El-Jawahri, A. n., Popp, B. n., Rosenberg, A. R., Thompson, M. A., Dizon, D. S., Srivastava, P. n., Patel, M. I., Kamal, A. H., Daugherty, C. K., Back, A. L., Dokucu, M. E., Shanafelt, T. D. 2021: OP2000937

  View details for DOI 10.1200/OP.20.00937

  View details for PubMedID 33555934

• Health care coach support to assist with advance care planning and symptom management -A randomized controlled trial. Contemporary clinical trials Patel, M. I., Aguilar, V., Sanchez, B., Sisay, E., Park, D. J. 2021: 106617

  Abstract

  Advance care planning and symptom management (supportive cancer care) improves patient experiences and reduces acute care use (hospitalizations and emergency department visits). Strong evidence supports team-based approaches to deliver supportive cancer care. However, no studies have evaluated the use of lay or community health workers to deliver supportive cancer care as compared to usual cancer care. The "Health Care Coach Support" intervention was developed to improve cancer care. The intervention assigns a lay or community health worker "health coach" to all patients newly diagnosed with advanced stages of cancer who aims to educate and activate patients in advance care planning discussions and symptom management with their clinicians. Patients are randomized in a 1:1 allocation to either the 12-month health coach intervention combined with usual oncology care or usual oncology care alone. The primary outcome is to evaluate whether the intervention reduces acute care use measured at 6-months follow-up more than usual care. Secondary outcomes include the effect on acute care, palliative care, and hospice at 12-months follow-up and one month prior to death for patients who die. Additional secondary outcomes include changes in patient satisfaction with decision and patient satisfaction with care from baseline (time of enrollment) to 3-, 6-, 9- and 12-months post-enrollment. The Health Coach Support study addresses an important gap in supportive cancer care by testing whether a team-based approach using non-professional personnel can ensure delivery of these services. Findings can assist in our understanding of how to improve care for patients with cancer. ClinicalTrials.gov Registration #NCT03154190.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.cct.2021.106617

  View details for PubMedID 34749008

• End-of-Life Cost Trajectories in Cancer Patients Treated by Medicare versus the Veterans Health Administration. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society Gidwani, R., Asch, S. M., Needleman, J., Faricy-Anderson, K., Boothroyd, D. B., Illarmo, S., Lorenz, K. A., Patel, M. I., Hsin, G., Ramchandran, K., Wagner, T. H. 2020

  Abstract

  BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: To evaluate differences in end-of-life cost trajectories for cancer patients treated through Medicare versus by the Veterans Health Administration (VA).DESIGN: A retrospective analysis of VA and Medicare administrative data from FY 2010 to 2014. We employed three-level generalized estimating equation to evaluate monthly cost trajectories experienced by patients in their last year of live, with patients nested within hospital referral region.SETTING: Care received at VA facilities or by Medicare-reimbursed providers nationwide.PARTICIPANTS: A total of 36,401 patients dying from cancer and dually enrolled in VA and Medicare.MEASUREMENTS: We evaluated trajectories for total, inpatient, outpatient, and drug costs, using the last 12months of life. Cost trajectories were prioritized as costs are not directly comparable across Medicare and VA. Patients were assigned to be VA-reliant, Medicare-reliant or Mixed-reliant based on their healthcare utilization in the last year of life.RESULTS: All three groups experienced significantly different cost trajectories for total costs in the last year of life. Inpatient cost trajectories were significantly different between Medicare-reliant and VA-reliant patients, but did not differ between VA-reliant and Mixed-reliant patients. Outpatient and drug cost trajectories exhibited the inverse pattern: they were significantly different between VA-reliant and Mixed-reliant patients, but not between VA-reliant and Medicare-reliant patients. However, visual examination of cost trajectories revealed similar cost patterns in the last year of life among all three groups; there was a sharp rise in costs as patients approach death, largely due to inpatient care.CONCLUSION: Despite substantially different financial incentives and organization, VA- and Medicare-treated patients exhibit similar patterns of increasing end-of-life costs, largely driven by inpatient costs. Both systems require improvement to ensure quality of end-of-life care is aligned with recommended practice.

  View details for DOI 10.1111/jgs.16941

  View details for PubMedID 33368171

• Lay Health Workers' Perspectives on Delivery of Advance Care Planning and Symptom Screening Among Adults With Cancer: A Qualitative Study. The American journal of hospice & palliative care Patel, M. I., Khateeb, S., Coker, T. 2020: 1049909120977841

  Abstract

  INTRODUCTION: Advance care planning and symptom screening among patients with cancer require team-based approaches to ensure that these services are equitably and appropriately delivered. In several organizations across the United States, we trained and employed lay health workers (LHWs) to assist with delivering these services for patients with cancer. The aim of this study was to understand LHWs' views on delivering these services.METHODS: We conducted semi-structured interviews with 22 LHWs in 6 US-based clinical cancer care settings in 4 large cities. We recorded, transcribed, and analyzed interviews using the constant comparative method of qualitative analysis.RESULTS: Participants noted the importance of their role in assisting with the delivery of advance care planning (ACP) and symptom screening services. Participants noted the importance of developing relationships with patients to engage openly in ACP and symptom screening discussions. Participants reported that ongoing training provided skills and empowered them to discuss sensitive issues with patients and their caregivers. Participants described challenges in their roles including communication with oncology providers and their own emotional well-being. Participants identified solutions to these challenges including formal opportunities for introduction with oncology clinicians and staff and grievance sessions with LHWs and other team members.DISCUSSION: LHWs from several organizations endorsed the importance of their roles in ensuring the delivery of ACP and proactive symptom screening. LHWs noted challenges and specific solutions to improve their effectiveness in delivering these important services to patients after their diagnosis of cancer.

  View details for DOI 10.1177/1049909120977841

  View details for PubMedID 33267632

• Comparison of perspectives and practices to mitigate financial toxicity between advance practice providers and attending oncologists. Ragavan, M., Parikh, D., Patel, M. AMER SOC CLINICAL ONCOLOGY. 2020

  View details for Web of Science ID 000607202800084

• Health care coach support in reducing acute care use in patients with cancer. Patel, M., Smith, K., Sisay, E., Park, D. J. AMER SOC CLINICAL ONCOLOGY. 2020

  View details for Web of Science ID 000607202800005

• Healthcare delivery interventions to reduce cancer disparities worldwide. World journal of clinical oncology Dickerson, J. C., Ragavan, M. V., Parikh, D. A., Patel, M. I. 2020; 11 (9): 705–22

  Abstract

  Globally, cancer care delivery is marked by inequalities, where some economic, demographic, and sociocultural groups have worse outcomes than others. In this review, we sought to identify patient-facing interventions designed to reduce disparities in cancer care in both high- and low-income countries. We found two broad categories of interventions that have been studied in the current literature: Patient navigation and telehealth. Navigation has the strongest evidence base for reducing disparities, primarily in cancer screening. Improved outcomes with navigation interventions have been seen in both high- and low-income countries. Telehealth interventions remain an active area of exploration, primarily in high income countries, with the best evidence being for the remote delivery of palliative care. Ongoing research is needed to identify the most efficacious, cost-effective, and scalable interventions to reduce barriers to the receipt of cancer care globally.

  View details for DOI 10.5306/wjco.v11.i9.705

  View details for PubMedID 33033693

• Cancer Disparities and Health Equity: A Policy Statement From the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Journal of clinical oncology : official journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology Patel, M. I., Lopez, A. M., Blackstock, W., Reeder-Hayes, K., Moushey, A., Phillips, J., Tap, W. 2020: JCO2000642

  Abstract

  ASCO strives, through research, education, and promotion of the highest quality of patient care, to create a world where cancer is prevented and every survivor is healthy. In this pursuit, cancer health equity remains the guiding institutional principle that applies to all its activities across the cancer care continuum. In 2009, ASCO committed to addressing differences in cancer outcomes in its original policy statement on cancer disparities. Over the past decade, despite novel diagnostics and therapeutics, together with changes in the cancer care delivery system such as passage of the Affordable Care Act, cancer disparities persist. Our understanding of the populations experiencing disparate outcomes has likewise expanded to include the intersections of race/ethnicity, geography, sexual orientation and gender identity, sociodemographic factors, and others. This updated statement is intended to guide ASCO's future activities and strategies to achieve its mission of conquering cancer for all populations. ASCO acknowledges that much work remains to be done, by all cancer stakeholders at the systems level, to overcome historical momentum and existing social structures responsible for disparate cancer outcomes. This updated statement affirms ASCO's commitment to moving beyond descriptions of differences in cancer outcomes toward achievement of cancer health equity, with a focus on improving equitable access to care, improving clinical research, addressing structural barriers, and increasing awareness that results in measurable and timely action toward achieving cancer health equity for all.

  View details for DOI 10.1200/JCO.20.00642

  View details for PubMedID 32783672

• Understanding sex disparities in lung cancer incidence: are women more at risk? Lung cancer management Ragavan, M. V., Patel, M. I. 2020; 9 (3): LMT34

  View details for DOI 10.2217/lmt-2020-0013

  View details for PubMedID 32774466

• Lung cancer incidence and risk factors in never-smoking Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander women: The development of a multilevel integrated dataset of EHR, cancer registry, and environmental data DeRouen, M. C., Shariff-Marco, S., Lichtensztajn, D., Jin, A., Daida, Y. G., Canchola, A. J., Li, Y., Jain, J., Allen, L., Nie, S., Wong, C., Haile, R., Patel, M., Reynolds, P., Wakelee, H., Luft, H., Thompson, C., Liang, S., Waitzfelder, B. E., Cheng, I., Gomez, S. L. AMER ASSOC CANCER RESEARCH. 2020

  View details for DOI 10.1158/1538-7755.DISP18-IA37

  View details for Web of Science ID 000577495000725

• Lung cancer incidence and risk factors in never-smoking Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander women: A multilevel dataset of electronic health record, cancer registry, and environmental data DeRouen, M. C., Thompson, C., Canchola, A. J., Jin, A., Nie, S., Jain, J., Shariff-Marco, S., Lichetensztajn, D. Y., Daida, Y., Wong, C., Li, Y., Patel, M., Wakelee, H. A., Liang, S., Waitzfelder, B. E., Cheng, I., Gomez, S. L. AMER ASSOC CANCER RESEARCH. 2020

  View details for DOI 10.1158/1538-7755.DISP19-PR07

  View details for Web of Science ID 000580647800528

• Census tract-level income inequality and colorectal cancer survival Chun, K. A., Robinson, J. R., Kroenke, C. H., Lane, D. S., Corbie-Smith, G., Hastert, T., Sealy-Jefferson, S., Patel, M. I., Pan, K., Beresford, S. A., Newcomb, P. A. AMER ASSOC CANCER RESEARCH. 2020

  View details for DOI 10.1158/1538-7755.DISP18-C068

  View details for Web of Science ID 000577495000418

• Census tract-level income inequality and colorectal cancer survival Chun, K. A., Robinson, J. R., Kroenke, C. H., Lane, D. S., Corbie-Smith, G., Hastert, T., Sealy-Jefferson, S., Patel, M. I., Pan, K., Beresford, S. A., Newcomb, P. A. AMER ASSOC CANCER RESEARCH. 2020

  View details for Web of Science ID 000577495000644

• Real-world outcomes of pembrolizumab plus carboplatin plus paclitaxel or nab-paclitaxel in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Tabah, A., Huggar, D., Kish, J., Bapat, B., Liassou, D., Gajra, A., Miller, T., Copher, R., Patel, M. LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. 2020

  View details for Web of Science ID 000560368308227

• Potentially avoidable hospitalizations after chemotherapy: Differences across medicare and the Veterans Health Administration. Cancer Gidwani-Marszowski, R., Faricy-Anderson, K., Asch, S. M., Illarmo, S., Ananth, L., Patel, M. I. 2020

  Abstract

  BACKGROUND: The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has released quality measures regarding potentially avoidable hospitalizations visits in the 30days after receipt of outpatient chemotherapy. This study evaluated the proportions of patients treated by Medicare-reimbursed clinicians and Veterans Health Administration (VA) clinicians who experienced avoidable acute care in orderto evaluate differences in health system performance.METHODS: This retrospective evaluation of Medicare and VA administrative data used a cohort of cancer decedents (fiscal years 2010-2014). Cohort members were veterans aged 66years or older at death who were dually enrolled in Medicare and the VA. Chemotherapy was identified through International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision and Current Procedural Terminology(ICD-9) codes. CMS definesavoidable hospitalizations as those related to anemia, dehydration, diarrhea, emesis, fever, nausea, neutropenia, pain, pneumonia, or sepsis in the 30days after chemotherapy. Following CMS guidance, this study compared the proportions of patients with potentially avoidable hospitalizations, using hierarchicalgeneralized estimating equations.RESULTS: There were 27,443 patients who received outpatient chemotherapy. Patients receiving Medicare chemotherapy were significantly more likely to have potentially avoidable hospitalizations than patients receiving VA chemotherapy (adjusted odds ratio, 1.58; 95% confidence interval, 1.41-1.78; P<.001). In predicted estimates, 7.1% of Medicare-treated veterans had potentially avoidable hospitalizations in the 30days after chemotherapy, compared with4.6% of VA-treated veterans.CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate veterans with cancer receiving chemotherapy in the VA have higher quality care with respect to avoidable hospitalizations than veterans receiving chemotherapy through Medicare. As more veterans seek care in the private sector under the Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks (MISSION) Act, concerted efforts may be warranted to ensure that veterans do not experience a decline in care quality.

  View details for DOI 10.1002/cncr.32896

  View details for PubMedID 32401340

• Health Insurance Coverage Disruptions and Cancer Care and Outcomes: Systematic Review of Published Research. Journal of the National Cancer Institute Yabroff, K. R., Reeder-Hayes, K., Zhao, J., Halpern, M. T., Lopez, A. M., Bernal-Mizrachi, L., Collier, A. B., Neuner, J., Phillips, J., Blackstock, W., Patel, M. 2020

  Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Lack of health insurance coverage is associated with poor access and receipt of cancer care and survival in the United States. Disruptions in coverage are common among low-income populations; but little is known about associations of disruptions with cancer care, including prevention, screening, and treatment, as well as outcomes of stage at diagnosis and survival.METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of studies of health insurance coverage disruptions and cancer care and outcomes published between 1980 and 2019. We used the PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and CINAHL databases and identified 29 observational studies. Study characteristics and key findings were abstracted and synthesized qualitatively.RESULTS: Studies evaluated associations between coverage disruptions and prevention or screening (31.0%), treatment (13.8%), end-of-life care (10.3%), stage at diagnosis (44.8%) and survival (20.7%). Coverage disruptions ranged from 4.3% to 32.8% of patients age-eligible for breast, cervical or colorectal cancer screening. Between 22.1% and 59.5% of patients with Medicaid gained coverage only at or after cancer diagnosis. Coverage disruptions were consistently statistically significantly associated with lower receipt of prevention, screening, and treatment. Among patients with cancer, those with Medicaid disruptions were statistically significantly more likely to have advanced stage (odds ratios 1.2 to 3.8) and worse survival (hazard ratios 1.28 to 2.43) than patients without disruptions.CONCLUSION: Health insurance coverage disruptions are common and adversely associated with receipt of cancer care and survival. Improved data infrastructure and quasi-experimental study designs will be important for evaluating the associations of federal and state policies on coverage disruptions and care and outcomes.

  View details for DOI 10.1093/jnci/djaa048

  View details for PubMedID 32337585

• American Society of Clinical Oncology Road to Recovery Report: Learning From the COVID-19 Experience to Improve Clinical Research and Cancer Care. Journal of clinical oncology : official journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology Pennell, N. A., Dillmon, M. n., Levit, L. A., Moushey, E. A., Alva, A. S., Blau, S. n., Cannon, T. L., Dickson, N. R., Diehn, M. n., Gonen, M. n., Gonzalez, M. M., Hensold, J. O., Hinyard, L. J., King, T. n., Lindsey, S. C., Magnuson, A. n., Marron, J. n., McAneny, B. L., McDonnell, T. M., Mileham, K. F., Nasso, S. F., Nowakowski, G. S., Oettel, K. R., Patel, M. I., Patt, D. A., Perlmutter, J. n., Pickard, T. A., Rodriguez, G. n., Rosenberg, A. R., Russo, B. n., Szczepanek, C. n., Smith, C. B., Srivastava, P. n., Teplinsky, E. n., Thota, R. n., Traina, T. A., Zon, R. n., Bourbeau, B. n., Bruinooge, S. S., Foster, S. n., Grubbs, S. n., Hagerty, K. n., Hurley, P. n., Kamin, D. n., Phillips, J. n., Schenkel, C. n., Schilsky, R. L., Burris, H. A. 2020: JCO2002953

  View details for DOI 10.1200/JCO.20.02953

  View details for PubMedID 33290128

• A randomized trial of a multi-level intervention to improve advance care planning and symptom management among low-income and minority employees diagnosed with cancer in outpatient community settings. Contemporary clinical trials Patel, M. I., Khateeb, S. n., Coker, T. n. 2020: 105971

  Abstract

  Equitable delivery of advance care planning and symptom management among patients is crucial to improving cancer care. Existing interventions to improve the uptake of these services have predominantly occurred in clinic settings and are limited in their effectiveness, particularly among low-income and minority populations.The "Lay health worker Educates Engages and Activates Patients to Share (LEAPS)" intervention was developed to improve advance care planning and symptom management among low-income and minority hourly-wage workers with cancer, in two community settings. The intervention provides a lay health worker to all patients newly diagnosed with cancer and aims to educate and activate patients to engage in advance care planning and symptom management with their oncology providers. In this randomized clinical trial, we will evaluate the effect on quality of life (primary outcome) using the validated Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - General Survey, at enrollment, 4- and 12- months post-enrollment. We will examine between-group differences on our secondary outcomes of patient activation, patient satisfaction with healthcare decision-making, and symptom burden (at enrollment, 4- and 12-months post-enrollment), and total healthcare use and healthcare costs (at 12-months post-enrollment).Multilevel approaches are urgently needed to improve cancer care delivery among low-income and minority patients diagnosed with cancer in community settings. The current study describes the LEAPS intervention, the study design, and baseline characteristics of the community centers participating in the study. ClinicalTrials.gov Registration #NCT03699748.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.cct.2020.105971

  View details for PubMedID 32145441

• Association of a Lay Health Worker Intervention With Symptom Burden, Survival, Health Care Use, and Total Costs Among Medicare Enrollees With Cancer. JAMA network open Patel, M. I., Ramirez, D. n., Agajanian, R. n., Agajanian, H. n., Coker, T. n. 2020; 3 (3): e201023

  Abstract

  Undertreated patient symptoms require approaches that improve symptom burden.To determine the association of a lay health worker-led symptom screening and referral intervention with symptom burden, survival, health care use, and total costs among Medicare Advantage enrollees with a new diagnosis of solid or hematologic malignant neoplasms.This quality improvement study conducted at 9 community oncology practices from November 1, 2016, to October 31, 2018, compared newly diagnosed Medicare Advantage enrollees with solid or hematologic malignant neoplasms with patients diagnosed and treated 1 year prior. Analysis was conducted from August 1, 2019, to January 11, 2020.Usual care augmented by a lay health worker trained to screen symptoms and refer patients to palliative care and behavioral medicine.The primary outcome was change in symptoms using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale and the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire at baseline and 6 and 12 months after enrollment. Secondary outcomes were between-group comparison of survival, 12-month health care use, and costs.Among 425 patients in the intervention group and 407 patients in the control group, the mean (SD) age was 78.8 (8.3) years, 345 (41.5%) were female, and 407 (48.9%) were non-Hispanic white. Patients in the intervention group experienced a lower symptom burden as measured by the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale score over time compared with patients in the control group (mean [SD] difference, -1.9 [14.2]; 95% CI, -3.77 to -0.19; P = .01 for the intervention group and 2.32 [17.7]; 95% CI, 0.47 to 4.19; P = .02 for the control group). Similar findings were noted in 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire depression scores (mean [SD] difference, -0.63 [3.99]; 95% CI, -1.23 to -0.028; P = .04 for the intervention group and 1.67 [5.49]; 95% CI, 0.95 to 2.37; P = .01 for the control group). Patients in the intervention group compared with patients in the control group had fewer mean (SD) inpatient visits (0.54 [0.77]; 95% CI, 0.47-0.61 vs 0.72 [1.12]; 95% CI, 0.61-0.83; P = .04) and emergency department visits (0.43 [0.76]; 95% CI, 0.36-0.50 vs 0.57 [1.00]; 95% CI, 0.48-0.67; P = .002) per 1000 patients per year and lower total costs (median, $17 869 [interquartile range, $6865-$32 540] vs median, $18 473 [interquartile range, $6415-$37 910]; P = .02). A total of 180 patients in the intervention group and 189 patients in the control group died within 12 months. Among those who died, patients in the intervention group had greater hospice use (125 of 180 [69.4%] vs 79 of 189 [41.8%]; odds ratio, 3.16; 95% CI, 2.13-4.69; P < .001), fewer mean (SD) emergency department and hospital visits (emergency department: 0.10 [0.30]; 95% CI, 0.06-0.14 vs 0.30 [0.46]; 95% CI, 0.24-0.38; P = .001; hospital: 0.27 [0.44]; 95% CI, 0.21-0.34 vs 0.43 [0.82]; 95% CI, 0.32-0.55; P = .02), and lower costs (median, $3602 [interquartile range, $1076-$9436] vs median, $12 726 [interquartile range, $5259-$22 170]; P = .002), but there was no significant difference in inpatient deaths (18 of 180 [10.0%] vs 30 of 189 [15.9%]; P = .14).This study suggests that a lay health worker-led intervention may be one way to improve burdensome and costly care.

  View details for DOI 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.1023

  View details for PubMedID 32176306

• A Call to Action: Ethics Committee Roundtable Recommendations for Addressing Burnout and Moral Distress in Oncology. JCO oncology practice Hlubocky, F. J., Taylor, L. P., Marron, J. M., Spence, R. A., McGinnis, M. M., Brown, R. F., McFarland, D. C., Tetzlaff, E. D., Gallagher, C. M., Rosenberg, A. R., Popp, B. n., Dragnev, K. n., Bosserman, L. D., Dudzinski, D. M., Smith, S. n., Chatwal, M. n., Patel, M. I., Markham, M. J., Levit, K. n., Bruera, E. n., Epstein, R. M., Brown, M. n., Back, A. L., Shanafelt, T. D., Kamal, A. H. 2020: JOP1900806

  Abstract

  Oncologist well-being is critical to initiating and maintaining the physician-patient relationship, yet many oncologists suffer from symptoms of burnout. Burnout has been linked to poor physical and mental health, as well as increased medical errors, patient dissatisfaction, and workforce attrition. In this Call to Action article, we discuss causes of and interventions for burnout and moral distress in oncology, highlight existing interventions, and provide recommendations for addressing burnout and improving well-being at the individual and organizational levels to deliver ethical, quality cancer care.

  View details for DOI 10.1200/JOP.19.00806

  View details for PubMedID 32223701

• Successful Strategies to Address Disparities: Insurer and Employer Perspectives. American Society of Clinical Oncology educational book. American Society of Clinical Oncology. Annual Meeting Patel, M. I., Snyder, R. n., Brawley, O. n. 2020; 40: 1–9

  Abstract

  Disparities in cancer have been documented for decades and continue to persist despite clinical advancements in cancer prevention, detection, and treatment. Disparate cancer outcomes continue to affect many populations in the United States and globally, including racial and ethnic minorities, populations with low income and education, and residents of rural areas or low socioeconomic neighborhoods, among others. Addressing cancer disparities requires approaches that are multilevel. Addressing social determinants of health, such as removing obstacles to health (e.g., poverty, discrimination, access to housing and education, jobs with fair pay, and health care) can reduce cancer disparities. However, to achieve cancer health equity, multilevel approaches are required to ensure that access to high-quality cancer care and equitable receipt of evidence-based services can reduce cancer disparities. Policy, health system interventions, and innovative delivery and health care coverage approaches by private and public payers, employer-based payers, and labor union organizations can assist in ensuring access to and receipt of high-quality cancer care while addressing the high costs of care delivery. Partnerships among patients, caregivers, employers, health care providers, and health care payers can make impactful changes in the way in which cancer care is delivered and, in turn, can assist in reducing cancer disparities.

  View details for DOI 10.1200/EDBK_279959

  View details for PubMedID 32239980

• COPD and lung cancer incidence in the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study: A brief report. Lung cancer (Amsterdam, Netherlands) Nagasaka, M. n., Lehman, A. n., Chlebowski, R. n., Haynes, B. M., Ho, G. n., Patel, M. n., Sakoda, L. C., Schwartz, A. G., Simon, M. S., Cote, M. L. 2020; 141: 78–81

  Abstract

  Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality in both men and women in the United States. COPD is associated with lung cancer independently of cigarette smoking, but remains understudied in women. Utilizing data from the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study (WHI-OS), this report investigates the association between COPD and development of lung cancer, with a focus on ethnicity and cancer subtype.The WHI-OS, part of the larger Women's Health Initiative (WHI), is comprised of postmenopausal women between ages 50 and 79 years old at enrollment. Self-administered questionnaires were utilized to gather baseline demographic, socioeconomic, and behavioral information from participants. For this analysis, COPD status was determined at study entry (baseline) and on annual survey (incident). Information on the primary outcome of interest, diagnosis of lung cancer, was also collected annually.Of the 92,789 women examined, 1,536 developed lung cancer. Overall, women with COPD were 1.64 times more likely to develop lung cancer than those without COPD, after adjusting for smoking status and intensity, ethnicity, education, body mass index, and income (HR = 1.64, 95 % CI: 1.43, 1.89). The relationship between COPD and lung cancer was not found to be significantly different between ethnic groups (p-value = 0.697). The associations between COPD and lung cancer was similar across subtypes (HR range 1.31-2.16), after adjusting for smoking status and intensity. COPD increases risk of lung cancer in women, thus they may benefit from more intensive surveillance compared to similar women without COPD.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.lungcan.2020.01.006

  View details for PubMedID 31958598

• End-of-Life Cancer Care Redesign: Patient and Caregiver Experiences in a Lay Health Worker-Led Intervention AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HOSPICE & PALLIATIVE MEDICINE Patel, M., Moore, D., Coker, T. R. 2019; 36 (12): 1081–88

  View details for DOI 10.1177/1049909119847967

  View details for Web of Science ID 000484508100006

• A Community-Partnered, Evidence-Based Approach to Improving Cancer Care Delivery for Low-Income and Minority Patients with Cancer JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY HEALTH Patel, M., Andrea, N., Jay, B., Coker, T. R. 2019; 44 (5): 912–20

  View details for DOI 10.1007/s10900-019-00632-x

  View details for Web of Science ID 000482993400008

• Financial toxicity among veterans with cancer. Parikh, D., Ragavan, M., Khateeb, S., Patel, M. I. AMER SOC CLINICAL ONCOLOGY. 2019

  View details for DOI 10.1200/JCO.2019.37.27_suppl.103

  View details for Web of Science ID 000518223100101

• Enhancing community capacity to deliver value-based cancer care at the end-of-life. Patel, M. I., Ramirez, D., Agajanian, R., Agajanian, H. H., Coker, T. AMER SOC CLINICAL ONCOLOGY. 2019

  View details for DOI 10.1200/JCO.2019.37.27_suppl.4

  View details for Web of Science ID 000518223100005

• Sex disparities in lung cancer incidence: validation of a long-observed trend. Translational lung cancer research Hellyer, J. A., Patel, M. I. 2019; 8 (4): 543-545

  View details for DOI 10.21037/tlcr.2019.04.06

  View details for PubMedID 31555528

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC6749120

• Sex disparities in lung cancer incidence: validation of a long-observed trend TRANSLATIONAL LUNG CANCER RESEARCH Hellyer, J. A., Patel, M. I. 2019; 8 (4): 543–45

  View details for DOI 10.21037/tlcr.2019.04.06

  View details for Web of Science ID 000484264600023

• Perspectives and practices of oncology providers in addressing financial toxicity. Ragavan, M., Parikh, D., Patel, M. I. AMER SOC CLINICAL ONCOLOGY. 2019

  View details for DOI 10.1200/JCO.2019.37.15_suppl.e18342

  View details for Web of Science ID 000487345802278

• Enhancing community capacity to improve cancer care delivery and the effect on patient-reported outcomes, healthcare utilization and total costs of care. Patel, M. I., Ramirez, D., Agajanian, R., Agajanian, H. H., Bhattacharya, J., Coker, T. AMER SOC CLINICAL ONCOLOGY. 2019

  View details for DOI 10.1200/JCO.2019.37.15_suppl.6522

  View details for Web of Science ID 000487345806076

• Demographic factors associated with financial toxicity: Results from the multisite cost study. Parikh, D., Ragavan, M., Dutta, R., Edwards, J., Maitra, D., Patel, M. I. AMER SOC CLINICAL ONCOLOGY. 2019

  View details for DOI 10.1200/JCO.2019.37.15_suppl.e18362

  View details for Web of Science ID 000487345802295

• Collaborative Telerehabilitation-A Smart Move for Patients With Advanced Cancer JAMA ONCOLOGY Patel, M. I. 2019; 5 (5): 652–53

  View details for DOI 10.1001/jamaoncol.2019.0021

  View details for Web of Science ID 000467495600012

• Collaborative Telerehabilitation-A Smart Move for Patients With Advanced Cancer. JAMA oncology Patel, M. I. 2019

  View details for PubMedID 30946443

• A Community-Partnered, Evidence-Based Approach to Improving Cancer Care Delivery for Low-Income and Minority Patients with Cancer. Journal of community health Patel, M., Andrea, N., Jay, B., Coker, T. R. 2019

  Abstract

  Community-engaged adaptations of evidence-based interventions are needed to improve cancer care delivery for low-income and minority populations with cancer. The objective of this study was to adapt an intervention to improve end-of-life cancer care delivery using a community-partnered approach. We used a two-step formative research process to adapt the evidence-based lay health workers educate engage andencourage patients to share (LEAPS) cancer care intervention. The first step involved obtaining a series of adaptations through focus groups with 15 patients, 12 caregivers, and 6 leaders and staff of the Unite Here Health (UHH) payer organization, and 12 primary care and oncology care providers. Focus group discussions were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using the constant comparative method of qualitative analysis. The second step involved finalization of adaptations from a community advisory board comprised of 4 patients, 2 caregivers, 4 oncology providers, 2 lay health workers and 4 UHH healthcare payer staff and executive leaders. Using this community-engaged approach, stakeholders identified critical barriers and solutions to intervention delivery which included: (1) expanding the intervention to ensure patient recruitment; (2) including caregivers; (3) regular communication between UHH staff, primary care and oncology providers; and (4) selecting outcomes that reflect patient-reported quality of life. This systematic and community-partnered approach to adapt an end-of-life cancer care intervention strengthened this existing intervention to promote the needs and preferences of patients, caregivers, providers, and healthcare payer leaders. This approach can be used to address cancer care delivery for low-income and minority patients with cancer.

  View details for PubMedID 30825097

• Questioning Lay Health Worker Influence on Goals-of-Care Documentation and Patient Satisfaction-In Reply. JAMA oncology Patel, M. I. 2019

  View details for PubMedID 30730550

• Health System and Beneficiary Costs Associated With Intensive End-of-Life Medical Services. JAMA network open Gidwani-Marszowski, R. n., Asch, S. M., Mor, V. n., Wagner, T. H., Faricy-Anderson, K. n., Illarmo, S. n., Hsin, G. n., Patel, M. I., Ramchandran, K. n., Lorenz, K. A., Needleman, J. n. 2019; 2 (9): e1912161

  Abstract

  Despite recommendations to reduce intensive medical treatment at the end of life, many patients with cancer continue to receive such services.To quantify expected beneficiary and health system costs incurred in association with receipt of intensive medical services in the last month of life.This retrospective cohort study used data collected nationally from Medicare and the Veterans Health Administration for care provided in fiscal years 2010 to 2014. Participants were 48 937 adults aged 66 years or older who died of solid tumor and were continuously enrolled in fee-for-service Medicare and the Veterans Health Administration in the 12 months prior to death. The data were analyzed from February to August 2019.American Society of Clinical Oncology metrics regarding medically intensive services provided in the last month of life, including hospital stay, intensive care unit stay, chemotherapy, 2 or more emergency department visits, or hospice for 3 or fewer days.Costs in the last month of life associated with receipt of intensive medical services were evaluated for both beneficiaries and the health system. Costs were estimated from generalized linear models, adjusting for patient demographics and comorbidities and conditioning on geographic region.Of 48 937 veterans who received care through the Veterans Health Administration and Medicare, most were white (90.8%) and male (98.9%). More than half (58.9%) received at least 1 medically intensive service in the last month of life. Patients who received no medically intensive service generated a mean (SD) health system cost of $7660 ($1793), whereas patients who received 1 or more medically intensive services generated a mean (SD) health system cost of $23 612 ($5528); thus, the additional financial consequence to the health care system for medically intensive services was $15 952 (95% CI, $15 676-$16 206; P < .001). The biggest contributor to these differences was $21 093 (95% CI, $20 364-$21 689) for intensive care unit stay, while the smallest contributor was $3460 (95% CI, $2927-$3880) for chemotherapy. Mean (SD) expected beneficiary costs for the last month of life were $133 ($50) for patients with no medically intensive service and $1257 ($408) for patients with at least 1 medically intensive service (P < .001).Given the low income of many elderly patients in the United States, the financial consequences of medically intensive services may be substantial. Costs of medically intensive services at the end of life, including patient financial consequences, should be considered by both physicians and families.

  View details for DOI 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.12161

  View details for PubMedID 31560384

• Characteristics of Patients With ROS1+ Cancers: Results From the First Patient-Designed, Global, Pan-Cancer ROS1 Data Repository. Journal of oncology practice Parikh, D. A., Walia, G. n., Freeman-Daily, J. n., Hennink, M. n., Tomalia, T. n., Buonanno, L. n., Goldman, L. n., Addario, B. n., Patel, M. I. 2019: JOP1900135

  Abstract

  The discovery of driver oncogenes, such as ROS1, has led to the development of targeted therapies. Despite clinical advancements, gaps remain in our understanding of characteristics of patients with ROS1-positive (ROS1+) cancers. The purpose of this study was to comprehensively assess demographic, clinical, and environmental characteristics associated with ROS1+ cancers worldwide.In collaboration with a panel of patients with ROS1+ cancer, we designed and conducted a 204-question online assessment regarding the demographic, clinical, and environmental factors of patients with ROS1+ cancers. We invited patients with ROS1+ cancers to participate in the study from May 2016 to December 2018.A total of 277 patients from 18 countries worldwide responded and completed at least 90% of the survey. The majority of respondents were female (n = 191; 69%), non-Hispanic white (n = 202; 73%), never-smokers (n = 180/240; 75%). Most were diagnosed with lung cancer (n = 261/277; 94%) and stage IV disease (n = 201/277; 76%). The majority received chemotherapy in first (n = 137/199; 69%) and second (n = 103/199; 52%) lines of therapy. For patients diagnosed with lung cancer after the availability of crizotinib (n = 199), only a minority (n = 55/199; 28%) reported receiving crizotinib in the first line of therapy.This study is the first global, patient-designed approach, to our knowledge, to comprehensively assess demographic, clinical, and environmental characteristics associated with ROS1+ cancers. Future efforts include assessing these characteristics as well as patient-reported outcomes and treatment responses longitudinally.

  View details for DOI 10.1200/JOP.19.00135

  View details for PubMedID 31880972

• Lay Health Worker-Led Cancer Symptom Screening Intervention and the Effect on Patient-Reported Satisfaction, Health Status, Health Care Use, and Total Costs: Results From a Tri-Part Collaboration. Journal of oncology practice Patel, M. I., Ramirez, D. n., Agajanian, R. n., Agajanian, H. n., Bhattacharya, J. n., Bundorf, K. M. 2019: JOP1900152

  Abstract

  Poor patient experiences and increasing costs from undertreated symptoms require approaches that improve patient-reported outcomes and lower expenditures. We developed and evaluated the effect of a lay health worker (LHW)-led symptom screening intervention on satisfaction, self-reported overall and mental health, health care use, total costs, and survival.From November 1, 2015, to September 30, 2016, we enrolled in this study all newly diagnosed Medicare Advantage enrollees with stage 3 or 4 solid tumors or hematologic malignancies who were receiving care in a community oncology practice. We evaluated symptom changes from baseline to 12 months for the intervention group. We compared with a control group (a historical cohort of Medicare Advantage enrollees diagnosed with cancer from November 1, 2014, to October 31, 2015) changes in satisfaction and overall and mental health with validated assessments at diagnosis and 5 months postdiagnosis, 12-month health care use, total costs, and survival.Among 186 patients in the intervention group and 102 in the control group, most were female and non-Hispanic white or Hispanic, and the mean age was 79 years. There were no survival differences between the groups. Relative to the control group, the intervention group experienced improvements in satisfaction with care (difference-in-difference: 1.35; 95% CI, 1.08 to 1.63), overall health (odds ratio, 2.23; 95% CI, 1.49 to 3.32), and mental or emotional health (odds ratio, 2.22; 95% CI, 1.46 to 3.38) over time; fewer hospitalizations (mean ± standard deviation: 0.72 ± 0.96 v 1.02 ± 1.44; P = .03) and emergency department visits per 1,000 members per year (0.61 ± 0.98 v 0.92 ± 1.53; P = .03), and lower median (interquartile range) total health care costs ($21,266 [$8,102-$47,900] v $31,946 [$15,754-$57,369]; P = .02).An LHW-led symptom screening intervention could be one solution to improve value-based cancer care.

  View details for DOI 10.1200/JOP.19.00152

  View details for PubMedID 31550213

• End-of-Life Cancer Care Redesign: Patient and Caregiver Experiences in a Lay Health Worker-Led Intervention. The American journal of hospice & palliative care Patel, M. I., Moore, D. n., Coker, T. R. 2019: 1049909119847967

  Abstract

  The Engagement of Patients with Advanced Cancer (EPAC), comprised of a lay health worker (LHW) who assists patients with advance care planning, is an effective intervention for improving patient experiences and reducing acute care use and total health-care costs. The objective of this study was to assess patients' and caregivers' experiences with the intervention.We invited all patients enrolled in EPAC and their caregivers to complete an 8-item survey at the end of the intervention and a random 35% sample to participate in a qualitative interview to assess their experiences. At 15-month follow-up, we invited all caregivers of patients who died during the study to participate in a qualitative interview. We analyzed survey responses using bivariate methods and recorded, transcribed, and analyzed interviews using qualitative content analysis.Sixty-nine patients were alive at completion of the intervention and all 30 identified caregivers completed the survey. All viewed the intervention as a critical part of cancer care and recommended the intervention for other patients. In qualitative interviews, among 30 patients, all reported improved comfort in discussing their end-of-life care preferences. In qualitative interviews with 24 bereaved caregivers, all viewed the intervention as critical in ensuring that their loved ones' wishes were adhered to at the end of life.Incorporating an LHW into end-of-life cancer care is an approach supported and viewed as highly effective in improving care by patients and caregivers. The LHW-led EPAC intervention is one solution that can significantly impact patient and caregiver experiences.

  View details for PubMedID 31046401

• Perspectives of Health Care Payer Organizations on Cancer Care Delivery Redesign: A National Study. Journal of oncology practice Patel, M. I., Moore, D., Bhattacharya, J., Milstein, A., Coker, T. R. 2018: JOP1800331

  Abstract

  INTRODUCTION:: Despite advancements in cancer care, persistent gaps remain in the delivery of high-value end-of-life cancer care. The aim of this study was to examine views of health care payer organization stakeholders on approaches to the redesign of end-of-life cancer care delivery strategies to improve care.METHODS:: We conducted semistructured interviews with 34 key stakeholders (eg, chief medical officers, medical directors) in 12 health plans and 22 medical group organizations across the United States. We recorded, transcribed, and analyzed interviews using the constant comparative method of qualitative analysis.RESULTS:: Participants endorsed strategies to redesign end-of-life cancer care delivery to improve end-of-life care. Participants supported the use of nonprofessionals to deliver some cancer services through alternative formats (eg, telephone, Internet) and delivery of services in nonclinical settings. Participants reported that using nonprofessional providers to offer some services, such as goals of care discussions and symptom assessments, via telephone in community-based settings or in patients' homes, may be more effective and efficient ways to deliver high-value cancer care services. Participants described challenges to redesign, including coordination with and acceptance by oncology providers and payment models required to financially support clinical changes. Some participants suggested solutions, including providing funding and logistic support to encourage implementation of care delivery innovations and to financially reward practices for delivery of high-value end-of-life cancer care services.CONCLUSION:: Stakeholders from payer organizations endorsed opportunities to redesign cancer care delivery, and some are willing to provide logistic, design, and financial support to practices interested in improving end-of-life cancer care.

  View details for PubMedID 30444666

• Financial toxicity of cancer treatment at a diverse county hospital. Parikh, D., Ragavan, M., Maitra, D., Aggarwal, S., Patel, M. I. AMER SOC CLINICAL ONCOLOGY. 2018

  View details for DOI 10.1200/JCO.2018.36.30_suppl.76

  View details for Web of Science ID 000464875300075

• The Employers Centers of Excellence in Cancer Care: A collaboration of employers and providers to improve cancer care. Patel, M. I., Lee, R. V., Smithline, N., Ross, O. AMER SOC CLINICAL ONCOLOGY. 2018

  View details for DOI 10.1200/JCO.2018.36.30_suppl.141

  View details for Web of Science ID 000464875300139

• Oncologists' Views on Using Value to Guide Cancer Treatment Decisions VALUE IN HEALTH Gidwani-Marszowski, R., Nevedal, A. L., Blayney, D. W., Patel, M., Kelly, P., Timko, C., Ramchandran, K., Murrell, S. S., Asch, S. M. 2018; 21 (8): 931–37

  Abstract

  Cancer costs have increased substantially in the past decades, prompting specialty societies to urge oncologists to consider value in clinical decision making. Despite oncologists' crucial role in guiding cancer care, current literature is sparse with respect to the oncologists' views on value. Here, we evaluated oncologists perceptions of the use and measurement of value in cancer care.We conducted in-depth, open-ended interviews with 31 US oncologists practicing nationwide in various environments. Oncologists discussed the definition, measurement, and implementation of value. Transcripts were analyzed using matrix and thematic analysis.Oncologists' definitions of value varied greatly. Some described versions of the standard health economic definition of value, that is, cost relative to health outcomes. Many others did not include cost in their definition of value. Oncologists considered patient goals and quality of life as important components of value that they perceived were missing from current value measurement. Oncologists prioritized a patient-centric view of value over societal or other perspectives. Oncologists were inclined to consider the value of a treatment only if they perceived treatment would pose a financial burden to patients. Oncologists had differing opinions regarding who should be responsible for determining whether care is low value but generally felt this should remain within the purview of the oncology community.Oncologists agreed that cost was an important issue, but disagreed about whether cost was involved in value as well as the role of value in guiding treatment. Better clarity and alignment on the definition of and appropriate way to measure value is critical to the success of efforts to improve value in cancer care.

  View details for PubMedID 30098670

• Effect of a Lay Health Worker Intervention on Goals-of-Care Documentation and on Health Care Use, Costs, and Satisfaction Among Patients With Cancer: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA oncology Patel, M. I., Sundaram, V., Desai, M., Periyakoil, V. S., Kahn, J. S., Bhattacharya, J., Asch, S. M., Milstein, A., Bundorf, M. K. 2018

  Abstract

  Importance: Although lay health workers (LHWs) improve cancer screening and treatment adherence, evidence on whether they can enhance other aspects of care is limited.Objective: To determine whether an LHW program can increase documentation of patients' care preferences after cancer diagnosis.Design, Setting, and Participants: Randomized clinical trial conducted from August 13, 2013, through February 2, 2015, among 213 patients with stage 3 or 4 or recurrent cancer at the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System. Data analysis was by intention to treat and performed from January 15 to August 18, 2017.Interventions: Six-month program with an LHW trained to assist patients with establishing end-of-life care preferences vs usual care.Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was documentation of goals of care. Secondary outcomes were patient satisfaction on the Consumer Assessment of Health Care Providers and Systems "satisfaction with provider" item (on a scale of 0 [worst] to 10 [best possible]), health care use, and costs.Results: Among the 213 participants randomized and included in the intention-to-treat analysis, the mean (SD) age was 69.3 (9.1) years, 211 (99.1%) were male, and 165 (77.5%) were of non-Hispanic white race/ethnicity. Within 6 months of enrollment, patients randomized to the intervention had greater documentation of goals of care than the control group (97 [92.4%] vs 19 [17.5%.]; P<.001) and larger increases in satisfaction with care on the Consumer Assessment of Health Care Providers and Systems "satisfaction with provider" item (difference-in-difference, 1.53; 95% CI, 0.67-2.41; P<.001). The number of patients who died within 15 months of enrollment did not differ between groups (intervention, 60 of 105 [57.1%] vs control, 60 of 108 [55.6%]; P=.68). In the 30 days before death, patients in the intervention group had greater hospice use (46 [76.7%] vs 29 [48.3%]; P=.002), fewer emergency department visits (mean [SD], 0.05 [0.22] vs 0.60 [0.76]; P<.001), fewer hospitalizations (mean [SD], 0.05 [0.22] vs 0.50 [0.62]; P<.001), and lower costs (median [interquartile range], $1048 [$331-$8522] vs $23 482 [$9708-$55 648]; P<.001) than patients in the control group.Conclusions and Relevance: Incorporating an LHW into cancer care increases goals-of-care documentation and patient satisfaction and reduces health care use and costs at the end of life.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02966509.

  View details for PubMedID 30054634

• Development of a multilevel integrated dataset to study lung cancer incidence and risk factors in never-smoking Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander females. DeRouen, M. C., Shariff-Marco, S., Lichtensztajn, D., Jin, A., Daide, Y., Canchola, A. J., Li, Y., Jain, J., Hertz, A., Allen, L., Nie, S., Wong, C. P., Haile, R., Patel, M. I., Nelson, D., Reynolds, P., Wakelee, H. A., Luft, H., Thompson, C., Waitzfelder, B. E., Cheng, I., Gomez, S. L. AMER ASSOC CANCER RESEARCH. 2018: 81–82

  View details for Web of Science ID 000437526000094

• The Global ROS1 Initiative: A patient-researcher partnership generating open-source, oncogene-driven cancer models and data Freeman-Daily, J., Goldman, L., Tomalia, T., Lovly, C. M., Patel, M. I., Shaw, A. T., Addario, B. J., Walia, G., Young, S. W., Doebele, R. C., ROS1ders AMER ASSOC CANCER RESEARCH. 2018

  View details for DOI 10.1158/1538-7445.AM2018-4766

  View details for Web of Science ID 000468819503386

• An advance care plan decision support video before major surgery: a patient- and family-centred approach. BMJ supportive & palliative care Isenberg, S. R., Crossnohere, N. L., Patel, M. I., Conca-Cheng, A., Bridges, J. F., Swoboda, S. M., Smith, T. J., Pawlik, T. M., Weiss, M., Volandes, A. E., Schuster, A., Miller, J. A., Pastorini, C., Roter, D. L., Aslakson, R. A. 2018; 8 (2): 229–36

  Abstract

  OBJECTIVE: Video-based advanc care planning (ACP) tools have been studied in varied medical contexts; however, none have been developed for patients undergoing major surgery. Using a patient- and family-centredness approach, our objective was to implement human-centred design (HCD) to develop an ACP decision support video for patients and their family members when preparing for major surgery.DESIGN AND METHODS: The study investigators partnered with surgical patients and their family members, surgeons and other health professionals to design an ACP decision support video using key HCD principles. Adapting Maguire's HCD stages from computer science to the surgical context, while also incorporating Elwyn et al's specifications for patient-oriented decision support tool development, we used a six-stage HCD process to develop the video: (1) plan HCD process; (2) specify where video will be used; (3) specify user and organisational requirements; (4) produce and test prototypes; (5) carry out user-based assessment; (6) field test with end users.RESULTS: Over 450 stakeholders were engaged in the development process contributing to setting objectives, applying for funding, providing feedback on the storyboard and iterations of the decision tool video. Throughout the HCD process, stakeholders' opinions were compiled and conflicting approaches negotiated resulting in a tool that addressed stakeholders' concerns.CONCLUSIONS: Our patient- and family-centred approach using HCD facilitated discussion and the ability to elicit and balance sometimes competing viewpoints. The early engagement of users and stakeholders throughout the development process may help to ensure tools address the stated needs of these individuals.TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02489799.

  View details for PubMedID 29555812

• Incidence of lung cancer histologic cell-types according to neighborhood factors: A population based study in California PLOS ONE DeRouen, M. C., Hu, L., McKinley, M., Gali, K., Patel, M., Clarke, C., Wakelee, H., Haile, R., Gomez, S., Cheng, I. 2018; 13 (5): e0197146

  Abstract

  The relationships between neighborhood factors (i.e., neighborhood socioeconomic status (nSES) and ethnic enclave) and histologic subtypes of lung cancer for racial/ethnic groups, particularly Hispanics and Asian American/Pacific Islanders (AAPIs), are poorly understood.We conducted a population-based study of 75,631 Californians diagnosed with lung cancer from 2008 through2012. We report incidence rate ratios (IRRs) for lung cancer histologic cell-types by nSES among racial/ethnic groups (non-Hispanic (NH) Whites, NH Blacks, Hispanics and AAPIs) and according to Hispanic or Asian neighborhood ethnic enclave status among Hispanics and AAPIs, respectively. In addition, we examined incidence jointly by nSES and ethnic enclave.Patterns of lung cancer incidence by nSES and ethnic enclave differed across race/ethnicity, sex, and histologic cell-type. For adenocarcinoma, Hispanic males and females, residing in both low nSES and high nSES neighborhoods that were low enclave, had higher incidence rates compared to those residing in low nSES, high enclave neighborhoods; males (IRR, 1.17 [95% CI, 1.04-1.32] and IRR, 1.15 [95% CI, 1.02-1.29], respectively) and females (IRR, 1.29 [95% CI, 1.15-1.44] and IRR, 1.51 [95% CI, 1.36-1.67], respectively). However, AAPI males residing in both low and high SES neighborhoods that were also low enclave had lower adenocarcinoma incidence.Neighborhood factors differentially influence the incidence of lung cancer histologic cell-types with heterogeneity in these associations by race/ethnicity and sex. For Hispanic males and females and AAPI males, neighborhood ethnic enclave status is strongly associated with lung adenocarcinoma incidence.

  View details for PubMedID 29791458

• Population-based differences in the outcome and presentation of lung cancer patients based upon racial, histologic, and economic factors in all lung patients and those with metastatic disease CANCER MEDICINE Varlotto, J., Voland, R., McKie, K., Flickinger, J. C., DeCamp, M. M., Maddox, D., Rava, P., Fitzgerald, T. J., Graeber, G., Rassaei, N., Oliveira, P., Ali, S., Belani, C., Glanzman, J., Wakelee, H. A., Patel, M., Baima, J., Zhang, J., Walsh, W. 2018; 7 (4): 1211–20

  Abstract

  To investigate the interrelation between economic, marital, and known histopathologic/therapeutic prognostic factors in presentation and survival of patients with lung cancer in nine different ethnic groups. A retrospective review of the SEER database was conducted through the years 2007-2012. Population differences were assessed via chi-square testing. Multivariable analyses (MVA) were used to detect overall survival (OS) differences in the total population (TP, N = 153,027) and for those patients presenting with Stage IV (N = 70,968). Compared to Whites, Blacks were more likely to present with younger age, male sex, lower income, no insurance, single/widowed partnership, less squamous cell carcinomas, and advanced stage; and experience less definitive surgery, lower OS, and lung cancer-specific (LCSS) survival. White Hispanics presented with younger age, higher income, lower rates of insurance, single/widowed partnership status, advanced stage, more adenocarcinomas, and lower rates of definitive surgery, but no difference in OS and LCSS than Whites. In the TP and Stage IV populations, MVAs revealed that OS was better or equivalent to Whites for all other ethnic groups and was positively associated with insurance, marriage, and higher income. Blacks presented with more advanced disease and were more likely to succumb to lung cancer, but when adjusted for prognostic factors, they had a better OS in the TP compared to Whites. Disparities in income, marital status, and insurance rather than race affect OS of patients with lung cancer. Because of their presentation with advanced disease, Black and Hispanics are likely to have increased benefit from lung cancer screening.

  View details for PubMedID 29533006

• Quality Of End-Of-Life Care Is Higher In The VA Compared To Care Paid For By Traditional Medicare HEALTH AFFAIRS Gidwani-Marszowski, R., Needleman, J., Mor, V., Faricy-Anderson, K., Boothroyd, D. B., Hsin, G., Wagner, T. H., Lorenz, K. A., Patel, M. I., Joyce, V. R., Murrell, S. S., Ramchandran, K., Asch, S. M. 2018; 37 (1): 95–103

  Abstract

  Congressional and Veterans Affairs (VA) leaders have recommended the VA become more of a purchaser than a provider of health care. Fee-for-service Medicare provides an example of how purchased care differs from the VA's directly provided care. Using established indicators of overly intensive end-of-life care, we compared the quality of care provided through the two systems to veterans dying of cancer in fiscal years 2010-14. The Medicare-reliant veterans were significantly more likely to receive high-intensity care, in the form of chemotherapy, hospital stays, admission to the intensive care unit, more days spent in the hospital, and death in the hospital. However, they were significantly less likely than VA-reliant patients to have multiple emergency department visits. Higher-intensity end-of-life care may be driven by financial incentives present in fee-for-service Medicare but not in the VA's integrated system. To avoid putting VA-reliant veterans at risk of receiving lower-quality care, VA care-purchasing programs should develop coordination and quality monitoring programs to guard against overly intensive end-of-life care.

  View details for PubMedID 29309227

• Distribution of global health measures from routinely collected PROMIS surveys in patients with breast cancer or prostate cancer. Cancer Seneviratne, M. G., Bozkurt, S. n., Patel, M. I., Seto, T. n., Brooks, J. D., Blayney, D. W., Kurian, A. W., Hernandez-Boussard, T. n. 2018

  Abstract

  The collection of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) is an emerging priority internationally, guiding clinical care, quality improvement projects and research studies. After the deployment of Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) surveys in routine outpatient workflows at an academic cancer center, electronic health record data were used to evaluate survey completion rates and self-reported global health measures across 2 tumor types: breast and prostate cancer.This study retrospectively analyzed 11,657 PROMIS surveys from patients with breast cancer and 4411 surveys from patients with prostate cancer, and it calculated survey completion rates and global physical health (GPH) and global mental health (GMH) scores between 2013 and 2018.A total of 36.6% of eligible patients with breast cancer and 23.7% of patients with prostate cancer completed at least 1 survey, with completion rates lower among black patients for both tumor types (P < .05). The mean T scores (calibrated to a general population mean of 50) for GPH were 48.4 ± 9 for breast cancer and 50.6 ± 9 for prostate cancer, and the GMH scores were 52.7 ± 8 and 52.1 ± 9, respectively. GPH and GMH were frequently lower among ethnic minorities, patients without private health insurance, and those with advanced disease.This analysis provides important baseline data on patient-reported global health in breast and prostate cancer. Demonstrating that PROs can be integrated into clinical workflows, this study shows that supportive efforts may be needed to improve PRO collection and global health endpoints in vulnerable populations.

  View details for PubMedID 30512191

• Lung cancer incidence trends in California by race/ethnicity, histology, sex, and neighborhood socioeconomic status: An analysis spanning 28 years LUNG CANCER Patel, M. I., McKinley, M., Cheng, I., Haile, R., Wakelee, H., Gomez, S. 2017; 108: 140–49

  Abstract

  Lung cancer incidence trends by histology, sex, race/ethnicity, and neighborhood socioeconomic status (nSES) have not been previously reported. We conducted a population-based study of lung cancer incidence over three peri-censal periods: 1988-1992, 1998-2002, and 2008-2012.We abstracted lung cancer cases from the California Cancer Registry and used US Census and American Community Survey data to develop multidimensional nSES indices for each census period. We calculated nSES tertile-specific incidence rates and rate ratios for each peri-censal period and used incidence rate ratios (IRR) to assess changes in rates from 1988 to 1992 to 1998-2002 and 2008-2012.There were a total of 231,205 lung cancer cases. Males: Among males, incidence rates of lung cancer decreased over time, all race/ethnicities, and all nSES tertiles, with larger declines among males in higher nSES areas. Rates either declined or were stable for adenocarcinoma, with larger declines for other histologic subtypes. Females: Among females, declines in incidence rates of lung cancer were more pronounced for females in higher nSES areas, but diverged more so than for males, with variations by histology and race/ethnicity. Incidence rates of adenocarcinoma increased over time among all females, with greater increase among females in low nSES areas.Our findings demonstrate differences in incidence trends over three decades by histology, gender, race/ethnicity, and nSES. While incidence rates consistently declined over time for males, there were greater declines in incidence for high nSES populations. In contrast, among females, there was evidence of increases in lung cancer incidence among low SES API females, and for adenocarcinoma.

  View details for PubMedID 28625626

• A population-based comparative effectiveness study of chemoradiation regimens and sequences in stage III non-small cell lung cancer LUNG CANCER Harris, J. P., Patel, M. I., Loo, B. W., Wakelee, H. A., Diehn, M. 2017; 108: 173–82

  Abstract

  In patients receiving concurrent chemoradiation for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), consolidation chemotherapy is frequently given even though several randomized trials have failed to show a benefit. We explored the potential benefits of consolidation chemotherapy using a population-based comparative effectiveness approach.Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare was used to identify patients with Stage III NSCLC aged ≥65 and diagnosed 2002-2009. We selected patients who received concurrent chemoradiotherapy and determined whether they were (concurrent-consolidation) or were not (concurrent-alone) treated with consolidation chemotherapy. Outcomes were overall and cancer specific survival using a conditional landmark analysis approach.1688 patients treated with concurrent-alone or concurrent-consolidation were identified with a median follow up of 29 months. Choice of chemotherapy agents did not correlate with outcome. For concurrent-consolidation versus concurrent-alone, the median overall survival was 21 months versus 18 months, respectively (log-rank p=0.008) and the median cancer specific survival was 23 months versus 19 months, respectively (log-rank p=0.03). On multivariate analysis, concurrent-consolidation remained associated with improved overall survival (HR 0.85, p=0.04), and there was a trend for improved cancer specific survival (HR 0.87, p=0.12). Inverse probability of treatment weighting using propensity scores demonstrated similar findings. Importantly, the benefit of concurrent-consolidation held only for patients treated with carboplatin-taxane but not with cisplatin-etoposide.Survival outcomes were similar among the five most commonly employed platinum-based doublets. We found that patients receiving cisplatin during radiation do not appear to benefit from additional chemotherapy. However, for patients receiving carboplatin, consolidation chemotherapy was associated with improved overall and cancer specific survival.

  View details for PubMedID 28625632

• Real-world treatment patterns for patients receiving second-line and third-line treatment for advanced non-small cell lung cancer: A systematic review of recently published studies PLOS ONE Davies, J., Patel, M., Gridelli, C., De Marinis, F., Waterkamp, D., McCusker, M. E. 2017; 12 (4)

  Abstract

  Most patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have a poor prognosis and receive limited benefit from conventional treatments, especially in later lines of therapy. In recent years, several novel therapies have been approved for second- and third-line treatment of advanced NSCLC. In light of these approvals, it is valuable to understand the uptake of these new treatments in routine clinical practice and their impact on patient care. A systematic literature search was conducted in multiple scientific databases to identify observational cohort studies published between January 2010 and March 2017 that described second- or third-line treatment patterns and clinical outcomes in patients with advanced NSCLC. A qualitative data synthesis was performed because a meta-analysis was not possible due to the heterogeneity of the study populations. A total of 12 different study cohorts in 15 articles were identified. In these cohorts, single-agent chemotherapy was the most commonly administered treatment in both the second- and third-line settings. In the 5 studies that described survival from the time of second-line treatment initiation, median overall survival ranged from 4.6 months (95% CI, 3.8-5.7) to 12.8 months (95% CI, 10.7-14.5). There was limited information on the use of biomarker-directed therapy in these patient populations. This systematic literature review offers insights into the adoption of novel therapies into routine clinical practice for second- and third-line treatment of patients with advanced NSCLC. This information provides a valuable real-world context for the impact of recently approved treatments for advanced NSCLC.

  View details for DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0175679

  View details for Web of Science ID 000399955600034

  View details for PubMedID 28410405

• Redesigning Cancer Care Delivery: Views From Patients and Caregivers. Journal of oncology practice Patel, M. I., Periyakoil, V. S., Blayney, D. W., Moore, D., Nevedal, A., Asch, S., Milstein, A., Coker, T. R. 2017; 13 (4): e291-e302

  Abstract

  Cancer is a leading cause of death in the United States. Although treatments have improved, patients and caregivers continue to report significant gaps in their care. The objective of this study was to examine the views of patients and caregivers on their experiences with current cancer care delivery and identify key strategies to improve the delivery of care.Semistructured interviews were conducted with 75 patients and 45 caregivers across the United States. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using constant comparative method of qualitative analysis.Participants reported multiple gaps in care delivery, including barriers in health communication with health care providers, lack of elucidation of care goals, lack of care coordination, and challenges in accessing care. Participants identified that greater use of nonphysician providers and alternative formats, such as telephone-based care and home and community-based care, would narrow these gaps.Understanding patients' and caregivers' experiences with gaps in cancer care delivery can inform cancer care delivery redesign efforts and lead to targeted interventions that result in patient-centered and family-oriented care.

  View details for DOI 10.1200/JOP.2016.017327

  View details for PubMedID 28399387

• The Appropriate Provision of Primary versus Specialist Palliative Care to Cancer Patients: Oncologists' Perspectives JOURNAL OF PALLIATIVE MEDICINE Gidwani, R., Nevedal, A., Patel, M., Blayney, D. W., Timko, C., Ramchandran, K., Kelly, P. A., Asch, S. M. 2017; 20 (4): 395-403

  Abstract

  Many cancer patients do not receive recommended palliative care (PC). Oncologists' perspectives about PC have not been adequately described qualitatively and may explain some of the gaps in the delivery of PC.To characterize U.S. oncologists' perceptions of: primary and specialist PC; experiences interacting with PC specialists; and the optimal interface of PC and oncology in providing PC.In-depth interviews with practicing oncologists.Oncologists working in: the general community, academic medical centers (AMC), and Veterans Health Administration.Semistructured telephone interviews with 31 oncologists analyzed using matrix and thematic approaches.Seven major themes emerged: PC was perceived as appropriate throughout the disease trajectory but due to resource constraints was largely provided at end of life; oncologists had three schools of thought on primary versus specialist PC; there was an under-availability of outpatient PC; poor communication about prognosis and care plans created tension between providers; PC was perceived as a "team of outsiders"; PC had too narrow a focus of care; and AMC-based PC evidence did not generalize to community practices. Oncologists noted three ways to improve the interface between oncologists and PC providers: a clear division of responsibility, in-person collaboration, and sharing of nonphysician palliative team members.Oncologists in our sample were supportive of PC, but they reported obstacles related to care coordination and inpatient PC. Inpatient PC posed some unique challenges with respect to conflicting prognoses and care practices that would be mitigated through the increased availability and use of outpatient PC.

  View details for DOI 10.1089/jpm.2016.0399

  View details for Web of Science ID 000398452000016

• Overview of Thoracic Oncology Trials in Cooperative Groups Around the Globe. Clinical lung cancer Salahudeen, A. A., Patel, M. I., Baas, P., Curran, W. J., Bradley, J. D., Gandara, D. R., Goss, G. D., Mok, T. S., Ramalingam, S. S., Vokes, E. E., Malik, S. M., Wakelee, H. A. 2017; 18 (1): 5-12

  Abstract

  Survival rates of patients with either early and advanced stage non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have improved with newer systemic therapy and radiation techniques, including combination regimens, targeted therapies, and immunotherapies. The cancer cooperative groups have historically played a critical role in the advancement of NSCLC therapy. Annually, representatives from cooperative groups worldwide convene at the International Lung Cancer Congress (ILCC). In summer 2015, the ILCC reached its 16th anniversary. This article highlights the NSCLC studies presented by participating groups in 2015.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.cllc.2016.06.007

  View details for PubMedID 27473736

• Enhanced Quality Measurement Event Detection: An Application to Physician Reporting. EGEMS (Washington, DC) Tamang, S. R., Hernandez-Boussard, T. n., Ross, E. G., Gaskin, G. n., Patel, M. I., Shah, N. H. 2017; 5 (1): 5

  Abstract

  The wide-scale adoption of electronic health records (EHR)s has increased the availability of routinely collected clinical data in electronic form that can be used to improve the reporting of quality of care. However, the bulk of information in the EHR is in unstructured form (e.g., free-text clinical notes) and not amenable to automated reporting. Traditional methods are based on structured diagnostic and billing data that provide efficient, but inaccurate or incomplete summaries of actual or relevant care processes and patient outcomes. To assess the feasibility and benefit of implementing enhanced EHR- based physician quality measurement and reporting, which includes the analysis of unstructured free- text clinical notes, we conducted a retrospective study to compare traditional and enhanced approaches for reporting ten physician quality measures from multiple National Quality Strategy domains. We found that our enhanced approach enabled the calculation of five Physician Quality and Performance System measures not measureable in billing or diagnostic codes and resulted in over a five-fold increase in event at an average precision of 88 percent (95 percent CI: 83-93 percent). Our work suggests that enhanced EHR-based quality measurement can increase event detection for establishing value-based payment arrangements and can expedite quality reporting for physician practices, which are increasingly burdened by the process of manual chart review for quality reporting.

  View details for PubMedID 29881731

• Delivering End-of-Life Cancer Care: Perspectives of Providers. The American journal of hospice & palliative care Patel, M. I., Periyakoil, V. S., Moore, D. n., Nevedal, A. n., Coker, T. R. 2017: 1049909117719879

  Abstract

  Persistent gaps in end-of-life cancer care delivery and growing associated expenditures remain imminent US public health issues. The objective of this study was to understand clinical providers' experiences delivering cancer care for patients at the end of life and their perspectives on potential solutions to improve quality of care.Semistructured interviews were conducted with 75 cancer care providers across the United States. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using constant comparative method of qualitative analysis.Providers identified 3 major cancer care delivery challenges including lack of time to educate patients and caregivers due to clinical volume and administrative burdens, ambiguity in determining both prognosis and timing of palliative care at the end-of-life, and lack of adequate systems to support non-face-to-face communication with patients. To address these challenges, providers endorsed several options for clinical practice redesign in their settings. These include use of a lay health worker to assist in addressing early advance care planning, proactive non-face-to-face communication with patients specifically regarding symptom management, and community and in-home delivery of cancer care services.Specific strategies for cancer care redesign endorsed by health-care providers may be used to create interventions that can more efficiently and effectively address gaps in end-of-life cancer care.

  View details for PubMedID 28691498

• The Appropriate Provision of Primary Versus Specialist Palliative Care to Cancer Patients: Oncologists' Perspectives. Journal of palliative medicine Gidwani, R., Nevedal, A., Patel, M., Blayney, D. W., Timko, C., Ramchandran, K., Kelly, P. A., Asch, S. M. 2016

  Abstract

  Many cancer patients do not receive recommended palliative care (PC). Oncologists' perspectives about PC have not been adequately described qualitatively and may explain some of the gaps in the delivery of PC.To characterize U.S. oncologists' perceptions of: primary and specialist PC; experiences interacting with PC specialists; and the optimal interface of PC and oncology in providing PC.In-depth interviews with practicing oncologists.Oncologists working in: the general community, academic medical centers (AMC), and Veterans Health Administration.Semistructured telephone interviews with 31 oncologists analyzed using matrix and thematic approaches.Seven major themes emerged: PC was perceived as appropriate throughout the disease trajectory but due to resource constraints was largely provided at end of life; oncologists had three schools of thought on primary versus specialist PC; there was an under-availability of outpatient PC; poor communication about prognosis and care plans created tension between providers; PC was perceived as a "team of outsiders"; PC had too narrow a focus of care; and AMC-based PC evidence did not generalize to community practices. Oncologists noted three ways to improve the interface between oncologists and PC providers: a clear division of responsibility, in-person collaboration, and sharing of nonphysician palliative team members.Oncologists in our sample were supportive of PC, but they reported obstacles related to care coordination and inpatient PC. Inpatient PC posed some unique challenges with respect to conflicting prognoses and care practices that would be mitigated through the increased availability and use of outpatient PC.

  View details for DOI 10.1089/jpm.2016.0399

  View details for PubMedID 27997278

• PS01.71: Patient-Driven Epidemiologic Assessment of ROS1-Fusion Driven Cancers: Topic: Medical Oncology. Journal of thoracic oncology Walia, G., Addario, B. J., Patel, M. 2016; 11 (11S): S315-?

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jtho.2016.09.106

  View details for PubMedID 27969538

• PS01.79: Epidemiology and Characteristics of US Veterans with NSCLC Using US Veterans Affairs (VA) Database: Topic: Medical Oncology. Journal of thoracic oncology Patel, M. I., Parisi, M., Patel, M., Pelletier, C., Bennett, C. L., Georgantopoulos, P. 2016; 11 (11S): S320-S321

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jtho.2016.09.114

  View details for PubMedID 27969546

• The Burden of Cancer in Asian Americans: A Report of National Mortality Trends by Asian Ethnicity CANCER EPIDEMIOLOGY BIOMARKERS & PREVENTION Thompson, C. A., Gomez, S. L., Hastings, K. G., Kapphahn, K., Yu, P., Shariff-Marco, S., Bhatt, A. S., Wakelee, H. A., Patel, M. I., Cullen, M. R., Palaniappan, L. P. 2016; 25 (10): 1371-1382

  Abstract

  Asian Americans (AA) are the fastest growing U.S. population, and when properly distinguished by their ethnic origins, exhibit substantial heterogeneity in socioeconomic status, health behaviors, and health outcomes. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States, yet trends and current patterns in the mortality burden of cancer among AA ethnic groups have not been documented.We report age-adjusted rates, standardized mortality ratios, and modeled trends in cancer-related mortality in the following AA ethnicities: Asian Indians, Chinese, Filipinos, Japanese, Koreans, and Vietnamese, from 2003 to 2011, with non-Hispanic whites (NHW) as the reference population.For most cancer sites, AAs had lower cancer mortality than NHWs; however, mortality patterns were heterogeneous across AA ethnicities. Stomach and liver cancer mortality was very high, particularly among Chinese, Koreans, and Vietnamese, for whom these two cancer types combined accounted for 15% to 25% of cancer deaths, but less than 5% of cancer deaths in NHWs. In AA women, lung cancer was a leading cause of death, but (unlike males and NHW females) rates did not decline over the study period.Ethnicity-specific analyses are critical to understanding the national burden of cancer among the heterogeneous AA population.Our findings highlight the need for disaggregated reporting of cancer statistics in AAs and warrant consideration of tailored screening programs for liver and gastric cancers. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 25(10); 1371-82. ©2016 AACR.

  View details for DOI 10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-16-0167

  View details for PubMedID 27694108

• Acceptance of Advance Directives and Palliative Care Referral for Veterans With Advanced Cancer: A Retrospective Analysis. The American journal of hospice & palliative care Patel, M. I., Bhattacharya, J., Asch, S. M., Kahn, J. 2016; 33 (8): 742-747

  Abstract

  To evaluate the documentation of advance directive (ADs) and physician orders for life-sustaining treatment (POLST) with acceptance of palliative care (PC) services referral among patients with cancer.We retrospectively reviewed veterans with advanced cancers at the Veterans Administration Palo Alto Health Care System. Chi-square tests estimated AD and POLST documentation and referral to PC. Logistic regression models estimated the odds of AD and POLST documentation and PC referral.Two hundred and forty-six veterans were diagnosed with cancer. In all, 53% had a documented AD, 5% had a POLST, and 47% accepted referral to PC. The AD documentation was not associated with acceptance of PC.We found no association of AD documentation and PC referral. Future studies should evaluate other factors that influence referral to these services.

  View details for DOI 10.1177/1049909115595216

  View details for PubMedID 26169523

• Scientific Achievements May Not Reach Everyone: Understanding Disparities in Acute Leukemia. Current hematologic malignancy reports Patel, M. I. 2016; 11 (4): 265-270

  Abstract

  Over the past decade, scientific advancements have resulted in improved survival from acute leukemia. Continued advancements are expected given the attention to precision medicine and the resulting growth in development and adoption of risk-stratified, personalized therapies. While precision medicine has great potential to improve acute leukemia outcomes, there remain significant barriers to ensuring equitable access to these technologies and receipt of these prescribed targeted, personalized therapies. Over the past 3 years, studies report persistent outcome disparities among patients from specific racial and ethnic backgrounds, insurance and socioeconomic status, and other socio-demographic factors after a diagnosis of acute leukemia. A few recent studies examine etiologies for acute leukemia disparities and highlight the importance of ensuring access and equitable delivery of scientific advancements. In the context of continued scientific progress, future strategies require thoughtfully considered improvements in the delivery of care that can overcome the current challenges our patients face.

  View details for DOI 10.1007/s11899-016-0329-y

  View details for PubMedID 27209407

• Gene by Environment Investigation of Incident Lung Cancer Risk in African-Americans. EBioMedicine David, S. P., Wang, A., Kapphahn, K., Hedlin, H., Desai, M., Henderson, M., Yang, L., Walsh, K. M., Schwartz, A. G., Wiencke, J. K., Spitz, M. R., Wenzlaff, A. S., Wrensch, M. R., Eaton, C. B., Furberg, H., Mark Brown, W., Goldstein, B. A., Assimes, T., Tang, H., Kooperberg, C. L., Quesenberry, C. P., Tindle, H., Patel, M. I., Amos, C. I., Bergen, A. W., Swan, G. E., Stefanick, M. L. 2016; 4: 153-161

  Abstract

  Genome-wide association studies have identified polymorphisms linked to both smoking exposure and risk of lung cancer. The degree to which lung cancer risk is driven by increased smoking, genetics, or gene-environment interactions is not well understood.We analyzed associations between 28 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) previously associated with smoking quantity and lung cancer in 7156 African-American females in the Women's Health Initiative (WHI), then analyzed main effects of top nominally significant SNPs and interactions between SNPs, cigarettes per day (CPD) and pack-years for lung cancer in an independent, multi-center case-control study of African-American females and males (1078 lung cancer cases and 822 controls).Nine nominally significant SNPs for CPD in WHI were associated with incident lung cancer (corrected p-values from 0.027 to 6.09 × 10(- 5)). CPD was found to be a nominally significant effect modifier between SNP and lung cancer for six SNPs, including CHRNA5 rs2036527[A](betaSNP*CPD = - 0.017, p = 0.0061, corrected p = 0.054), which was associated with CPD in a previous genome-wide meta-analysis of African-Americans.These results suggest that chromosome 15q25.1 variants are robustly associated with CPD and lung cancer in African-Americans and that the allelic dose effect of these polymorphisms on lung cancer risk is most pronounced in lighter smokers.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ebiom.2016.01.002

  View details for PubMedID 26981579

• Racial and Ethnic Variations in Lung Cancer Incidence and Mortality: Results From the Women's Health Initiative. Journal of clinical oncology Patel, M. I., Wang, A., Kapphahn, K., Desai, M., Chlebowski, R. T., Simon, M. S., Bird, C. E., Corbie-Smith, G., Gomez, S. L., Adams-Campbell, L. L., Cote, M. L., Stefanick, M. L., Wakelee, H. A. 2016; 34 (4): 360-368

  Abstract

  This study aimed to evaluate racial/ethnic differences in lung cancer incidence and mortality in the Women's Health Initiative Study, a longitudinal prospective cohort evaluation of postmenopausal women recruited from 40 clinical centers.Lung cancer diagnoses were centrally adjudicated by pathology review. Baseline survey questionnaires collected sociodemographic and health information. Logistic regression models estimated incidence and mortality odds by race/ethnicity adjusted for age, education, calcium/vitamin D, body mass index, smoking (status, age at start, duration, and pack-years), alcohol, family history, oral contraceptive, hormones, physical activity, and diet.The cohort included 129,951 women--108,487 (83%) non-Hispanic white (NHW); 10,892 (8%) non-Hispanic black (NHB); 4,882 (4%) Hispanic; 3,696 (3%) Asian/Pacific Islander (API); 534 (< 1%) American Indian/Alaskan Native; and 1,994 (1%) other. In unadjusted models, Hispanics had 66% lower odds of lung cancer compared with NHW (odds ratio [OR], 0.34; 95% CI, 0.2 to 0.5), followed by API (OR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.27 to 0.75) and NHB (OR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.59 to 0.95). In fully adjusted multivariable models, the decreased lung cancer risk for Hispanic compared with NHW women attenuated to the null (OR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.35 to 0.99). In unadjusted models Hispanic and API women had decreased risk of death compared with NHW women (OR, 0.30 [95% CI, 0.15 to 0.62] and 0.34 [95% CI, 0.16 to 0.75, respectively); however, no racial/ethnic differences were found in risk of lung cancer death in fully adjusted models.Differences in lung cancer incidence and mortality are associated with sociodemographic, clinical, and behavioral factors. These findings suggest modifiable exposures and behaviors may contribute to differences in incidence of and mortality by race/ethnicity for postmenopausal women. Interventions focused on these factors may reduce racial/ethnic differences in lung cancer incidence and mortality.

  View details for DOI 10.1200/JCO.2015.63.5789

  View details for PubMedID 26700122

• Reply to M.H. Kanter et al. Journal of clinical oncology Rhoads, K. F., Patel, M. I., Ma, Y., Schmidt, L. A. 2015; 33 (30): 3519-?

  View details for DOI 10.1200/JCO.2015.62.5640

  View details for PubMedID 26215958

• Incidence Trends of Lung Cancer by Immigration Status among Chinese Americans CANCER EPIDEMIOLOGY BIOMARKERS & PREVENTION Gomez, S. L., Yang, J., Lin, S., McCusker, M., Sandler, A., Cheng, I., Wakelee, H. A., Patel, M., Clarke, C. A. 2015; 24 (8): 1157-1164

  Abstract

  Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death among Chinese Americans. A detailed examination of incidence trends by immigration status and histology may inform the etiology of lung cancer in this growing population.California Cancer Registry data were enhanced with data on patient nativity. Lung cancer incidence rates for Chinese males and females were computed for the years 1990-2010, and rates by immigration status and histology were computed for 1990-2004. Trends were assessed with annual percentage change (APC) statistics (two-sided P values) based on linear regression.A total of 8,167 lung cancers were diagnosed among California Chinese from 1990 to 2010. Overall incidence increased nonstatistically among U.S.-born males (APC, 2.1; 95% CI, -4.9 to 9.7), but decreased significantly among foreign-born (APC, -1.7; 95% CI, -2.9 to -0.6). Statistically significant decreasing trends were observed for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), specifically the squamous cell and large cell carcinoma subtypes among foreign-born males. Among females, incidence decreased nonsignificantly among U.S.-born (APC, -2.8; 95% CI, -9.1 to 4.0) but was stable among foreign-born (APC, -0.4; 95% CI, -1.7 to 1.0). A statistically significant decreasing trend was observed for squamous cell among foreign-born females.These data provide critical evidence base to inform screening, research, and public health priorities in this growing population.Given the low smoking prevalence among Chinese Americans, especially females, and few known lung cancer risk factors in U.S. never-smoker populations, additional research of etiologic genetic or biologic factors may elucidate knowledge regarding lung cancer diagnosed in never smokers. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 24(8); 1157-64. ©2015 AACR.

  View details for DOI 10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-15-0123

  View details for Web of Science ID 000359320500002

  View details for PubMedID 25990553

• Redesigning Advanced Cancer Care Delivery: Three Ways to Create Higher Value Cancer Care. Journal of oncology practice / American Society of Clinical Oncology Patel, M. I., Moore, D., Milstein, A. 2015; 11 (4): 280-284

  View details for DOI 10.1200/JOP.2014.001065

  View details for PubMedID 25991638

• Detecting unplanned care from clinician notes in electronic health records. Journal of oncology practice / American Society of Clinical Oncology Tamang, S., Patel, M. I., Blayney, D. W., Kuznetsov, J., Finlayson, S. G., Vetteth, Y., Shah, N. 2015; 11 (3): e313-9

  Abstract

  Reduction in unplanned episodes of care, such as emergency department visits and unplanned hospitalizations, are important quality outcome measures. However, many events are only documented in free-text clinician notes and are labor intensive to detect by manual medical record review.We studied 308,096 free-text machine-readable documents linked to individual entries in our electronic health records, representing care for patients with breast, GI, or thoracic cancer, whose treatment was initiated at one academic medical center, Stanford Health Care (SHC). Using a clinical text-mining tool, we detected unplanned episodes documented in clinician notes (for non-SHC visits) or in coded encounter data for SHC-delivered care and the most frequent symptoms documented in emergency department (ED) notes.Combined reporting increased the identification of patients with one or more unplanned care visits by 32% (15% using coded data; 20% using all the data) among patients with 3 months of follow-up and by 21% (23% using coded data; 28% using all the data) among those with 1 year of follow-up. Based on the textual analysis of SHC ED notes, pain (75%), followed by nausea (54%), vomiting (47%), infection (36%), fever (28%), and anemia (27%), were the most frequent symptoms mentioned. Pain, nausea, and vomiting co-occur in 35% of all ED encounter notes.The text-mining methods we describe can be applied to automatically review free-text clinician notes to detect unplanned episodes of care mentioned in these notes. These methods have broad application for quality improvement efforts in which events of interest occur outside of a network that allows for patient data sharing.

  View details for DOI 10.1200/JOP.2014.002741

  View details for PubMedID 25980019

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC4438112

• Age and Genetics How Do Prognostic Factors at Diagnosis Explain Disparities in Acute Myeloid Leukemia? AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY-CANCER CLINICAL TRIALS Patel, M. I., Ma, Y., Mitchell, B. S., Rhoads, K. F. 2015; 38 (2): 159-164

  Abstract

  OBJECTIVES:: Survival disparities in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) among blacks and Hispanics have been described but not studied extensively in adults. Although younger age and cytogenetic profiles of t(8;21) and acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) subtypes of AML are associated with improved survival, these factors have not been investigated by race. The purpose is to evaluate whether the observed survival differences for blacks and Hispanics with AML are attributable to older age at diagnosis or lower rates of favorable cytogenetic profiles at diagnosis. The hypothesis is that survival disparities for blacks and Hispanics with AML will be explained by older age at diagnosis and lower rates of favorable cytogenetics. METHODS:: Patients with AML were identified in the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results database (1999 to 2008). Kaplan-Meier (KM) survival curves predicted survival by race/ethnicity, stratified by age. Cox proportional hazard models estimated mortality by race with adjustment for age, sex, year of diagnosis, t(8;21), and APL subtypes. RESULTS:: A total of 25,692 patients were included. Blacks and Hispanics were diagnosed at younger ages (younger than 61 y), and had higher rates of t(8;21) and APL compared with non-Hispanic whites (NHWs). The overall KM curve shows that NHWs had a worse survival compared with other races/ethnicities. However, when KM curves were stratified by age, blacks and Hispanics had worse survival in younger age categories (younger than 61 y). In multivariable models, black race was associated with an increased risk of death compared with NHWs (HR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.04-1.16). Adjustment for t(8;21) and APL subtypes did not attenuate the disparity. CONCLUSIONS:: Despite younger age and higher prevalence of favorable cytogenetics at diagnosis, blacks and Hispanics have an increased mortality from AML compared with other racial/ethnic groups. Future studies should investigate other factors that may influence outcomes among minority populations.

  View details for DOI 10.1097/COC.0b013e31828d7536

  View details for PubMedID 23608826

• US lung cancer trends by histologic type. Cancer Patel, M. I., Cheng, I., Gomez, S. L. 2015; 121 (7): 1150-1152

  View details for DOI 10.1002/cncr.29180

  View details for PubMedID 25470142

• How do integrated health care systems address racial and ethnic disparities in colon cancer? Journal of clinical oncology Rhoads, K. F., Patel, M. I., Ma, Y., Schmidt, L. A. 2015; 33 (8): 854-860

  Abstract

  Colorectal cancer (CRC) disparities have persisted over the last two decades. CRC is a complex disease requiring multidisciplinary care from specialists who may be geographically separated. Few studies have assessed the association between integrated health care system (IHS) CRC care quality, survival, and disparities. The purpose of this study was to determine if exposure to an IHS positively affects quality of care, risk of mortality, and disparities.This retrospective secondary-data analysis study, using the California Cancer Registry linked to state discharge abstracts of patients treated for colon cancer (2001 to 2006), compared the rates of National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guideline-based care, the hazard of mortality, and racial/ethnic disparities in an IHS versus other settings.More than 30,000 patient records were evaluated. The IHS had overall higher rates of adherence to NCCN guidelines. Propensity score-matched Cox models showed an independent and protective association between care in the IHS and survival (hazard ratio [HR], 0.87; 95% CI, 0.85 to 0.90). This advantage persisted across stage groups. Black race was associated with increased hazard of mortality in all other settings (HR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.27); however, there was no disparity within the IHS for any minority group (P > .11 for all groups) when compared with white race.The IHS delivered higher rates of evidence-based care and was associated with lower 5-year mortality. Racial/ethnic disparities in survival were absent in the IHS. Integrated systems may serve as the cornerstone for developing accountable care organizations poised to improve cancer outcomes and eliminate disparities under health care reform.

  View details for DOI 10.1200/JCO.2014.56.8642

  View details for PubMedID 25624437

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC4348634

• How do integrated health care systems address racial and ethnic disparities in colon cancer? Journal of clinical oncology Rhoads, K. F., Patel, M. I., Ma, Y., Schmidt, L. A. 2015; 33 (8): 854-860

  View details for DOI 10.1200/JCO.2014.56.8642

  View details for PubMedID 25624437

• How do differences in treatment impact racial and ethnic disparities in acute myeloid leukemia? Cancer epidemiology, biomarkers & prevention : a publication of the American Association for Cancer Research, cosponsored by the American Society of Preventive Oncology Patel, M. I., Ma, Y., Mitchell, B., Rhoads, K. F. 2015; 24 (2): 344-349

  Abstract

  We previously demonstrated disparate acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) survival for black and Hispanic patients; these differences persisted despite younger ages and higher prevalence of favorable cytogenetics in these groups. This study determined: (i) whether there are differences in treatment delivered to minorities, and (ii) how these differences affect outcomes in AML. We hypothesize that differences in treatment explain some proportion of survival disparities.We used California Cancer Registry data linked to hospital discharge abstracts for patients with AML (1998-2008). Logistic regression models estimated odds of treatment (chemotherapy and/or hematopoietic stem cell transplant) by race/ethnicity. Cox proportional hazard models estimated mortality by race after adjustment for treatment.We analyzed 11,084 records. Black race was associated with lower odds of chemotherapy [OR, 0.74; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.61-0.91]. Black and Hispanic patients had decreased odds of transplant [(OR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.46-0.87); (OR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.62-0.89), respectively]. Black patients had increased hazard of mortality (HR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.04-1.25) compared with whites. Adjustment for receipt of any treatment resulted in decreased mortality (HR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.00-1.20) for black patients.AML treatment differences for black patients explain some proportion of the disparity. Future AML disparities studies should investigate socioeconomic and other characteristics.Study findings may better elucidate drivers of disparities in AML. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 24(2); 344-9. ©2015 AACR.

  View details for DOI 10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-14-0963

  View details for PubMedID 25662426

• Integrated health systems and evidence-based care: standardizing treatment to eliminate cancer disparities. Future oncology Patel, M. I., Rhoads, K. F. 2015; 11 (12): 1715-1718

  View details for DOI 10.2217/fon.15.90

  View details for PubMedID 26075439

• Are Patients With Thoracic Malignancies at Risk for Uncontrolled Symptoms? Journal of oncology practice / American Society of Clinical Oncology Patel, M. I., Williams, D. C., Wohlforth, C., Fisher, G., Wakelee, H. A., Blayney, D. W. 2015; 11 (1): e98-e102

  Abstract

  Patients with cancer often develop symptoms and contact their oncologists and care teams after normal clinic operating hours. Better understanding of these after-hours telephone calls can inform efforts to improve cancer care and to reduce health care spending. We sought to evaluate after-hours calls at Stanford Cancer Institute (SCI) Thoracic Oncology Clinic.We retrospectively analyzed content of telephone call notes made to SCI during weekends and from 5 pm to 8 am on weekdays. Chief complaint, caller and patient demographics, patient diagnosis, advice given, and disposition were analyzed. χ(2) tests were used to analyze differences in proportions.There were a total of 263 after-hours telephone calls during the 6 months of the study. After exclusions, there were 241 telephone calls for analysis. The majority of calls occurred between 5 pm to 11 pm (n = 175 [73%]; P < .001), followed by daytime calls on weekends (n = 157 [65%]; P < .001). Common symptoms were cough (28%) and dyspnea (27%). Of the calls, 62% (150 patients) resulted in emergency department (ED) referral, and 77% of patients (115 of 150) evaluated in the ED were admitted to the hospital.Most after-hours telephone calls from patients with lung cancer are related to symptoms. Many patients were referred to the ED and subsequently required hospitalization. Analysis of call content and prior events leading to after-hours calls may predict hospital admissions in this group of patients and can inform development of proactive interventions to improve quality of care and patient-centered outcomes.

  View details for DOI 10.1200/JOP.2014.001502

  View details for PubMedID 25271246

• Lung Cancer Incidence Trends by Histology Type among Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Populations in the United States, 1990-2010 CANCER EPIDEMIOLOGY BIOMARKERS & PREVENTION Cheng, I., Le, G. M., Noone, A., Gali, K., Patel, M., Haile, R. W., Wakelee, H. A., Gomez, S. L. 2014; 23 (11): 2250-2265

  Abstract

  Lung cancer is one of the leading cancer sites diagnosed among Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Native Hawaiians (AANHPI). To better understand the patterns of lung cancer incidence among AANHPIs, we examined the incidence trends of five histologic cell types of lung cancer across ten AANHPI populations in comparison with non-Hispanic Whites.Lung cancer incidence data from 1990 through 2010 were obtained from 13 U.S. population-based cancer registries. Age-adjusted histologic cell-type-specific incidence rates and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Joinpoint regression models and annual percentage change (APC) statistics were used to characterize the magnitude and direction of trends.From 1990 through 2010, incidence rates of adenocarcinoma increased significantly for Filipino and Korean women with a 2.6% and 3.0% annual percentage increase, respectively. More recently, a significant rise in the incidence of adenocarcinoma was observed for Chinese men (1996-2010; APC = 1.3%). Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) increased 2.4% per year among Japanese women. For SCC, small cell lung carcinoma, large cell and other specified carcinoma, and unspecified types, stable or decreasing trends were observed in most AANHPI groups and non-Hispanic Whites.AANHPIs demonstrate a range in the burden of lung cancer across histologies and specific populations.These findings illustrate the importance of disaggregating AANHPIs into their specific populations. The rise in incidence of adenocarcinoma and SCC among certain AANHPIs demonstrates the need for research into non-tobacco associated risk factors for these populations and targeted efforts for tobacco prevention.

  View details for DOI 10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-14-0493

  View details for Web of Science ID 000345279600007

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC5738466

• Lung cancer incidence trends by histology type among Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander populations in the United States, 1990-2010. Cancer epidemiology, biomarkers & prevention : a publication of the American Association for Cancer Research, cosponsored by the American Society of Preventive Oncology Cheng, I., Le, G. M., Noone, A. M., Gali, K., Patel, M., Haile, R. W., Wakelee, H. A., Gomez, S. L. 2014; 23 (11): 2250-65

  Abstract

  Lung cancer is one of the leading cancer sites diagnosed among Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Native Hawaiians (AANHPI). To better understand the patterns of lung cancer incidence among AANHPIs, we examined the incidence trends of five histologic cell types of lung cancer across ten AANHPI populations in comparison with non-Hispanic Whites.Lung cancer incidence data from 1990 through 2010 were obtained from 13 U.S. population-based cancer registries. Age-adjusted histologic cell-type-specific incidence rates and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Joinpoint regression models and annual percentage change (APC) statistics were used to characterize the magnitude and direction of trends.From 1990 through 2010, incidence rates of adenocarcinoma increased significantly for Filipino and Korean women with a 2.6% and 3.0% annual percentage increase, respectively. More recently, a significant rise in the incidence of adenocarcinoma was observed for Chinese men (1996-2010; APC = 1.3%). Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) increased 2.4% per year among Japanese women. For SCC, small cell lung carcinoma, large cell and other specified carcinoma, and unspecified types, stable or decreasing trends were observed in most AANHPI groups and non-Hispanic Whites.AANHPIs demonstrate a range in the burden of lung cancer across histologies and specific populations.These findings illustrate the importance of disaggregating AANHPIs into their specific populations. The rise in incidence of adenocarcinoma and SCC among certain AANHPIs demonstrates the need for research into non-tobacco associated risk factors for these populations and targeted efforts for tobacco prevention.

  View details for DOI 10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-14-0493

  View details for PubMedID 25368400

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC5738466

• Transforming cancer care: are transdisciplinary approaches using design-thinking, engineering, and business methodologies needed to improve value in cancer care delivery? Journal of oncology practice / American Society of Clinical Oncology Patel, M. I., Moore, D., Blayney, D. W., Milstein, A. 2014; 10 (2): e51-4

  View details for DOI 10.1200/JOP.2013.000928

  View details for PubMedID 24371302

• How do social factors explain outcomes in non-small-cell lung cancer among Hispanics in California? Explaining the Hispanic paradox. Journal of clinical oncology Patel, M. I., Schupp, C. W., Gomez, S. L., Chang, E. T., Wakelee, H. A. 2013; 31 (28): 3572-3578

  Abstract

  Hispanics in the United States have lower age-adjusted mortality resulting from non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) compared with non-Hispanic whites (NHWs). The purpose of this study was to evaluate individual, clinical, and neighborhood factors in survival among Hispanics with NSCLC.We performed a retrospective analysis of NHWs and Hispanics with NSCLC between 1998 and 2007 in the California Cancer Registry (follow-up to December 2009). Kaplan-Meier curves depict survival by nativity for Hispanics with NSCLC. Cox proportional hazards models estimated hazard of mortality by race with adjustment for individual (age, sex, marital status), clinical (histologic grade, surgery, irradiation, chemotherapy), and neighborhood factors (neighborhood socioeconomic status, ethnic enclave).We included 14,280 Hispanic patients with NSCLC. Foreign-born Hispanics had 15% decreased risk of disease-specific mortality resulting from NSCLC compared with NHWs (hazard ratio [HR], 0.85; 95% CI, 0.83 to 0.88) after adjustment for individual, clinical, and neighborhood factors. After adjustment for individual factors, compared with US-born Hispanics, foreign-born Hispanics had 10% decreased risk of disease-specific mortality (HR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.87 to 0.96). Clinical and neighborhood factors slightly moderated the survival benefit for foreign-born patients. A modestly more pronounced survival advantage was seen for foreign-born Hispanics living in low socioeconomic and high Hispanic enclave neighborhoods as compared with US-born Hispanics (HR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.81 to 0.90).Foreign-born Hispanics with NSCLC have a decreased risk of disease-specific mortality compared with NHWs and US-born Hispanics with NSCLC. Neighborhood factors slightly moderate this survival advantage. This survival advantage is slightly more pronounced in lower socioeconomic and higher Hispanic enclave neighborhoods.

  View details for DOI 10.1200/JCO.2012.48.6217

  View details for PubMedID 23960183

• How do social factors explain outcomes in non-small-cell lung cancer among hispanics in california? Explaining the Hispanic paradox. Journal of clinical oncology Patel, M. I., Schupp, C. W., Gomez, S. L., Chang, E. T., Wakelee, H. A. 2013; 31 (28): 3572-3578

  Abstract

  Hispanics in the United States have lower age-adjusted mortality resulting from non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) compared with non-Hispanic whites (NHWs). The purpose of this study was to evaluate individual, clinical, and neighborhood factors in survival among Hispanics with NSCLC.We performed a retrospective analysis of NHWs and Hispanics with NSCLC between 1998 and 2007 in the California Cancer Registry (follow-up to December 2009). Kaplan-Meier curves depict survival by nativity for Hispanics with NSCLC. Cox proportional hazards models estimated hazard of mortality by race with adjustment for individual (age, sex, marital status), clinical (histologic grade, surgery, irradiation, chemotherapy), and neighborhood factors (neighborhood socioeconomic status, ethnic enclave).We included 14,280 Hispanic patients with NSCLC. Foreign-born Hispanics had 15% decreased risk of disease-specific mortality resulting from NSCLC compared with NHWs (hazard ratio [HR], 0.85; 95% CI, 0.83 to 0.88) after adjustment for individual, clinical, and neighborhood factors. After adjustment for individual factors, compared with US-born Hispanics, foreign-born Hispanics had 10% decreased risk of disease-specific mortality (HR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.87 to 0.96). Clinical and neighborhood factors slightly moderated the survival benefit for foreign-born patients. A modestly more pronounced survival advantage was seen for foreign-born Hispanics living in low socioeconomic and high Hispanic enclave neighborhoods as compared with US-born Hispanics (HR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.81 to 0.90).Foreign-born Hispanics with NSCLC have a decreased risk of disease-specific mortality compared with NHWs and US-born Hispanics with NSCLC. Neighborhood factors slightly moderate this survival advantage. This survival advantage is slightly more pronounced in lower socioeconomic and higher Hispanic enclave neighborhoods.

  View details for DOI 10.1200/JCO.2012.48.6217

  View details for PubMedID 23960183

• Seventh Edition (2010) of the AJCC/UICC Staging System for Gastric Adenocarcinoma: Is there Room for Improvement? ANNALS OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY Patel, M. I., Rhoads, K. F., Ma, Y., Ford, J. M., Visser, B. C., Kunz, P. L., Fisher, G. A., Chang, D. T., Koong, A., Norton, J. A., Poultsides, G. A. 2013; 20 (5): 1631-1638

  Abstract

  The gastric cancer AJCC/UICC staging system recently underwent significant revisions, but studies on Asian patients have reported a lack of adequate discrimination between various consecutive stages. We sought to validate the new system on a U.S. population database.California Cancer Registry data linked to the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development discharge abstracts were used to identify patients with gastric adenocarcinoma (esophagogastric junction and gastric cardia tumors excluded) who underwent curative-intent surgical resection in California from 2002 to 2006. AJCC/UICC stage was recalculated based on the latest seventh edition. Overall survival probabilities were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method.Of 1905 patients analyzed, 54 % were males with a median age of 70 years. Median number of pathologically examined lymph nodes was 12 (range, 1-90); 40 % of patients received adjuvant chemotherapy, and 31 % received adjuvant radiotherapy. The seventh edition AJCC/UICC system did not distinguish outcome adequately between stages IB and IIA (P = 0.40), or IIB and IIIA (P = 0.34). By merging stage II into 1 category and moving T2N1 to stage IB and T2N2, T1N3 to stage IIIA, we propose a new grouping system with improved discriminatory abilityIn this first study validating the new seventh edition AJCC/UICC staging system for gastric cancer on a U.S. population with a relatively limited number of lymph nodes examined, we found stages IB and IIA, as well as IIB and IIIA to perform similarly. We propose a revised stage grouping for the AJCC/UICC staging system that better discriminates between outcomes.

  View details for DOI 10.1245/s10434-012-2724-5

  View details for PubMedID 23149854

• The influence of Hispanic ethnicity on nonsmall cell lung cancer histology and patient survival An Analysis of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Database CANCER Gomez, S. L., Schupp, C. W., Patel, M. 2013; 119 (6): 1286-1287

  View details for DOI 10.1002/cncr.27799

  View details for Web of Science ID 000315696600027

  View details for PubMedID 23027432

• Are Disparities in Acute Myelogenous Leukemia Due to Poor Prognostic Factors At Diagnosis? A National Study 54th Annual Meeting and Exposition of the American-Society-of-Hematology (ASH) Patel, M. I., Ma, Y., Mitchell, B. S., Rhoads, K. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. 2012

  View details for Web of Science ID 000314049603234

• Understanding disparities in leukemia: a national study CANCER CAUSES & CONTROL Patel, M. I., Ma, Y., Mitchell, B. S., Rhoads, K. F. 2012; 23 (11): 1831-1837

  Abstract

  Disparities in solid tumors have been well studied. However, disparities in hematologic malignancies have been relatively unexplored on population-based levels. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between race/ethnicity and acute leukemia mortality.All patients with acute leukemia [acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and acute myelogenous leukemia (AML)] were identified in the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results database, 1999-2008. Kaplan-Meier curves were generated to reflect survival probabilities by race/ethnicity. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models estimated hazard of mortality by race with adjustment for individual (age, gender, year of diagnosis) and select genetic factors.A total of 39,002 patients with acute leukemia were included in the study. Overall, there was a mortality disparity in acute leukemia for blacks (HR 1.17, p < 0.0001) and Hispanics (HR 1.13, p < 0.0001) compared with non-Hispanic whites. In stratified analysis, disparities in ALL were greater than AML; blacks (HR[ALL]1.45, p < 0.0001; HR[AML]1.12, p < 0.0011); Hispanics (HR[ALL]1.46, p < 0.0001; HR[AML]1.06, p < 0.0001). Adjustment for individual patient and select genetic factors did not explain disparities.Blacks and Hispanics suffer decreased survival in acute leukemia as compared to others. Further investigation is needed to understand the drivers of poor cancer outcomes in these populations.

  View details for DOI 10.1007/s10552-012-0062-3

  View details for Web of Science ID 000309671300009

  View details for PubMedID 22971999

• How Do Social Factors Explain Outcomes In Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Among Hispanic/latinos In California? Patel, M. I., Chang, E., Gomez, S., Wakelee, H. A. LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. 2012: S216–S216

  View details for Web of Science ID 000317035000036

• How do social factors explain outcomes in non-small cell lung cancer among Hispanics/Latinos in California? 48th Annual Meeting of the American-Society-of-Clinical-Oncology (ASCO) Patel, M. I., Chang, E. T., Gomez, S. L., Schupp, C., Wakelee, H. A. AMER SOC CLINICAL ONCOLOGY. 2012

  View details for Web of Science ID 000318009801334

• Adjuvant chemotherapy for early stage non-small cell lung cancer. Frontiers in oncology Patel, M. I., Wakelee, H. A. 2011; 1: 45-?

  Abstract

  For many years adjuvant chemotherapy has been a standard treatment after complete resection in malignancies such as breast and colon but only recently has its use become standard in early stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Although surgery is regarded as the best possible treatment for early stage NSCLC, only 20-25% of patients have resectable disease at presentation. Despite optimal surgical treatment, 5-year survival rates for NSCLC remain 50-60% for stage IB, 40-50% for stage II, and 20-30% for stage III (Kohler et al., 2011; Siegel et al., 2011). Adjuvant chemotherapy provides additional survival benefit in resected NSCLC but questions remain as to how to select patients for therapy and which regimen is best. Other than work with tegafur/uracil in Japan, the positive adjuvant trials have all utilized a cisplatin backbone, but the drug(s) to pair with cisplatin are a matter of debate and will be discussed further in this manuscript.

  View details for DOI 10.3389/fonc.2011.00045

  View details for PubMedID 22655247