Evaluating the Carg Chemotherapy Toxicity Calculator Among Older Adults Newly Diagnosed with Hematologic Malignancy

Background: Older adults with hematologic malignancy (HM) are a growing demographic and providing effective treatments that balance toxicity and health related quality-of-life (HRQL) is imperative. The well-studied and utilized chemotherapy toxicity tool, the Cancer and Aging Research Group (CARG) chemotherapy toxicity score, has not been validated in hematologic malignancies. Methods: The primary objective of this study was to validate the predictive ability of the CARG score for grade 3-5 toxicity in newly diagnosed (ND) patients >60 years with HM. This was a prospective longitudinal study with 4 study visits: baseline (pre-therapy), visit 2 (Day 90), visit 3 (Day 180), and end-of-study (EOS) which occurred at the earliest of the following events: progression, transplant, or 1-year from baseline. The CARG score was evaluated at baseline. HRQL (PROMIS-GHS) and physical function measured by short physical performance battery (SPPB) were assessed longitudinally at all visits. Treatment toxicity using the NCI CTCAE (version 5.0) were captured monthly, and the worst grade of each type of chemo-related adverse event (AE) was recorded and summarized for each patient. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to test if variables changed significantly across visits. Fine and Gray model was used to associate comprehensive geriatric metrics and CARG score with the development of grade 3-5 chemotherapy-related toxicity with death as the competing risk, and Cox model was used to analyze overall survival (OS). Results: Ninety-seven patients with hematologic malignancy (myeloid n=34, lymphoma n=35, plasma cell n=28) were enrolled. The median age was 70 years (range 60-88) with a median 159 days on study (range 1-435). Baseline evaluations: ECOG PS was 0-1 in 69 (85%), median IADL score was 13 (range 5-14), median MOS physical health score was 44.4 (range 0-100), median self-reported KPS was 80% (50-100%), and median comorbidity score was 6 (range 2-12). PROMIS median scores improved from baseline (32, range: 12-49) to EOS (35, range: 16-47, p=0.05). Median SPPB scores improved significantly from baseline (5, range 0-12) to EOS (9, range 0-12, p=0.005). During the study period, 75 patients had 334 grade 1-2 AEs, and 42 patients had 82 grade 3-5 AEs. Hematologic toxicities were more common with 36 (37%) patients having anemia (30 grade 1-2, and 6 grade 3-5) and 11 (11%) patients having febrile neutropenia (all grade 3-5). In multivariable analysis, significant risk factors associated with grade 3-5 toxicity (p<.05) included living alone (HR 3.11, 95%CI: 1.52-6.34) and social activities score (HR 1.21, 95%CI: 1.02-1.42). Risk factors associated with OS in univariable models (p <0.05) were ECOG PS (HR 4.35, 95%CI 2.43-7.79), physical health score (HR 0.86, 95%CI 0.77-0.97), IADL (HR 0.83, 95%CI 0.73-0.95), comorbidities (HR 1.26, 95%CI 1.07-1.48), number of supplements (HR = 0.76, 95% CI 0.60-0.96), memory score (HR 1.08, 95% CI 1.01-1.14), SPPB score (HR 0.87, 95%CI 0.80-0.95) and CARG score (HR 1.12, 95%CI 1.02-1.23). In multivariable analysis, the SPPB score (HR 0.85, 95%CI 0.78-0.93) remained significant for OS. Conclusions: The CARG chemotoxicity score was not predictive of grade 3-5 toxicities in patients ND with HM, but was univariably associated with OS. Higher SPPB scores were strongly associated with OS. Future studies, evaluating modifications of the CARG score are indicated for patients with HM. Objective measures of function, such as the SPPB, may be a reliable method to stratify treatment intensities for older adults with HM. Disclosures Mims: Glycomemetics: Research Funding; Daiichi Sankyo: Consultancy, Research Funding; Aptevo: Research Funding; Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Beat AML clinical study: Consultancy, Research Funding; Xencor: Research Funding; Kartos Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; Genentech: Consultancy; Abbvie: Consultancy; BMS: Consultancy; Kura Oncology: Consultancy; Syndax Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy; BMS: Consultancy; Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy; Aptevo: Research Funding. Woyach: AbbVie Inc, Loxo Oncology Inc, a wholly owned subsidiary of Eli Lilly & Company: Research Funding; AbbVie Inc, ArQule Inc, AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP, Janssen Biotech Inc, Pharmacyclics LLC, an AbbVie Company,: Consultancy; Gilead Sciences Inc: Other: Data & Safety; AbbVie Inc, ArQule Inc, Janssen Biotech Inc, AstraZeneca, Beigene: Other: Advisory Committee.

Predictive factors of quality of life among medical students: results from a multicentric study

Background Medical students have a worse perception of Quality of Life (QoL) and a high prevalence of psychosocial suffering when compared to the general population. The objective of this study was to investigate associated factors with Quality of Life of Brazilian medical students from an exploratory analysis in a cross-sectional study described in accordance with the STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational studies in Epidemiology) guidelines. Methods This is a cross-sectional and multicenter study with national sample randomized by sex and year of the course. Data were collected between August 2011 and August 2012, using an electronic platform (VERAS platform). Our outcomes included: personal quality of life (QoLp) and quality of life related to medical course activities (QoLmc), both measured using a score ranging from 0 (worst) to 10 (best). Variables as predictors: the World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment abbreviated version (WHOQOL-BREF); VERAS-Q (a questionnaire created to evaluate the QoL of students in health professions); Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), Resilience Scale (RS-14), Interpersonal Reactivity Multidimensional Scale (IRMS) and Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM). Results Our sample is comprised of 1350 (81.8%) medical students. When comparing predictors and both quality of life outcome measures, we found a negative correlation between QoL and the BDI, PSQI and ESS scores. Through a multiple linear regression mode we identified the median of significant predictors to higher QoL. We then run a tree regression model that demonstrated that the VERAS-Q—physical health domain (a domain assessing self-care, self-perception of health, sleep, leisure, physical activity and appearance) was the most important factor predicting QoL. Students with a VERAS-Q-physical health score ≥ 60.9 and a VERAS-Q-time management (address the management of the student's time, free time and whether he can dedicate himself to other activities besides the course) score ≥ 55.7 presented the best QoLmc (score: 8.08–9.63%). Students with a VERAS-Q-physical health score ≥ 79.7 presented the highest QoLp (score 8.93–8.74%). Conclusion Physical symptoms, self-perception of health and self-care assessed by the VERAS-Q physical domain had association with both final outcomes. Time management seems to have a protective role for better Quality of Life. These variables should be taken in consideration when designing interventions to improve Quality of Life among medical students.

Association between Health-Related Quality of Life and Emotional Problems in Rural Adolescents with Overweight and Obesity

Background: Health-related quality of life (HRQL) and emotional functioning are important parameters of weight-loss motivation. The aim of this study was to identify the association between emotional/personal characteristics and HRQL in adolescents with overweight and obesity. Methods and Results: Our cross-sectional case-control study included 172 adolescents: 19 of them overweight, 67 obese, and 86 healthy. We measured anthropometry and performed a psychological examination (PedsQL 4.0, The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Buss-Durkee Hostility Inventory, and Personality inventory Mini-SMIL). Negative correlations prevailed between PedsQL scales and psychological traits of healthy adolescents: increases in anxiety, covert anger, and depression were associated with a decrease of HRQL (Total Scale Scores, Psychosocial Health Score, Physical Health Score, and Emotional, Social and School functioning). The psychological impairment (Irritability, Resentment, Guilt, Covert anger) positively correlated with a change in HRQL (Total Scale Scores, Psychosocial Health Score, and Physical Health Score) in obese adolescents. Conclusion: Obese adolescents had an inadequate association between HRQL and emotional state: the accumulation of anxiety and aggression was accompanied by an increase in HRQL. These difficulties can be a barrier to having treatment and weight-loss motivation.

Quality of Life and Associated Factors in Medical Students

Aim: The aim of our study is to examine the life quality of medical students and to evaluate the factors associated with quality of life. Methods: A descriptive, cross sectional study was planned; a total of 309 people were surveyed. The first part of questionnaire consists of 29 questions, which includes sociodemographic information; and the second part consists of WHO Quality of Life-BREF Turkish version. Results: The average age was 22.47±2.31 years, 34,3% (n=106) participants were women. Differences between the genders in the physical health score, and between the classes in the physical health and psychological score were statistically significant. The psychological score of the students living with their family was found statistically lower. Quality of Life scores were significantly higher in students who have suitable space for studying at the place they live and students participating in social activities. Conclusion: We determined that the place of residance, having suitable space for studying and participations in social activities affect the quality of life. This situation makes us think that the biopsychosocial approach to improve students’ quality of life will be effective. Keywords: medical students, quality of life, medical education

Functional Status Is Associated with Outcomes after Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation for Older Patients with Hematologic Malignancies

Introduction: Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT) has historically been reserved for younger, fit patients with hematologic malignancies. With the introduction of non-myeloablative conditioning regimens and improved supportive care, alloHCT has been increasingly offered to older adults. Objectives: To determine the association between functional status as measured by a cancer-specific comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) and post-transplant outcomes in an older alloHCT patient population. Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study of patients aged 50 or older who underwent alloHCT at the University of California San Francisco between October 2011 and September 2017. A cancer-specific CGA (1) was administered prior to alloHCT, which included measures of functional status such as Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) Physical Health scale, and patient-reported Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS). Post-transplant outcomes included length of hospital stay (LOS), non-relapse mortality (NRM), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Results: A total of 148 patients were included in the analysis. The median age at transplant was 62 (range 50-76). Disease types included acute myeloid leukemia (43%), myelodysplastic syndrome (26%), myeloproliferative neoplasm (12%), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (10%), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (5%), multiple myeloma (1%), and other (3%); 68% received non-myeloablative conditioning. Median follow-up was 16.3 months (range 0.9-72.7 months). Median PFS and OS were 22.9 months and 47.6 months, respectively. At baseline, 39% had at least one IADL deficit, and 88% had at least one MOS Physical Health scale deficit. The mean patient-KPS was 82.4 and mean provider-KPS was 91.6; these were weakly correlated (Spearman's r=0.39, p<0.001). In univariate analysis, the presence of any IADL deficit was associated with inferior PFS (HR 1.78, p=0.01) and OS (HR 1.68, p=0.04) (Figure). MOS Physical Health score was associated with increased NRM (HR 1.06 per 1-point change in 20-point scale, p=0.04), inferior OS (HR 1.05, p=0.04), increased LOS (difference 0.63 days, p=0.007), but not with PFS (HR 1.04, p=0.06). Neither patient- nor provider-KPS was associated with NRM, PFS, or OS, but lower patient-KPS was associated with increased LOS (difference 1.94 days, p=0.01). In this study, the Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation-Comorbidity Index (HCT-CI), disease risk by American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (ASBMT) classification, and conditioning intensity were not associated with NRM, PFS, or OS. Notably, chronologic age was not associated with NRM, PFS, or OS (Figure). In addition, age was not associated with baseline IADL score (r=-0.02, p=0.26) or MOS Physical Health score (r=-0.13, p=0.06). Conclusion: IADL impairment was associated with inferior PFS and OS, supporting previous studies (2, 3) identifying IADL as an important predictor for alloHCT. In univariate analysis, IADL was a stronger predictor of post-transplant outcomes than traditional prognostication tools such as age, HCT-CI, and provider-KPS. MOS Physical Health score was associated with multiple poor outcomes including NRM and LOS, suggesting a primary impact on alloHCT toxicity. Multivariate analyses, as well as examination of other CGA variables, are ongoing. References:J Clin Oncol. 2011 Apr 1;29(10):1290-6.Haematologica. 2014 Aug;99(8):1373-9.Bone Marrow Transplant. 2018 May;53(5):565-575. Figure. Figure. Disclosures Andreadis: Genentech: Consultancy, Employment; Gilead: Consultancy; Juno: Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Consultancy; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy; Kite: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; Bayer: Consultancy; Astellas: Consultancy. Logan:Napajen: Consultancy; Adaptive Biotech: Consultancy; Shire: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding; Incyte: Consultancy; Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Research Funding; Amgen: Consultancy; Astellas: Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Research Funding; Kite: Research Funding. Mannis:Agios: Research Funding; AbbVie: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; NKarta: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Smith:Astellas Pharma: Research Funding. Martin:Roche: Consultancy; Amgen: Research Funding; Sanofi: Research Funding. Damon:Novartis: Other: spouse's relationship with company; Boston Scientific: Other: spouse's relationship with company; Actelion: Other: spouse's relationship with company; Gilead Sciences Inc: Other: spouse's relationship with company. Olin:Synapse: Honoraria; Astellas: Research Funding; Daiichi Sankyo: Research Funding; Genentech: Research Funding.

Risk Factors for the Development of Low Quality of Life in Adults with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is known to persist into adulthood which is associated with the development of a large number of long-term consequences, including low quality of life. The objective of the research was to evaluate quality of life in young adults with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and to analyze the risk factors for the development of its low level using the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey. Materials and methods. There were examined 135 adult patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis without severe comorbidity at the age of 18 to 40 years and 25 apparently healthy young adults of the same age and gender. Quality of life was evaluated using the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey. Results. In patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, the physical health score (44.8±9.9) was lower (p=0.001) as compared to healthy individuals (55.7±6.9). Patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis had lower indicators of physical functioning (p=0.001), role functioning (p=0.001) and bodily pain (p=0.001) than healthy individuals. However, in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, the indicators of the mental health score and associated vitality, social functioning, role limitations due to emotional problems and mental health did not differ from those in the control group. Prolonged morning stiffness (p<0.05) and polyarticular variant of joint damage (p<0.05) were the risk factors for the development of low physical health score in young adults with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. According to the articular juvenile arthritis damage index (p<0.001), the presence of long-term articular damage was associated with high physical health score. There were found no risk factors for the development of low mental health score. Conclusions. Young adults with juvenile idiopathic arthritis at the age of 18 to 40 years had worse quality of life than healthy individuals of the same age and gender. They had worse physical well-being scores including physical functioning, role functioning and bodily pain. The risk factors for the development of low physical health score in young adults with juvenile idiopathic arthritis were the presence of prolonged morning stiffness as a manifestation of disease activity and polyarticular variant of joint damage, while the presence of prosthetic joints improved their physical health score.

Endoscopic biliary sphincterotomy in patients under antithromboembolic therapy

Background Endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) carries several risks (e. g., pancreatitis and bleeding). The risk of bleeding is increased in patients with a compromised coagulation system, often due to antithromboembolic therapy. Recent guidelines caution to perform endoscopic procedures that carry a high risk of bleeding in these patients. However, data to support current recommendations are scarce, and EST frequently has to be performed as an emergency procedure. Therefore, it was the aim of our retrospective study to evaluate the rate of procedural bleeding in patients undergoing EST in our endoscopy unit while on antithromboembolic therapy. Methods Between March 2005 and August 2015, 1798 consecutive patients underwent EST at HELIOS Hospital in Pforzheim, Germany. Concomitant therapy with anticoagulants and/or antiplatelet agents was noted, and bleeding following sphincterotomy was recorded. Results We observed 54 bleeding events in 1482 patients (3.6 %) without and 20 events in 316 patients (6.3 %) with antithromboembolic therapy. Bleeding was recorded in 7 out of 123 patients (5.7 %) taking aspirin, in one out of 34 patients (2.9 %) taking clopidogrel, and in 12 out of 209 patients under heparin (5.7 %). Compared to controls, no statistically significant increase in the bleeding rate was seen. However, we observed an association between a lower physical health score and increased bleeding rate. If precut was necessary for biliary tract access, the bleeding rate increased significantly (p < 0.01). Conclusion Bleeding following EST is neither increased in patients taking clopidogrel and/or aspirin or heparin and rarely requires transfusion of packed red blood cells nor does it lead to an increased mortality. However, bleeding following EST seems to occur more frequently in patients with a compromised health status or following precut of the papilla.

Vacuum-Assisted Abdominal Closure Is Safe and Effective: A Cohort Study in 74 Consecutive Patients

Background. Vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) has, in many instances, become the treatment of choice in patients with abdominal catastrophes. This study describes the use and outcome of ABThera KCI® VAC in the Region Southern Denmark covering a population of approximately 1.202 mill inhabitants.Method. A prospective multicenter study including all patients treated with VAC during an eleven-month period.Results. A total of 74 consecutive patients were included. Median age was 64.4 (9–89) years, 64% were men, and median body mass index was 25 (17–42). Duration of VAC treatment was median 4.5 (0–39) days with median 1 (0–16) dressing changes. Seventy per cent of the patients attended the intensive care unit. The 90-day mortality was 15%. A secondary closure of the fascia was obtained in 84% of the surviving patients. Only one patient developed an enteroatmospheric fistula. Patients with secondary closure were less likely to develop large hernias and had better self-evaluated physical health score (p< 0,05). No difference in mental health was found.Conclusion. The abdominal VAC treatment in patients with abdominal catastrophes is safe and with a relative low complication rate. Whether it might be superior to conventional treatment with primary closure when possible has yet to be proven in a randomized study.

Physical and Mental Health of Different Types of Orchestra Musicians Compared to Other Professions

Objectives: This study examined the physical and mental health of orchestra musicians of different types of orchestras compared to a reference sample of the general population and of two other professions. Methods: Professional musicians (n = 429) from nine opera and/or concert orchestras were surveyed with the Short Form-12 general health questionnaire (SF-12). Data were compared with a reference sample (n = 2805) with a sample of physicians (n = 549) and aircraft manufacturers (n = 822). Results: Compared to the reference sample and the two other professional groups, the musicians had a higher physical health score: 53.07 (SD 5.89) vs 49.03 (SD 9.35) reference, 51.26 (SD 7.53) physicians, and 49.31 (SD 7.99) aircraft manufacturers. The musicians’ mental health score was lower compared to the reference sample but did not differ from the other professional groups: 48.33 (SD 9.52) for musicians vs 52.24 (SD 8.10) reference, 48.26 (SD 10.06) physicians, and 48.54 (SD 9.59) aircraft manufacturers. Physical health but not mental health decreased with age in all groups. In physical and mental health, women scored lower than men. There was no significant difference in physical and mental health scores between musicians of concert and opera orchestras. Age and gender accounted for 3.6% of the variance of the physical health score, but none of the demographic characteristics or orchestral roles and functions was predictive for mental health scores. Conclusions: Musicians report better physical but poorer mental health than the general population, but they did not differ in mental health scores from physicians or aircraft manufacturers.