Reshma Jagsi

Purpose: Susan G. Komen, The Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) Research Foundation, and the Milburn Foundation convened a collaborative of patient advocates, clinicians, and researchers and proposed a novel quantitative scoring system for IBC diagnosis. The score includes timing of symptoms, extent of skin edema and erythema/other discoloration, breast and nipple asymmetry, lympho-vascular space invasion, nodal stage, and diffuse extent disease in the breast on breast imaging. Total scores were categorized (< 14 Not IBC, 14-24 Weak Possibility of IBC, 25-41 Strong Possibility of IBC, > 41 Definitely IBC). Herein, we developed a multi-institutional clinical dataset to retrospectively test and validate the proposed scoring system. Methods: IBC (N= 988) and non-IBC (N=322) cases were identified at two institutions with dedicated multi-disciplinary IBC programs, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDA) and …

The financial burden of breast cancer treatment and reconstruction is a significant concern for patients. Patient desire for preoperative cost-of-care counseling while navigating the reconstructive process remains unknown. A cross-sectional survey of women from the Love Research Army was conducted. An electronic survey was distributed to women over 18 years of age and at least 1 year after postmastectomy breast reconstruction. Descriptive statistics and multivariable modeling were used to determine desire for and occurrence of cost-of-care discussions, and factors associated with preference for such discussions. Secondary outcomes included the association of financial toxicity with desire for cost discussions. Among 839 women who responded, 620 women (74.1%) did not speak to their plastic surgeon and 480 (57.4%) did not speak to a staff member regarding costs of breast reconstruction. Of the 550 …

We appreciate the interesting comments received regarding the IDEA trial, a multicenter prospective single-arm cohort study of radiotherapy omission after breast-conserving surgery and endocrine therapy. IDEA selected patients on the basis of low clinical and genomic risk and reported promising 5-year outcomes. 1Mann et al 2 highlight their PROSPECT trial, also published in December 2023, which evaluated whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can improve selection of patients for radiotherapy omission by identifying mammographically occult synchronous malignant lesions that might lead to local recurrence. PROSPECT enrolled 443 women age 50 years and older with apparently unifocal stage I non–triple-negative breast cancer to preoperative MRI and biopsy of any additional suspicious lesions. MRI findings (33 patients with biopsy-proven additional ipsilateral cancer foci; 78 with marked or …

Background: Breast radiotherapy (RT) is the standard of care for patients with early-stage breast cancer (BC) who undergo breast-conserving surgery (BCS). However, the magnitude of benefit of RT is less clear in BCS patients with low-risk disease who receive effective systemic therapy. Among patients with early-stage HER2-positive (HER2+) BC, 10-year locoregional recurrence has been reported as low as 1.5% following BCS, adjuvant chemotherapy and HER2-targeted therapy, and RT. Given these exceedingly favorable outcomes, with the addition of HER2-directed therapy, we seek to evaluate the feasibility of omitting RT among patients with early-stage HER2+ BC following BCS and appropriate systemic therapy. Methods: This is a phase III randomized trial for patients ≥40 years with early-stage, node-negative HER2+ (IHC/FISH) BC treated with BCS with negative margins and sentinel lymph node biopsy …

Despite increasing awareness of the importance of mentorship and sponsorship in academic medicine and gender differences in their receipt during early career stages, knowledge is lacking regarding the experiences and perceptions of senior faculty. 1-3 We surveyed a national cohort of midto senior-career faculty about their experiences with receiving and providing mentorship and sponsorship and their perceptions regarding the costs and benefits of these relationships.

Purpose/objectivesRadiation therapy (RT) is a central component of cancer treatment with survival and long-term quality-of-life benefits across a spectrum of oncologic diagnoses. However, RT has been associated with varying levels of fatigue, pain, weight loss, and changes in mental health both during and post-treatment. Prehabilitation aims to optimize health prior to anti-neoplastic therapy in order to reduce side effects, increase adherence to treatment, expedite post-treatment recovery, and improve long-term outcomes. Though prehabilitation has been studied in those undergoing cancer-related surgery, literature on prehabilitation in individuals undergoing RT has not been comprehensively explored. Thus, this scoping review aims to summarize the existing literature focused on prehabilitation interventions for patients receiving RT.Materials/methodsThe PRISMA-ScR checklist for conducting scoping reviews …

Objective Recent studies have identified challenges facing women oncologists in Western contexts. However, similar studies in Africa have yet to be conducted. This study sought to determine the most common and substantial challenges faced by women oncologists in Africa and identify potential solutions.Methods and analysis A panel of 29 women oncologists from 20 African countries was recruited through professional and personal networks. A Delphi consensus process identified challenges faced by women oncologists in Africa, and potential solutions. Following this, focus group discussions were held to discuss the results. Descriptive statistics were used to identify the most common challenges indicated by participants and thematic analysis was conducted on focus group transcripts.Results African women oncologists experienced challenges at individual, interpersonal, institutional and societal levels. The …

Background: Approximately 50% of newly diagnosed invasive breast cancers are stage 1, with the majority being ER/PR-positive, HER2-negative. Genomic assays such as the Oncotype DX® have identified patients (pts) with reduced risk of distant metastasis and without benefit from chemotherapy added to endocrine therapy, freeing them from excess toxicity. Genomic assays are also recognized as prognostic for in-breast recurrence (IBR) after BCS and could similarly allow de-escalation of adjuvant radiotherapy (RT). Reducing overtreatment is of interest to pts, providers, and payers. Methods: We hypothesize that BCS alone is non-inferior to BCS plus RT for in-breast recurrence and breast preservation in women intending endocrine therapy (ET) for stage 1 invasive breast cancer (ER &/or PR positive, HER2-negative with an Oncotype DX Recurrence Score [RS] of ≤18). Stratification is by age (< 60; ≥60 …

PurposeUp to 50% of women treated for localized breast cancer will experience some degree of arm or shoulder morbidity. Although radiation is thought to contribute to this morbidity, the mechanism remains unclear. Prior studies have shown biologic and radiographic changes in the pectoralis muscles after radiation. This study thus aimed to investigate the relationship between radiation to the pectoralis muscles and referrals for rehabilitation services posttreatment for arm and shoulder morbidity.Methods and MaterialsA retrospective 1:1 matched case-control study was conducted for patients with breast cancer who were and were not referred for breast or shoulder rehabilitation services between 2014 and 2019 at a single academic institution. Patients were included if they had a lumpectomy and adjuvant radiation. Patients who underwent an axillary lymph node dissection were excluded. Cohorts were matched …

PURPOSEMultiple studies have shown a low risk of ipsilateral breast events (IBEs) or other recurrences for selected patients age 65-70 years or older with stage I breast cancers treated with breast-conserving surgery (BCS) and endocrine therapy (ET) without adjuvant radiotherapy. We sought to evaluate whether younger postmenopausal patients could also be successfully treated without radiation therapy, adding a genomic assay to classic selection factors.METHODSPostmenopausal patients age 50-69 years with pT1N0 unifocal invasive breast cancer with margins ≥2 mm after BCS whose tumors were estrogen receptor–positive, progesterone receptor–positive, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–negative with Oncotype DX 21-gene recurrence score ≤18 were prospectively enrolled in a single-arm trial of radiotherapy omission if they consented to take at least 5 years of ET. The primary end point …

Background: In early breast cancer, the optimal management of the axilla is uncertain. To better understand the long-term benefits and risks of different approaches, we undertook an individual patient data meta-analysis of randomised trials comparing varying types of axillary treatment. Methods: Information was available on 20,273 women in 29 trials of axillary surgery or axillary radiotherapy. The trial comparisons included in this overview are summarised in Table 1. Randomisation took place during 1958–2009. Median follow-up was 10.0 years (IQR 7.4–11.5). Findings: In the trials of more extensive versus less extensive axillary treatment, the rate ratios (RR) for locoregional recurrence varied by site (p=0.003), however, 82% of these locoregional recurrences (552/670) occurred either in the breast or were of unspecified location (Table 2). Considering locoregional recurrence at any site, there was little …

Purpose The optimal adjuvant therapy (anti-estrogen therapy (ET)+ radiotherapy or ET alone, or in some reports radiotherapy alone) in older women with early-stage breast cancer has been highly debated. However, granular details on the role of insurance in the out-of-pocket cost for patients receiving ET with or without radiotherapy are lacking. This project disaggregates out-of-pocket costs by insurance plans to increase treatment cost transparency. Methods and Materials Several radiotherapy schedules are accepted standards as per the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines. For our financial estimate model, we utilized the five-fraction and fifteen-fraction radiotherapy, and ET prescribed over a five-year duration. The total aggregate out-of-pocket costs were determined from the sum of treatment costs, deductibles, and copays/coinsurance based on Medicaid, Original Medicare, Medigap Plan G …

Background: Multiple studies have shown a low risk of ipsilateral breast events (IBE) or other recurrences for selected patients age 65-70 or older with Stage I breast cancers treated with breast conserving surgery (BCS) and endocrine therapy (ET) without adjuvant radiotherapy (RT). We designed a prospective single-arm trial, IDEA (Individualized Decisions for Endocrine therapy Alone), to see if younger postmenopausal patients could also be successfully treated without RT, adding a genomic assay to classic selection factors. Methods: Postmenopausal patients aged 50-69 with pT1N0 unifocal invasive breast cancer with margins 2 mm or wider after BCS whose tumors were ER+, PR+, and Her2- with Oncotype DX 21-gene recurrence score (RS) 18 or lower were eligible to avoid RT if they consented to take at least 5 years of ET and surveillance on study. The primary endpoint was the rate of breast cancer …

Purpose: Peak fertility commonly occurs during medical training, and delaying parenthood can complicate pregnancies. Trainee parental leave policies are varied and lack transparency. Research on the impacts of parenthood on trainee education is limited. Methods: A Qualtrics-based survey was distributed via e-mail/social media to program directors (PDs) within oncologic specialties with a request to forward a parallel survey to trainees. Questions assessed awareness of parental leave policies, supportiveness of parenthood, and impacts on trainee education. Statistical analyses included descriptive frequencies and bivariable comparisons by key groups. Results: A total of 195 PDs and 286 trainees responded. Twelve percent and 29% of PDs were unsure of maternity/paternity leave options, respectively. PDs felt they were more supportive of trainee parenthood than trainees perceived they were. Thirty-nine …

Purpose For early stage breast cancer (BC), the choice of radiation therapy duration (1 vs 3 weeks) is highly debated. Cost and financial toxicity are major concerns that patients with BC face. Nonetheless, there remain limited discussions providing granular details of the role of insurance in the aggregate cost of 1 week versus 3 weeks of radiation therapy for patients. This project aims to disaggregate costs by plan to increase transparency of out-of-pocket (OOP) cost estimates in radiation therapy. Methods and Materials Treatment procedures were determined through the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines. OOP treatment costs, deductibles, and copays/coinsurance were calculated by using Medicaid, Original Medicare, Medigap Plan G, and Medicare Part D prescription plans. The medicare. gov, medicaid. oh. gov, aarpmedicareplans. com, and the physician fee schedule from cms. gov were used …

Federal scientific agencies seek to make an impact on the continued prevalence of sexual harassment in the scientific academic community beyond institutional self-regulation. The National Science Foundation’s Article X, released in 2018, is one of the most significant and ambitious federal policy initiatives to address sexual harassment. The present article presents the results of the first study to examine scientists’ knowledge and attitudes about this important recent policy. We found, although overall knowledge about Article X was fairly low, the majority of participants responded positively to it. Crucially, impressions of the policy varied based on past experience and demographic factors. Individuals who had experienced harassment in the past year were less likely to believe the policy would help reduce sexual harassment in the sciences compared to those who had not experienced harassment (OR = 0.47, 95% CI:0.23–0.97, p = .034) and had greater odds of endorsing that the policy failed to go far enough (OR = 2.77, 95% CI:1.15–6.66, p = .023). Associations between demographic factors and views of the policy were less pronounced, but it is notable that, compared to their White counterparts, Black participants were more likely to believe the policy went too far (OR = 5.87, 95% CI:1.04–33.17, p = .045). Additionally, concerns were raised about the institutional enforcement of these policies and the existence of sufficient protections for survivors. Our work has implications for NSF’s continued evaluation of the efficacy of this program as well as for other federal agencies implementing or considering similar policies.

PurposeBreast and skin changes are underrecognized side effects of radiation therapy for breast cancer, which may have long-term implications for quality of life (QOL). Racial and ethnic disparities in breast cancer outcomes, including long-term QOL differences after breast radiation therapy, are poorly understood.Methods and MaterialsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey study of patients from the Texas Cancer Registry who received diagnoses of stage 0-II breast cancer from 2009 to 2014 and treated with lumpectomy and radiation therapy; 2770 patients were sampled and 631 responded (23%). The BREAST-Q Adverse Effects of Radiation overall score and subindices measured the effect of radiation therapy on breast tissue. Multivariable logistic regression evaluated associations of demographic and treatment characteristics with outcomes.ResultsThe median age was 57 years (IQR, 48-65), median time …

Background: The benefit of adjuvant regional nodal irradiation including the chest wall after mastectomy (CWI+RNI) and with whole breast irradiation (WBI+RNI) after breast conserving surgery (BCS) is well established in pts with pathologically positive axillary nodes (pN+). Pts who present with axillary node involvement (cN+), receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NC), and are found to be pathologically node-negative at surgery (ypN0), have lower loco-regional recurrence (LRR) rates compared to those who remain pathologically node-positive (ypN+). This phase III, randomized trial aimed to evaluate whether CWI+RNI after mastectomy or addition of RNI to WBI after BCS significantly improves invasive breast cancer recurrence-free interval (IBC-RFI) in cN+ pts found to be ypN0 after NC. Methods: Eligible pts had clinical cT1-3, N1, M0 invasive breast cancer (biopsy-proven N+ by FNA …

ASCO Ethical Guidance for the Practical Management of Oncology Drug Shortages ASCO Ethical Guidance for the Practical Management of Oncology Drug Shortages J Clin Oncol. 2024 Jan 20;42(3):358-365. doi: 10.1200/JCO.23.01941. Epub 2023 Dec 7. Authors Andrew Hantel 1 , Rebecca Spence 2 , Polo Camacho 2 , Angela R Bradbury 3 , Avram E Denburg 4 , Reshma Jagsi 5 , Beverly Moy 1 , W Kimryn Rathmell 6 , Abby R Rosenberg 1 , Banu Symington 7 , Jonathan M Marron 1 , Jeffrey Peppercorn 8 Affiliations 1 Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA. 2 American Society of Clinical Oncology, Alexandria, VA. 3 University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. 4 The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 5 Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA. 6 Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN. 7 Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County, Rock Springs, WY. 8 Massachusetts …

ImportanceDespite increasing evidence and recognition of persistent gender disparities in academic medicine, qualitative data detailing the association of gender-based experiences with career progression remain sparse, particularly at the mid- to senior-career stage.ObjectiveTo investigate the role gender has played in everyday professional experiences of mid- to senior-career women clinician-scientists and their perceptions of gender-related barriers experienced across their careers.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsIn this qualitative study, a total of 60 of 159 invited clinician-scientists who received National Institutes of Health K08 or K23 awards between 2006 and 2009 and responded to a survey in 2021 agreed to participate. Invitees were selected using random, purposive sampling to support sample heterogeneity. Semistructured in-depth interviews were conducted January to May 2022. For this study …