The interrelationship between obesity and race in breast cancer prognosis: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is associated with an increased breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women and may contribute to worse outcomes. Black women experience higher obesity and breast cancer mortality rates than non-Black women. We examined associations between race, obesity, and clinical tumor stage with breast cancer prognosis. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study in 1,110 breast cancer patients, using univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses to evaluate the effects of obesity, race/ethnicity, and clinical tumor stage on progression-free and overall survival (PFS and OS). RESULTS: 22% of participants were Black, 64% were Hispanic White, and 14% were non-Hispanic White or another race. 39% of participants were obese (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 30 kg/m2). In univariable analyses, tumor stage III-IV was associated with worse PFS and OS compared to tumor stage 0-II (hazard ratio [HR] = 4.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.52-6.22 for PFS and HR = 5.92, 95% CI = 4.00-8.77 for OS). Multivariable analysis revealed an association between Black race and worse PFS in obese (HR = 2.19, 95% CI = 1.06-4.51) and non-obese (HR = 2.11, 95% CI = 1.05-4.21) women with tumors staged 0-II. Obesity alone was not associated with worse PFS or OS. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest a complex interrelationship between obesity and race in breast cancer prognosis. The association between the Black race and worse PFS in tumor stages 0-II underscores the importance of early intervention in this group. Future studies are warranted to evaluate whether alternative measures of body composition and biomarkers are better prognostic indicators than BMI among Black breast cancer survivors.

Genome-wide enriched pathway analysis of acute post-radiotherapy pain in breast cancer patients: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) can increase the risk of developing pain; however, the molecular mechanisms of RT-related pain remain unclear. The current study aimed to identify susceptibility loci and enriched pathways for clinically relevant acute post-RT pain, defined as having moderate to severe pain (pain score ≥ 4) at the completion of RT. METHODS: We conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) with 1,344,832 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), a gene-based analysis using PLINK set-based tests of 19,621 genes, and a functional enrichment analysis of a gene list of 875 genes with p < 0.05 using NIH DAVID functional annotation module with KEGG pathways and GO terms (n = 380) among 1112 breast cancer patients. RESULTS: About 29% of patients reported acute post-RT pain. None of SNPs nor genes reached genome-wide significant level. Four SNPs showed suggestive associations with post-RT pain; rs16970540 in RFFL or near the LIG3 gene (p = 1.7 × 10-6), rs4584690, and rs7335912 in ABCC4/MPR4 gene (p = 5.5 × 10-6 and p = 7.8 × 10-6, respectively), and rs73633565 in EGFL6 gene (p = 8.1 × 10-6). Gene-based analysis suggested the potential involvement of neurotransmitters, olfactory receptors, and cytochrome P450 in post-RT pain, whereas functional analysis showed glucuronidation (FDR-adjusted p value = 9.46 × 10-7) and olfactory receptor activities (FDR-adjusted p value = 0.032) as the most significantly enriched biological features. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first GWAS suggesting that post-RT pain is a complex polygenic trait influenced by many biological processes and functions such as glucuronidation and olfactory receptor activities. If validated in larger populations, the results can provide biological targets for pain management to improve cancer patients' quality of life. Additionally, these genes can be further tested as predictive biomarkers for personalized pain management.

Association between C-reactive protein and radiotherapy-related pain in a tri-racial/ethnic population of breast cancer patients: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Post-surgery adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) significantly improves clinical outcomes in breast cancer patients; however, some patients develop cancer or treatment-related pain that negatively impacts quality of life. This study examined an inflammatory biomarker, C-reactive protein (CRP), in RT-related pain in breast cancer. METHODS: During 2008 and 2014, breast cancer patients who underwent RT were prospectively evaluated for pre- and post-RT pain. Pre- and post-RT plasma CRP levels were measured using a highly sensitive CRP ELISA kit. Pain score was assessed as the mean of four pain severity items (i.e., pain at its worst, least, average, and now) from the Brief Pain Inventory. Pain scores of 4-10 were classified as clinically relevant pain. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were applied to ascertain the associations between CRP and RT-related pain. RESULTS: In 366 breast cancer patients (235 Hispanic whites, 73 black/African Americans, and 58 non-Hispanic whites), 17% and 30% of patients reported pre- and post-RT pain, while 23% of patients had RT-related pain. Both pre- and post-RT pain scores differed significantly by race/ethnicity. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, RT-related pain was significantly associated with elevated pre-RT CRP (≥ 10 mg/L) alone (odds ratio (OR) = 2.44; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.02, 5.85); or combined with obesity (OR = 4.73; 95% CI = 1.41, 15.81) after adjustment for age and race/ethnicity. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first pilot study of CRP in RT-related pain, particularly in obese breast cancer patients. Future larger studies are warranted to validate our findings and help guide RT decision-making processes and targeted interventions.

Projected clinical benefit of surveillance imaging for early detection and treatment of breast cancer metastases.

This article presents current best knowledge to assess the projected outcomes benefit of adding multi-modality surveillance imaging to standard follow-up care for breast cancer patients at high risk (>30%) for developing future metastases. This analysis is motivated by recent preliminary clinical studies that have suggested that augmenting systemic treatment of early-stage metastases with targeted surgery and/or radiosurgery achieves significant overall survival and disease-free survival benefit. Our primary aims are to: (a) describe the clinical motivation and scan parameters needed to identify the early onset of metastatic progression in breast cancer patients for effective surgical or radiosurgical treatment; (b) estimate the anticipated survival benefit for high-risk patients under this recommended protocol; and (c) estimate the radiation risks associated with the repeated body imaging of this protocol.

Complementary and alternative medicine in reducing radiation-induced skin toxicity.

Radiation therapy-induced acute and late effects, particularly skin toxicities, have significant impact on cancer patients' quality of life and long-term survival. To date, no effective topical agents have been routinely used in the clinical setting to prevent skin toxicity. Using SKH-hr1 hairless mice, we investigated two complementary and alternative medicine in their effects on inflammation and ionizing radiation (IR)-induced skin toxicity: Calendula officinalis (CO) and Ching Wan Hung (CWH). They were applied immediately following each IR dosing of 10 Gy/day for 4 days. Skin toxicity and inflammatory factors were evaluated at multiple time points up to 15 days post-radiation. Serum interleukin (IL)-1α, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP1), keratinocyte-derived chemokine (KC), and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) were significantly induced by radiation. Both CO and CWH significantly inhibited IR-induced MCP1 (p < 0.01), KC (p < 0.05), and G-CSF (p < 0.001). IR-induced erythema and blood vessel dilation were significantly reduced by CWH (p < 0.001) but not by CO at day 10 post-IR. Both agents inhibited IR-induced IL-1α (p < 0.01), MCP1 (p < 0.05), and vascular endothelial growth factor (p < 0.05). There were continuous inhibitory effects of CWH on IR-induced skin toxicities and inflammation. In contrast, CO treatment resulted in skin reactions compared to IR alone. Our results suggest that both CO and CWH reduce IR-induced inflammation and CWH reduced IR-induced erythema. In summary, CWH showed promising effects in reducing IR-related inflammation and skin toxicities, and future proof-of-principal testing in humans will be critical in evaluating its potential application in preventing IR-induced skin toxicities.

Proton Beam Therapy for Breast Cancer.

Given the radiobiological and physical properties of the proton, proton beam therapy has the potential to be advantageous for many patients compared with conventional radiotherapy by limiting toxicity and improving patient outcomes in specific breast cancer scenarios.

Predictors of locoregional outcome in patients receiving neoadjuvant therapy and postmastectomy radiation.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to identify predictors of locoregional recurrence (LRR) after neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) and postmastectomy radiation (PMRT) in a cohort of patients with stage II through III breast cancer and to determine whether omission of the supraclavicular field had an impact on the risk of LRR. METHODS: The authors reviewed records from 464 patients who received NAT and PMRT from January 1999 to December 2009. RESULTS: The median patient age was 50 years (range, 25-81 years). Clinical disease stage was stage II in 29% of patients, stage III in 71%, and inflammatory in 14%. Receptor status was estrogen receptor (ER)-positive in 54% of patients, progesterone receptor (PR)-positive in 39%, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive in 24%, and negative for all 3 receptors (triple negative) in 32%. All patients received NAT and underwent mastectomy, and 19.6% had a complete pathologic response in the breast and axilla, 17.5% received radiation to the chest wall only, and 82.5% received radiation to the chest wall and the supraclavicular field; omission of the supraclavicular field was more common in patients with lower clinical and pathologic lymph node status. The median follow-up was 50.5 months, and the 5-year cumulative incidence of LRR was 6% (95% confidence interval, 3.9%-8.6%). Predictors of LRR were clinical stage III (P = .038), higher clinical lymph node status (P = .025), higher pathologic lymph node status (P = .003), the combination of clinically and pathologically positive lymph nodes (P < .001), inflammatory presentation (P = .037), negative ER status (P = .006), negative PR status (P = .015), triple-negative status (P < .001), and pathologic tumor size >2 cm (P = .045). On univariate analysis, omission of the supraclavicular field was not associated significantly with LRR (hazard ratio, 0.89; P = .833); however, on multivariate analyses, omission of the supraclavicular field was associated significantly with LRR (hazard ratio, 3.39; P = .024). CONCLUSIONS: Presenting stage, receptor status, pathologic response to neoadjuvant therapy, and omission the supraclavicular field were identified as risk factors for LRR after neoadjuvant therapy and PMRT.

Impact of surgery-radiation interval on locoregional outcome in patients receiving neo-adjuvant therapy and mastectomy.

Delays in the initiation of radiation are increasingly common for medically underserved patients. We evaluated the impact of delay in initiation of postmastectomy radiation (PMRT) in breast cancer patients treated with neo-adjuvant therapy (NAT) in a cohort of medically underserved patients with multiple barriers to timely care. We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 248 consecutively treated patients. Clinical stage was 34.4% II, 65.6% III. The median interval from surgery to PMRT was 11.9 weeks; 22.2% started PMRT within 8 weeks of surgery, 52% within 12 weeks, and 67.3% within 16 weeks. The cumulative 5-year incidence of locoregional recurrence (LRR) was 5.8% (95% CI: 3.2-9.7). There was no significant difference in locoregional outcome among patients starting PMRT within 8 weeks versus >8 weeks (p = 0.634), ≤ 12 versus >12 weeks (p = 0.332), or ≤ 16 versus >16 weeks (p = 0.549) after surgery. Although timely initiation of PMRT remains a priority, the locoregional control benefit of PMRT appears to be maintained up to at least 16 weeks, and in those without early locoregional recurrence, PMRT should be offered despite such a delay.

Surgical and Oncologic Outcomes With Intraoperative Radiation Therapy for Early Breast Cancer.

BACKGROUND: For selected patients with early-stage breast cancer (BC), intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) has emerged as a convenient alternative to standard whole breast irradiation (WBI). We report a single institution experience with IORT in terms of oncologic outcomes, toxicities, and cosmesis. METHODS: Clinicopathological and perioperative outcomes of patients who underwent IORT for early-stage BC at a public hospital from 2017 to 2020 were retrospectively retrieved. Toxicity was categorized to acute or chronic based on 6 months post-IORT cutoff. RESULTS: 85 patients underwent IORT and had complete data, aged 49-85 years (mean 62). Intraoperative radiation therapy added 23 minutes on average to the total operative time. Final stage was 0, I, and II in 40%, 58.9%, and 1.1% of patients, respectively. Mean tumor size was 0.8 cm (range .1-2.1), with ductal histology comprising 94% of cases. Surgical margins were positive in 2 patients, and adjuvant WBI was required in 5 patients. After a median follow-up of 17 months (range 3-41), none of the patients had local recurrence and no mortality was recorded. Early wound complications included wound dehiscence (n = 1), seroma/hematoma (n = 15), and re-operation with loss of nipple-areola complex (n = 1). Chronic skin toxicities were reported in 10 (12%) patients and good or excellent cosmetic outcome was reported in 93% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Utilizing IORT among low-risk early BC patients may be a safe and more convenient alternative to traditional WBI, with low toxicity rate, acceptable cosmetic results, and good oncologic outcomes at 17 months. Longer follow-up and further prospective controlled studies are needed to confirm these findings.

The Interrelationship between Obesity and Race in Breast Cancer Prognosis: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Purpose: Obesity is associated with an increased breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women and may contribute to worse outcomes. Black women experience higher obesity and breast cancer mortality rates than non-Black women. We examined associations between race, obesity, and clinical tumor stage with breast cancer prognosis. Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study in 1,110 breast cancer patients, using univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses to evaluate the effects of obesity, race/ethnicity, and clinical tumor stage on progression-free and overall survival (PFS and OS). Results: 22% of participants were Black, 64% were Hispanic White, and 14% were non-Hispanic White or another race. 39% of participants were obese (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 30 kg/m2). In univariable analyses, tumor stage III-IV was associated with worse PFS and OS compared to tumor stage 0-II (hazard ratio [HR] = 4.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.52-6.22 for PFS and HR = 5.92, 95% CI = 4.00-8.77 for OS). Multivariable analysis revealed an association between Black race and worse PFS in obese (HR = 2.19, 95% CI = 1.06-4.51) and non-obese (HR = 2.11, 95% CI = 1.05-4.21) women with tumors staged 0-II. Obesity alone was not associated with worse PFS or OS. Conclusion: Results suggest a complex interrelationship between obesity and race in breast cancer prognosis. The association between Black race and worse PFS in tumor stages 0-II underscores the importance of early intervention in this group. Future studies are warranted to evaluate whether alternative measures of body composition and biomarkers are better prognostic indicators than BMI among Black breast cancer survivors.

Overcoming Barriers to Radiation Oncology Access in Low-Resource Settings in the United States.

Providing high-quality radiation therapy in medically underserved, low-resource environments can be challenging in the United States. During the American Society of Radiation Oncology 2020 Annual Meeting, the American Society for Radiation Oncology Committee on Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion hosted 4 radiation oncologists from both academic and community practices in an educational session. Speakers discussed creative ways to overcome barriers to equitable cancer care and outcomes for their vulnerable patient populations in both rural and urban settings. Successful tactics have included applying for state-sponsored grants, lobbying hospital leadership for equipment upgrades, implementing quality improvement programs specifically targeting the needs of the patient population, studying novel hypofractionation schedules, monitoring toxicities using wearable devices, and expanding transportation options.

Improving the Clinical Treatment of Vulnerable Populations in Radiation Oncology.

The increasing role of radiation oncology in optimal cancer care treatment brings to mind the adage that power is never a gift, but a responsibility. A significant part of the responsibility we in radiation oncology bear is how to ensure optimal access to our services. This article summarizes the discussion initiated at the 2019 American Society for Radiation Oncology Annual Meeting educational panel entitled "Improving the Clinical Treatment of Vulnerable Populations in Radiation Oncology: Latin, African American, Native American, and Gender/Sexual Minority Communities." By bringing the discussion to the printed page, we hope to continue the conversation with a broader audience to better define the level of responsibility our field bears in optimizing cancer care to the most vulnerable patient populations within the United States.

Smoking Cessation at a Safety-Net Hospital: A Radiation Oncology Resident-Led Quality Improvement Initiative.

PURPOSE: Continued smoking among patients with cancer has been associated with increased toxicities, resistance to treatment, and recurrence. This resident-led quality improvement study attempted to increase smoking cessation by providing free smoking cessation medications in the radiation oncology clinic. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Twenty currently smoking patients with nonmetastatic cancer were prospectively enrolled. First line treatment was protocol-standardized combined nicotine replacement therapy (patches and lozenges). Therapy was initiated before radiation therapy and given for 12 weeks. Patient self-reported tobacco use was assessed at midtreatment, end of 12-week treatment, 3-month follow-up, 6-month follow-up, and 12-month follow-up. RESULTS: Within the initial cohort of 20 patients, average years smoked was 36.3 years (median = 37.5). In addition, 85% had attempted to quit previously. Among patients initially enrolled, 3 did not initiate radiation therapy, and 4 were removed from the study by midtreatment due to noncompliance. Midway through treatment, patients had cut self-reported cigarette use to 31% of baseline. However, 75% or more of patients had smoked within the last week at all timepoints assessed. With further follow-up, the number of cigarettes smoked daily continued to rise, reaching 61% of baseline by the 12-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Patients reduced cigarette consumption, but all patients eventually resumed smoking during the 12-month follow-up. Although it is unfortunate that this study did not result in long-term smoking cessation, the results demonstrate the difficulties faced in helping patients with cancer quit, particularly patients seen at a safety-net hospital. Future efforts could be directed at intensified smoking cessation programs, likely incorporating a more standardized counseling component.

Socioeconomic Factors Associated With Burnout Among Oncology Trainees.

PURPOSE: Burnout in the medical workforce leads to early retirement, absenteeism, career changes, financial losses for medical institutions, and adverse outcomes for patients. Recent literature has explored burnout in different specialties of medicine. This article examines burnout among medical oncology trainees and identifies factors associated with burnout and professional dissatisfaction, including socioeconomic factors. METHODS: US medical oncology programs were sent a survey that included the Maslach Burnout Index-Human Services Survey as well as demographic, socioeconomic, and program-specific questions tailored to medical oncology fellowship. Primary binary end points included burnout, satisfaction with being a physician, and satisfaction with being a medical oncologist. Binomial logistic models determined associations between various characteristics and end points. RESULTS: Overall, 261 US fellows completed the survey. Seventy percent of international medical graduates reported no educational debt, whereas only 36% of US graduates reported no educational debt. Eighty-two percent of survey respondents reported their mother had at least a bachelor's degree, and 87% of respondents reported their father had at least a bachelor's degree. At least 27% of respondents had symptoms of burnout. Factors inversely associated with burnout on multivariable analysis included having a mother who graduated college (odds ratio [OR], 0.27), reporting an adequate perceived balance between work and personal life (OR, 0.22), feeling that faculty care about educational success (OR, 0.16), and being in the final year of training (OR, 0.45). Having debt ≥ $150,000 (OR, 2.14) was directly associated with burnout. CONCLUSION: Symptoms of burnout are common among medical oncology fellows and are associated with educational debt and socioeconomic factors.

MRI-guided stereotactic ablative radiation therapy of spinal bone metastases: a preliminary experience.

OBJECTIVE: MRI provides clear visualization of spinal cord, tumor, and bone for patient positioning and verification during MRI-guided radiotherapy (MRI-RT). Therefore, we wished to evaluate spine stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) feasibility with MRI-RT. Given dosimetric limitations of first generation Co-60 MRI-RT, we then evaluated improvements by newer linear accelerator (linac) MRI-RT. METHODS: Nine spinal metastases were treated with Co-60 MRI-RT. Seven received a single 16 Gy fraction, and two received three fractions totaling 24 or 30 Gy. After replanning with linac MRI-RT software, comparisons of organ at risk and dose spillage objectives between Co-60 and linac plans were performed. RESULTS: Spinal cord and cauda equina dose constraints were met in all Co-60 cases. Treatments were delivered successfully with real-time imaging during treatment and no treatment-related toxicities. While limits for dose spillage into surrounding soft tissues were not achieved due to the limitations of the Co-60 system, this could be corrected with linac MRI-RT delivery. CONCLUSIONS: MRI-RT SABR of spinal metastases is feasible with Co-60 MRI-RT. Dose delivery is improved by linac MRI-RT. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: This is the first report of MRI-RT for SABR of spinal metastases. The enhanced visualization of anatomy by MRI may facilitate RT dose escalation for spine SABR.

Association Between Polymorphisms in DNA Damage Repair Genes and Radiation Therapy-Induced Early Adverse Skin Reactions in a Breast Cancer Population: A Polygenic Risk Score Approach.

PURPOSE: Genetic variations in DNA damage repair (DDR) genes may influence radiation therapy (RT)-induced acute normal tissue toxicity in patients with breast cancer. Identifying an individual or multiple single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with RT-induced early adverse skin reactions (EASR) is critical for precision medicine in radiation oncology. METHODS AND MATERIALS: At the completion of RT, EASR was assessed using the Oncology Nursing Society scale (0-6) in 416 patients with breast cancer, and Oncology Nursing Society score ≥4 was considered RT-induced EASR. PLINK set-based tests and subsequent individual SNP association analyses were conducted to identify genes and SNPs associated with EASR among the 53 DDR genes and 1968 SNPs. A weighted polygenic risk score (PRS) model was constructed to ascertain the association between the joint effect of risk alleles and EASR. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 264 Hispanic whites, 86 blacks or African Americans, 55 non-Hispanic whites, and 11 others. A total of 115 patients (27.6%) developed EASR. Five genes (ATM, CHEK1, ERCC2, RAD51C, and TGFB1) were significantly associated with RT-induced EASR. Nine SNPs within these 5 genes were further identified: ATM rs61915066, CHEK1 rs11220184, RAD51C rs302877, rs405684, TBFB1 rs4803455, rs2241714, and ERCC2 rs60152947, rs10404465, rs1799786. In a multivariable-adjusted PRS model, patients in a higher quartile of PRS were more likely to develop EASR compared with patients in the lowest quartile (ORq2 vs.q1 = 1.94, 95% CI, 0.86-4.39; ORq3 vs.q1 = 3.46, 95% CI, 1.57-7.63; ORq4 vs.q1 = 8.64, 95% CI, 3.92-19.02; and Ptrend < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: We newly identified the associations between 9 SNPs in ATM, CHEK1, RAD51C, TGFB1, and ERCC2 and RT-induced EASR. PRS modeling showed its potential in identifying populations at risk. Multiple SNPs in DDR genes may jointly contribute to interindividual variation in RT-induced EASR. Validation in an independent external cohort is required to determine the clinical significance of these predictive biomarkers.

Radiographic predictors of IMRT for treating regional lymph nodes in breast cancer.

Regional nodal irradiation (RNI) is an essential part of the treatment of high risk early stage (Stage IIb) and locally advanced (Stage III) breast cancer. Acceptable radiation plans can usually be achieved using 3-dimensional conformal radiation therapy with deep-inspiration breath hold to limit dose to the heart, although in some cases intensity-modulated radiation therapy produces superior results. The goal of this study is to identify radiographic parameters that predict the need for IMRT when delivering RNI. We retrospectively examined breast cancer patients treated with comprehensive RNI including internal mammary lymph nodes, supraclavicular lymph nodes, and undissected axillary lymph nodes at our institution from January 2016 to February 2018. Radiographic parameters including lung volume, internal mammary lymph nodes depth, modified central lung distance (mCLD), tangent length, and target height were recorded. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was performed using IMRT as a binary endpoint (yes/no). A total of 46 patients were evaluated, of which 9 (20%) required IMRT. Five of the 9 (56%) IMRT patients were postmastectomy with a tissue expander in place. There was an increased likelihood of IMRT per 0.5 cm increase in mCLD (odds ratios [OR]: 3.27; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.39 to 9.63; p = 0.01) and per 1 cm increase in target height (OR: 1.77; 95% CI: 1.08 to 3.40; p = 0.04). A threshold value of 3.38 cm was identified for mCLD (OR 10.3; 95% CI: 2.14 to 61.4; p value = 0.005), and 25.2 cm for target height (OR 10.9; 95% CI: 2.19 to 82.7; p value = 0.007). When delivering RNI, larger values of mCLD and target height corresponded to the use of IMRT. Further investigations are warranted to confirm these findings, which may improve the efficiency of the treatment planning process and in turn patient care.

Resident satisfaction with radiation oncology training.

PURPOSE: Residency training environments can differ significantly; therefore, resident satisfaction may vary widely among programs. Here, we sought to examine several variables in program satisfaction through a survey of radiation oncology (RO) trainees in the United States. METHODS AND MATERIALS: An anonymous, institutional review board-approved, internet-based survey was developed and distributed to U.S. residents in RO in September 2016. This email-based survey assessed program-specific factors with regard to workload, work-life balance, and education as well as resident-specific factors such as marital status and postgraduate year. Binomial multivariable regression assessed the correlations between these factors and the endpoint of resident-reported likelihood of selecting an alternative RO residency program if given the choice again. RESULTS: A total of 215 residents completed the required survey sections, representing 29.3% of U.S. RO residents. When asked whether residency allowed for an adequate balance between work and personal life, the majority of residents (75.6%) agreed or strongly agreed, but a minority (9.3%) did not feel that residency allowed for sufficient time for personal life. The majority of residents (69.7%) indicated that they would choose the same residency program again, but 12.2% would have made a different choice. Almost three-fourths of residents (73.0%) felt that faculty and staff cared about the educational success of residents, but 9.27% did not. Binomial multivariable regression revealed that senior residents (odds ratio: 6.70; 95% confidence interval, 2.20-22.4) were more likely to desire a different residency program. In contrast, residents who reported constructive feedback use by the residency program (odds ratio:0.22; 95% confidence interval, 0.06-0.91) were more satisfied with their program choice. CONCLUSIONS: Most RO residents reported satisfaction with their choice of residency program, but seniors had higher rates of dissatisfaction. Possible interventions to improve professional satisfaction include incorporating constructive resident feedback to enhance the program. The potential impact of job market pressures on seniors should be further explored.

Association Between Inflammatory Biomarker C-Reactive Protein and Radiotherapy-Induced Early Adverse Skin Reactions in a Multiracial/Ethnic Breast Cancer Population.

Purpose This study examined an inflammatory biomarker, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), in radiotherapy (RT)-induced early adverse skin reactions or toxicities in breast cancer. Patients and Methods Between 2011 and 2013, 1,000 patients with breast cancer who underwent RT were evaluated prospectively for skin toxicities through the National Cancer Institute-funded Wake Forest University Community Clinical Oncology Program Research Base. Pre- and post-RT plasma hsCRP levels and Oncology Nursing Society skin toxicity criteria (0 to 6) were used to assess RT-induced skin toxicities. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were applied to ascertain the associations between hsCRP and RT-induced skin toxicities after adjusting for potential confounders. Results The study comprised 623 white, 280 African American, 64 Asian/Pacific Islander, and 33 other race patients; 24% of the patients were Hispanic, and 47% were obese. Approximately 42% and 15% of patients developed RT-induced grade 3+ and 4+ skin toxicities, respectively. The hsCRP levels differed significantly by race and body mass index but not by ethnicity. In multivariable analysis, grade 4+ skin toxicity was significantly associated with obesity (odds ratio [OR], 2.17; 95% CI, 1.41 to 3.34], post-RT hsCRP ≥ 4.11 mg/L (OR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.07 to 2.44), and both factors combined (OR, 3.65; 95% CI, 2.18 to 6.14). Above-median post-RT hsCRP (OR, 1.93; 95% CI, 1.03 to 3.63), and change in hsCRP (OR, 2.80; 95% CI, 1.42 to 5.54) were significantly associated with grade 4+ skin toxicity in nonobese patients. Conclusion This large prospective study is the first to our knowledge of hsCRP as an inflammatory biomarker in RT-induced skin toxicities in breast cancer. We demonstrate that nonobese patients with elevated RT-related change in hsCRP levels have a significantly increased risk of grade 4+ skin toxicity. The outcomes may help to predict RT responses and guide decision making.

Burnout Evaluation of Radiation Residents Nationwide: Results of a Survey of United States Residents.

PURPOSE: To assess rates of burnout among US radiation oncology residents and evaluate program/resident factors associated with burnout. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A nationwide survey was distributed to residents in all US radiation oncology programs. The survey included the Maslach Burnout Index-Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS) as well as demographic and program-specific questions tailored to radiation oncology residents. Primary endpoints included rates of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment from MBI-HSS subscale scores. Binomial logistic models determined associations between various residency/resident characteristics and high burnout levels. RESULTS: Overall, 232 of 733 residents (31.2%) responded, with 205 of 733 (27.9%) completing the MBI-HSS. High levels of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization were reported in 28.3% and 17.1%, respectively; 33.1% experienced a high burnout level on at least 1 of these 2 MBI-HSS subscales. Low rates of personal accomplishment occurred in 12% of residents. Twelve residents (5.9%) reported feeling "at the end of my rope" on a weekly basis or more. On multivariable analysis there was a statistically significant inverse association between perceived adequacy of work-life balance (odds ratio 0.37; 95% confidence interval 0.17-0.83) and burnout. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately one-third of radiation oncology residents have high levels of burnout symptoms, consistent with previous oncology literature, but lower levels than those among physicians and residents of other specialties. Particularly concerning was that more than 1 in 20 felt "at the end of my rope" on a weekly basis or more. Targeted interventions to identify symptoms of burnout among radiation oncology residents may help to prevent the negative downstream consequences of this syndrome.