Omission of Radiotherapy After Breast-Conserving Surgery for Women With Breast Cancer With Low Clinical and Genomic Risk: 5-Year Outcomes of IDEA.

PURPOSE: Multiple 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. METHODS: Postmenopausal 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 was the rate of locoregional recurrence 5 years after BCS. RESULTS: Between June 2015 and October 2018, 200 eligible patients were enrolled. Among the 186 patients with clinical follow-up of at least 56 months, overall and breast cancer-specific survival rates at 5 years were both 100%. The 5-year freedom from any recurrence was 99% (95% CI, 96 to 100). Crude rates of IBEs for the entire follow-up period for patients age 50-59 years and age 60-69 years were 3.3% (2/60) and 3.6% (5/140), respectively; crude rates of overall recurrence were 5.0% (3/60) and 3.6% (5/140), respectively. CONCLUSION: This trial achieved a very low risk of recurrence using a genomic assay in combination with classic clinical and biologic features for treatment selection, including postmenopausal patients younger than 60 years. Long-term follow-up of this trial and others will help determine whether the option of avoiding initial radiotherapy can be offered to a broader group of women than current guidelines recommend.

Individualized Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy for Lung Tumors: The iSABR Phase 2 Nonrandomized Controlled Trial.

Importance: Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) is used for treating lung tumors but can cause toxic effects, including life-threatening damage to central structures. Retrospective data suggested that small tumors up to 10 cm3 in volume can be well controlled with a biologically effective dose less than 100 Gy. Objective: To assess whether individualizing lung SABR dose and fractionation by tumor size, location, and histological characteristics may be associated with local tumor control. Design, Setting, and Participants: This nonrandomized controlled trial (the iSABR trial, so named for individualized SABR) was a phase 2 multicenter trial enrolling participants from November 15, 2011, to December 5, 2018, at academic medical centers in the US and Japan. Data were analyzed from December 9, 2020, to May 10, 2023. Patients were enrolled in 3 groups according to cancer type: initial diagnosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with an American Joint Committee on Cancer 7th edition T1-3N0M0 tumor (group 1), a T1-3N0M0 new primary NSCLC with a history of prior NSCLC or multiple NSCLCs (group 2), or lung metastases from NSCLC or another solid tumor (group 3). Intervention: Up to 4 tumors were treated with once-daily SABR. The dose ranged from 25 Gy in 1 fraction for peripheral tumors with a volume of 0 to 10 cm3 to 60 Gy in 8 fractions for central tumors with a volume greater than 30 cm3. Main outcome: Per-group freedom from local recurrence (same-lobe recurrence) at 1 year, with censoring at time of distant recurrence, death, or loss to follow-up. Results: In total, 217 unique patients (median [IQR] age, 72 [64-80] years; 129 [59%] male; 150 [69%] current or former smokers) were enrolled (some multiple times). There were 240 treatment courses: 79 in group 1, 82 in group 2, and 79 in group 3. A total of 285 tumors (211 [74%] peripheral and 74 [26%] central) were treated. The most common dose was 25 Gy in 1 fraction (158 tumors). The median (range) follow-up period was 33 (2-109) months, and the median overall survival was 59 (95% CI, 49-82) months. Freedom from local recurrence at 1 year was 97% (90% CI, 91%-99%) for group 1, 94% (90% CI, 87%-97%) for group 2, and 96% (90% CI, 89%-98%) for group 3. Freedom from local recurrence at 5 years ranged from 83% to 93% in the 3 groups. The proportion of patients with grade 3 to 5 toxic effects was low, at 5% (including a single patient [1%] with grade 5 toxic effects). Conclusions and Relevance: The results of this nonrandomized controlled trial suggest that individualized SABR (iSABR) used to treat lung tumors may allow minimization of treatment dose and is associated with excellent local control. Individualized dosing should be considered for use in future trials. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01463423.

Using a Culture Committee to Improve and Maintain a Positive Workplace Environment During a Pandemic.

Workplace culture is often overlooked in interventions to improve the delivery of health care efficiency. Burnout and employee morale have been longstanding issues in health care and can negatively affect both provider and patient health. To address employee wellness and promote department unity, a culture committee was established within a radiation oncology department. After the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, burnout and social isolation among health care workers have increased substantially, affecting job performance and stress levels. This report revisits the efficacy of a workplace culture committee 5 years after its establishment, while also outlining its role during the pandemic and in the transition to a peripandemic workplace. The initiation of a culture committee has been pivotal to identifying and improving workplace stressors that may enable burnout. We suggest health care environments implement initiatives that encompass tangible and actionable solutions to feedback provided by employees.

Predicting Adverse Cardiac Events After Radiotherapy for Locally Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

Background: Radiotherapy may cause grade ≥3 cardiac events, necessitating a better understanding of risk factors. The potential predictive role of imaging biomarkers with radiotherapy doses for cardiac event occurrence has not been studied. Objectives: The aim of this study was to establish the associations between cardiac substructure dose and coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores and cardiac event occurrence. Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis included patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer treated with radiotherapy (2006-2018). Cardiac substructures, including the left anterior descending coronary artery, left main coronary artery, left circumflex coronary artery, right coronary artery, and TotalLeft (left anterior descending, left main, and left circumflex coronary arteries), were contoured. Doses were measured in 2-Gy equivalent units, and visual CAC scoring was compared with automated scoring. Grade ≥3 adverse cardiac events were recorded. Time-dependent receiver-operating characteristic modeling, the log-rank statistic, and competing-risk models were used to measure prediction performance, threshold modeling, and the cumulative incidence of cardiac events, respectively. Results: Of the 233 eligible patients, 61.4% were men, with a median age of 68.1 years (range: 34.9-90.7 years). The median follow-up period was 73.7 months (range: 1.6-153.9 months). Following radiotherapy, 22.3% experienced cardiac events, within a median time of 21.5 months (range: 1.7-118.9 months). Visual CAC scoring showed significant correlation with automated scoring (r = 0.72; P < 0.001). In a competing-risk multivariable model, TotalLeft volume receiving 15 Gy (per 1 cc; HR: 1.38; 95% CI: 1.11-1.72; P = 0.004) and CAC score >5 (HR: 2.51; 95% CI: 1.08-5.86; P = 0.033) were independently associated with cardiac events. A model incorporating age, TotalLeft CAC (score >5), and volume receiving 15 Gy demonstrated a higher incidence of cardiac events for a high-risk group (28.9%) compared with a low-risk group (6.9%) (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Adverse cardiac events associated with radiation occur in more than 20% of patients undergoing thoracic radiotherapy within a median time of <2 years. The present findings provide further evidence to support significant associations between TotalLeft radiotherapy dose and cardiac events and define CAC as a predictive risk factor.

Risk of developing subsequent primary lung cancer after receiving radiation for breast cancer.

Background: Radiotherapy (RT) is integral to breast cancer treatment, especially in the current era that emphasizes breast conservation. The aim of our study was to determine the incidence of subsequent primary lung cancer after RT exposure for breast cancer over a time span of 3 decades to quantify this risk over time as modern oncologic treatment continues to evolve. Methods: The SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results) database was queried from 1988 to 2014 for patients diagnosed with nonmetastatic breast cancer. Patients who subsequently developed primary lung cancer were identified. Multivariable regression modeling was performed to identify independent factors associated with the development of lung cancer stratified by follow up intervals of 5 to 9 years, 10 to 15 years, and >15 years after breast cancer diagnosis. Results: Of the 612,746 patients who met our inclusion criteria, 319,014 (52%) were irradiated. primary lung cancer developed in 5556 patients (1.74%) in the RT group versus 4935 patients (1.68%) in the non-RT group. In a multivariable model stratified by follow-up duration, the overall HR of developing subsequent ipsilateral lung cancer in the RT group was 1.14 (P = .036) after 5 to 9 years of follow-up, 1.28 (P = .002) after 10 to 15 years of follow-up, and 1.30 (P = .014) after >15 years of follow-up. The HR of contralateral lung cancer was not increased at any time interval. Conclusions: The increased risk of developing a primary lung cancer secondary to RT exposure for breast cancer is much lower than previously published. Modern RT techniques may have contributed to the improved risk profile, and this updated study is important for counseling and surveillance of breast cancer patients.

Incidence of Brain Metastases in Women Treated With Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer: Implications for Screening.

PURPOSE: Patients with metastatic breast cancer may develop brain metastases. Our study identified high-risk patients to refine selection criteria for BM screening approaches. PATIENTS: We reviewed breast cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) at a single university center between 2005 and 2019. METHODS: Competing risks analysis was performed with the Fine and Gray model to analyze the cumulative incidence of BM and loco-regional recurrence. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were calculated using Kaplan-Meier and log-rank tests. Multivariable analysis was performed with Cox proportional hazards regression to identify factors predictive for development of BM. Statistical significance was determined as a 2-sided P value of <.05. RESULTS: In total, 112 patients experienced distant failure (DF) and 49 patients developed BM. Twenty patients with BM (41%) presented with symptoms requiring craniotomy +/- whole brain radiation treatment. Patients with BM were significantly more likely to have local (P < .01) and regional (P < .01) failure. On multivariable analysis, age <40 years (P = .011), presence of lung metastases (P < .0001), and residual nodal disease with >4 lymph nodes positive after NAC (P = .024) all predicted for increased likelihood of BM. Patients with these criteria had higher likelihoods of having BM (P = .013) and worse PFS (P = .044). On multivariable analysis for OS, presence of lung metastases was the most significant predictor of poor outcome (P < .0001). CONCLUSION: We propose a study of screening brain MRI for young (<40 years) patients with breast cancer receiving NAC and patients who develop metastatic disease post-NAC, especially those with lung involvement.

Delays in Care Associated With Non-English-Speaking Patients With Breast Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer care requires coordination between multiple diagnostic and treatment modalities. Disparities such as age, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic status are associated with delays in care. This study investigates whether primary language is associated with delays in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment before and through radiotherapy (RT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study was an institutional retrospective matched-cohort analysis of women treated with breast RT over 2 years. A total of 65 non-English-speaking (NES) patients were matched with 195 English-speaking (ES) patients according to stage, age, and chemotherapy delivery. Key time intervals along the breast cancer care path from initial findings through RT were recorded. Data were analyzed in a mixed model with matching as the random effect. The impact of race and insurance status was analyzed in addition to language. RESULTS: Significant delays were found for NES patients, which varied by race. NES Latina patients experienced the longest delay, with a mean total care-path time of 13.53 months (from initial findings to end of RT) versus 8.18 months for all ES patients (P<.0001). Specifically, their mean total care-path time was 5.97 months longer than that of ES Latina patients (P=.001) and 5.80 months longer than that of ES White patients (P<.0001). In addition, NES Latina patients had a significantly longer total care-path time than NES patients of other races/ethnicities (P=.001). Delays were specifically seen between initial clinical or radiographic findings and diagnostic mammogram (P=.001) and between biopsy and resection (P=.044). Beyond language, race/ethnicity was itself associated with delays between resection and start of RT (P=.032) and between start and end of RT (P=.022). CONCLUSIONS: Language is associated with pre-RT delays in breast cancer care, especially for NES Latina patients. Delays are most pronounced before diagnostic mammograms, but they also exist before resection and RT. Future work should target NES patients to assist their progress along the care path.

Impact of Insurance on Stage of Breast Cancer Presentation for Different Races and Ethnicities.

PURPOSE: Survival in breast cancer is largely stage-dependent. Lack of insurance and Medicaid have been associated with later-stage breast cancer, but it is unknown to what degree this association varies by race or ethnicity. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective single-institution cohort analysis of women undergoing breast radiotherapy from 2012 to 2017 (n = 1,019). Patients were categorized as having private insurance (n = 540), Medicare (n = 332), Medicaid (n = 122), or self-pay (n = 25). Ordinal logistic regression analysis identified variables associated with later-stage presentation, including age, race or ethnicity, insurance, the interaction between insurance and race or ethnicity, body mass index, education, and language. RESULTS: The association between insurance and breast cancer stage varied on the basis of a patient's race or ethnicity (P = .0114). White and Asian patients with Medicaid had significantly higher odds of later-stage breast cancer than those with private insurance (White odds ratio [OR], 2.10; 95% CI, 1.02 to 4.34; Asian OR, 3.22; 95% CI, 1.56 to 6.67). However, the inverse was true for Hispanic patients who had lower odds of later-stage disease with Medicaid than private insurance (OR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.16 to 0.90). Hispanic patients with Medicaid had lower odds than either White or Asian patients with Medicaid. These findings persisted across all ages. CONCLUSION: The association between insurance and later-stage presentation is significantly influenced by race or ethnicity. Medicaid was generally associated with later-stage breast cancer diagnosis, but this was not true across all races and ethnicities. Although White and Asian patients with Medicaid presented with later stage, Hispanic patients fared better with Medicaid than private insurance. Future work should investigate how Medicaid is successfully targeting Hispanic patients in breast cancer care.

Locoregional and Distant Outcomes in Women With cT1-3N1 Breast Cancer Treated With Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy With or Without Adjuvant Radiotherapy.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the impact of postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) or supraclavicular radiation therapy (SCV RT) in women with cT1-3N1 breast cancer (BC) who became node negative (ypN0) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 485 women treated with NAC for BC between 2005 and 2019. Radiation treatment fields were reviewed in detail. Pathologic complete response (pCR) was defined as ypT0/Tis ypN0. Patients who had residual nodal disease were defined as ypN+. Those who achieved complete response in the lymph nodes but not in the breast were defined as ypT+ypN0. RESULTS: After excluding patients with cT4 and cN0 disease at diagnosis, a total of 185 patients with cT1-3N1 BC were included. Patients were more likely to receive PMRT if they had ypN+ disease (P < .001) and/or lymphovascular invasion (P = .03). Patients who underwent lumpectomy were more likely to receive SCV RT if they did not achieve pCR (P = .04) and/or if they had ypN+ disease (P = .01). The 5-year rates of locoregional recurrence (LRR) were 15% for all patients, 14% for patients who attained ypT+ypN0, and 5% for patients who achieved pCR. Of ypT+ypN0 patients (n = 98), 53 received PMRT or SCV RT and 45 did not. For these patients, there were no differences in LRR based on whether a patient did or did not receive PMRT or SCV RT (P = .23). CONCLUSION: Recommendations for or against PMRT or SCV RT after NAC vary based on final pathologic response. We await the results of ongoing randomized clinical trials to help guide clinical decision making in this context.

Inflammation Mediates the Development of Aggressive Breast Cancer Following Radiotherapy.

PURPOSE: Women treated with radiotherapy before 30 years of age have increased risk of developing breast cancer at an early age. Here, we sought to investigate mechanisms by which radiation promotes aggressive cancer. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: The tumor microenvironment (TME) of breast cancers arising in women treated with radiotherapy for Hodgkin lymphoma was compared with that of sporadic breast cancers. To investigate radiation effects on carcinogenesis, we analyzed tumors arising from Trp53-null mammary transplants after irradiation of the target epithelium or host using immunocompetent and incompetent mice, some of which were treated with aspirin. RESULTS: Compared with age-matched specimens of sporadic breast cancer, radiation-preceded breast cancers (RP-BC) were characterized by TME rich in TGFß, cyclooxygenase 2, and myeloid cells, indicative of greater immunosuppression, even when matched for triple-negative status. The mechanism by which radiation impacts TME construction was investigated in carcinomas arising in mice bearing Trp53-null mammary transplants. Immunosuppressive TMEs (iTME) were recapitulated in mice irradiated before transplantation, which implicated systemic immune effects. In nu/nu mice lacking adaptive immunity irradiated before Trp53-null mammary transplantation, cancers also established an iTME, which pointed to a critical role for myeloid cells. Consistent with this, irradiated mammary glands contained more macrophages and human cells cocultured with polarized macrophages underwent dysplastic morphogenesis mediated by IFNγ. Treating mice with low-dose aspirin for 6 months postirradiation prevented establishment of an iTME and resulted in less aggressive tumors. CONCLUSIONS: These data show that radiation acts via nonmutational mechanisms to promote markedly immunosuppressive features of aggressive, RP-BCs.

Development of a Classification Tree to Predict Implant-Based Reconstruction Failure with or without Postmastectomy Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the complications, incidence, and predictors of implant-based reconstruction failure (RF) among patients treated with mastectomy for breast cancer. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 108 patients who underwent mastectomy, tissue expander, and implant-based breast reconstruction with or without radiation therapy (RT) at our institution (2000-2014). Descriptive statistics determined complication incidences, with major complications defined as any complications requiring surgical intervention or inpatient management. Chi square and Fisher's exact tests determined differences in RF incidences, defined as implant loss. Logistic regression analyses identified predictors of RF. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 42.5 months. Sixty patients (55.6%) experienced major complications. Overall, 27 patients (25%) experienced RF. Incidences of RF were significantly increased in patients who had any major complication (43.3% vs. 2.1%; p < 0.0001), especially infection (61.3% vs. 10.4%; p < 0.0001), delayed wound healing (83.3% vs. 21.7%; p = 0.004), and implant exposure (80.0% vs. 19.4%; p = 0.0002). Receiving RT, but not timing of RT, significantly predicted RF [odds ratio (OR) 4.00, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11-14.47; p = 0.03]. On multivariable analysis, infection (OR 7.69, 95% CI 2.12-27.89; p = 0.002) and delayed wound healing (OR 17.86, 95% CI 1.59-200.48; p = 0.02) independently predicted for RF. Our newly developed classification tree, which includes stepwise assessment of major infection, delayed wound healing, implant exposure, age ≥ 50 years, and total number of lymph nodes removed ≥ 10, accurately predicted 74% of RF events and 75% of non-RF events. CONCLUSIONS: Infection or delayed wound healing requiring surgical intervention or hospitalization and receipt of RT, but not radiation timing, were significant predictors of RF. Our classification tree demonstrated > 70% accuracy for stepwise prediction of RF.

Association Between Patient Education Videos and Knowledge of Radiation Treatment.

PURPOSE: Patient knowledge of radiation therapy (RT) before consult is typically limited, with many having misconceptions or fears. There exists a need to improve patient education in RT. Our purpose was to study the impact of patient education videos on patient-reported knowledge of RT, anxiety/fear, and satisfaction. METHODS AND MATERIALS: At our institution, we created 2 RT educational videos: a general RT video and a breast cancer-specific video. Patients presenting for breast RT who agreed to participate (n = 107) were randomly assigned to receive a link to the videos (video group; n = 58) or not (no-video group; n = 49) before consultation. Pre- and postconsult surveys were administered assessing patient-reported measures on a 5-point Likert-type scale. RESULTS: Patients in the video group reported significantly higher levels of confidence in their knowledge of radiation side effects, with 45.6.% at least somewhat confident versus 21.3% in the no-video group (P = .009; median on a 5-point Likert-type scale, 2 [interquartile range {IQR}, 2-3] versus 2 [IQR, 1-2], respectively [P = .012]). There was a trend toward higher knowledge of the radiation treatment process in the video group (median, 3 [IQR, 2-3] versus 2 [IQR, 2-3] for no-video group; P = .064). There were no significant differences in preconsult anxiety or fear between the groups, but of those who were assigned videos, 46.8% reported decreased anxiety afterward, and 66.0% felt more comfortable coming to a consult. While those in the no-video group hypothesized that a video would be helpful (median, 3; IQR, 3-4), those in the video group found them to be very helpful in real life (median, 4; IQR, 45; P = .0009). After the consult, all patients in both groups were satisfied. CONCLUSIONS: Patient education videos increase patient-reported knowledge of RT and are found to be very helpful.

Angiosarcoma of the Breast: Management and Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: Angiosarcoma of the breast is rare and has a poor prognosis. We reviewed our institution's experience with this disease to characterize presentation, identify management patterns, and report outcomes. METHODS: Fifty-eight patients with nonmetastatic angiosarcoma were identified from 1998 to 2019 and retrospectively reviewed. Overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier analysis and log-rank test. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 43.4 months (range: 1.8 to 203.3 mo). Twenty-four patients had primary angiosarcoma (PAS) and 34 patients had secondary angiosarcoma (SAS). Patients with PAS were significantly younger than those with SAS (P<0.0001). Mastectomy was the main surgical treatment in our cohort (n=47) and 3 underwent a lumpectomy. The multifocal disease was found in 5/23 patients with PAS and 11/35 patients with SAS. Twenty-eight patients received chemotherapy. Radiation was administered to 13 patients with PAS and 3 patients with SAS. Five-year OS was 73.7% for PAS and 63.5% for SAS. Local recurrence occurred in a greater proportion of patients with margins <5 mm than those with margins ≥5 mm. Chemotherapy did not impact RFS and was not associated with OS in PAS (P=0.35). Those with SAS treated with chemotherapy had significantly greater OS than those who did not receive chemotherapy (P=0.043). Radiation did not significantly influence RFS or OS. CONCLUSIONS: Five-year OS was higher than anticipated. Margins >5 mm appear important for local control. Patients with SAS, but not PAS, may achieve improved survival with chemotherapy. National trials using prespecified agents may be needed to identify an optimal chemotherapy regimen for women with SAS.

Telemedicine in Radiation Oncology: Is It Here to Stay? Impacts on Patient Care and Resident Education.

PURPOSE: Telemedicine was rapidly and ubiquitously adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there are growing discussions as to its role postpandemic. METHODS AND MATERIALS: We surveyed patients, radiation oncology (RO) attendings, and RO residents to assess their experience with telemedicine. Surveys addressed quality of patient care and utility of telemedicine for teaching and learning core competencies. Satisfaction was rated on a 6-point Likert-type scale. The quality of teaching and learning was graded on a 5-point Likert-type scale, with overall scores calculated by the average rating of each core competency required by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (range, 1-5). RESULTS: Responses were collected from 56 patients, 12 RO attendings, and 13 RO residents. Patient feedback was collected at 17 new-patient, 22 on-treatment, and 17 follow-up video visits. Overall, 88% of patients were satisfied with virtual visits. A lower proportion of on-treatment patients rated their virtual visit as "very satisfactory" (68.2% vs 76.5% for new patients and 82.4% for follow-ups). Only 5.9% of the new patients and none of the follow-up patients were dissatisfied, and 27% of on-treatment patients were dissatisfied. The large majority of patients (88%) indicated that they would continue to use virtual visits as long as a physical examination was not needed. Overall scores for medical training were 4.1 out of 5 (range, 2.8-5.0) by RO residents and 3.2 (range, 2.0-4.0) by RO attendings. All residents and 92% of attendings indicated they would use telemedicine again; however, most indicated that telemedicine is best for follow-up visits. CONCLUSIONS: Telemedicine is a convenient means of delivering care to patients, with some limitations demonstrated for on-treatment patients. The majority of both patients and providers are interested in using telemedicine again, and it will likely continue to supplement patient care.

Virtual Radiation Oncology Clerkship During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the impact of a virtual radiation oncology clerkship. METHODS AND MATERIALS: We developed a 2-week virtual radiation oncology clerkship that launched on April 27, 2020. Clerkship components included a virtual clinic with radiation oncology faculty and residents, didactic lectures, student talks, and supplemental sessions such as tumor boards and chart rounds. Medical students completed pre- and post-clerkship self-assessments. Faculty and resident participants also completed surveys on their experience with virtual lectures and clinics. Pre- and post-clerkship results were compared using a 2-sided paired t test. An analysis of variance model was used to analyze the clerkship components. RESULTS: Twenty-six medical students, including 4 visiting students, enrolled over 2 clerkship periods (4 weeks). All students completed the pre- and post-clerkship self-assessments and agreed that the clerkship improved their understanding of radiation oncology. Compared with 3 (11.5%) students who agreed that they understood the daily responsibilities of a radiation oncologist before the clerkship, 22 (84.6%) students agreed and 3 (11.5%) strongly agreed that they understood the daily responsibilities of a radiation oncologist after the clerkship (P < .0001). Although 15 students (57.7%) reported an increased interest in radiation oncology because of the clerkship, the mean level of interest in radiation oncology as a career remained the same, with pre- and post-clerkship scores of 3.0 (±0.9) and 3.0 (±1.1) on a 5-point scale, respectively (P = .7). Students found virtual clinic and didactic lectures to be the most valuable components of the clerkship. Most respondents agreed (30.8%) or strongly agreed (65.4%) to recommend the clerkship to their classmates. CONCLUSIONS: Our virtual clerkship was effective in increasing medical student interest in and knowledge about radiation oncology. These data will help optimize a new paradigm of virtual radiation oncology education for medical students during COVID-19 and beyond.

Lymphopenia and clinical outcomes in patients with residual nodal disease after neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Patients with residual nodal disease after neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer have a poor prognosis. We wanted to evaluate whether lymphopenia after treatment for breast cancer impacted clinical outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We assessed 99 patients with node-positive disease after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Absolute lymphocyte count was recorded 1 year after radiation. Dates of local, regional, and distant failure were recorded. Time to event outcomes were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Multivariable analysis determined factors predictive for overall survival. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 44 months (range 3-150). Median age was 48 years (range 23-79). Twenty-six patients (26%) had lymphopenia 1 year after RT. Patients with lymphopenia had a greater incidence of regional (p = 0.03) and distant failure (p = 0.009) compared to those with normal lymphocyte counts and had a 6.05 greater risk of death (p = 0.0002). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with residual nodal disease after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, lymphopenia after breast cancer treatment was associated with overall survival. The relationship between lymphopenia and breast cancer outcomes warrants further investigation.

Impact of mastectomy for breast cancer on spinal curvature: Considerations when treating patients with scoliosis.

OBJECTIVE: Mastectomy has been shown to influence body posture in women; however, there are limited data outlining changes in spine curvature after mastectomy in patients with scoliosis. We sought to quantify changes in spine curvature after mastectomy for breast cancer. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of 62 patients with scoliosis who underwent mastectomy for breast cancer at a single institution between 1995 and 2018. Preoperative and postoperative radiographs were used to measure Cobb angles to assess lateral spinal curvature. Changes in Cobb angle were compared using paired two-tailed t-tests. The relationship between mass of breast removed and changes in Cobb angle was modeled using a linear regression. RESULTS: The median follow-up after mastectomy was 7.9 years (range 0.9-21.5). Median age was 62 years (range 30-85). Of 62 patients, 10 (16%) expressed that their back pain became worse after mastectomy. Nineteen patients had evaluable radiographs before and after mastectomy. In these patients, the average change in Cobb angle was 4.7° (range -0.2-12.2). Cobb angle significantly increased after mastectomy (P < .0001). Although not statistically significant, average Cobb angle was greater for patients who underwent unilateral compared to bilateral mastectomy (P = .09). Mass of breast removed significantly correlated with the difference in Cobb angle for patients who underwent unilateral mastectomy (P = .0006), but not for bilateral mastectomy (P = .55). CONCLUSIONS: In this understudied patient population, mastectomy significantly increased the change in spine curvature. Further care should be taken to assess patient-reported pain and quality of life in patients with spine morbidity who undergo mastectomy for breast cancer.