Smoking cessation counselling patterns in cancer patients - survey of Lebanese physicians.

Introduction: Tobacco smoking is a known risk factor for cancer development and smoking cessation can lower this risk and improve outcomes in some cancer patients. Despite that, many cancer patients do not quit smoking after a cancer diagnosis, and smoking cessation counselling is still not routinely provided in cancer care. The aim of this study is to examine patterns in smoking cessation counselling to cancer patients by their treating physicians. Methods: A self-administered, web-based (mobile-friendly), anonymous questionnaire was developed on LimeSurvey and sent by e-mail to Lebanese physicians of different specialties between June 2020 and January 2022. Data were analysed using SPSS and associations between the different items were determined using the χ2 test. Results: A total of 146 physicians filled out the questionnaire. Almost all physicians ask cancer patients about their smoking status, but only 45.9% provide smoking cessation counselling, and only 24% refer patients to smoking cessation counselling programs. Only 27.4% of all respondents have received formal smoking cessation training, and only 27.4% feel capable of providing smoking cessation counselling in their clinic. Specifically, family medicine physicians were more likely to provide smoking cessation counselling in the clinic (69%), more likely to refer patients to a smoking cessation counselling program (44%), and more likely to have received formal smoking cessation counselling training (67%) and more likely to feel capable of providing smoking cessation counselling (93%). Lack of training, lack of knowledge of available programs and the lack of availability of enough programs are leading obstacles contributing to low rates of smoking cessation counselling in cancer patients as reported by the physicians. Conclusion: Our data reveals a deficiency in smoking cessation counselling and referral of cancer patients to smoking cessation counselling programs in our region. This highlights the need for dedicated smoking cessation counselling training for practicing physicians and physicians in training.

Biomedical text readability after hypernym substitution with fine-tuned large language models.

The advent of patient access to complex medical information online has highlighted the need for simplification of biomedical text to improve patient understanding and engagement in taking ownership of their health. However, comprehension of biomedical text remains a difficult task due to the need for domain-specific expertise. We aimed to study the simplification of biomedical text via large language models (LLMs) commonly used for general natural language processing tasks involve text comprehension, summarization, generation, and prediction of new text from prompts. Specifically, we finetuned three variants of large language models to perform substitutions of complex words and word phrases in biomedical text with a related hypernym. The output of the text substitution process using LLMs was evaluated by comparing the pre- and post-substitution texts using four readability metrics and two measures of sentence complexity. A sample of 1,000 biomedical definitions in the National Library of Medicine's Unified Medical Language System (UMLS) was processed with three LLM approaches, and each showed an improvement in readability and sentence complexity after hypernym substitution. Readability scores were translated from a pre-processed collegiate reading level to a post-processed US high-school level. Comparison between the three LLMs showed that the GPT-J-6b approach had the best improvement in measures of sentence complexity. This study demonstrates the merit of hypernym substitution to improve readability of complex biomedical text for the public and highlights the use case for fine-tuning open-access large language models for biomedical natural language processing.

The Impact of an Educational Video in Arabic Language on Patients' Knowledge and Attitudes Towards Genetic Testing for Cancer Therapy.

Rapid advances in cancer genetics are paving the way towards personalized cancer management, and genetic testing is now an important decision-making tool. Despite the advantages, genetic testing adds a layer of complexity in the management which is difficult to communicate with patients. The variability health literacy among patients may restrict their engagement in genetic procedures. Improving the language and presentation of genomic concepts can influence patients' risk assessment and willingness to undergo testing. The study aimed to compare the knowledge and attitudes of cancer patients presenting to oncology clinics at The American University of Beirut Medical Center before and after watching a short educational video that clarifies the concepts of genetic mutations, genetic testing technique, and its purposes.Twenty-nine adult patients presenting to the oncology clinics and due to receive somatic or germline genetic testing filled a questionnaire which assesses their knowledge and attitudes before and after the educational video was played. The majority of patients had poor baseline knowledge before the intervention. After watching the video, the percentage of patients with poor knowledge decreased to a minimum of 3.4% and a maximum of 39% for each concept. Mean score for attitude questions also increased significantly. Effective patient education and counseling programs in the patients' native language prior to genetic testing can increase knowledge, decrease hesitancy, and improve clinical decision making. A short educational video is an example of a simple intervention towards an inclusive approach in patient care all over the world.

Cardiac risk factors and events in patients with prostate cancer commencing androgen deprivation therapy: analysis from a tertiary care centre in the Middle East.

Background: Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is the mainstay of treatment for advanced prostate cancer, improving symptoms and prolonging survival. There is an association between ADT use and cardiovascular (CV) events, particularly in patients with preexisting risk factors. In men diagnosed with prostate cancer, CV disease is the principal non-cancer-related cause of death. There are no definite guidelines to stratify patients based on CV risk prior to ADT initiation. This is the first study on cardiac risks and events in patients with prostate cancer treated with ADT from the Middle East region, a population known to have a high prevalence of CV risk factors. Results: A retrospective study of 234 patients with prostate cancer, who received ADT therapy at a tertiary care centre in Lebanon was conducted. CV risk factors at baseline and CV events on ADT were reviewed. The median age was 68 years (48-92 years). The majority of patients had stage 4 diseases at diagnosis (49.6%) with a median duration of 12 months on ADT. In our cohort, 24.4% had body mass index > 30, 52.1% had smoking history, 25.6% were diabetic, 19.7% had history of coronary artery disease, 9.8% had heart failure history and 52.9% had hypertension. Less than half of the patients had a documented lipid profile at baseline. Twenty-two patients (9.5%) had documented cardiac events following ADT initiation. Conclusions: In this cohort of patients from the Middle East, we found that one third of the population had established coronary artery disease at baseline and 9.5% had documented cardiac events on ADT initiation. Our study highlights the gaps in CV risk assessment for this high-risk group of patients with prostate cancer in addition to high prevalence of CV comorbidities. Risk and resource-stratified algorithms are needed before starting ADT therapy for optimal CV health. Increased awareness, collaboration and referral mechanisms between oncologists, urologists and cardiologists are also needed to provide optimal care.

Establishment and characterization of prostate organoids from treatment-naïve patients with prostate cancer.

Three-dimensional (3D) organoid culture systems are emerging as potential reliable tools to investigate basic developmental processes of human disease, especially cancer. The present study used established and modified culture conditions to report successful generation and characterization of patient-derived organoids from fresh primary tissue specimens of patients with treatment-naïve prostate cancer (PCa). Fresh tissue specimens were collected, digested enzymatically and the resulting cell suspensions were plated in a 3D environment using Matrigel as an extracellular matrix. Previously established 12-factor medium for organoid culturing was modified to create a minimal 5-factor medium. Organoids and corresponding tissue specimens were characterized using transcriptomic analysis, immunofluorescent analysis, and immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, patient-derived organoids were used to assess the drug response. Treatment-naïve patient-derived PCa organoids were obtained from fresh radical prostatectomy specimens. These PCa organoids mimicked the heterogeneity of corresponding parental tumor tissue. Histopathological analysis demonstrated similar tissue architecture and cellular morphology, as well as consistent immunohistochemical marker expression. Also, the results confirmed the potential of organoids as an in vitro model to assess potential personalized treatment responses as there was a differential drug response between different patient samples. In conclusion, the present study investigated patient-derived organoids from a cohort of treatment-naïve patients. Derived organoids mimicked the histological features and prostate lineage profiles of their corresponding parental tissue and may present a potential model to predict patient-specific treatment response in a pre-clinical setting.

High rates of advanced prostate cancer in the Middle East: Analysis from a tertiary care center.

OBJECTIVES: Prostate cancer incidence is increasing in the Middle East (ME); however, the data of stage at the diagnosis and treatment outcomes are lacking. In developed countries, the incidence of de novo metastatic prostate cancer ranges between 4% and 14%. We hypothesized that the rates of presentation with advanced disease are significantly higher in the ME based on clinical observation. This study aims to examine the stage at the presentation of patients with prostate cancer at a large tertiary center in the ME. METHODS: After Institutional Review Board approval, we identified the patients diagnosed with prostate adenocarcinoma and presented to a tertiary care center between January 2010 and July 2015. Clinical, demographic, and pathological characteristics were abstracted. Patients with advanced disease were stratified according to tumor volume based on definitions from practice changing clinical trials. Descriptive and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used. RESULTS: A total of 559 patients were identified, with a median age at the diagnosis of 65 years and an age range of 39-94 years. Median prostate-specific antigen (PSA) at the presentation was 10 ng/ml, and almost a quarter of the men (23%) presented with metastatic disease. The most common site of metastasis was the bone (34/89, 38%). High-volume metastasis was present in 30.3%, 9%, and 5.2% of the cohort based on STAMPEDE, CHAARTED, and LATITUDE trial criteria, respectively. CONCLUSION: This is the first report showing the high proportion of men from ME presenting with de novo metastasis. This could be due to many factors, including the highly variable access to specialist multidisciplinary management, lack of awareness, and lack of PSA screening in the region. There is a clear need to raise the awareness about prostate cancer screening and early detection and to address the rising burden of advanced prostate cancer affecting men in the ME region.

Mitomycin C Application After Corneal Cross-linking for Keratoconus Increases Stromal Haze.

PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare corneal haze as determined by optical coherence tomography (OCT) after corneal cross-linking (CXL) for the treatment of mild to moderate keratoconus with or without mitomycin C (MMC) application. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of 87 eyes of 72 patients with mild to moderate keratoconus. The first group (n = 44 eyes) underwent CXL between June 2013 and January 2015 and the second group (n = 43 eyes) underwent CXL with MMC (CXL+MMC) between February and December 2015, both following the Dresden protocol. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Main outcome measures were corneal reflectivity and haze reflectivity measured by a specially developed OCT image analysis software. RESULTS: Anterior corneal reflectivity at 1 month and 1 year postoperatively was 14.79 ± 4.68 and 25.97 ± 15.01 (P < .001), and 13.88 ± 4.39 and 18.41 ± 9.25 (P = .025) for the CXL and CXL+MMC groups, respectively. The reflectivity of the anterior stromal haze region at 1 month and 1 year postoperatively was 23.15 ± 5.91 and 33.14 ± 16.58 (P = .005), and 20.58 ± 7.88 and 27.14 ± 12.80 (P = .049) for both groups, respectively. The changes in simulated keratometry from preoperatively to postoperatively were similar in both groups. The CXL+MMC group showed larger maximum keratometry flattening: 53.41 ± 6.88 diopters (D) preoperatively and 49.44 ± 5.66 D 1 year postoperatively versus 52.27 ± 5.78 and 50.91 ± 4.25 D for CXL alone (P = .008). CONCLUSIONS: MMC application following CXL significantly increases corneal haze. Similar studies need to be performed on simultaneous CXL and photorefractive keratectomy to evaluate the role of MMC in haze formation in such procedures. [J Refract Surg. 2021;37(2):83-90.].

Knowledge, beliefs, and practices related to cancer screening and prevention in Lebanon: community and social media users' perspectives.

OBJECTIVE: Common to many countries in the Middle East, Lebanon has an increasing cancer burden; however, national screening programs are limited to breast cancer. The literature on cancer screening practices and beliefs is scarce. This cross-sectional study investigates the knowledge, beliefs, and practices related to the prevention and screening for breast, cervical, colon, lung, and skin cancers among Lebanese residents, recruited through social media advertisements and community outreach activities. METHODS: Participants filled an anonymous questionnaire either via a web-based interface or using tablets distributed at primary health clinics. The characteristics of the two cohorts were compared with chi-square and t-tests. We performed descriptive analysis, followed by multivariate logistic regression for predictors of cancer screening. RESULTS: A total of 407 participants completed the survey online, and 262 filled the study in tablets available at primary care clinics. The two samples were significantly different in terms of age, education, and perceived socioeconomic status. Online participants demonstrated higher knowledge and higher participation in screening practices than their counterparts recruited through community outreach. Mammography (44.7% online and 39.9% in-person), and cervical cancer screening (44.5% online and 36.7% community) had the highest participation rates. In both samples, participants who were older and more educated were more likely to report engagement with cancer screening practices. CONCLUSIONS: Our study revealed significant knowledge gaps in cancer prevention and screening. Different sampling techniques accessed diverse populations, highlighting the need for educational messages and targeted screening programs to be inclusive of socio-economically disadvantaged communities with low education and health literacy.

Research Capacity and Training Needs for Cancer in Conflict-Affected MENA Countries.

Background: The global cancer burden is disproportionately greater in low- and middle-income countries, including those affected by conflict in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Contributing factors include inadequate control of risk factors plus limited surveillance and treatment options. Weak healthcare infrastructure may be further compounded by the conflict prevalent in multiple MENA countries. Improved cancer surveillance, research, and capacity strengthening are essential for implementing cancer control plans in the MENA region, requisite for reducing the disproportionate cancer burden. Aims: This article aims to understand the barriers to cancer research and training in conflict-affected MENA countries, and to identify opportunities for developing capacities for reliable cancer research strategies. Methods: This study employs a mixed-method approach utilizing an online questionnaire with open and close ended questions targeting oncologists and cancer researchers in conflict-affected MENA countries. For open-ended questions, we performed a qualitative content analysis to identify thematic barriers. Results: Forty-eight respondents, mostly Medical and Radiation Oncologists, completed the questionnaire. The most significant training needs were conducting clinical, basic, and qualitative cancer research. The most prominent barriers identified were insufficient training in data analysis and research design (77% and 75% of respondents, respectively) and insufficient institutional and government funding (94% and 85%, respectively). For the qualitative data, we organized the barriers into six themes, the most common was the lack of research infrastructure (28%). Conclusions: Despite an escalating cancer burden, conflict-affected MENA countries are lagging in knowledge production and implementation of evidence-based cancer research. Novel modes of knowledge transmission and collaboration across geographical and political boundaries are sorely needed. Based on our study, we recommend developing innovative and accessible training opportunities focusing on developing basic, clinical, and qualitative research skills. Research capacity-strengthening initiatives should encourage the investigation of context-specific research questions with the potential to make a meaningful impact on cancer control in the region.

Germline mutations and prostate cancer: is it time to change treatment algorithms?

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed non-skin cancer in men. Although early disease can be cured or remain indolent, advanced castration-resistant disease remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. One approach to precision screening may be the use of germline genetic testing. Mutations in high-risk genes such as BRCA 2 are rare however polygenic risk scores could potentially limit screening to only those at higher risk, improving the benefit-to-harm ratio. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Prostate Cancer guidelines have recently recommended testing for germline mutations in patients diagnosed with high-risk or metastatic prostate cancer, regardless of family history. New therapeutic options are emerging for genomically-defined subsets of patients; germline or somatic mutations in homologous recombination repair genes suggest potential susceptibility to PARP inhibitors and platinum-based chemotherapy, whereas mutations in DNA mismatch repair genes may confer susceptibility to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Current barriers to genetic testing include cost, limited access to genetic counseling for those found to have germline mutations and lack of clear guidelines on the clinical applicability of results. Work is ongoing in three key areas: Using germline genetic testing to improve screening, establishing treatment algorithms for patients with known pathogenic germline or somatic mutations diagnosed with localized disease, and the use of genomic biomarkers to define treatment-selection for patients with advanced prostate cancer.

High-Cost Cancer Treatment Across Borders in Conflict Zones: Experience of Iraqi Patients in Lebanon.

PURPOSE: Conflict-induced cross-border travel for medical treatment is commonly observed in the Middle East. There has been little research conducted on the financial impact this has on patients with cancer or on how cancer centers can adapt their services to meet the needs of this population. This study examines the experience of Iraqi patients seeking care in Lebanon, aiming to understand the social and financial contexts of conflict-related cross-border travel for cancer diagnosis and treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: After institutional review board approval, 60 Iraqi patients and caregivers seeking cancer care at a major tertiary referral center in Lebanon were interviewed. RESULTS: Fifty-four respondents (90%) reported high levels of financial distress. Patients relied on the sale of possessions (48%), the sale of homes (30%), and vast networks to raise funds for treatment. Thematic analysis revealed several key drivers for undergoing cross-border treatment, including the conflict-driven exodus of Iraqi oncology specialists; the destruction of hospitals or road blockages; referrals by Iraqi physicians to Lebanese hospitals; the geographic proximity of Lebanon; and the lack of diagnostic equipment, radiotherapy machines, and reliable provision of chemotherapy in Iraqi hospitals. CONCLUSION: As a phenomenon distinct from medical tourism, conflict-related deficiencies in health care at home force patients with limited financial resources to undergo cancer treatment in neighboring countries. We highlight the importance of shared decision making and consider the unique socioeconomic status of this population of patients when planning treatment.

Pelvic examination: an iatrogenic cause of microscopic hematuria in women?

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Microscopic hematuria (MH) in women is a common incidental finding that can trigger morbid and costly investigation. Identifying non-pathologic etiologies of MH may help limit unnecessary investigation. Our study aimed to determine whether pelvic examination (PE) increases the prevalence of MH in women. METHODS: Between May 2018 and October 2018, 157 women > 18 years of age and presenting to the Obstetrics and Gynecology private clinics at a tertiary care center were approached and asked to provide two urine samples: one before PE and one after. Samples were then analyzed to asses for the presence of MH. The McNemar test was used to evaluate whether the conversion from no MH to MH could be attributed to PE rather than to chance. An associated p < 0.05 was determined to be significant. Chi-square test was used to determine whether this conversion is influenced by age and menopausal status. RESULTS: Thirteen women (8.3%) had MH before PE. Of 144 participants with no initial MH, 22 (15.3%) had MH after PE. PE was significantly correlated with the conversion from no MH to MH (p = 0.002). The conversion from no MH to MH following PE was not correlated with age (p = 0.451) or menopausal status (p = 0.411). CONCLUSIONS: PE performed within an hour before urinalysis was found to be a risk factor for MH in women.