Explore the news categories below to learn more about OPCORe's news, events, publications, and team members.
Congratulations to Dr. Amanda King on her Virtual Reality Protocol Manuscript and Interim Analysis Publications
03/23/2023 - Cancer patients experience distress and anxiety when undergoing imaging studies to monitor disease status, yet these symptoms are not always appropriately identified or well-managed. Use of virtual reality (VR) has been shown to improve psychological symptoms in other solid tumor patients, but this innovative interventional strategy has not been explored in patients with central nervous system (CNS) tumors. A manuscript outlining the study protocol of a phase 2 feasibility trial was published in BMC Cancer and an interim analysis of this trial was published in the Journal of Neuro-Oncology and presented at the American Psychosocial Oncology Society in Portland, OR (see picture below). The interim analysis demonstrated that VR use in patients with brain tumor patients was both feasible and acceptable in targeting psychological symptoms prior to neuroimaging evaluations. Trial enrollment will continue to assess for intervention efficacy and the authors plan to expand enrollment to other cancer populations in the future.
New Manuscript Published
03/09/2023 - In this phase I trial of combining ado-trastuzumab emtansine (T-DMI) with metronomic temolozomide (TMZ) in women with metastatic HER2+ breast cancer to the brain after previous occurrence and local treatment, patients who responded to treatment showed lower symptom burden, less interference with daily functions and better cognitive function. These outcomes were measured using the brain tumor module of the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory and the NeuroQOL Cognition Function with completion rates of 99% by Cycle 15 and 90% by Cycle 41. Read more
The link between psychological distress and survival in solid tumor patients: A systematic review
01/11/23 - Past research has shown that solid tumor patients experience high levels of psychological distress at the time of diagnosis, yet little is known about how this symptom may adversely impact clinical outcomes. This systematic review explored the literature linking distress with survival in solid tumor patients and found a weak to moderate relationship, suggesting that this symptom may be a negative prognostic factor. The authors hope this work will provide better understanding of the clinical implications of untreated distress and that it may enable development of targeted interventions for cancer patients. Learn more
Relationship between RANO-PRO Working Group standardized priority constructs and disease progression among malignant glioma patients: A retrospective cohort study
11/14/22 - Recognizing the importance of clinical outcomes assessments (COAs), the Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology-Patient Reported Outcome (RANO-PRO) Working Group recommended inclusion of core symptoms and functions in clinical care or research for malignant glioma patients. This study evaluated the association of the recommended symptoms (pain, perceived cognition, seizures, aphasia, symptomatic adverse events) and functions (weakness, walking, work, usual activities) with disease progression in these patients. Learn more
Patient-reported symptom burden in patients with rare cancers receiving pembrolizumab in a phase II Clinical Trial
10/15/22 - In a prior study, it has been shown that pembrolizumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor has favorable toxicity profile and antitumor activity in advanced rare cancer patients (e.g., squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, carcinoma of unknown primary, paraganglioma). In this companion study to that early phase trial evaluating pembrolizumab, we focused on how patients feel and function while undergoing treatment. We hope that this information will assist clinicians with their symptom management approach, aid researchers in designing symptom intervention trials and help patients with what to expect during their treatment. Learn more
PRO in Patients With Rare Cancers: Pembrolizumab
10/02/2022 - Congratulations to Dr. Mendoza for his Oncology Tube feature highlighting his work in rare cancers and also OPCORe! Learn more
OPCORe Postbacs Presented at the NIH Postbac Poster Day
04/21/2023 - OPCORe postbacs, Ciara Locke and Sefanit Berhanu, presented their posters at the 2023 NIH Postbac Poster Day.
American Psychosocial Oncology Society Conference Presentation
03/20/2023 - The COVID-19 pandemic and associated mitigation procedures have significantly altered daily life in ways that may disproportionately affect patients with central nervous system (CNS) tumors. The purpose of this study (which was presented at the American Psychosocial Oncology Society in Portland, OR) was to explore differences in symptom burden and interference, mood disturbance, and quality of life in CNS tumor patients during the 1st year of the pandemic, compared to pre-pandemic assessments. The authors found that symptom burden for these patient remained high and was relatively unchanged during the pandemic, but there was an increase in depressive symptoms reported on PROMIS and EQ-5D-3L instruments. Factors that increased risk for clinically significant depression included co-occurring distress, use of psychotropic medications, low tumor grade, and male gender. Dr. Amanda King from the Office of Patient-Centered Outcomes Research & coauthors propose that use of innovative tools and interventions that can be utilized remotely may better identify and target mood disturbance for patients with CNS tumors.
Dr. Mendoza speaks at the International Society for Quality of Life Research
10/20/22 - Dr. Mendoza discussed the use of patient-reported outcomes in predicting severe adverse events in cancer patients receiving immunotherapy during the 29th annual conference of the International Society for Quality of Life Research held in Prague, Czech Republic Oct 19-22.
OPCORe Hosted a Multi-Stakeholder Working Meeting to Discuss Core Symptomatic Toxicities in Clinical Trials
09/14/2023 – Since the publication by Reeve et al in 2014 there has been an explosion of new classes of anticancer drugs with a wide range of unique toxicities. An objective approach to item selection from a library is needed and could start with an updated, brief “core symptomatic AE” set. Criteria for the selection of core symptom items may depend on the actionability, prevalence, and severity of the chosen symptoms. Patient preference is another important consideration that Lee Jones, a patient advocate, shared with the group. The group is currently working on several manuscripts that will inform selection of core symptomatic toxicities in early and late-phase interventional cancer trials.
Interprofessional Communications Curriculum, July 17-18, 2023
07/25/2023 - OPCORe staff participated in an Interprofessional Communication Curriculum on July 17 & 18. The course focuses on communication training in oncology and is based on the eight domains of the National Consensus Project Guidelines for Quality Palliative Care.
07/13/2023 - OPCORe is looking forward to having Dr. Betty Ferrell from the City of Hope & her Interprofessional Communication Curriculum team to NIH for a 2-day workshop this month. The workshop will provide communication training & education for clinical care providers working with cancer patients.
Welcome Our New Trainees!
02/06/2023 - OPCORe welcomes the newest members to our team. Ciara Locke and Sefanit Berhanu, newest members of OPCORe, participated in the day of action activity and made hygiene kits for the Small Things Matter charity organization.