For patients with metastatic melanoma, immunotherapy agents represent a promising treatment option, and researchers are actively seeking to identify factors that may predict a favorable response in patients. Recent studies have elucidated possible associations between the gut microbiome and the effects of immunotherapy, where variations in the gut microbiome may influence treatment response and frequency of adverse effects. In this clinical review, we describe the current literature related to the gut microbiome in the setting of immunotherapy, and we provide an overview of interventions under investigation that may modulate the gut microbiome. These interventions include fecal microbiota transplantation, probiotics, and dietary modifications.

Purpose The social vulnerability index (SVI), developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is a novel composite measure encompassing multiple variables that correspond to key social determinants of health. The objective of this review was to investigate innovative applications of the SVI to oncology research and to employ the framework of the cancer care continuum to elucidate further research opportunities. Methods A systematic search for relevant articles was performed in five databases from inception to 13 May 2022. Included studies applied the SVI to analyze outcomes in cancer patients. Study characteristics, patent populations, data sources, and outcomes were extracted from each article. This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Results In total, 31 studies were included. Along the cancer care continuum, five applied the SVI to examine geographic disparities in potentially cancer-causing exposures; seven in cancer diagnosis; fourteen in cancer treatment; nine in treatment recovery; one in survivorship care; and two in end-of-life care. Fifteen examined disparities in mortality. Conclusion In highlighting place-based disparities in patient outcomes, the SVI represents a promising tool for future oncology research. As a reliable geocoded dataset, the SVI may inform the development and implementation of targeted interventions to prevent cancer morbidity and mortality at the neighborhood level.

To our knowledge, there is no available standardized educational curriculum designed to promote the incorporation of skin cancer examinations and procedures into general practice. To explore the contemporary training landscape, we conducted a systematic review of educational interventions designed to support skin cancer diagnostic examinations by primary care providers (PCPs). Our review uniquely encompasses all PCPs, including practicing physicians, residents, and advanced practice practitioners (APPs). The objective of this study is to review and synthesize worldwide data on educational interventions addressing PCP performance of skin cancer diagnostic examinations. A systematic review was performed in MEDLINE , Cochrane , EMBASE, and Scopus for English language articles worldwide published from 2000 onwards. Articles were screened for eligibility, and possibly overlapping datasets were resolved. Data extracted included curriculum content, delivery format, and educational outcomes. This review followed the PRISMA guidelines. A total of 63 studies were selected for data inclusion with one addressing training for resident physicians, 4 for APPs, and the remainder for practicing physicians. Educational interventions included in this review reflect the pre-SARS-CoV-2 pandemic educational environment: half provided live/synchronous instruction of about 5-h duration on average, and a quarter featured interactive components. Less than a quarter of interventions included practice change as a specific reported outcome. Without sustainable practice change, the anticipated long-term benefits of early cancer detection in patients remain limited. Previous and existing educational interventions designed to support skin cancer detection by PCPs demonstrate heterogeneous curriculum content, delivery methods, and educational outcomes. An ideal intervention would teach consensus-derived clinical competencies, provide meaningful learner feedback, and measure outcomes, such as knowledge/competency, confidence/attitudes, and practice change, using validated instruments. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13187-021-02118-8.

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Background: Primary care providers (PCPs) frequently address dermatologic concerns and perform skin examinations during clinical encounters. For PCPs who evaluate concerning skin lesions, dermoscopy (a noninvasive skin visualization technique) has been shown to increase the sensitivity for skin cancer diagnosis compared with unassisted clinical examinations. Because no formal consensus existed on the fundamental knowledge and skills that PCPs should have with respect to dermoscopy for skin cancer detection, the objective of this study was to develop an expert consensus statement on proficiency standards for PCPs learning or using dermoscopy.Methods: A 2-phase modified Delphi method was used to develop 2 proficiency standards. In the study's first phase, a focus group of PCPs and dermatologists generated a list of dermoscopic diagnoses and associated features. In the second phase, a larger panel evaluated the proposed list and determined whether each diagnosis was reflective of a foundational or intermediate proficiency or neither.Results: Of the 35 initial panelists, 5 PCPs were lost to follow-up or withdrew; 30 completed the fifth and last round. The final consensus-based list contained 39 dermoscopic diagnoses and associated features.Conclusions: This consensus statement will inform the development of PCP-targeted dermoscopy training initiatives designed to support early cancer detection.

Introduction: Efficient interpretation of dermoscopic images relies on pattern recognition, and the development of expert-level proficiency typically requires extensive training and years of practice. While traditional methods of transferring knowledge have proven effective, technological advances may significantly improve upon these strategies and better equip dermoscopy learners with the pattern recognition skills required for real-world practice. Objectives: A narrative review of the literature was performed to explore emerging directions in medical image interpretation education that may enhance dermoscopy education. This article represents the first of a two-part review series on this topic. Methods: To promote innovation in dermoscopy education, the International Skin Imaging Collaboration (ISIC)assembled a 12-member Education Working Group that comprises international dermoscopy experts and educational scientists. Based on a preliminary literature review and their experiences as educators, the group developed and refined a list of innovative approaches through multiple rounds of discussion and feedback. For each approach, literature searches were performed for relevant articles. Results: Through a consensus-based approach, the group identified a number of emerging directions in image interpretation education. The following theory-based approaches will be discussed in this first part: whole-task learning, microlearning, perceptual learning, and adaptive learning. Conclusions: Compared to traditional methods, these theory-based approaches may enhance dermoscopy education by making learning more engaging and interactive and reducing the amount of time required to develop expert-level pattern recognition skills. Further exploration is needed to determine how these approaches can be seamlessly and successfully integrated to optimize dermoscopy education.

e12628 Background: Pathologic complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in early to locally advanced breast cancer has important prognostic implications with high cure rates. Understanding its associations with hereditary breast cancer mutations, specifically by mutation type and biomarkers, adds additional prognostic value. In this retrospective chart review, we investigated pCR rates among patients who have undergone genetic testing in a safety-net hospital comprised primarily of racial minorities. Methods: All patients at Smith Clinic (affiliated with the Harris County’s safety-net hospital system) with a diagnosis of stage I-III breast cancer who agreed to undergo genetic testing, were found to have a genetic mutation from October 1, 2009 to September 30, 2019, and received neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by lumpectomy or mastectomy were included. Demographic and clinical characteristics as well as post-operative pathologic data were collected. Results: 71 patients qualified for the analysis. 50 (70%) were Hispanic, and the median age was 42. 41 (58%) were BRCA1+, 13 (18.3%) were BRCA2+, and 12 (16.9%) were PALB2+. They ranged from stage I-III, with 49% falling in stage III. In terms of biomarker status, triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) comprised 35 (49%) patients, HER2+ 8 (11%), and ER+ and/or PR+ (HER2-) 28 (39%). 36 (51%) were treated with both neoadjuvant anthracycline and taxanes. pCR rates were highest among triple negative cancers (17, 48%). 16 (39%) of patients with a BRCA1 mutation achieved pCR, 5 (38.5%) of BRCA2 patients and 3 (25%) of PALB2 patients. RCB class by mutation type and biomarker status will be reported as well as a more detailed analysis of pCR by mutation status and biomarkers. Conclusions: In our population of primarily Hispanic patients, those with BRCA1, BRCA2, and PALB2 had the highest pCR rates. As expected, patients with TNBC had the highest pCR rates. More data in patients with germline mutations may help us determine prognosis and how to best treat these patients. [Table: see text]