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AHRQ Research Studies
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Research Studies is a compilation of published research articles funded by AHRQ or authored by AHRQ researchers.
Results
1 to 20 of 20 Research Studies DisplayedGolmakani MK, Hubbard RA, Miglioretti DL
Nonhomogeneous Markov chain for estimating the cumulative risk of multiple false positive screening tests.
This study addressed the general challenge of estimating the cumulative risk of multiple false positive test results. The authors proposed a nonhomogeneous multistate model to describe the screening process including competing events and developed alternative approaches for estimating the cumulative risk of multiple false positive results using this multistate model based on existing estimators for the cumulative risk of a single false positive. The multistate model was based on existing estimators for the cumulative risk of a single false positive. They compared the performance of the newly proposed models through simulation studies and illustrated model performance using data on screening mammography from the Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium. They found that in the context of screening mammography that the cumulative risk of multiple false positive results is high. For a high-risk individual, the cumulative probability of at least two false positive mammography results after 10 rounds of annual screening is 40.4.
AHRQ-funded; HS018366.
Citation: Golmakani MK, Hubbard RA, Miglioretti DL .
Nonhomogeneous Markov chain for estimating the cumulative risk of multiple false positive screening tests.
Biometrics 2022 Sep;78(3):1244-56. doi: 10.1111/biom.13484..
Keywords: Research Methodologies, Screening, Imaging, Cancer: Breast Cancer, Cancer
Erim DO, Bennett AV, Gaynes BN
Mapping the Memorial Anxiety Scale for Prostate Cancer to the SF-6D.
The purpose of this study was to create a crosswalk that predicts Short Form 6D (SF-6D) utilities from Memorial Anxiety Scale for Prostate Cancer (MAX-PC) scores. Findings showed that this study provided a crosswalk that converts MAX-PC scores to SF-6D utilities for economic evaluation of clinically significant prostate cancer-related anxiety treatment options for prostate cancer survivors.
AHRQ-funded; 29020050040I.
Citation: Erim DO, Bennett AV, Gaynes BN .
Mapping the Memorial Anxiety Scale for Prostate Cancer to the SF-6D.
Qual Life Res 2021 Oct;30(10):2919-28. doi: 10.1007/s11136-021-02871-9..
Keywords: Cancer: Prostate Cancer, Cancer, Research Methodologies
Franc BL, Thombley R, Luo Y
Using diagnosis codes in claims data to identify cohorts of breast cancer patients following initial treatment.
This article describes how researchers trying to study patterns of care and medical service utilization can use diagnosis codes to help identify patients who had undergone initial breast cancer treatment during the first 5 years after treatment for the primary cancer. The authors used claims data of 51,278 newly diagnosed breast cancer (BC) patients from the BC subset of the 2000-2014 SEER-Medicare linked database. From that database they determined the fraction of BC patients who could be identified using BC-specific does 174.x and v10.3 during the year of diagnosis/treatment and during each of the following 5 years after treatment. They then developed a list of diagnosis codes that were found more often in claims from BC patients than in claims of a cohort of patients without a BC diagnosis. They were able to identify BC patients as belonging to 5 different subgroups. In any single year 72.8-99.1% of BC patients had a claim with a174.x diagnosis code. Another 0-11% of BC patients had a v10.3 code. From their findings they concluded that BC patients can be robustly identified within claims databases.
AHRQ-funded; HS024936.
Citation: Franc BL, Thombley R, Luo Y .
Using diagnosis codes in claims data to identify cohorts of breast cancer patients following initial treatment.
Breast J 2020 Jul;26(7):1472-74. doi: 10.1111/tbj.13758..
Keywords: Cancer: Breast Cancer, Cancer, Diagnostic Safety and Quality, Women, Research Methodologies
Cunningham-Erves J, Barajas C, Mayo-Gamble TL
Formative research to design a culturally-appropriate cancer clinical trial education program to increase participation of African American and Latino communities.
This study’s goal was to address knowledge deficiencies about cancer clinical trials and biospecimen donation that can potentially improve participation among racial and ethnic minorities. The researchers included community-based organization (CBO) leaders as research team members, conducted focus groups and cognitive interviews with community members as reviewers/consultants, and interacted with two community advisory groups. Five focus group themes were identified. A final program consisted of two versions (English and Spanish) of a culturally-appropriate slide presentation with speaker notes and videos that represent community member and researcher testimonials. It is hoped these findings will help promote cancer clinical trial participation among African Americans and Latinos.
AHRQ-funded; HS026122.
Citation: Cunningham-Erves J, Barajas C, Mayo-Gamble TL .
Formative research to design a culturally-appropriate cancer clinical trial education program to increase participation of African American and Latino communities.
BMC Public Health 2020 Jun 3;20(1):840. doi: 10.1186/s12889-020-08939-4..
Keywords: Cancer, Racial and Ethnic Minorities, Cultural Competence, Research Methodologies, Disparities
Norton WE, Zwarenstein M, Czajkowski S
AHRQ Author: Kato E
Building internal capacity in pragmatic trials: a workshop for program scientists at the US National Cancer Institute.
This article describes a workshop put together by the authors for program scientists at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to help them become better researchers and stewards of research funds. The workshop got good reviews from the attendees and many felt it will help them develop funding opportunities and advise grantees.
AHRQ-authored.
Citation: Norton WE, Zwarenstein M, Czajkowski S .
Building internal capacity in pragmatic trials: a workshop for program scientists at the US National Cancer Institute.
Trials 2019 Dec 27;20(1):779. doi: 10.1186/s13063-019-3934-y..
Keywords: Research Methodologies, Health Services Research (HSR), Cancer, Healthcare Delivery
Kunst NR, Alarid-Escudero F, Paltiel AD
A value of information analysis of research on the 21-gene assay for breast cancer management.
The authors aimed to quantify the value of conducting further research to reduce decision uncertainty in the use of the 21-gene assay Oncotype DX (21-GA). They found that current evidence strongly supports the use of the 21-GA in intermediate- and high-risk women and recommended that further research focus on low-risk women.
AHRQ-funded; HS023900.
Citation: Kunst NR, Alarid-Escudero F, Paltiel AD .
A value of information analysis of research on the 21-gene assay for breast cancer management.
Value Health 2019 Oct;22(10):1102-10. doi: 10.1016/j.jval.2019.05.004..
Keywords: Genetics, Cancer: Breast Cancer, Cancer, Shared Decision Making, Research Methodologies
Istl AC, Ruck JM, Morris CD
Call for improved design and reporting in soft tissue sarcoma studies: a systematic review and meta-analysis of chemotherapy and survival outcomes in resectable STS.
Researchers completed a meta-analysis of chemotherapy in localized STS, assessing OS, PFS, and local and distant recurrence. They found no benefit of chemotherapy over locoregional therapy alone for all-comers or site-specific STS. Recommendations to improve outcome reporting and quality indices are suggested.
AHRQ-funded; HS024736.
Citation: Istl AC, Ruck JM, Morris CD .
Call for improved design and reporting in soft tissue sarcoma studies: a systematic review and meta-analysis of chemotherapy and survival outcomes in resectable STS.
J Surg Oncol 2019 Jun;119(7):824-35. doi: 10.1002/jso.25401..
Keywords: Cancer, Treatments, Evidence-Based Practice, Mortality, Outcomes, Research Methodologies
Millar MM, Kinney AY, Camp NJ
Predictors of response outcomes for research recruitment through a central cancer registry: evidence from 17 recruitment efforts for population-based studies.
The authors conducted multivariable mixed-effects logistic regression to identify case and study characteristics associated with making contact with and obtaining cooperation of Utah cancer cases. They found that characteristics associated with lower odds of contact included Hispanic ethnicity, nonwhite race, and younger age at contact. Years since diagnosis was inversely associated with making contact. Increased odds of cooperation were associated with including a questionnaire, postage stamps, and incentives. They concluded that obtaining high response is challenging, but study features identified in this analysis support better results when recruiting through central cancer registries.
AHRQ-funded; HS019356; HS022640.
Citation: Millar MM, Kinney AY, Camp NJ .
Predictors of response outcomes for research recruitment through a central cancer registry: evidence from 17 recruitment efforts for population-based studies.
Am J Epidemiol 2019 May;188(5):928-39. doi: 10.1093/aje/kwz011..
Keywords: Cancer, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research, Evidence-Based Practice, Registries, Outcomes, Research Methodologies
Horiguchi M, Tian L, Uno H
Quantification of long-term survival benefit in a comparative oncology clinical study.
The authors discuss the quantification of long-term survival benefit in a comparative oncology clinical study. They assert that from the perspective of cost-risk-benefit, using a long-term survival benefit criterion for selecting anticancer therapies may be more appropriate.
AHRQ-funded; HS022193.
Citation: Horiguchi M, Tian L, Uno H .
Quantification of long-term survival benefit in a comparative oncology clinical study.
JAMA Oncol 2018 Jun;4(6):881-82. doi: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2018.0518..
Keywords: Cancer, Comparative Effectiveness, Outcomes, Research Methodologies
Uno H, Claggett B, Tian L
Adding a new analytical procedure with clinical interpretation in the tool box of survival analysis.
The authors discuss the measures that are routinely used to quantify survival time in long-term comparative oncology trials. They discuss progression-free survival or overall survival time which is often the study endpoint, as well as the hazard ratio (HR) which has been utilized to quantify the between-group difference in survival analysis.
AHRQ-funded; HS022193.
Citation: Uno H, Claggett B, Tian L .
Adding a new analytical procedure with clinical interpretation in the tool box of survival analysis.
Ann Oncol 2018 May;29(5):1092-94. doi: 10.1093/annonc/mdy109..
Keywords: Research Methodologies, Cancer
Reimer T, Lee SJC, Garcia S
Cancer center clinic and research team perceptions of identity and interactions.
The purpose of this study was to determine perceptions of roles of cancer center clinic and research teams. The researchers developed and administered survey to research and clinic staff at a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center. Although there are many similarities between clinic and research teams, the researchers also identified key differences, including perceptions of goal clarity and sharing, understanding and alignment with cancer center goals, and importance of outcomes.
AHRQ-funded; HS022418.
Citation: Reimer T, Lee SJC, Garcia S .
Cancer center clinic and research team perceptions of identity and interactions.
J Oncol Pract 2017 Dec;13(12):e1021-e29. doi: 10.1200/jop.2017.024349..
Keywords: Cancer, Patient-Centered Healthcare, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research, Research Methodologies
Pak K, Uno H, Kim DH
Interpretability of cancer clinical trial results using restricted mean survival time as an alternative to the hazard ratio.
To discuss issues of conventional trial design and analysis and to present alternatives to the hazard ratio (HR) using a recent immunotherapy study as an illustrative example. The investigators suggest that the design and analysis of a conventional cancer clinical trial can be improved by adopting a robust statistical procedure that enables clinically meaningful interpretations of the treatment effect.
AHRQ-funded; HS022193.
Citation: Pak K, Uno H, Kim DH .
Interpretability of cancer clinical trial results using restricted mean survival time as an alternative to the hazard ratio.
JAMA Oncol 2017 Dec;3(12):1692-96. doi: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2017.2797..
Keywords: Cancer, Research Methodologies
Kelly G, Wang SY, Lucas G
Facilitating meaningful engagement on community advisory committees in patient-centered outcome research.
In this study, the investigators conducted a process evaluation of ongoing activities of a Patient Advisory Committee (PAC) formed around the development of an individualized decision aid for older women with early stage breast cancer. They indicated that their results suggested that engaging committee members in a process of evaluation and collective reflection during a research collaboration can break down barriers to collaboration, build relationships, create opportunities for co-learning and strengthen researchers' capacity to engage meaningfully with stakeholders.
AHRQ-funded; HS023900.
Citation: Kelly G, Wang SY, Lucas G .
Facilitating meaningful engagement on community advisory committees in patient-centered outcome research.
Prog Community Health Partnersh 2017;11(3):243-51. doi: 10.1353/cpr.2017.0029..
Keywords: Cancer, Cancer: Breast Cancer, Patient-Centered Healthcare, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research, Research Methodologies
Wang WJ, Robertson JC, Basu A
Burden of illness and research investments in translational sciences for pharmaceuticals in metastatic cancers.
This study explored whether investments in translational sciences for six metastatic cancers follow idiosyncratic returns to those investments rather than levels of burden of illness (BI). It concluded that investments in trials were positively associated only with contemporary changes in BI (2008-2014). The relationship was stronger for government-sponsored comparative-effectiveness trials than for industry.
AHRQ-funded; HS022982.
Citation: Wang WJ, Robertson JC, Basu A .
Burden of illness and research investments in translational sciences for pharmaceuticals in metastatic cancers.
J Comp Eff Res 2017 Jan;6(1):15-24. doi: 10.2217/cer-2016-0021.
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Keywords: Cancer, Comparative Effectiveness, Medication, Research Methodologies
Ma X, Chen Y, Cole SR
A hybrid Bayesian hierarchical model combining cohort and case-control studies for meta-analysis of diagnostic tests: accounting for partial verification bias.
In this paper, the authors proposed a novel hybrid Bayesian hierarchical model combining cohort and case-control studies while simultaneously correcting partial verification bias. They presented two case studies on assessing the diagnostic accuracy of gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in detecting lymph node metastases and of adrenal fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography in characterizing adrenal masses.
AHRQ-funded; HS022900.
Citation: Ma X, Chen Y, Cole SR .
A hybrid Bayesian hierarchical model combining cohort and case-control studies for meta-analysis of diagnostic tests: accounting for partial verification bias.
Stat Methods Med Res 2016 Dec;25(6):3015-37. doi: 10.1177/0962280214536703.
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Keywords: Cancer, Diagnostic Safety and Quality, Imaging, Research Methodologies
Patel HD, Iyoha E, Pierorazio PM
A systematic review of research gaps in the evaluation and management of localized renal masses.
The authors conducted a systematic review to summarize research gaps for the evaluation of composite models for predicting malignancy; use of percutaneous renal sampling for diagnosis; and comparative effectiveness of surgery, thermal ablation, and active surveillance. They recommended incorporation of emerging biomarkers into validated composite models, standardization of biopsy protocols, standard reporting of clinical stage, and performance of prospective studies with objective selection criteria.
AHRQ-funded; 290201200007I.
Citation: Patel HD, Iyoha E, Pierorazio PM .
A systematic review of research gaps in the evaluation and management of localized renal masses.
Urology 2016 Dec;98:14-20. doi: 10.1016/j.urology.2016.08.013.
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Keywords: Cancer, Evidence-Based Practice, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research, Quality Indicators (QIs), Research Methodologies
Kenzik KM, Kent EE, Martin MY
Chronic condition clusters and functional impairment in older cancer survivors: a population-based study.
The purpose of this study was to identify chronic condition clusters at pre- and post-cancer diagnosis, evaluate predictors of developing clusters post-cancer, and examine the impact on functional impairment among older cancer survivors. It found that distinct condition clusters of two or more chronic conditions are prevalent among older cancer survivors. Cluster prevalence increases from pre- to post-cancer diagnosis.
AHRQ-funded; HS023009; HS013852.
Citation: Kenzik KM, Kent EE, Martin MY .
Chronic condition clusters and functional impairment in older cancer survivors: a population-based study.
J Cancer Surviv 2016 Dec;10(6):1096-103. doi: 10.1007/s11764-016-0553-4.
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Keywords: Chronic Conditions, Cancer, Elderly, Research Methodologies, Health Status
Liu L, Huang X, Yaroshinsky A
Joint frailty models for zero-inflated recurrent events in the presence of a terminal event.
The authors proposed two joint frailty models for zero-inflated recurrent events in the presence of a terminal event, combining a logistic model for "structural zero" status and a joint frailty proportional hazards model for recurrent and terminal event times. They applied the two methods to model recurrent opportunistic diseases in the presence of death in an AIDS study and tumor recurrences and a terminal event in a sarcoma study.
AHRQ-funded; HS020263.
Citation: Liu L, Huang X, Yaroshinsky A .
Joint frailty models for zero-inflated recurrent events in the presence of a terminal event.
Biometrics 2016 Mar;72(1):204-14. doi: 10.1111/biom.12376.
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Keywords: Cancer, Data, Research Methodologies
Gerber DE, Pruitt SL, Halm EA
Should criteria for inclusion in cancer clinical trials be expanded?
The authors argue that the time is right to take a more evidence-based approach to assessing the validity of many traditional exclusion criteria for cancer clinical trials. Furthermore, for investigators, it is critically important that their selection of inclusion and exclusion criteria be thoughtful, deliberate and justified. To accomplish this, they will need to use an array of methodological approaches to assess their validity and impact.
AHRQ-funded; HS022418.
Citation: Gerber DE, Pruitt SL, Halm EA .
Should criteria for inclusion in cancer clinical trials be expanded?
J Comp Eff Res 2015;4(4):289-91. doi: 10.2217/cer.15.27..
Keywords: Evidence-Based Practice, Research Methodologies, Cancer, Comparative Effectiveness, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research
Boland MR, Miotto R, Gao J
Feasibility of feature-based indexing, clustering, and search of clinical trials. A case study of breast cancer trials from ClinicalTrials.gov.
Searching through a large collection of clinical trials using existing technology is a daunting task. This study extracted 1,437 eligibility features from 80 stage III breast cancer clinical trials and found that it is feasible to develop feature-based indexing and clustering methods for clinical trials to identify trials with similar target populations and to improve trial search efficiency.
AHRQ-funded; HS019853.
Citation: Boland MR, Miotto R, Gao J .
Feasibility of feature-based indexing, clustering, and search of clinical trials. A case study of breast cancer trials from ClinicalTrials.gov.
Methods Inf Med. 2013;52(5):382-94. doi: 10.3414/ME12-01-0092..
Keywords: Cancer: Breast Cancer, Cancer, Research Methodologies