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BackgroundPromoter methylation of the DNA repair gene, O-6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT), is associated with improved treatment outcome for newly diagnosed glioblastoma (GBM) treated with standard chemoradiation. To determine the prognostic significance of MGMT protein expression as assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and its relationship with methylation, we analyzed MGMT expression and promoter methylation with survival in a retrospective patient cohort.MethodsWe identified 418 patients with newly diagnosed GBM at University of California Los Angeles Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles, nearly all of whom received chemoradiation, and determined MGMT expression by IHC, and MGMT promoter methylation by methylation-specific PCR (MSP) and bisulfite sequencing (BiSEQ) of 24 neighboring CpG sites.ResultsWith use of the median percentage of cells staining by IHC as the threshold, patients with

Introduction: The recent increase in non-directed donors (NDDs) in the United States (U.S.) may help reduce the overwhelming number of patients on the waitlist. However, non-directed donation may be limiting its full potential. Out-of-pocket donation costs upward of $8,000 may be a barrier to potential donors with altruistic tendencies, but inadequate financial support. This study aimed to describe the financial concerns of 31 U.S. NDDs. Methods: We conducted qualitative interviews and administered quantitative demographic surveys between April 2013 and April 2015. Interview transcripts were analyzed using grounded theory techniques to describe and expand on themes relevant to the NDD experience. Findings: We identified 4 sub-themes related to the theme of financial concerns: (1) direct costs related to transportation, lodging, and parking, (2) indirect costs of lost wages encountered from taking time off work to recover from surgery, (3) sources of financial support, and (4) suggestions for alleviating donor financial burden. Two thirds of participants (20) expressed concerns about direct and indirect donation costs. 11 NDDs reported the negative impact of direct costs,15 NDDs had concerns about indirect costs; only 7 donors received supplemental financial support from state mandates and transplant programs. Discussion: Understanding the financial concerns of NDDs may guide improvements in the NDD donation experience that could support individuals who are interested in donating but lack the financial stability to donate. Removing financial disincentives may help increase nondirected donation rates, increase the living donor pool, and the number of kidneys available for transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]