bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oncology rapid assessment clinic and effect on ED visits.
Authors: Dreyer Marie S. , Paschall Marcus , Karrison Theodore , Polite Blase N.
Published: September 2021

258

Background: The use of the Emergency Department (ED) by oncology patients for lower acuity issues is common. Oncology Rapid Assessment Clinics (ORAC) may play a key role in reducing ED visits among oncology patients. We analyzed whether the advent of ORAC was associated with lower ED utilization by patients receiving cancer care at University of Chicago Medical Center (UCMC). Methods: UCMC opened its ORAC in March 2019 to provide supportive care and symptom management to cancer patients who needed acute medical issues addressed. To identify active cancer patients, we identified those that had either a forward or reverse 9 month rolling count of greater than or equal to 2 Outpatient Clinic Visits (complete or future). Of all those patients, we identified any ED visit made within the time period considered Pre-ORAC (6/2018-2/2019) and Post-ORAC (6/2019-2/2020). To determine effect of ORAC on ED utilization, we performed t-test comparison of rates. Results: A total of 9,043 unique patients were seen in the Pre-ORAC period and 8,753 in the Post-ORAC period. Predominant cancers seen in both periods were Breast, Lung/Head & Neck, GI, Lymphoma/Leukemia, GU, and Multiple Myeloma. The ED visit rate was 0.252 (2279/9043) in Pre-ORAC period and 0.237 (2075/8753) in the Post-ORAC period (p = 0.02). Conclusions: There was a decrease in ED visit rates for oncology patients cared for by UCMC in the immediate period after the opening of the ORAC clinic. More substantial declines are expected in the future as the capacity and efficiency of the ORAC clinic grows and the concept is socialized among cancer providers.
System-wide depression screening implementation in ambulatory oncology care: Key strategies and early implementation outcomes.
Authors: Huang Chao-Hui , Ryans Ehimwenma Judith , Otuada Mayowa , Allen Laquetta F , Taylor Richard A. , Rocque Gabrielle Betty
Published: September 2021

260

Background: Oncology Care Model (OCM) requires cancer programs to provide depression screening during each care episode to meet the quality measure benchmark of 85% screening rate. This quality improvement (QI) project aims to assess 1) key strategies to integrate system-wide depression screening into routine cancer care, and 2) early outcomes of depression screening implementation. Methods: A mixed-method study design was used to assess strategies to implement routine depression screening in a southeast comprehensive cancer center between July 2019 and December 2020. Two top high-volume hematological oncology clinics that covers sixty percent of ambulatory care participated in the depression screening implementation. Data were collected using 1) depression screening completion rate during OCM performance periods, 2) needs assessment to identify barriers and facilitators of implementation, and 3) semi-structured interviews to assess staff and provider feedback on sustainable implementation strategies. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis for quantitative outcomes and thematic analysis for qualitative outcomes. Results: A total of 64 hematological oncology providers (n = 22) and staff (n = 42) participated in the depression screening implementation training during three OCM performance periods. Depression screening rate of total ambulatory oncology care increased from 12% (OCM-PR 5, Jul-Dec 19), to 51% (OCM-PR 6, Jan-Jun 20) to 77% (OCM-PR 7, Jul-Dec 20) after the two top-volume clinics integrated depression screening into clinic intake process. Themes emerged from needs assessment revealed multi-level implementation strategies including 1) patient education and psycho-oncological care, 2) staff training and practice modification, 3) provider education & interdisciplinary Care, 4) leadership, administration, and staffing support, and 5) clinical informatics collaboration to build the infrastructure for integrating depression screen with clinic intake in the electronic medical record (EMR). Feedback from staff and provider interviews indicated high receptiveness and buy-in, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic to improve timely identification and triage of patients with depressive symptoms across all oncology care services. Conclusions: Depression screening is a key component of quality comprehensive cancer care that aims to provide timely identification and triage of cancer patients needing follow-up psychosocial care. Early implementation outcomes revealed significant improvement in depression screening completion rate after two clinics adopted depression screening into intake process. Further investigation is needed to refine system-wide implementation strategies across all ambulatory oncology sites and to assess long-term implementation outcomes meet the psychosocial care needs of cancer patients.
Improving oral chemotherapy compliance and documentation in a safety-net oncology clinic.
Authors: Hester Robert Harrison , Farmer Lindsey Leigh , Goswamy Rohit Vivek , Chen Natalie , Lee Sophia Seo-hyeon , Sember Quinne , Khwaja Raamis , Dash Akshar , Nguyen Daniel , Haddad Christina S. , Wiele Andrew James , Ma Hilary Y.
Published: September 2021

263

Background: Barriers to safe delivery of oral chemotherapy in a safety net hospital population include lack of health insurance, delays in medication delivery, and language barriers. Baseline chart review at the Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital oncology clinic revealed sparse documentation of oral chemotherapy education and compliance. Our team conducted the present quality improvement project to improve documentation of toxicity assessment, patient education, and compliance with the oral chemotherapy agents capecitabine, palbociclib, and sorafenib by 25% from October through December 2020. Methods: A set of standardized questions designed to assess for the above domains were generated in the form of an auto-populated electronic medical record phrase ("dot phrase," see Figure 1). Using weekly timed email notifications, physicians were reminded to incorporate these questions in their documentation during clinic visits. Chart review was performed to assess usage frequency of the dot phrase. A post-intervention survey was administered to assess providers' experience with use of the dot phrase, and assess barriers to consistent documentation. Results: 41 patients over 3 months were identified as taking the oral chemotherapy drugs capecitabine (68%), palbociclib (29%) or sorafenib (3%). 63% were non-English speakers. 49% had breast cancer, 39% GI cancers, and 12% other cancers. 12% of clinic visits correctly incorporated use of the dot phrase. Education on the dosing and schedule for oral chemo was addressed for 48% of patients, documentation of adverse effects was performed for 34% of patients, and assessment of medication adherence was documented for 22% of patients. While 73% of providers felt that documentation of oral chemotherapy compliance is important, 70% cited failure to remember to incorporate the dot phrase in real time as the primary reason for failure to use the dot phrase for oral chemotherapy documentation. Conclusions: Despite providers' view of documentation of oral chemotherapy toxicities and compliance as important, low uptake of the dot phrase was observed. The main barrier to use of the dot phrase was providers' forgetting to incorporate the dot phrase prior to and during their clinic charting. Future efforts should focus on automated reminders and regular assessments to increase compliance to this important quality domain. [Table: see text]
Evaluating the utility of rule OP-35 to define preventability of ED visits for oncology patients at an academic cancer center.
Authors: Manobianco Steven , Quinn Zachary L. , Csik Valerie Pracilio , Binder Adam F , Handley Nathan
Published: September 2021

272

Background: Rule OP-35, which characterizes treatment-related complications of patients receiving outpatient chemotherapy that result in a potentially avoidable emergency department (ED) visit or hospitalization, was developed to encourage practices to build treatment models that reduce such events. However, defining visits as potentially avoidable based on symptoms may not capture the complexity of caring for oncology patients. We aim to evaluate the effectiveness of OP-35 in identifying preventable ED visits by real world standards at an academic institution. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed reviewing ED visits at the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center (SKCC) at Thomas Jefferson University for oncology patients from 10/1/2020 to 1/31/2021. Each patient received care at SKCC had received intravenous or oral chemotherapy in the preceding 30 days, and each encounter was classified as potentially avoidable by OP-35 criteria. Two investigators independently conducted chart reviews to determine whether these visits were potentially avoidable, recording whether the patient attempted to contact their care team prior to the ED encounter and assessing if the concern could have been managed in a timely manner in an outpatient setting. The two records were then compared, and the principal investigator served as an arbiter for determining if a visit was potentially avoidable in instances where the investigators disagreed. Results: We reviewed 144 total encounters and excluded events from patients with either acute leukemia or breast cancer on hormone therapy only, leaving 107 encounters for analysis. After evaluating the clinical circumstances, we determined that 29% of these ED encounters were potentially avoidable. Applying New York University Emergency Department Algorithm (NYU-EDA) criteria, 69% of encounters were considered potentially avoidable. Patients called for advice before seeking ED care in 53% of unavoidable encounters compared to 26% of potentially avoidable encounters. An additional 14% of visits deemed unavoidable were from patients sent directly from clinic. For potentially avoidable encounters, 60% of patients were discharged directly from the ED. In comparison, 8% of unavoidable encounters led to discharge from the ED. Pain was the most common reason for encounters and 53% of these visits were considered potentially avoidable. Conclusions: We found that approximately 30% of ED encounters deemed avoidable by OP-35 criteria were considered potentially avoidable following clinician review. In the majority of cases patients were referred to the ED following initial outpatient attempts at management. NYU-EDA criteria for preventability did not correlate with OP-35 nor clinician consensus regarding potentially avoidable encounters. More work remains in refining tools to identify potentially avoidable ED visits for oncology patients.
Implementation of an EHR-embedded decision support tool in community oncology practices.
Authors: Maniago Rebecca , Richey Sylvia S. , DeVincenzo Sarah , Jou Stephanie , Linzmayer Robin , Donegan Janet , Calip Gregory Sampang , Altomare Ivy
Published: September 2021

274

Background: Clinical decision support (CDS) tools facilitate value based cancer care delivery and can enable measurement of guideline concordance, but can be challenging to implement. Flatiron Assist is an EHR-embedded and customizable CDS tool which facilitates selection and documentation of NCCN Guideline concordant and NCCN Preferred treatment regimens. We assessed performance metrics after the first year of use of this tool at eleven sites of care. Methods: We reviewed all non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment orders as entered at 11 community practice sites of care in the northeast and southeast US from launch May 15, 2020, through May 23, 2021. Use of the CDS tool is not mandatory at these practices, and is deployed via prescriber choice. The tool documents and reports various quality metrics. We describe monthly prevalence of the CDS tool use, proportion of orders documented as guideline concordant, and prescriber-reported reasons for non-concordance. Results: All 954 NSCLC treatment regimen orders by the 89 prescribers who had the option to use the CDS tool were analyzed during the 1 year observation period. 658 regimens (69%) were ordered via the tool. Table describes prescriber users and non-users over time. The tool was deployed for 60% of NSCLC orders at 2 months, 69% at 6 months and 78% at 1 year post launch. Over the observed time period, 92% of treatment regimens ordered via the tool were documented as guideline concordant (94% at 2 months, 96% at 6 months and 85% at 1 year post-launch). Prescriber-reported reasons for ordering non-concordant regimens were “physician choice” (59%), “patient status” (12%), “newly published evidence” (10%), “second opinion from outside institution” (9%), “financial burden on patient/insurance doesn’t cover” (5%), “patient choice” (2%) and “other (allergy, disease progression, atypical disease)” (3%). Conclusions: At the study sites, this EHR-embedded CDS tool was rapidly adopted by most prescribers (approximately two thirds within 6 months of launch), and used for the majority of NSCLC candidate order sets during the 1 year observation period. NCCN concordance among users was empirically high overall and declined slightly over time, perhaps due to increased usage and/or greater comfort with the optional tool with ongoing use. Prescribers most commonly self-attributed the selection of non-concordant therapy to “physician choice” as opposed to factors such as financial hardship or patient choice. Further research will characterize workflow time, predictors of non-use and non-concordant orders, and evaluate whether Flatiron Assist improves clinical outcomes.[Table: see text]
Evolving role of an oncology telehealth nurse at an NCI-designated cancer institute.
Authors: Natesan Divya , Old Helen Elizabeth Elizabeth , Emmons Aviva , Hatheway Emily , Zafar Yousuf , Palta Manisha
Published: September 2021

277

Background: Oncology telehealth (TH) services may improve access, mitigate care delays, and augment care in select settings. However, logistical and workflow barriers hinder the sustainable adoption of TH services by providers. We created a novel oncology TH nurse (OTN) position to address these barriers. Methods: An OTN was introduced into oncology provider groups (physician + advanced practice provider) in a staggered, opt-in fashion across the Duke Cancer Institute between 9/2020 and 12/2020. The OTN performed individualized interventions to decrease provider burden, improve TH workflows, and increase TH utilization. Specific interventions performed by the OTN were recorded. We monitored the primary outcome, TH utilization, as a proportion of all visits at baseline (month 0) and 3 months post-OTN intervention. Patient TH satisfaction surveys were reviewed at baseline and 3 months post-OTN intervention. Provider surveys were sent 3 months post-OTN intervention. Results: The OTN was implemented across 10 provider groups and 25 providers [gastrointestinal (GI) medical oncology (n = 10), thoracic medical oncology (n = 3), melanoma medical oncology (n = 3), adult bone marrow transplant (n = 2), lung cancer screening (n = 2), melanoma surgical oncology (n = 1), hematological malignancies (n = 1), head and neck medical oncology (n = 1), central nervous system radiation oncology (n = 1), and GI radiation oncology (n = 1)]. 25 providers utilized 1 or more OTN interventions: support for patients on the TH platform (n = 13), construction of TH clinic schedule templates (n = 6), creation of workflows to order and obtain outside imaging/labs (n = 5), provider TH education (n = 4), creation of Epic SmartPhrases (n = 4), and identifying patients appropriate for TH (n = 3). Baseline TH utilization was 15.6% of all visits, and 3-month post-OTN utilization was 23.8%. TH patient satisfaction data was available for 10 providers at baseline and 13 providers at 3 months post-OTN. Patients’ global approval rating of TH was 85.0% at baseline and 98.5% at month 3. 16/25 providers returned the post-intervention survey. Providers requested continued assistance from the OTN for supporting patients on the TH platform (43.5%), staff TH education (43.5%), provider TH education (25%), creation of SmartPhrases (25%), and creation of TH clinic templates (13%). Providers requested new additional OTN support to 1) order and retrieve imaging/laboratory tests for TH visits and 2) explore patients' willingness to undergo TH visits. Conclusions: OTN interventions were individualized to providers and evolved over time. While TH utilization was increased at 3 months post-OTN, it is possible that utilization was confounded by the dynamic COVID-19 pandemic and provider/patient preferences over time. Nevertheless, these results demonstrate feasibility of OTN implementation and provide support for this novel role in promoting TH services in oncology.
Assessment of patient satisfaction, financial, and environmental impacts of teleoncology.
Authors: Jiang Cindy , Strohbehn Garth William , Dedinsky Rachel , Raupp Shelby , Pannecouk Brittany , Yentz Sarah Elizabeth , Ramnath Nithya
Published: September 2021

278

Background: There was rapid adoption of teleoncology at Veterans Health Administration (VHA) during the COVID-19 pandemic. One-third of 9 million VHA-enrolled Veterans live in rural areas. While digital solutions can expand capacity, enhance care access, and reduce financial burden, they may also exacerbate rural-urban health disparities. Careful evaluation of patients’ perceptions and policy tradeoffs are necessary to optimize teleoncology post-pandemic. Methods: Patients with ≥1 teleoncology visit with medical, surgical, or radiation oncology between March 2020 and June 2020 identified retrospectively. Validated, Likert-type survey assessing patient satisfaction developed. Follow-up survey conducted on patients with ≥1 teleoncology visit from August 2020 to January 2021. Travel distance, time, cost, and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions calculated based on zip codes. Results: 100 surveys completed (response rate, 62%). Table with demographics. Patients overall satisfied with teleoncology (83% ‘Agree’ or ‘Strongly Agree’) but felt less satisfied than in-person visits (47% ‘Agree’ or ‘Strongly Agree’). Audiovisual component improved patient perception of involvement in care (two-sided, p = 0.0254), ability to self-manage health/medical needs (p = 0.0167), and comparability to in person visits (p = 0.0223). Follow-up survey demonstrated similar satisfaction. Total travel-related savings: 86,470 miles, 84,374 minutes, $49,720, and 35.5 metric tons of CO2. Conclusions: Veterans are broadly satisfied with teleoncology. Audiovisual capabilities are critical to satisfaction. This is challenging for rural populations with lack of technology access. Patients experienced financial and time savings, and society benefitted from reduced carbon emissions. Continued optimization needed to enhance patient experience and address secondary effects.[Table: see text]
Satisfaction with and recommendations to improve telehealth visits among adolescents and young adults with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Authors: Swartz Maria Chang , Roth Michael , George Goldy , Livingston J. Andrew Andrew , Wells Stephanie J. , Andersen Clark , Wang Jian , Peterson Susan K.
Published: September 2021

280

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted morbidity, mortality, and economic status globally. Adolescents and young adults (AYAs, age 15-39) with cancer may experience disparities in access to health care, compounded by social distancing and stay-at-home orders aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19. The use of telehealth platforms for clinical visits has accelerated rapidly due to policy changes during the pandemic. Telehealth may provide an avenue for accessing healthcare services among AYAs with cancer; yet, there are few data on AYAs’ preferences and satisfaction relating to telehealth. Our study examined telehealth utilization, satisfaction, preferences and future recommendations among AYAs with a cancer diagnosis. Methods: AYAs in active cancer treatment or in post-treatment survivorship completed an online questionnaire that assessed their experience with telehealth, including: satisfaction with the telehealth visit, likelihood of participating in a future telehealth visit, topics participants would like to discuss via telehealth, and open-ended comments regarding suggestions for improving future telehealth visits. Participants were recruited in two cohorts: a pre-vaccine cohort (September 2020 - January 2021) prior to availability of COVID-19 vaccines in Texas; and, a post-vaccine cohort (April 2021 - May 2021) after vaccine availability. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize preliminary findings. Results: Participants included 273 AYAs with cancer (mean age, 33.8 years old, 26% male, 73% non-Hispanic White, 11% in active treatment, 53% in post-vaccine cohort). Of 71.7% who participated in at least one telehealth visit, 50.9% were somewhat or very satisfied with their visit(s). Topics that all participants preferred to address via telehealth included: stress management (34%); sleep quality (31.7%); diet/nutrition (32.1%); and mental health (29.5%).Topics least preferred for telehealth included fertility counseling (16.7%) and sexual health (13.7%). Open-ended comments from participants highlighted the importance of healthcare providers taking time to listen to their concerns during their visits. Participants suggested that telehealth encounters can be improved by ensuring adequate time for the visit plus good video and audio quality, and using telehealth for follow-up visits rather than initial consultations. Conclusions: About half of AYAs who had participated in a telehealth visit indicated satisfaction with the visit(s). Findings indicated AYAs’ preferences for the types of topics that are most and least preferred to address in telehealth visits, as well as specific recommendations for improving the quality of visits. Consideration of AYAs’ preferences and recommendations in the ongoing implementation of telehealth may help improve patient satisfaction.
Serious illness conversation and end of life care utilization at an academic medical center.
Authors: Tompkins William P. , Ciunci Christine Agnes , Walker Suzanne , Patton Kelly , Schwartz Amy , Davella Christopher
Published: September 2021

29

Background: Hospice has been associated with improved quality of life for patients, cost savings, and reduction in caregiver-grief-related depression. While cancer patients make up a plurality of hospice utilizers nationally, many patients are only on hospice for a limited period (in Medicare patients, a median of 18 days). Studies suggest engaging cancer patients to discuss goals and priorities using the Serious Illness Conversation (SIC) Guide has a positive impact on prognostic understanding and end-of-life planning. More frequent utilization of SICs may prompt earlier enrollment of oncology patients in hospice when appropriate. Methods: We identified cancer patients enrolled in hospice at the Abramson Cancer Center at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center from 2019-2020 after all providers received SIC training. Patient demographics, cancer diagnosis, type of hospice (home versus inpatient), SIC usage, palliative care referral patterns and time on hospice were abstracted. Results: 104 patients were enrolled in hospice during the study period. The majority of patients were female (51%). 45% were Caucasian, and 31% were African American. The most common cancer diagnoses were thoracic (52%) and gastrointestinal (32%) malignancies. 85 patients (82%) were enrolled on home hospice and 19 patients (18%) inpatient hospice. Palliative care usage included 50 inpatient and 24 outpatient consultations; 30 patients (29%) in the cohort never utilized palliative care. 52 (50%) of patients did not have a SIC. 47% (40 patients) enrolled in home hospice had an SIC while 63% (12 patients) on inpatient hospice had an SIC. The median time interval between a patient’s SIC conversation and hospice enrollment was longer in home hospice patients (74 days) compared to inpatient hospice (33 days). Patients on home hospice spent an average of 44 days on hospice versus 2 days in the inpatient setting. Conclusions: Half of the patients at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center enrolled in hospice during the study period did not have an SIC, and 29% did not see palliative care prior to starting hospice. The median time from SIC initiation to hospice enrollment was significantly longer for patients on home hospice compared to inpatient hospice suggesting a need for earlier SIC interventions. Patients enrolled in inpatient hospice spent a considerably shorter period of time on hospice also underscoring the importance of earlier end of life planning. Our findings indicate a need for additional interventions to facilitate earlier SIC conversations in the outpatient setting and a demand for increased palliative care access.
Reasons for first-line maintenance therapy discontinuation among patients with newly diagnosed advanced ovarian cancer treated in real-world settings.
Authors: Liu Jinan , Thaker Premal H. , Sah Janvi , Maiese Eric M , Kalilani Linda , Mallampati Rajesh , Hurteau Jean , Chan John
Published: September 2021

290

Background: PARP inhibitor (PARPi) and bevacizumab have been integrated into the first-line (1L) maintenance therapy for patients (pts) with ovarian cancer (OC). However, due to adverse events, the rate of PARPi maintenance discontinuation was 12% in the SOLO1 clinical trial. We aimed to better understand the rate and cause of maintenance therapy discontinuation in real-world practice. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted using de-identified electronic health record (EHR)–derived data from the nationwide Flatiron Health electronic health database. From January 1, 2016, to February 29, 2020, data were obtained for pts with newly diagnosed stage III/IV epithelial OC who received primary debulking surgery followed by 6–9 cycles of 1L platinum-based chemo or neoadjuvant chemo followed by interval debulking surgery. Index date was the end of 1L systemic therapy. Results: Of 675 pts with stage III/IV OC who underwent primary systemic therapy, 144 (21.3%) received 1L maintenance therapy and were included in the analysis. Mean age was 65.0 y. Most pts were treated in community practice (93.1%), had ECOG score of 0–1 at diagnosis (81.3%), and were shown to be BRCA wild type (66.7%). Bevacizumab was the most common 1L maintenance therapy (n = 69, 47.9%), followed by olaparib (n = 46, 31.9%), paclitaxel (n = 18, 12.5%), rucaparib (n = 10, 6.9%), and gemcitabine (n = 1, 0.7%). Overall, 34 (23.6%) pts discontinued 1L maintenance therapy. The most common reason for discontinuation was disease progression (n = 19, 13.2%), followed by treatment-related toxicity (n = 13, 9.0%; Table). Of 56 pts who received PARPi (olaparib or rucaparib) 1L maintenance therapy, 21 (37.5%) pts discontinued treatment: 11 (19.6%) because of disease progression, 9 (16.0%) treatment-related toxicity, and 1 for other reasons. Conclusions: In pts with advanced OC who received 1L maintenance therapy in clinical practice, disease progression was the most common reason for maintenance therapy discontinuation. The rates of toxicity-related discontinuations were comparable with those reported in clinical trials.[Table: see text]
Real-world patterns and predictors of first-line maintenance use among patients with newly diagnosed advanced ovarian cancer: Is there an opportunity for change?
Authors: Liu Jinan , Thaker Premal H. , Sah Janvi , Maiese Eric M , Bee Oscar , Hurteau Jean , Chan John
Published: September 2021

294

Background: With the advent of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi), options for first-line (1L) maintenance therapy in ovarian cancer (OC) have evolved in the US. This study described the use of 1L maintenance and assessed predictors of 1L maintenance use among PARPi-eligible patients (pts) with OC in a real-world setting. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included pts with newly diagnosed stage III/IV epithelial OC who received 6–9 cycles of 1L platinum-based chemotherapy (PBC) and primary or interval debulking surgery following neoadjuvant chemotherapy between Jan 1, 2016, and Feb 29, 2020, from the nationwide Flatiron Health electronic health record–derived deidentified database. The end of the last cycle of 1L PBC was defined as the index date. Those pts who started second-line chemotherapy within 2 months of the index date were excluded. Logistic regression was used to analyze variables with regard to 1L maintenance use. Results: In total, 463 pts were included; 21% received maintenance therapy, 79% received active surveillance. Baseline characteristics are shown in the table. Overall maintenance therapy use increased over the study period, from 7.7% to 37.7%. Pts with BRCA wild type were significantly less likely to receive maintenance therapy (odds ratio [OR]: 0.30; 95% CI, 0.16–0.59) than pts with BRCA mutation. Pts treated in 2018 (OR: 2.73; 95% CI, 1.25–5.98) and 2019 (OR: 8.78; 95% CI, 4.15–18.55) were significantly more likely to receive maintenance therapy than pts treated in 2017. Age, race, practice type, ECOG score, and residual disease status were not significant predictors of 1L maintenance use. Conclusions: Nearly 40% of pts with advanced stage OC received upfront maintenance therapy with an increasing trend over time, particularly in those with biomarker guidance. Research is warranted toward addressing barriers to the appropriate use of maintenance therapy.[Table: see text]
Real-world comparison of febrile neutropenia rates with same-day versus next-day administration of pegfilgrastim.
Authors: Kitchen Kyle , Mosier Michael C.
Published: September 2021

299

Background: Febrile neutropenia (FN) is a common side effect of myelosuppressive chemotherapy. Per guidelines, prophylactic pegfilgrastim is to be given 24-72 hours after chemotherapy in each cycle, but administering pegfilgrastim within 24 hours of chemotherapy (same day) is commonly done to reduce the burden on patients (pts) and healthcare systems. The ideal timing is under debate in the supportive oncology care field, but an increasing body of knowledge supports same-day administration as an option. The objective of this study was to compare the incidence of FN after same-day vs next-day administration of pegfilgrastim in pts with cancer receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy. Methods: A real-world, retrospective study of electronic health records of pts treated at Utah Cancer Specialists (Salt Lake City, UT) between February 2018 and December 2020 was conducted. Pts included in the study had a diagnosis of breast cancer, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, or other cancers (eg. other lymphomas, prostate cancer); received a myelosuppressive chemotherapy regimen; and were administered either same-day or next-day prophylactic pegfilgrastim. FN was physician diagnosed; differences in FN incidence with same-day vs next-day pegfilgrastim were evaluated using a Chi-square test and Wald confidence limits. Results: 297 pts were included in this analysis. Most pts (63.6%) had a diagnosis of breast cancer, 23.6% had lymphoma, and 12.8% had other cancers. Pts received a broad range of chemotherapy regimens, with dose-dense doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide being the most common (43.4%). In cycle 1, pegfilgrastim administration timing was balanced between same-day (39.7% [118/297]) and next-day (60.3% [179/297]). The pegfilgrastim administration day changed in subsequent cycles in 27 pts (9.1%): 4 pts in the cycle 1 same-day group and 23 pts in the cycle 1 next-day group. In cycle 1, 7/117 pts (6.0%) in the same-day pegfilgrastim group and 12/180 (6.7%) pts in the next-day group experienced ≥1 episode of FN. Across all cycles, 11/118 pts (9.3%) in the same-day pegfilgrastim group and 16/179 (8.9%) pts in the next-day group experienced ≥1 episode of FN. The difference in incidence of FN between same-day vs next-day pegfilgrastim was not statistically significant in cycle 1 (0.68% [95% CI –5.0% to 6.3%]; P=.814) and across all cycles (–0.38% [95% CI –7.1% to 6.3%]; P=.910). Conclusions: The overall incidence of FN was low in this pt population receiving prophylactic pegfilgrastim, and no significant differences were detected between same-day and next-day pegfilgrastim administration. These data support the same-day administration of prophylactic pegfilgrastim.
Utilization and patient characteristics for the trastuzumab originator, biosimilars, and other HER2 inhibitors in the United States.
Authors: Nam Young Hee , Mendelsohn Aaron , Marshall James , Lin Nancy , Brown Jeffrey , McDermott Cara , Pawloski Pamala A. , Lockhart Catherine
Published: September 2021

308

Background: Biosimilars for trastuzumab, a HER2 inhibitor (HER2I), have been available for use in the US since in 2019, yet information on their utilization and patient characteristics is limited. We assessed utilization and patient characteristics for the trastuzumab originator, biosimilars, and other HER2Is in the US. Methods: We analyzed healthcare claims for 10/1/2016-up to 2/29/2020 (end date varied across health plans) from the Biologics and Biosimilars Collective Intelligence Consortium’s Distributed Research Network ( > 95 million persons) using the FDA’s Sentinel distributed analysis tools. We conducted descriptive analyses on the number of incident users and patients’ characteristics for each HER2I. Adults continuously enrolled in their health plan with medical and drug coverage ≥365 days (baseline period) prior to their incident HER2I use were eligible for analysis. Results: Of the incident users (incident to any HER2Is), we identified 6,631 originator trastuzumab users, 122 trastuzumab-anns, 116 ado-trastuzumab emtansine, 54 neratinib, and 54 lapatinib users. Trastuzumab-dkst and trastuzumab/hyaluronidase-oysk had < 11 users each. Mean age was the highest for trastuzumab/hyaluronidase-oysk (73.7 years; SD, 18.6) and similar between the trastuzumab originator and biosimilars (52.5-59.0). The number of incident users/100,000 person-years decreased for the trastuzumab originator from 13.5 in 2016 to 9.4 in 2020 and increased for trastuzumab-anns from 0.4 in 2019 to 4.9 in 2020. Of the baseline clinical characteristics examined, Charlson/Elixhauser comorbidity score was the highest for lapatinib (2.0), lowest for trastuzumab-dkst and neratinib (0.5), and similar between the trastuzumab originator (1.1) and trastuzumab-anns (1.3). The proportion of patients who received any chemotherapy during the baseline period was 38.9% for lapatinib, 18.5% for the trastuzumab originator, and 14.8% for trastuzumab-anns. The proportion of endocrine therapy users was the highest for neratinib (63.0%) and similar between the trastuzumab originator (11.1%) and trastuzumab-anns (10.7%). Among incident users with metastatic breast cancer, endocrine therapy receivers during the baseline period accounted for 19.3% for the trastuzumab originator and 69.6% for lapatinib. Conclusions: Though full data were not available for 2019-2020 for all health plans, these preliminary findings suggest that utilization of biosimilar trastuzumab-anns increased whereas the trastuzumab originator use decreased over time and that there is a variation in patient characteristics between HER2Is and by metastatic status while the characteristics were generally similar between the trastuzumab originator and trastuzumab-anns. We plan to conduct ongoing assessment of HER2I utilization as more data become available to help inform clinical practices and health policies.
Hospitalization burden and end-of-life (EOL) care in elderly patients with glioblastoma (GBM).
Authors: Donovan Laura , Buono Donna , Accordino Melissa Kate , Wright Jason Dennis , Lassman Andrew B. , Hershman Dawn L.
Published: September 2021

31

Background: GBM is associated with a poor prognosis and early death in elderly patients. Prior studies have demonstrated a high burden of hospitalization in this population. We sought to evaluate and examine trends in hospitalizations and EOL care in GBM survivors. Methods: Using SEER-Medicare linked data, we performed a retrospective observational cohort study of patients aged ≥ 65 years diagnosed with GBM from 2005-2017 who lived at least 6 months from the time of diagnosis. Aggressive EOL care was defined as: chemotherapy or radiotherapy within 14 days of death (DOD), surgery within 30 DOD, > 1 emergency department visit, ≥ 1 hospitalization or intensive care unit admission within 30 DOD; in-hospital death; or hospice enrollment ≤ 3 DOD. We evaluated age, race, ethnicity, marital status, gender, socioeconomic status, comorbidities, prior treatment and percentage of time hospitalized. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine factors associated with aggressive end of life care. Results: Of 5827 patients, 2269 (38.9%) survived at least 6 months. Among these, 1106 (48.7%) survived 6-12 months, 558 (24.6%) survived 12-18 months, and 605 (26.7%) survived > 18 months. Patients who survived 6-12 months had the highest burden of hospitalization and spent a median of 10.6% of their remaining life in the hospital compared to those surviving 12-18 months (5.4%) and > 18 months (3%) (P < 0.001). 10.1% of the cohort had claims for palliative care services; 49.8% of initial palliative care consults occurred in the last 30 days of life. Hospice claims existed in 83% with a median length of stay 33 days (IQR 12, 79 days). 30.1% of subjects received aggressive EOL care. Receiving chemo at any time (OR 1.510, 95% CI 1.221-1.867) and spending ≥ 20% of life in the hospital after diagnosis (OR 3.331, 95% CI 2.567-4.324) were associated with aggressive EOL care. Women (OR 0.759, 95% CI 0.624-0.922), patients with higher socioeconomic status (OR 0.533, 95% CI 0.342-0.829), and those diagnosed ≥ age 80 (OR 0.723, 95% CI 0.528-0.991) were less likely to receive aggressive EOL care. Race, ethnicity, marital status, and extent of initial resection were not associated with aggressive EOL care. Conclusions: A minority of elderly patients with GBM in the SEER-Medicare database survived ≥ 6 months; hospitalizations were common and patients spent a significant proportion of their remaining life hospitalized. Although hospice utilization was high in this cohort, 30% of patients received aggressive EOL care. Despite the aggressive nature of GBM, few patients had palliative care consults during their illness. Increased utilization of palliative care services may help reduce hospitalization burden and aggressive EOL care in this population.
Hospital admissions and place of death prior and during COVID-19: Real-world data from a Brazilian cancer center.
Authors: Nascimento Karla Lúcia Lucia , Philip Errol James , Sacchi Luana , Pereira Juliana , Nazario Jose , Matos Neto Joao Nunes , Bergerot Cristiane Decat , Lee David , Bergerot Paulo Gustavo
Published: September 2021

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Background: Treatment decisions for patients with cancer have changed during the COVID-19 pandemic due to the increased risk of infection among this population. In recognition of the impact of COVID-19 in Brazil, this study sought to explore the potential consequences of this disruption to oncology care by comparing the prevalence and place of death one year prior to the pandemic (January 2019 to February 2020) and during the pandemic (March 2020 to March 2021). Methods: Consecutive patients with cancer receiving treatment at a single institution located in the capital of Brazil were included in this analysis. Patients’ characteristics were collected via chart review: age, sex, histology, COVID-19, hospital admission and place of death. Chi-square analysis was used to determine differences among this sample of patients (pre-COVID-19 and during COVID-19). Results: We reviewed data from 3,833 patients (53% of patients during the pandemic). Patients’ characteristics were well balanced between both groups of patients. The proportion of patients with breast and prostate cancers increased (P < 0.01). Rates of hospital admission were similar between both timepoint, with reasons for hospital admission also similar: surgery (22% vs 19%, respectively) and pulmonary dysfunction (14% vs 19%, respectively); 9% were diagnosed with COVID-19 during the pandemic. Similarly, no differences were found among rates of deaths between samples (7%); 42% of patients pre-COVID were receiving supportive care, while 40% were during pandemic. The proportion of patients dying at home was the same among both groups (12%). A slight increase was observed for those dying in the ICU (45% vs 46%, respectively) or hospital (35% vs 36%, respectively). Pre-COVID-19, no patient has died in the emergency room, and during pandemic, 3% has died). Conclusions: A similar proportion of hospital admission and place of death were found between patients prior and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most patients died in institutional settings. Future studies are needed to better understand patient’s wishes and preferences and to develop strategies to improve communication surrounding death and dying.
A virtual tumor board platform: A way to enhance decision-making for complex malignancies.
Authors: Hopkins Steven , Vidri Roberto J , Hill Maureen , Vijayvergia Namrata , Farma Jeffrey M.
Published: September 2021

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Background: Multidisciplinary tumor boards (TBs) are crucial for optimal decision making and management of patients diagnosed with complex malignancies. The social distancing conditions imposed by COVID-19 presented an opportunity to assess the value of conducting virtual TBs compared to traditional in-person TBs. Methods: A retrospective analysis of multi-specialty attendance data from a NCI designated cancer center’s Gastrointestinal TB participants from September 2019 to October 2020 was performed. An online survey, containing 21 questions, assessing the virtual TB experience was sent to participants of all TBs across multiple specialties. Interrupted time series analysis was performed to evaluate the transition from in-person to virtual TBs. Results: The overall mean attendance for Gastrointestinal TB was 30 participants; this value increased from 23 to 34 attendees after instituting virtual TBs (p < 0.001). Increased attendance was observed among all participant categories: attending physicians (11 to 15 attendees, p < 0.001), fellows and residents (8 to 11, p < 0.001), supporting staff (3 to 6, p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the mean number of cases discussed between TB formats. The majority of the 141 survey respondents were attending physicians with > 20-year experience. Of all respondents, most supported a permanent virtual or hybrid TB format, 72.5% found this format to be more time efficient and just as productive, 85.8% found it easier to attend, and 56.7% believe it does not lead to greater distractions; most would not support a “cameras on” policy (65.2%). The majority (89.9%) also stated that confidence in the decision-making process was not affected by virtual interactions. Conclusions: A virtual platform for multi-specialty TBs allows for greater attendance without sacrificing the decision-making process. This survey supports continuing this virtual format, which may subsequently improve care and facilitate access to multidisciplinary discussions for patients.
U.S. health utility in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients harboring MET exon 14 (METex14) skipping mutations treated with tepotinib.
Authors: Paik Paul K. , Yang Mo , Knowles Emma , Hatswell Anthony , Vioix Helene , Liu Frank Xiaoqing
Published: September 2021

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Background: To complement the clinical findings, utilities were analyzed based on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) from VISION trial (Cohort A; data cut: July 1, 2020), a Phase II trial showed durable clinical activity of tepotinib in advanced NSCLC METex14+. Methods: The European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) and the EuroQol 5 Dimension 5 Level (EQ-5D-5L) questionnaires were completed at Day 1, every 6 weeks for 9 months, then every 12 weeks, for up to 30 days after the last tepotinib dose. The Quality of Life Utility Measure-Core 10 dimensions (QLE-C10D) and EQ-5D-5L utilities were derived using the utility algorithm from published literature and the US crosswalk, respectively. Utilities are preference-based, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) metrics expressed on a scale including 0 (dead) and 1 (full health). Linear mixed regression models were used to analyze utilities at baseline, pre-progression, and post-progression, and to understand the relationship between EQ-5D and QLE-C10D. Utilities were assessed by both independent review committee (IRC) and investigators. Results: Utilities were estimated for 150 of 152 pts, with 983 observations for EORTC and 907 for EQ-5D. Mean EORTC utilities increased after tepotinib initiation, from 0.691 at baseline to 0.722 in the IRC-assessed progression-free period, and decreased after progression (0.671). Consistent trends were identified when progression was based on investigator's assessment. Analyses of EQ-5D utilities yielded similar findings and utilities. The two questionnaires were generally highly correlated (Table). Prior treatment (yes/no; p=0.554), adenocarcinoma (p=0.881), or squamous histology (p=0.841) were not statistically significant predictors of EQ-5D utility, while progression status significantly predicted utility in all progression-based models (p≤0.002). Conclusions: VISION is the first trial of a MET inhibitor to provide data on PROs and utilities in NSCLC harboring METex14 skipping mutation. EORTC and EQ-5D (minimally important difference: 0.08) utilities show an increase in HRQoL from baseline during tepotinib treatment until progression. Utility with tepotinib did not vary by prior treatment status or histology. Clinical trial information: NCT02864992. [Table: see text]
COVID-19 and advance care planning: A unique opportunity.
Authors: Gessling Aliya , Rank Mary , Larson Deborah , Soloway Ann , Langston Jessica , Tran Quy
Published: September 2021

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Background: Advance Care Planning (ACP) is a process to document patient preferences for future health care. Conversations between healthcare providers, patients, and loved-ones are required to reflect a patient’s values, goals, and ultimately their choices for life-sustaining treatments (LST). The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the critical importance of these discussions and the need for improved patient engagement. Methods: As COVID-19 infections surged, the VA Northern California Health Care System (VA NCHCS) Hospice and Palliative Care Section (HPCS) partnered with Patient Aligned Care Teams to expand urgent outreach to high-risk patients needing LST documentation. High risk was defined as age > 80, COPD or asthma diagnosis, or Care Assessment Need Score > 80 (CAN Score models risk of hospitalization or death within 1 year). An experienced HPCS Nurse Practitioner (NP) contacted these identified patients to 1.) provide COVID-19 education, 2.) conduct a high-quality goals of care conversation, and 3.) complete LST documentation and other ACP needs. A representative cohort was then followed up to evaluate concordance of treatment with their documented preferences. Results: Between March 2020 and September 2020, 910 patients were identified as high risk. Of these patients, 294 agreed to participate in the telehealth visit and complete LST documentation. Importantly, 108 (37%) patients chose DNR and other LST limitations. In addition, 142 (48%) patients created POLST documentation and 128 (43%) completed Advance Directives. Over 70% of patients who were hospitalized in the VA received care concordant with the newly documented LST preferences. A follow up survey of 29 participants found the outreach impactful and their preferences documented correctly. Conclusions: Prior studies have demonstrated success at educating primary providers to conduct ACP discussions, but given the limitations imposed by COVID-19 restrictions, this novel and highly cost-effective process of coupling a highly trained HPCS NP with a primary care team to perform ACP was piloted with success. After only a single ACP discussion, patients were able to formalize their limits to treatment and subsequent care aligned with these preferences. Patients also found this focused ACP discussion meaningful. This pathway will be integrated within the VA NCHCS as a long-term approach to continued ACP outreach.