Abstract 4190: Current educational needs in the management of patients with advanced NSCLC: Results of a US case-based survey
Authors: Belcher Emily , Salinas Gregory D. , Renfroe Asa 
Published: April 2023

According to the American Cancer Society, over 80% of lung cancers present in the form of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study evaluated the current attitudes, practice patterns, and educational gaps of United States oncology clinicians to better understand clinician educational needs in the treatment of advanced NSCLC. A case-based survey was developed in collaboration with an expert in NSCLC. The survey was then evaluated by practicing clinicians within the target audience with experience managing patients with advanced NSCLC. The survey was programmed on a Web-based platform and fielded in March 2022. Study inclusion criteria consisted of clinicians who see at least 1 patient with NSCLC per month and at least 1% of NSCLC patients having advanced disease.

Responses were gathered from oncologists (n = 135), oncology nurse practitioners/physician associates (NPs/PAs) (n = 43), and oncology nurses (n = 52) for analysis. The most important factors regarding treatment choice for a patient with advanced NSCLC were overall and progression-free survival associated with the treatment regimen, response rate, and treatment safety profile. 90% of clinicians reported referring to clinical practice guidelines when managing patients with NSCLC, most commonly NCCN.

When managing patients with advanced NSCLC, clinicians reported being very comfortable monitoring for and managing the adverse effects of therapy as well as discussing the risks involved. Oncologists, but particularly NPs/PAs, were less comfortable determining optimal second and third-line treatment options. When presented with a second-line treatment patient case scenario, clinicians were split in their treatment approach—with 25% of oncologists, 30% of NPs/PAs, and 46% of nurses referring the patient for a clinical trial.

Oncologists’ and NPs/PAs’ top goal in managing and treating advanced NSCLC was to extend survival, whereas nurses prioritized maintaining quality of life. In terms of barriers to treatment, clinicians overall highlighted obtaining biomarker testing for diagnosis, adverse effects of available treatments, and managing adverse effects as most significant. Nurses considered lack of patient support systems, limitations to accessing care, and insurance status as the most significant barriers.​Oncologists were most interested in future education covering appropriate sequencing of treatment and new/emerging therapies. NPs/PAs were most likely to choose education on new/emerging treatments and side effects. Nurses demonstrated the most interest in side effects and oncology genetics.

Clinicians are requesting education on topics aligned with practice variation identified in this study. Once past initial management, there is little consensus on the most appropriate treatment to use. Expert opinion and guidance on progression of therapy is important for future education initiatives.

Citation Format: Emily Belcher, Gregory D. Salinas, Asa Renfroe. Current educational needs in the management of patients with advanced NSCLC: Results of a US case-based survey. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 4190.