Targeted therapies in cholangiocarcinoma: Assessment of US oncologist practice patterns.

2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (3_suppl) ◽  
pp. 347-347
Author(s):  
Kinjal Parikh ◽  
Davecia Ragoonath Cameron ◽  
Tristin Abair ◽  
Patrick Kugel ◽  
Arndt Vogel

347 Background: Chemotherapy is a mainstay treatment modality for patients with advanced cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Recent developments and new approvals have led to changing paradigms, incorporating the use of targeted therapies for patients with progressive disease. Given the need for a greater understanding of the molecular alterations, varying targets, and available and emerging therapies, education is needed to assess knowledge regarding these recent advances in unresectable CCA. The goal of this activity was to increase the knowledge of self-assess the learning needs of oncologists in treating patients with unresectable CCA. Methods: The education included 25 multiple choice questions in a continuing medical education (CME)-certified clinical practice assessment to assess practice gaps. The questions were designed to measure knowledge, competence, confidence, and attitudes of oncologists regarding clinical evidence, role of molecular testing, and place in the treatment paradigm for targeted therapies in unresectable CCA. The self-assessment was made available online to physicians as a learning tool to gain foundational knowledge, as well as receive feedback about their performance as compared to other test-takers, to improve self-awareness of their own personal educational gaps. The activity launched 6/24/20, and data are reported through 8/31/20. Results: A total of 1,009 learners, including 758 physicians, participated in the activity. Of the 104 oncologists that participated, a majority practiced in the community setting, saw patients with a range of cancers, and were not confident about using targeted therapies or recognizing targets for biomarker testing. Oncologists demonstrated the following gaps related to: NGS sequencing and biomarkers: 21% do not use; 32% use upon progressive disease; 35% did not realize that not all panels detect FGFR2 fusions; 20% do not test for biomarkers; 29% and 56% test for IDH or FGFR, respectively; 60% recognize the incidence of IDH1 mutations; Clinical trial (FIGHT202 and ClarIDHy): 45% were able to identify biomarker eligibility for pemigatinib; 9% were able to identify pemigatinib OS outcomes; 30% were able to recognize most common grade 3 AE of pemigatinib; 51% recognized the PFS endpoint with ivosidenib; 34% were able to identify eligibility for ivosidenib; 55% recognized most common AEs of ivosidenib. Conclusions: This CME-certified clinical practice assessment identified gaps in knowledge, competence, and confidence regarding testing and use of targeted therapies and emerging data in patients with unresectable CCA. As new data emerges and the number of targets and targeted therapies expand, continued education remains important to continue to optimize patient care.

Author(s):  
Aaron C. Tan ◽  
Daniel S. W. Tan

Lung cancer has traditionally been classified by histology. However, a greater understanding of disease biology and the identification of oncogenic driver alterations has dramatically altered the therapeutic landscape. Consequently, the new classification paradigm of non–small-cell lung cancer is further characterized by molecularly defined subsets actionable with targeted therapies and the treatment landscape is becoming increasingly complex. This review encompasses the current standards of care for targeted therapies in lung cancer with driver molecular alterations. Targeted therapies for EGFR exon 19 deletion and L858R mutations, and ALK and ROS1 rearrangements are well established. However, there is an expanding list of approved targeted therapies including for BRAF V600E, EGFR exon 20 insertion, and KRAS G12C mutations, MET exon 14 alterations, and NTRK and RET rearrangements. In addition, there are numerous other oncogenic drivers, such as HER2 exon 20 insertion mutations, for which there are emerging efficacy data for targeted therapies. The importance of diagnostic molecular testing, intracranial efficacy of novel therapies, the optimal sequencing of therapies, role for targeted therapies in early-stage disease, and future directions for precision oncology approaches to understand tumor evolution and therapeutic resistance are also discussed.


2011 ◽  
Vol 135 (5) ◽  
pp. 622-629 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanja Dacic

Abstract Context.—The development of targeted therapies in the treatment of lung carcinoma is a rapidly growing area that requires a precise histologic classification of lung carcinomas and the implementation into clinical practice of testing for predictive biomarkers of therapy response. Molecular testing has added another layer of complexity in the routine workup of rather limited diagnostic tumor tissue. Objective.—To review the most important lung carcinoma biomarkers predictive of response and to discuss proposed routine molecular testing in clinical practice. Data Sources.—PubMed (US National Library of Medicine)–available review articles, peer-reviewed original articles, and experience of the author. Conclusions.—Histologic profile, clinical characteristics, and mutational profile of lung carcinoma have all been reported as predictive factors of response to epidermal growth factor receptor–tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) and other targeted therapies. Recently published results of large clinical trials indicate that mutational profiling, particularly identification of activating epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations, is the best predictor for EGFR-TKI response. Despite all these observations, molecular profiling of lung carcinomas has not been standardized or validated in clinical practice. Rapid development of targeted therapies will probably require molecular testing for a panel of mutations to identify molecular subtypes of non–small cell lung carcinomas that will benefit from new therapeutic approaches in personalized patient care.


Author(s):  
Martin E. Atkinson

Anatomy for Dental Students, Fourth Edition, demonstrates and explains all the anatomy needed for a modern dentistry undergraduate course. This text covers developmental anatomy, the thorax, the central nervous system, and the head and neck with an emphasis on the practical application of anatomical knowledge. This new edition has been extensively revised and updated in line with contemporary teaching and dental practice. Over 300 new full color diagrams map all the anatomical regions that dental students need to know, while the lively and accesible text guides the reader's learning. Throughout Clinical Application Boxes demonstrate how the form and function of anatomy have consequences for clinical practice. Sidelines boxes contain additional descriptions for key anatomical structures. This text is supported by an Online Resource Centre with multiple choice questions, drag and drop figure exercises, and links to key resources to help readers to consolidate and extend their knowledge of anatomy. Anatomy for Dental Students brings together anatomical structure, function, and their relationship to clinical practice, making it ideal for dental students.


2019 ◽  
pp. 1-18
Author(s):  
Olga Kondrashova ◽  
Gwo-Yaw Ho ◽  
George Au-Yeung ◽  
Leakhena Leas ◽  
Tiffany Boughtwood ◽  
...  

PURPOSE The ALLOCATE study was designed as a pilot to demonstrate the feasibility and clinical utility of real-time targeted molecular profiling of patients with recurrent or advanced ovarian cancer for identification of potential targeted therapies. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 113 patients with ovarian cancer of varying histologies were recruited from two tertiary hospitals, with 99 patient cases suitable for prospective analysis. Targeted molecular and methylation profiling of fresh biopsy and archived tumor samples were performed by screening for mutations or copy-number variations in 44 genes and for promoter methylation of BRCA1 and RAD51C. RESULTS Somatic genomic or methylation events were identified in 85% of all patient cases, with potentially actionable events with defined targeted therapies (including four resistance events) detected in 60% of all patient cases. On the basis of these findings, six patients received molecularly guided therapy, three patients had unsuspected germline cancer–associated BRCA1/ 2 mutations and were referred for genetic counseling, and two intermediate differentiated (grade 2) serous ovarian carcinomas were reclassified as low grade, leading to changes in clinical management. Additionally, secondary reversion mutations in BRCA1/ 2 were identified in fresh biopsy samples of two patients, consistent with clinical platinum/poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor resistance. Timely reporting of results if molecular testing is done at disease recurrence, as well as early referral for patients with platinum-resistant cancers, were identified as factors that could improve the clinical utility of molecular profiling. CONCLUSION ALLOCATE molecular profiling identified known genomic and methylation alterations of the different ovarian cancer subtypes and was deemed feasible and useful in routine clinical practice. Better patient selection and access to a wider range of targeted therapies or clinical trials will further enhance the clinical utility of molecular profiling.


2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (28_suppl) ◽  
pp. 14-14
Author(s):  
Charu Aggarwal ◽  
Melina Elpi Marmarelis ◽  
Wei-Ting Hwang ◽  
Dylan G. Scholes ◽  
Aditi Puri Singh ◽  
...  

14 Background: Current NCCN guidelines recommend comprehensive molecular profiling for all newly diagnosed patients with metastatic non-squamous NSCLC to enable the delivery of personalized medicine. We have previously demonstrated that incorporation of plasma based next-generation gene sequencing (NGS) improves detection of clinically actionable mutations in patients with advanced NSCLC (Aggarwal et al, JAMA Oncology, 2018). To increase rates of comprehensive molecular testing at our institution, we adapted our clinical practice to include concurrent use of plasma (P) and tissue (T) based NGS upon initial diagnosis. P NGS testing was performed using a commercial 74 gene assay. We analyzed the impact of this practice change on guideline concordant molecular testing at our institution. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of patients with newly diagnosed metastatic non-squamous NSCLC following the implementation of this practice change in 12/2018 was performed. Tiers of NCCN guideline concordant testing were defined, Tier 1: complete EGFR, ALK, BRAF, ROS1, MET, RET, NTRK testing, Tier 2: included above, but with incomplete NTRK testing, Tier 3: > 2 genes tested, Tier 4: single gene testing, Tier 5: no testing. Proportion of patients with comprehensive molecular testing by modality (T NGS vs. T+P NGS) were compared using one-sided Fisher’s exact test. Results: Between 01/2019, and 12/2019, 170 patients with newly diagnosed metastatic non-Sq NSCLC were treated at our institution. Overall, 98.2% (167/170) patients underwent molecular testing, Tier 1: n = 100 (59%), Tier 2: n = 39 (23%), Tier 3/4: n = 28 (16.5%), Tier 5: n = 3 (2%). Amongst these patients, 43.1% (72/167) were tested with T NGS alone, 8% (15/167) with P NGS alone, and 47.9% (80/167) with T+P NGS. A higher proportion of patients underwent comprehensive molecular testing (Tiers 1+2) using T+P NGS: 95.7% (79/80) compared to T alone: 62.5% (45/72), p < 0.0005. Prior to the initiation of first line treatment, 72.4% (123/170) patients underwent molecular testing, Tier 1: n = 73 (59%), Tier 2: n = 27 (22%) and Tier 3/4: n = 23 (18%). Amongst these, 39% (48/123) were tested with T NGS alone, 7% (9/123) with P NGS alone and 53.6% (66/123) with T+P NGS. A higher proportion of patients underwent comprehensive molecular testing (Tiers 1+2) using T+P NGS, 100% (66/66) compared to 52% (25/48) with T NGS alone (p < 0.0005). Conclusions: Incorporation of concurrent T+P NGS testing in treatment naïve metastatic non-Sq NSCLC significantly increased the proportion of patients undergoing guideline concordant molecular testing, including prior to initiation of first-line therapy at our institution. Concurrent T+P NGS should be adopted into institutional pathways and routine clinical practice.


2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 88 ◽  
Author(s):  
Flavio Tangianu ◽  
Antonino Mazzone ◽  
Franco Berti ◽  
Giuliano Pinna ◽  
Irene Bortolotti ◽  
...  

There are many feasible tools for the assessment of clinical practice, but there is a wide consensus on the fact that the simultaneous use of several different methods could be strategic for a comprehensive overall judgment of clinical competence. Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) are a well-established reliable method of assessing knowledge. Constructing effective MCQ tests and items requires scrupulous care in the design, review and validation stages. Creating high-quality multiple-choice questions requires a very deep experience, knowledge and large amount of time. Hereby, after reviewing their construction, strengths and limitations, we debate their completeness for the assessment of professional competence.


2011 ◽  
Vol 58 (9) ◽  
pp. 478-486 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manuel Luque-Ramírez ◽  
Ágata Carreño ◽  
Cristina Álvarez Escolá ◽  
Carlos del Pozo Picó ◽  
César Varela da Costa ◽  
...  

2018 ◽  
Vol 78 (05) ◽  
pp. 469-480
Author(s):  
Michael Untch ◽  
Rachel Würstlein ◽  
Norbert Marschner ◽  
Diana Lüftner ◽  
Doris Augustin ◽  
...  

AbstractThe fourth international advanced breast cancer consensus conference (ABC4) on the diagnosis and treatment of advanced breast cancer (ABC) headed by Professor Fatima Cardoso was once again held in Lisbon on November 2 – 4, 2017. To simplify matters, the abbreviation ABC will be used hereinafter in the text. In clinical practice, the abbreviation corresponds to metastatic breast cancer or locally far-advanced disease. This year the focus was on new developments in the treatment of ABC. Topics discussed included the importance of CDK4/6 inhibition in hormone receptor (HR)-positive ABC, the use of dual antibody blockade to treat HER2-positive ABC, PARP inhibition in triple-negative ABC and the potential therapeutic outcomes. Another major area discussed at the conference was BRCA-associated breast cancer, the treatment of cerebral metastasis, and individualized treatment decisions based on molecular testing (so-called precision medicine). As in previous years, close cooperation with representatives from patient organizations from around the world is an important aspect of the ABC conference. This cooperation was reinforced and expanded at the ABC4 conference. A global alliance was founded at the conclusion of the consensus conference, which aims to promote and coordinate the measures considered necessary by patient advocates worldwide. Because the panel of experts was composed of specialists from all over the world, it was inevitable that the ABC consensus also reflected country-specific features. As in previous years, a team of German breast cancer specialists who closely followed the consensus voting of the ABC panelists in Lisbon and intensively discussed the votes has therefore commented on the consensus in the context of the current German guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer 1, 2 used in clinical practice in Germany. The ABC consensus is based on the votes of the ABC panelists in Lisbon.


2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 11036-11036
Author(s):  
Tariqa Ackbarali ◽  
Wendy Turell ◽  
Elizabeth L. del Nido ◽  
Adam Brufsky ◽  
Stephen V. Liu

11036 Background: Improved understanding of the interactions between HER2 and HER3, the heterogeneity of HER-expressing disease, and mechanisms of resistance to anti-HER2 therapy has led to increasing number of treatment options to address clinical needs. Tumor types of interest, impacted by HER2/HER3 expression and pathophysiology were breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), gastric cancer, and colorectal cancer (CRC). Increasing competency in these areas is deemed critical to clinician’s ability to individualize treatment plans and improve patient outcomes. Methods: A 2-hour CME activity was broadcast live-online in September 2020 and remains on-demand through September 2021 at OMedLive.com. The educational initiative was divided into one hour addressing HER2 and HER3, testing guidelines, resistance mechanisms and emerging data elucidating recent and ongoing clinical trials across NSCLC, gastric cancer, and CRC. The second hour focused on individualizing metastatic HER2+ breast cancer, HER2-low breast cancer as an emerging subtype, and management of side effects. Knowledge and competence questions were administered pre-, immediate post-, and 2 mos. post-activity. Behavioral impact questions were also asked at follow-up. Data from these questions were analyzed to determine engagement and clinical impact. Results: To date, 448 clinicians participated in the activity. Across the seven CME test questions, improvements in knowledge and competence were observed in the clinical applications of HER2-directed agents and HER3 antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), first-line standard of care for HER2+ breast cancer, and adverse event management for HER2 ADCs. At 2-mos. follow-up, 67% reported improved behavioral impact on both clinical practice and patient experience and outcomes. Clinicians provided specific write-in examples of these changes, noting improved patient-reported outcomes, improved treatment adherence, improved competence developing treatment plans, and increased understanding of HER2/HER3 pathophysiology. Updated and expanded results will be shared. Conclusions: The activity was successful in improving clinician understanding of the relationship between HER2/HER3, pathophysiology across tumor types, and applications of emerging targeted therapies. Open-ended responses to behavioral impact questions illustrated clear improvements in clinician-reported patient experience and outcomes, clinical practice management, and knowledge of emerging HER2/HER3 therapies and their uses across multiple solid tumors.


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