Tester, William

PURPOSE Germline testing (GT) is a central feature of prostate cancer (PCA) treatment, management, and hereditary cancer assessment. Critical needs include optimized multigene testing strategies that incorporate evolving genetic data, consistency in GT indications and management, and alternate genetic evaluation models that address the rising demand for genetic services. METHODS A multidisciplinary consensus conference that included experts, stakeholders, and national organization leaders was convened in response to current practice challenges and to develop a genetic implementation framework. Evidence review informed questions using the modified Delphi model. The final framework included criteria with strong (> 75%) agreement (Recommend) or moderate (50% to 74%) agreement (Consider). RESULTS Large germline panels and somatic testing were recommended for metastatic PCA. Reflex testing—initial testing of priority genes followed by expanded testing—was suggested for multiple scenarios. Metastatic disease or family history suggestive of hereditary PCA was recommended for GT. Additional family history and pathologic criteria garnered moderate consensus. Priority genes to test for metastatic disease treatment included BRCA2, BRCA1, and mismatch repair genes, with broader testing, such as ATM, for clinical trial eligibility. BRCA2 was recommended for active surveillance discussions. Screening starting at age 40 years or 10 years before the youngest PCA diagnosis in a family was recommended for BRCA2 carriers, with consideration in HOXB13, BRCA1, ATM, and mismatch repair carriers. Collaborative (point-of-care) evaluation models between health care and genetic providers was endorsed to address the genetic counseling shortage. The genetic evaluation framework included optimal pretest informed consent, post-test discussion, cascade testing, and technology-based approaches. CONCLUSION This multidisciplinary, consensus-driven PCA genetic implementation framework provides novel guidance to clinicians and patients tailored to the precision era. Multiple research, education, and policy needs remain of importance.

Purpose Appropriate therapy for Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS) -2 patients with advanced non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains challenging. PS-2 patients on ECOG 1594 had a median survival (MS) of only 4.1 months and 1-year overall survival (OS) of 19%. Three percent had grade 5 toxicity. Patients and Methods ECOG 1599, the first PS 2–specific, US cooperative group trial for treatment-naïve advanced NSCLC, randomly assigned patients to dose-attenuated carboplatin/paclitaxel (the least toxic regimen in ECOG 1594) or gemcitabine/cisplatin (which yielded an MS of 7.9 months in PS-2 patients). Patients received either carboplatin (area under the concentration-time curve, 6) and paclitaxel 200 mg/m2 every 3 weeks (CbP) or gemcitabine 1 g/m2 days 1 and 8 and cisplatin 60 mg/m2 day 1 every 3 weeks (CG). Results One hundred three patients were enrolled; 100 proved eligible. Median age was 66 years; 46% had at least 5% weight loss; 88% had stage IV or recurrent disease. Median number of cycles administered was three per arm. CbP featured more grade 3 neutropathy (10% v 0%) and more grade ≥ 3 neutropenia (59% v 33%), whereas CG yielded more grade ≥ 3 thrombocytopenia (33% v 14%), more grade ≥ 3 fatigue (22% v 14%), and more grade ≥ 1 creatinine elevations (43% v 6%). One grade 5 toxicity, confined to the CbP arm, occurred. Response rate, time to progression, MS, and 1-year OS rates for CG and CbP, were 23%, 4.8 months, 6.9 months, and 25%, and 14%, 4.2 months, 6.2 months, and 19%, respectively. Conclusion Platinum-based combination chemotherapy for PS-2 patients with NSCLC is feasible with acceptable toxicity, but survival in these patients remains inferior to that of PS-0 to -1 patients.