Citations 169

A phase Ib/II study of PXD101 alone and in combination with 5-fluorouracil in patients with advanced solid tumors

Journal of Clinical Oncology | March 6, 2020 | Volume: 25 | Issue: 18_suppl | Pages: 3501-3501

10.1200/jco.2007.25.18_suppl.3501

3501 Background: PXD101 is a hydroxamate HDAC inhibitor that has broad anti-neoplastic activity in vivo and in vitro. Preclinical data showing PXD101 down-regulation of thymidylate synthase (TS), an in vivo target of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) provide a rationale for combination of PXD101 with 5-FU. Methods: This is a phase Ib/II trial of PXD101 plus 5-FU in patients with advanced solid tumors, with dose escalation to establish the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and an expansion at the MTD in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Patients (pts) must be = 18 yrs, have measurable disease, and had disease progression after standard chemotherapy. PXD101 was administered as a 30-min IV infusion on Days 1–5 of a 3-wk cycle. 5-FU was administered from cycle 2 on, as a continuous 96-hr IV infusion starting on Day 2 of the same 3-wk cycle. The primary endpoints were safety, and effect of belinostat on TS expression in patients’ tumors. Dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) were PXD101-related = Gr 3 non-hematologic or Gr 4 hematologic toxicities. Expression of TS mRNA was measured by RTQ-PCR. Results: Twenty pts have been treated for a median of 2 cycles (range 1–8). Cohorts of 3–6 pts were tested at 5 dose levels of PXD101/5-FU (mg/m2/d): 300/250, 600/250, 1,000/250, 1,000/500, and 1,000/1,000. Two pts did not complete cycle 2, and one pt at the 600/250 dose level received 1,000 mg/m2/d 5-FU. There were no DLTs in the first 4 dose cohorts; the 5th cohort is ongoing. In the first 4 dose cohorts (17 pts), the most frequent AEs were fatigue, nausea/vomiting, dysgeusia, dehydration, constipation, edema, anorexia and anemia. There were 2 Gr 4 AEs (pulmonary embolism, bacteremia); Gr 3 AEs in = 2 pts were fatigue and dehydration. All Gr 3/4 events were assessed as not related to PXD101. One pt with stage IV CRC treated at 600/1,000 mg/m2/d PXD101/5-FU had stable disease (SD) for 8 cycles, and one pt with stage IV esophageal cancer treated at the 1,000/250 mg/m2/d dose had SD for 4 cycles. Conclusions: PXD101 in combination with 5-FU has been well tolerated up to 1,000/500 mg/m2/d PXD101/5-FU. The study is ongoing and data from the MTD expansion part, including effect of PXD101 on tumor TS expression, will be presented. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
MK-2206 and Standard Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Improves Response in Patients With Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2–Positive and/or Hormone Receptor–Negative Breast Cancers in the I-SPY 2 Trial

Journal of Clinical Oncology | February 7, 2020 | Volume: 38 | Issue: 10 | Pages: 1059-1069

10.1200/jco.19.01027 | PMID 32031889

PURPOSEThe phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin is a key pathway of survival and therapeutic resistance in breast cancer. We evaluated the pan-Akt inhibitor MK-2206 in combination with standard therapy in patients with high-risk early-stage breast cancer.PATIENTS AND METHODSI-SPY 2 is a multicenter, phase II, open-label, adaptively randomized neoadjuvant platform trial that screens experimental therapies and efficiently identifies potential predictive biomarker signatures. Patients are categorized by human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), hormone receptor (HR), and MammaPrint statuses in a 2 × 2 × 2 layout. Patients within each of these 8 biomarker subtypes are adaptively randomly assigned to one of several experimental therapies, including MK-2206, or control. Therapies are evaluated for 10 biomarker signatures, each of which is a combination of these subtypes. The primary end point is pathologic complete response (pCR). A therapy graduates with one or more of these signatures if and when it has an 85% Bayesian predictive probability of success in a hypothetical phase III trial, adjusting for biomarker covariates. Patients in the current report received standard taxane- and anthracycline-based neoadjuvant therapy without (control) or with oral MK-2206 135 mg/week.RESULTSMK-2206 graduated with 94 patients and 57 concurrently randomly assigned controls in 3 graduation signatures: HR-negative/HER2-positive, HR-negative, and HER2-positive. Respective Bayesian mean covariate-adjusted pCR rates and percentage probability that MK-2206 is superior to control were 0.48:0.29 (97%), 0.62:0.36 (99%), and 0.46:0.26 (94%). In exploratory analyses, MK-2206 evinced a numerical improvement in event-free survival in its graduating signatures. The most significant grade 3-4 toxicity was rash (14% maculopapular, 8.6% acneiform).CONCLUSIONThe Akt inhibitor MK-2206 combined with standard neoadjuvant therapy resulted in higher estimated pCR rates in HR-negative and HER2-positive breast cancer. Although MK-2206 is not being further developed at this time, this class of agents remains of clinical interest.
Change in 21‐gene Recurrence Score result after exposure to neo‐adjuvant endocrine therapy in patients with operable breast cancer

The Breast Journal | December 26, 2019 | Volume: 26 | Issue: 7 | Pages: 1449-1451

10.1111/tbj.13731 | PMID 31876083

Causes of death after breast cancer diagnosis: A US population‐based analysis

Cancer | December 16, 2019 | Volume: 126 | Issue: 7 | Pages: 1559-1567

10.1002/cncr.32648 | PMID 31840240

BackgroundThe focus on noncancer causes of death in patients with breast cancer (BC) remains superficial. The objective of the current study was to assess and quantify causes of death after BC diagnosis.MethodsIn total, 754,270 women with BC in the United States who were diagnosed during 2000 through 2015 and retrieved from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program were studied. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) for causes of death were calculated.ResultsOf the included patients, 183,002 (24.3%) died during the follow‐up period. The greatest proportion of deaths (46.2%) occurred within 1 to 5 years after diagnosis. Most deaths occurred from BC itself or from other cancers, and the number of BC deaths decreased as more years passed after diagnosis. The most common noncancer causes of death within <10 years after diagnosis were heart diseases followed by cerebrovascular diseases. However, >10 years after diagnosis, the most common noncancer causes of death were heart diseases followed by Alzheimer disease. Patients had a statistically significant higher risk of death from chronic liver diseases within 5 to 10 years after diagnosis compared with the general population (SMR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.09‐1.38) and had statistically significant higher risks of death from Alzheimer disease (SMR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.14‐1.29) and from diseases of the heart (SMR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.02‐1.09) >10 years after diagnosis.ConclusionsAlthough BC remains the most common cause of death after BC diagnosis, other non‐BC causes of death (mainly heart and cerebrovascular diseases) represent a significant number of deaths among patients with BC. These findings provide important insight into how BC survivors should be counselled regarding future health risks.
Living With Cancer: Assessing The Educational, Symptomatic, and Quality Of Life Impact Of a Comprehensive Patient Symposia On Cancer Patients

Blood | October 14, 2019 | Volume: 122 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 2955-2955

10.1182/blood.v122.21.2955.2955

Abstract Background Patients with cancer may face a significant knowledge deficit as they battle their illness. We developed a first of its kind comprehensive patient symposia (Living with Cancer (LWC): A Mayo Clinic Symposia for Patients and Loved Ones) with 8 hours of general sessions (covering nutrition, exercise, cancer inheritance, financial and legal challenges, communication, survivorship, and cancer therapy) and a 4-hour disease specific breakout (myeloid diseases, myeloma, lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, breast cancer, lung cancer, cutaneous malignancy, colorectal cancer, and prostate cancer). Through voluntary questionnaires, we studied the impact of this cancer symposium on quality of life, cancer specific knowledge, and symptom management among cancer patients. Methods LWC meeting attendees were provided surveys prior to and 3 months following the convention. Surveys included 1) EORTC-QLQ-C30; 2) new disease understanding tool developed specifically for this conference; 3) distress thermometer and problems checklist; 4) validated disease-specific questionnaires. Changes over time were assessed using McNemar’s tests and paired t-tests for categorical and continuous variables, respectively. Results Patients:158 attendees completed the pre-convention survey. The median age was 67.5 (range 30-86), 49% males, 76% over 1 year from diagnosis. Cancer type included 37% hematologic malignancies, 23% breast cancer, 23% prostate cancer, and 17% other. The hematologic malignancies were comprised of 34% leukemia, 31% CLL/lymphoma, 25% amyloid/multiple myeloma, and 9.3% myeloproliferative neoplasms. Baseline Disease Understanding, Symptoms, QOL: Most attendees endorsed understanding their disease quite a bit (54%) or very much (29%). Most respondents reported at least “quite a bit” of understanding regarding treatment options (84%), screening modalities (83%), symptomatology (74%), and cancer-related side effects (71%). Attendees endorsed the least understanding of disease-related stress (49%), risk factors (49%), management of disease related fatigue (41%), and legal issues related to disease/treatment (27%) Mean QLQ-C30 scores were 84.4 for physical functioning, 83 for role functioning, 80.7 for social functioning, and 72.7 for global health status. The symptoms with highest mean scores were insomnia, fatigue, and pain. Knowledge Improvement Durable at 3 Months: 115 (73%) patients completed the post-symposium survey. There was improvement in 12 of 14 areas of self-reported knowledge (Table 1) especially in areas of nutrition, and management of disease related stress and fatigue (all p<0.001). Symptomatic Changes at 3 Months: There was no significant change in QLQ-C30 physical/role/emotional functioning, fatigue, pain, or insomnia. Conclusions This first evaluation of a patient centered cancer symposium as an education intervention suggests patients selecting to participate in such an event seek to improve an already solid knowledge base regarding their malignant disease. Participating in the event improved disease specific knowledge in numerous areas. However, as a single intervention, function and symptoms tended not to improve with participation. Future efforts on 1) improving participation with disease knowledge “naïve” patients and 2) targeted efforts aimed at specific symptom management (i.e. insomnia, stress) are planned. This study serves as an avenue to empower patients and inform physicians to improve the experience of living with cancer. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
A Phase 1b Clinical Trial of Dacetuzumab in Combination with Rituximab and Gemcitabine: Multiple Responses Observed in Patients with Relapsed Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma.

Blood | October 13, 2019 | Volume: 114 | Issue: 22 | Pages: 586-586

10.1182/blood.v114.22.586.586

Abstract Abstract 586 Background: Dacetuzumab (SGN-40), a humanized monoclonal antibody that targets CD40, mediates antitumor activity through multiple mechanisms of action, including effector cell functions (ADCC/ADCP) and direct apoptotic signal transduction. Ongoing evaluation of the molecule has led to 2 additional key findings: a gene signature that predicts sensitivity to single-agent dacetuzumab, and upregulation of the pro-apoptotic and chemosensitizing transcription factor TAp63αa when dacetuzumab is combined with rituximab (R) and gemcitabine (GEM). In prior single-agent dacetuzumab trials, several patients who were immediately treated with GEM after progressing achieved unexpected responses. These observations provided rationale for further analysis of the combination of dacetuzumab, R and GEM. Methods: A phase 1b dose-escalation study to evaluate the safety and adverse event profile of dacetuzumab, R and GEM was conducted in patients with relapsed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Patients received dacetuzumab at cohort-specific doses of 8 or 12 mg/kg IV weekly in combination with R (375 mg/m2 IV for 1 cycle, then once/28-day cycle) and GEM (1000 mg/m2 IV weekly or biweekly) in a 3 + 3 dose-escalation scheme. A maximum number of 8 cycles was permitted. Eligible patients included those with de novo DLBCL, including transformed lymphoma and follicular grade 3, who failed potentially curative therapy. Results: Thirty-one patients with a median age of 68 years (range 29–80) were enrolled and treated in the study (3 patients in each of 3 cohorts + 22 in an expansion cohort). The median number of prior regimens was 3 (range 1–18); 10 patients (32%) had transformed histology and 4 (13%) had prior ASCT. The median number of cycles received was 3 (range 1–8), although 11 patients are still on treatment. Three patients in the first cohort required dose reduction of GEM due to transient, non-dose-limiting thrombocytopenia. The protocol was thus amended to administer GEM on a biweekly schedule. No dose-limiting toxicity was observed, and MTD was not defined. Based on pharmacokinetic modeling suggesting no significant difference in exposure between dose levels, 8 mg/kg of dacetuzumab was chosen as the dose for the expansion cohort. The combination of dacetuzumab, R and GEM was generally well tolerated. Across all cohorts, the most common adverse events (> 15%) were nausea (42%), thrombocytopenia (35%), fatigue (32%), headache (29%), anorexia (19%), dyspnea (19%), pyrexia (19%), diarrhea (16%), and neutropenia (16%), the majority of which were Grade 1 or 2. Grade 3/4 adverse events related to dacetuzumab occurred infrequently. One patient experienced Grade 3 stress cardiomyopathy that resolved; this patient had a history of congestive heart failure. One patient developed pneumonitis in the left lung and acute respiratory distress syndrome, and subsequently died due to pulmonary toxicity; this patient had received prior radiation therapy to the left chest. There was preliminary evidence of antitumor activity. Of the 28 patients with response assessments, 7 patients achieved CR, 8 PR, 7 SD, and 6 PD per investigator assessment of response, yielding an objective response rate of 54%. Of interest, 1 patient who previously failed ASCT achieved a CR and was able to undergo allogeneic transplant. To date, this patient remains in CR. Conclusion: The combination of dacetuzumab, R and biweekly GEM was generally well tolerated. Evidence of antitumor activity with this combination is encouraging as multiple responses were observed in a population with heavily pre-treated patients. Further investigation with a randomized trial is warranted to more fully characterize safety and efficacy and to determine if sensitivity to this combination correlates with the previously identified single-agent predictive gene signature. Disclosures: Forero-Torres: Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding. Off Label Use: Gemcitabine has not been FDA approved for treatment of lymphoma. Dacetuzumab is an investigational agent.. Bartlett:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding. Nasta:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding; Genentech: Speakers Bureau. Northfelt:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding. Beaven:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding. Myint:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding. Whiting:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Drachman:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Moskowitz:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding.
Phase I Trial of a Novel Combination of An HDAC Inhibitor (LBH589) and An mTOR Inhibitor (RAD001) in Lymphoid and Plasma Cell Malignancies

Blood | October 13, 2019 | Volume: 118 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 2682-2682

10.1182/blood.v118.21.2682.2682

Abstract Abstract 2682 Background: The PI3K-Akt pathway is critical to tumor growth in lymphoid malignancies and mTOR inhibitors have shown promising activity in lymphoid malignancies. However, alternate signaling pathways allow cells to escape the effect of mTOR inhibition. Pre-clinical studies have shown that the combination of LBH589, an HDAC inhibitor, with the mTOR inhibitor RAD001 results in potent synergy. We then explored this combination in a phase I/II clinical trial. Patients and Methods: Patients with relapsed multiple myeloma (MM), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) or Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL) were enrolled into a phase I trial of escalating doses of LBH589 and RAD001. The doses are shown in the table. The study utilized a 3+ 3 design with MTD defined as the maximum dose resulting in less than 2 dose limiting toxicities (DLT) during the first cycle among 6 patients treated at that dose. DLT was defined as a grade 4 neutropenia or thrombocytopenia lasting >= 7 days, febrile neutropenia or any other grade >=3 non-hematologic toxicity considered possibly related to the drugs. Once MTD was determined, patients were enrolled into two separate phase 2 studies, one for relapsed MM and another for relapsed NHL or HL. Results: Twenty-six patients were enrolled to the phase 1 study; 23 were eligible for MTD analysis. There were 16 patients with NHL, 4 with HL and 3 with MM. Median age was 61 (range, 24–73) and 17 were male. The median number of prior therapies was 4 (range 2–11), including a prior stem cell transplant in 11 (48%). No DLT was observed at any of the doses tested in the trial (See below). Hematological toxicities were the most common AEs observed, with a grade 3 or 4 hematologic AE in 15 patients and grade 3 or 4 non-hematologic AEs in 6 patients across all cycles administered. Grade 3 and 4 hematologic AEs included 10 patients with neutropenia and 8 patients with thrombocytopenia. Grade 3 and 4 non-hematologic AEs included hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hypophosphatemia, diarrhea, pneumonia and mucositis in one patient each. Overall, 10 responses (43%) were seen (Table). Conclusions: The combination of LBH589 and RAD0001 is tolerated at the doses tested, with hematological toxicities being the most common adverse events. The recommended phase II dose is LBH 40 mg MWF every other week along with 5 mg RAD001 every day in 4-week cycles. Clinical efficacy was seen in all diseases tested with partial responses seen in NHL and HL as well as a minor response in a patient with refractory myeloma, who had previously failed single agent RAD001. Phase 2 trials are ongoing in both disease groups. Disclosures: Kumar: Merck: Consultancy, Honoraria; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding; Genzyme: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding. Off Label Use: Use of the investigational agent MLN9708 for the treatment of previously untreated multiple myeloma. Lacy:Celgene: Research Funding. Reeder:Celgene: Research Funding; Millennium Pharmaceuticals Inc.: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding.
Understanding and Information in Cancer Patients: The Impact of a Cancer Symposia on Patient Knowledge

Blood | October 11, 2019 | Volume: 124 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 6011-6011

10.1182/blood.v124.21.6011.6011

Abstract Background: Patients diagnosed with cancer experience a significant influx of health care information while continuing to demonstrate understanding deficit regarding their disease and health. This knowledge deficit can negatively impact a patient’s acute and long term health care experience. By identifying patient information deficits and needs, health care providers may be better able to provide targeted education to patients and families. Aims: The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of a patient centered cancer symposium on knowledge level, reported symptom burden, and desired information from a broad population of cancer patients. Methods: Surveys were distributed to the attendees of the third annual Mayo Clinic “Living with Cancer” patient symposium in January 2014. While 700 individuals registered for the event, only individuals with a past or present cancer diagnosis were asked to participate. Surveys included demographic data in addition to a questionnaire evaluating disease comprehension, symptom burden, desired information and desired role in the health care decision making process. Results: 75 patients completed the pre-intervention and post-intervention survey. There were slightly more female participants (60.2%). Disease types included 40% hematologic malignancies, 27% breast cancer, 20% prostate cancer and 13% other. The majority of patients were greater than 3 years from cancer diagnosis (62%). Baseline Patient Understanding: Most respondents reported understanding their disease quite a bit (54%) or very much (30%). Respondents reported the majority of their knowledge regarding their disease came from their oncologist (56%), oncology nurse (24%), previous symposiums (22%), or the internet (15%). Most respondents reported “quite a bit” or greater comprehension of screening tests (75%), monitoring disease response to treatment (70%), monitoring disease recurrence (70%), treatment options (67%) and treatment side effects (73%). There was no consensus among participants regarding understanding or limiting risk factors, symptoms associated with disease relapse, fatigue and pain management, navigating the health care system, financial considerations, or confidence in their primary care physician’s involvement in their cancer or post-cancer care. A large proportion of attendees reported “quite a bit” or greater desire for increased information/understanding regarding their disease (83%), risk factors (83%), nutrition (80%), screening tests (69%), and management of fatigue (69%) and stress (68%). Knowledge Improvement Durable at 3 months: There was improvement in 18 of 20 areas of self-reported knowledge. This was noted in increased percentage of respondents reporting “quite a bit” or greater comprehension, especially in areas of disease risk factors(55%pre vs 63%post), disease side effects(55%pre vs 63%post), and health care navigation(53%pre vs 69%post). The reported desire for “quite a bit” or more increased understanding on various topics did decrease post symposium regarding their disease(87.9% pre vs 68.9%post), disease risk factors(86.3%pre vs 64.0%post), screening tests(74.7%pre vs 63.3%post), and nutrition(78.4%pre vs 64.9%post)(all p<0.05). There was no significant decrease in the desire for increased understanding managing stress and fatigue. Summary: Demonstrated in this study, individuals choosing to attend a patient-centered cancer symposium, seek to improve an already solid knowledge base. Study participants indicate a significant desire for increased information on all topics, even those with sufficient level of knowledge reported. This indicates that some cancer patients’ thirst for knowledge is difficult to quench, and may benefit from recurrent education opportunities. The improvement in almost all topics assessed indicates a patient centered symposium is an effective method to provide information to patients regarding the spectrum of cancer health management. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Differences in Cancer Education Between Patients with Hematologic Malignancies and Solid Tumor Malignancies: Lessons from a Large Multi-Disease Patient Education Symposium

Blood | October 10, 2019 | Volume: 128 | Issue: 22 | Pages: 4798-4798

10.1182/blood.v128.22.4798.4798

Abstract Background: A cancer diagnosis results in a multitude of health care decisions that require adequate patient understanding to navigate the health care system. Understanding the type and degree of information needs of cancer patients is imperative to instructing effective and pertinent patient education. This study sought to evaluate the impact of a patient centered cancer symposium on knowledge level, knowledge needs and symptom burden in a cancer patient population. Methods: Surveys were distributed to attendees of the Mayo Clinic "Living with and Surviving Cancer" patient symposium in January 2016. A follow up survey was sent to participants 3 months after the symposium. Surveys included demographic data, questionnaire evaluating disease comprehension and information assessment, symptom burden, desired information and quality of life assessment. Responses were compared between patients with hematologic and solid tumor malignancies by chi-square test. Pre and post comparisons were done in patients completing both surveys by McNemar test. Results: Demographics: 150 patients completed the pre-intervention survey. Average age of participants 67.5 years. Some patients reported more than 1 malignancy. Disease types represented included hematologic malignancies (N=60), specifically multiple myeloma (N=23), lymphoma (N=26), leukemia (N=8) and MPNs (N=3) as well as solid tumor malignancies (N=90). Most patients were diagnosed with cancer at least 1 year prior to the intervention (N=137). Patients with hematologic malignancies were more likely to be on active treatment at the time of the convention (N=35, 58%) compared to solid tumor malignancies (N=37,41%). Baseline Knowledge: Most patients reported an adequate level of knowledge defined as the proportion of participants reporting "quite a bit" or "very much understanding" on the topic of disease understanding (76%). Lowest levels of knowledge were legal issues (18%), pain management (31%), disease relapse symptoms(46%), fatigue management (48%), end of life decision making (50%) and financial management (50%). Patients with hematologic malignancies were more likely to report understanding of fatigue management (N=36, 60%) but less like to report understanding disease risk factors (N=20, 33%), or increased nutritional interest following diagnosis (N=32, 53%) compared to solid tumor malignancy (N=33,37%) (N=55,61%)(N=70,78%), respectively (all p <0.05). The EORTC-INFO25 at baseline revealed hematologic patients had received less information on sexual side effects of treatments (N=7, 14%) compared to solid tumor patients (N=30, 35%; p=0.004), and reported a lower score of treatment information (50 vs 59; p=0.04). Pre and Post Analysis: Of the 150 initial participants, 81 completed the pre and post-convention surveys (54%). Post-symposium, significant improvement defined as the proportion of participants reporting "quite a bit" or "very much" understanding was noted of disease (pre 75% vs post 89%), stress management (pre 56% vs post 69%), maintain relationships (pre 60% vs post 75%) and pain management (pre 33% vs post 51%)(p-value<0.05). The desire for increased information decreased post-symposium regarding all 9 topics, with significant decreases noted in disease, treatment options and side effects, legal issues and stress management. The EORTC INFO25 analysis revealed a decrease in the reported desire for more information (mean; pre 70 vs post 53, p-value <0.05) Discussion: Cancer patients have a variety of information needs. A patient centered educational conference was able to produce significant improvement in understanding in 4 of 17 topics (24%), including general disease, stress and pain management, and relationship maintenance that was durable at 3 months. At least some improvement in understanding was noted in 10 of 17(59%) additional topics. Knowledge deficit improved in all 9 topics assessed, significantly in five. Cancer patient knowledge needs are varied, and likely evolve over time as a patient progress through stages of disease and treatment. Education should re-evaluate and redistribute information to cancer patients over the course of treatment and survivorship. Disclosures Mikhael: Abbvie: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Sanofi: Research Funding; Onyx: Research Funding. Dueck:Bayer: Honoraria. Mesa:Novartis: Consultancy; Ariad: Consultancy; Promedior: Research Funding; Galena: Consultancy; Incyte: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; CTI Biopharma: Research Funding; Gilead: Research Funding.
Living with Cancer: An Educational Intervention in Cancer Patients Can Improve Knowledge Deficit

Blood | October 10, 2019 | Volume: 126 | Issue: 23 | Pages: 3321-3321

10.1182/blood.v126.23.3321.3321

Abstract Background: A diagnosis of cancer leads to significant information requirements to facilitate health care decision making, understand management options, and health care system navigation. Many patients demonstrate a knowledge deficit that can lead to decreased quality of life and poor health care compliance. This study sought to evaluate the impact of a patient centered cancer symposium on knowledge level, symptom burden, and desired information in a broad population of cancer patients. Methods: Surveys were distributed to attendees of the Mayo Clinic "Living with and Surviving Cancer" patient symposium in January 2015. A follow up survey was sent to participants 3 months after the symposium. Surveys included demographic data, questionnaire evaluating disease comprehension, symptom burden, desired information and quality of life. Results: Demographics: 113 patients completed the pre-intervention survey. Average age of participants was 64.7 years. Disease types represented included hematologic malignancies (N=50), specifically multiple myeloma (N=24), lymphoma (N=17), leukemia (N=6), MPN/MDS (n=3), as well as solid tumor malignancies (N=77). Highest knowledge topics were disease (80%), screening tests (74%), and monitoring tools (72%). Lowest knowledge topics were financial management (13%), legal issues (13%), and pain management (35%). Pre and Post Analysis: Of the 113 initial participants, 79 patients completed the pre- and post-symposium surveys. In the post-symposium setting significant improvement was noted in understanding of disease (pre 80% vs post 92%), treatment options (pre 60% vs post 76%), nutrition (pre 68% vs post 84%) and legal issues (pre 15% vs post 32%). Non-significant knowledge improvement was noted in areas of risk factors and symptoms, screening/monitoring tools, disease side effects, managing stress/fatigue, end of life decision making and health care navigation. Most patients desired increased understanding regarding disease, screening tests, nutrition, and stress and fatigue management. The level of patient reported desire for information of these topics decreased in the post-symposium setting, statistically significant decrease noted in 4 of 5 topics assessed. In hematology patients who completed pre and post surveys (N=36), a higher level of baseline knowledge was reported regarding disease understanding (89%), tools monitoring response (83%) and recurrence (75%), symptoms (83%), relapse symptoms (64%) and treatment options (72%). In this group the decrease in desire for information was less prominent in the post-symposium setting. Discussion: This data demonstrates improved patient reported understanding on a variety of topics with durable response at 3 months. A majority of patients reported adequate baseline knowledge of many topics prior to the symposium but also a desire of increased cancer specific information. Knowledge deficit in cancer care includes disease specific topics, social stressors and health care navigation. The percentage of participants reporting a high desire for more information remained high but did decrease, suggesting decreased knowledge deficit in the post-symposium setting. Patient education should strive to be accessible, all-inclusive and reactive to patient needs. Table 1.Reported "quite a bit" or "very much" understanding and desired information regarding cancer carePrePostP-valueN=79(%)N=79(%)I understand…How to manage financial considerations of my disease/treatment39(51)41(53)0.85How to manage my pain24(34)23(32)0.81Risk factors that can lead to my disease37 (49)42 (56)0.56How to navigate the health care system43(55)47(60)0.56How to manage fatigue38(50)43(56)0.54Process of making end of life decisions33(47)41(53)0.52Screening tests60 (76)63 (81)0.5Symptoms associated with relapse35(45)42(54)0.27Disease symptoms54(70)60(76)0.2Tools monitoring recurrence49(62)56 (72)0.19Tools monitoring response56(71)63(81)0.15How to manage stress46(60)56(71)0.12Legal issues of my disease11(15)24(32)<0.05Treatment options47(60)60(76)<0.05What to eat49(68)66(84)<0.05My disease62(80)71(92)<0.05I desire increased understanding…Of my disease59(77)53(70)0.4Of managing stress50(65)35(51)<0.05Regarding nutrition64(84)54(70)<0.05Of the screening tests62(79)43(57)<0.05How to manage fatigue54(72)42(54)<0.05 Disclosures Tibes: TetraLogic Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Mesa:Novartis. Research- incyte, Gilead, cti, Genentech, promedior, NS Pharma: Consultancy.