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Almeida D, Umuhire D, Gonzalez-Quevedo R, António A, Burgos JG, Verpillat P, Bere N, Sepodes B, Torre C. Leveraging patient experience data to guide medicines development, regulation, access decisions and clinical care in the EU. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1408636. [PMID: 38846141 PMCID: PMC11153762 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1408636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Patient experience data (PED), provided by patients/their carers without interpretation by clinicians, directly capture what matters more to patients on their medical condition, treatment and impact of healthcare. PED can be collected through different methodologies and these need to be robust and validated for its intended use. Medicine regulators are increasingly encouraging stakeholders to generate, collect and submit PED to support both scientific advice in development programs and regulatory decisions on the approval and use of these medicines. This article reviews the existing definitions and types of PED and demonstrate the potential for use in different settings of medicines' life cycle, focusing on Patient-Reported Outcomes (PRO) and Patient Preferences (PP). Furthermore, it addresses some challenges and opportunities, alluding to important regulatory guidance that has been published, methodological aspects and digitalization, highlighting the lack of guidance as a key hurdle to achieve more systematic inclusion of PED in regulatory submissions. In addition, the article discusses opportunities at European and global level that could be implemented to leverage PED use. New digital tools that allow patients to collect PED in real time could also contribute to these advances, but it is equally important not to overlook the challenges they entail. The numerous and relevant initiatives being developed by various stakeholders in this field, including regulators, show their confidence in PED's value and create an ideal moment to address challenges and consolidate PED use across medicines' life cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diogo Almeida
- Laboratory of Systems Integration Pharmacology, Clinical and Regulatory Science, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Lisbon, Portugal
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Denise Umuhire
- Data Analytics and Methods Task Force, European Medicines Agency, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Rosa Gonzalez-Quevedo
- Public and Stakeholders Engagement Department, European Medicines Agency, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ana António
- Referrals Office, Quality and Safety of Medicines Department, European Medicines Agency, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Juan Garcia Burgos
- Public and Stakeholders Engagement Department, European Medicines Agency, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Patrice Verpillat
- Data Analytics and Methods Task Force, European Medicines Agency, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Nathalie Bere
- Regulatory Practice and Analysis, Medsafe—New Zealand Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Authority, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Bruno Sepodes
- Laboratory of Systems Integration Pharmacology, Clinical and Regulatory Science, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Lisbon, Portugal
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Carla Torre
- Laboratory of Systems Integration Pharmacology, Clinical and Regulatory Science, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Lisbon, Portugal
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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van Nassau SCMW, Bol GM, van der Baan FH, Roodhart JML, Vink GR, Punt CJA, May AM, Koopman M, Derksen JWG. Harnessing the Potential of Real-World Evidence in the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer: Where Do We Stand? Curr Treat Options Oncol 2024; 25:405-426. [PMID: 38367182 PMCID: PMC10997699 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-024-01186-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Treatment guidelines for colorectal cancer (CRC) are primarily based on the results of randomized clinical trials (RCTs), the gold standard methodology to evaluate safety and efficacy of oncological treatments. However, generalizability of trial results is often limited due to stringent eligibility criteria, underrepresentation of specific populations, and more heterogeneity in clinical practice. This may result in an efficacy-effectiveness gap and uncertainty regarding meaningful benefit versus treatment harm. Meanwhile, conduct of traditional RCTs has become increasingly challenging due to identification of a growing number of (small) molecular subtypes. These challenges-combined with the digitalization of health records-have led to growing interest in use of real-world data (RWD) to complement evidence from RCTs. RWD is used to evaluate epidemiological trends, quality of care, treatment effectiveness, long-term (rare) safety, and quality of life (QoL) measures. In addition, RWD is increasingly considered in decision-making by clinicians, regulators, and payers. In this narrative review, we elaborate on these applications in CRC, and provide illustrative examples. As long as the quality of RWD is safeguarded, ongoing developments, such as common data models, federated learning, and predictive modelling, will further unfold its potential. First, whenever possible, we recommend conducting pragmatic trials, such as registry-based RCTs, to optimize generalizability and answer clinical questions that are not addressed in registrational trials. Second, we argue that marketing approval should be conditional for patients who would have been ineligible for the registrational trial, awaiting planned (non) randomized evaluation of outcomes in the real world. Third, high-quality effectiveness results should be incorporated in treatment guidelines to aid in patient counseling. We believe that a coordinated effort from all stakeholders is essential to improve the quality of RWD, create a learning healthcare system with optimal use of trials and real-world evidence (RWE), and ultimately ensure personalized care for every CRC patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sietske C M W van Nassau
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 100, PO Box 85500, Utrecht, 3584 CX, The Netherlands.
| | - Guus M Bol
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 100, PO Box 85500, Utrecht, 3584 CX, The Netherlands
| | - Frederieke H van der Baan
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 100, PO Box 85500, Utrecht, 3584 CX, The Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology & Health Economics, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jeanine M L Roodhart
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 100, PO Box 85500, Utrecht, 3584 CX, The Netherlands
| | - Geraldine R Vink
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 100, PO Box 85500, Utrecht, 3584 CX, The Netherlands
- Department of Research and Development, Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation (IKNL), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Cornelis J A Punt
- Department of Epidemiology & Health Economics, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Anne M May
- Department of Epidemiology & Health Economics, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Miriam Koopman
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 100, PO Box 85500, Utrecht, 3584 CX, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen W G Derksen
- Department of Epidemiology & Health Economics, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Patel RK, Rahman S, Schwantes IR, Bartlett A, Eil R, Farsad K, Fowler K, Goodyear SM, Hansen L, Kardosh A, Nabavizadeh N, Rocha FG, Tsikitis VL, Wong MH, Mayo SC. Updated Management of Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastases: Scientific Advances Driving Modern Therapeutic Innovations. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 16:881-894. [PMID: 37678799 PMCID: PMC10598050 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2023.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States and accounts for an estimated 1 million deaths annually worldwide. The liver is the most common site of metastatic spread from colorectal cancer, significantly driving both morbidity and mortality. Although remarkable advances have been made in recent years in the management for patients with colorectal cancer liver metastases, significant challenges remain in early detection, prevention of progression and recurrence, and in the development of more effective therapeutics. In 2017, our group held a multidisciplinary state-of-the-science symposium to discuss the rapidly evolving clinical and scientific advances in the field of colorectal liver metastases, including novel early detection and prognostic liquid biomarkers, identification of high-risk cohorts, advances in tumor-immune therapy, and different regional and systemic therapeutic strategies. Since that time, there have been scientific discoveries translating into therapeutic innovations addressing the current management challenges. These innovations are currently reshaping the treatment paradigms and spurring further scientific discovery. Herein, we present an updated discussion of both the scientific and clinical advances and future directions in the management of colorectal liver metastases, including adoptive T-cell therapies, novel blood-based biomarkers, and the role of the tumor microbiome. In addition, we provide a comprehensive overview detailing the role of modern multidisciplinary clinical approaches used in the management of patients with colorectal liver metastases, including considerations toward specific molecular tumor profiles identified on next generation sequencing, as well as quality of life implications for these innovative treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranish K Patel
- Department of Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, Oregon
| | - Shahrose Rahman
- Department of Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, Oregon
| | - Issac R Schwantes
- Department of Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, Oregon
| | - Alexandra Bartlett
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, OHSU, Portland, Oregon
| | - Robert Eil
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, OHSU, Portland, Oregon; The Knight Cancer Institute, OHSU, Portland, Oregon
| | - Khashayar Farsad
- Charles T. Dotter Department of Interventional Radiology, OHSU, Portland, Oregon
| | - Kathryn Fowler
- Department of Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, Oregon
| | - Shaun M Goodyear
- The Knight Cancer Institute, OHSU, Portland, Oregon; Division of Hematology and Oncology, School of Medicine, OHSU, Portland, Oregon
| | - Lissi Hansen
- The Knight Cancer Institute, OHSU, Portland, Oregon; School of Nursing, OHSU, Portland, Oregon
| | - Adel Kardosh
- The Knight Cancer Institute, OHSU, Portland, Oregon; Division of Hematology and Oncology, School of Medicine, OHSU, Portland, Oregon
| | - Nima Nabavizadeh
- The Knight Cancer Institute, OHSU, Portland, Oregon; Department of Radiation Medicine, OHSU, Portland, Oregon
| | - Flavio G Rocha
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, OHSU, Portland, Oregon; The Knight Cancer Institute, OHSU, Portland, Oregon
| | - V Liana Tsikitis
- The Knight Cancer Institute, OHSU, Portland, Oregon; Division of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of Surgery, OHSU, Portland, Oregon
| | - Melissa H Wong
- The Knight Cancer Institute, OHSU, Portland, Oregon; Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, OHSU, Portland, Oregon
| | - Skye C Mayo
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, OHSU, Portland, Oregon; The Knight Cancer Institute, OHSU, Portland, Oregon.
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Liposits G, Singhal S, Krok-Schoen JL. Interventions to improve nutritional status for older patients with cancer - a holistic approach is needed. Curr Opin Support Palliat Care 2023; 17:15-21. [PMID: 36695864 DOI: 10.1097/spc.0000000000000630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Older adults with cancer frequently experience malnutrition and sarcopenia resulting in lower treatment efficacy, increased risk of toxicities and healthcare costs, lower quality of life and shorter survival. Improving nutritional status in this rapidly growing population is an urgent need globally. We reviewed randomized controlled trials from the last 18 months focusing on nutritional status and applying multimodal interventions in older adults with cancer. RECENT FINDINGS Several randomized controlled trials have been reported recently elucidating the impact of nutritional interventions as a part of multimodal interventions through different stages of cancer care. Although multimodal interventions rarely demonstrate survival benefit, they improve several important aspects of cancer care, including patient-centred endpoints such as physical functioning, adherence, patient satisfaction and quality of life. SUMMARY Multimodal interventions including nutrition have the potential to improve patient-centred outcomes in older adults with cancer during the continuum of care, from prehabilitation to palliative care. Early, integrated supportive care applying the right intervention in the right setting at the proper time along with personalized antitumor treatment is the cornerstone of optimal holistic cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabor Liposits
- Department of Oncology, Odense University Hospital
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark
- Academy of Geriatric Cancer Research (AgeCare), Odense
- Department of Oncology, Regional Hospital Gødstrup, Herning, Denmark
| | - Surbhi Singhal
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Jessica L Krok-Schoen
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
- Comprehensive Cancer Center-James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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Improving the patient-reported outcome sections of clinical trial protocols: a mixed methods evaluation of educational workshops. Qual Life Res 2022; 31:2901-2916. [PMID: 35553325 PMCID: PMC9470723 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-022-03127-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Failure to incorporate key patient-reported outcome (PRO) content in trial protocols affects the quality and interpretability of the collected data, contributing to research waste. Our group developed evidence-based training specifically addressing PRO components of protocols. We aimed to assess whether 2-day educational workshops improved the PRO completeness of protocols against consensus-based minimum standards provided in the SPIRIT-PRO Extension in 2018. Method Annual workshops were conducted 2011–2017. Participants were investigators/trialists from cancer clinical trials groups. Although developed before 2018, workshops covered 15/16 SPIRIT-PRO items. Participant feedback immediately post-workshop and, retrospectively, in November 2017 was summarised descriptively. Protocols were evaluated against SPIRIT-PRO by two independent raters for workshop protocols (developed post-workshop by participants) and control protocols (contemporaneous non-workshop protocols). SPIRIT-PRO items were assessed for completeness (0 = not addressed, 10 = fully addressed). Mann–Whitney U tests assessed whether workshop protocols scored higher than controls by item and overall. Results Participants (n = 107) evaluated the workshop positively. In 2017, 16/41 survey responders (39%) reported never applying in practice; barriers included role restrictions (14/41, 34%) and lack of time (5/41, 12%). SPIRIT-PRO overall scores did not differ between workshop (n = 13, median = 3.81/10, interquartile range = 3.24) and control protocols (n = 9, 3.51/10 (2.14)), (p = 0.35). Workshop protocols scored higher than controls on two items: ‘specify PRO concepts/domains’ (p = 0.05); ‘methods for handling missing data’ (p = 0.044). Conclusion Although participants were highly satisfied with these workshops, the completeness of PRO protocol content generally did not improve. Additional knowledge translation efforts are needed to assist protocol writers address SPIRIT-PRO guidance and avoid research waste that may eventuate from sub-optimal PRO protocol content. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11136-022-03127-w.
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Health-Related Quality of Life in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Patients Treated with Curative Resection and/or Local Ablative Therapy or Systemic Therapy in the Finnish RAXO-Study. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14071713. [PMID: 35406485 PMCID: PMC8996978 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14071713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastasectomy and/or local ablative therapy in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients often provide long-term survival. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) data in curatively treated mCRC are limited. In the RAXO-study that evaluated repeated resectability, a multi-cross-sectional HRQoL substudy with 15D, EQ-5D-3L, QLQ-C30, and QLQ-CR29 questionnaires was conducted. Mean values of patients in different treatment groups were compared with age- and gender-standardized general Finnish populations. The questionnaire completion rate was 444/477 patients (93%, 1751 questionnaires). Mean HRQoL was 0.89−0.91 with the 15D, 0.85−0.87 with the EQ-5D, 68−80 with the EQ-5D-VAS, and 68−79 for global health status during curative treatment phases, with improvements in the remission phase (disease-free >18 months). In the remission phase, mean EQ-5D and 15D scores were similar to the general population. HRQoL remained stable during first- to later-line treatments, when the aim was no longer cure, and declined notably when tumour-controlling therapy was no longer meaningful. The symptom burden affecting mCRC survivors’ well-being included insomnia, impotence, urinary frequency, and fatigue. Symptom burden was lower after treatment and slightly higher, though stable, through all phases of systemic therapy. HRQoL was high in curative treatment phases, further emphasizing the strategy of metastasectomy in mCRC when clinically meaningful.
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Gnanasakthy A. FDA Guidance on Assessment of Patient-Reported Outcomes in Cancer Trials: A Breath of Fresh Air or a Storm in a Teacup? PATIENT-PATIENT CENTERED OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2021; 14:695-697. [PMID: 34337673 DOI: 10.1007/s40271-021-00542-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Avallone A, Piccirillo MC, Nasti G, Rosati G, Carlomagno C, Di Gennaro E, Romano C, Tatangelo F, Granata V, Cassata A, Silvestro L, De Stefano A, Aloj L, Vicario V, Nappi A, Leone A, Bilancia D, Arenare L, Petrillo A, Lastoria S, Gallo C, Botti G, Delrio P, Izzo F, Perrone F, Budillon A. Effect of Bevacizumab in Combination With Standard Oxaliplatin-Based Regimens in Patients With Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open 2021; 4:e2118475. [PMID: 34309665 PMCID: PMC8314140 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.18475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Although bevacizumab is a standard of care in combination treatments for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), its clinical benefit has been limited. OBJECTIVE To determine whether sequential scheduling of bevacizumab administration in combination with chemotherapy improves treatment efficacy in patients with mCRC, in keeping with the tumor vascular normalization hypothesis. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This open-label, randomized clinical phase 3 trial was conducted from May 8, 2012, to December 9, 2015, at 3 Italian centers. Patients aged 18 to 75 years with unresectable, previously untreated, or single line-treated mCRC were recruited. Follow-up was completed December 31, 2019, and data were analyzed from February 26 to July 24, 2020. INTERVENTIONS Patients received 12 biweekly cycles of standard oxaliplatin-based regimens (modified FOLFOX-6 [levo-folinic acid, fluorouracil, and oxaliplatin]/modified CAPOX [capecitabine and oxaliplatin]) plus bevacizumab administered either on the same day as chemotherapy (standard arm) or 4 days before chemotherapy (experimental arm). MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary end point was the objective response rate (ORR) measured with Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors, version 1.1. Secondary end points included progression-free survival, overall survival, safety, and quality of life (QOL). RESULTS Overall, 230 patients (136 men [59.1%]; median age, 62.3 [interquartile range, 53.3-67.6] years) were randomly assigned to the standard arm (n = 115) or the experimental arm (n = 115). The median duration of follow-up was 68.3 (95% CI, 61.0-70.0) months. No difference in ORR (57.4% [95% CI, 47.8%-66.6%] in the standard arm and 56.5% [95% CI, 47.0-65.7] in the experimental arm; P = .89) or progression-free survival (10.5 [95% CI, 9.1-12.3] months in the standard arm and 11.7 [95% CI, 9.9-12.9] months in the experimental arm; P = .15) was observed. However, the median overall survival was 29.8 (95% CI, 22.5-41.1) months in the experimental arm compared with 24.1 (95% CI, 18.6-29.8) months in the standard arm (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.54-0.99; P = .04). Moreover, the experimental arm was associated with a significant reduction in the rate of severe diarrhea (6 [5.3%] vs 19 [16.5%]; P = .006) and nausea (2 [1.8%] vs 8 [7.0%]; P = .05) and improved physical functioning (mean [SD] change from baseline, 0.65 [1.96] vs -7.41 [2.95] at 24 weeks; P = .02), and constipation scores (mean [SD] change from baseline, -17.2 [3.73] vs -0.62 [4.44]; P = .003). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this randomized clinical trial, sequential administration of bevacizumab plus chemotherapy did not improve ORR, the primary end point. However, the overall survival advantage, fewer adverse effects, and better health-related QOL associated with sequential bevacizumab administration might provide the basis for exploring antiangiogenic combination treatments with innovative perspectives. TRIAL REGISTRATION EudraCT Identifier: 2011-004997-27; ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01718873.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Avallone
- Experimental Clinical Abdominal Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori–Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Maria C. Piccirillo
- Clinical Trials Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori–IRCCS, Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Guglielmo Nasti
- Innovative Therapy for Abdominal Metastases, IRCCS, Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Gerardo Rosati
- Medical Oncology Unit, S. Carlo Hospital, Potenza, Italy
| | - Chiara Carlomagno
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Elena Di Gennaro
- Experimental Pharmacology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori–IRCCS, Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Carmela Romano
- Experimental Clinical Abdominal Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori–Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Fabiana Tatangelo
- Pathology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori–IRCCS, Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Vincenza Granata
- Radiology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori–IRCCS, Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Antonino Cassata
- Experimental Clinical Abdominal Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori–Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Lucrezia Silvestro
- Experimental Clinical Abdominal Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori–Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Alfonso De Stefano
- Experimental Clinical Abdominal Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori–Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Luigi Aloj
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori–IRCCS, Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
- currently affiliated with Department of Radiology, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Valeria Vicario
- Experimental Clinical Abdominal Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori–Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Anna Nappi
- Experimental Clinical Abdominal Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori–Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Alessandra Leone
- Experimental Pharmacology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori–IRCCS, Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | | | - Laura Arenare
- Clinical Trials Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori–IRCCS, Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Antonella Petrillo
- Radiology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori–IRCCS, Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Secondo Lastoria
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori–IRCCS, Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Ciro Gallo
- Università della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Gerardo Botti
- Pathology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori–IRCCS, Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Paolo Delrio
- Colorectal Oncological Surgery, Istituto Nazionale Tumori–IRCCS, Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Francesco Izzo
- Colorectal Oncological Surgery, Istituto Nazionale Tumori–IRCCS, Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori–IRCCS, Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Franco Perrone
- Clinical Trials Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori–IRCCS, Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Alfredo Budillon
- Experimental Pharmacology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori–IRCCS, Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
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Calvert M, King M, Mercieca-Bebber R, Aiyegbusi O, Kyte D, Slade A, Chan AW, Basch E, Bell J, Bennett A, Bhatnagar V, Blazeby J, Bottomley A, Brown J, Brundage M, Campbell L, Cappelleri JC, Draper H, Dueck AC, Ells C, Frank L, Golub RM, Griebsch I, Haywood K, Hunn A, King-Kallimanis B, Martin L, Mitchell S, Morel T, Nelson L, Norquist J, O'Connor D, Palmer M, Patrick D, Price G, Regnault A, Retzer A, Revicki D, Scott J, Stephens R, Turner G, Valakas A, Velikova G, von Hildebrand M, Walker A, Wenzel L. SPIRIT-PRO Extension explanation and elaboration: guidelines for inclusion of patient-reported outcomes in protocols of clinical trials. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e045105. [PMID: 34193486 PMCID: PMC8246371 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-045105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are used in clinical trials to provide valuable evidence on the impact of disease and treatment on patients' symptoms, function and quality of life. High-quality PRO data from trials can inform shared decision-making, regulatory and economic analyses and health policy. Recent evidence suggests the PRO content of past trial protocols was often incomplete or unclear, leading to research waste. To address this issue, international, consensus-based, PRO-specific guidelines were developed: the Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials (SPIRIT)-PRO Extension. The SPIRIT-PRO Extension is a 16-item checklist which aims to improve the content and quality of aspects of clinical trial protocols relating to PRO data collection to minimise research waste, and ultimately better inform patient-centred care. This SPIRIT-PRO explanation and elaboration (E&E) paper provides information to promote understanding and facilitate uptake of the recommended checklist items, including a comprehensive protocol template. For each SPIRIT-PRO item, we provide a detailed description, one or more examples from existing trial protocols and supporting empirical evidence of the item's importance. We recommend this paper and protocol template be used alongside the SPIRIT 2013 and SPIRIT-PRO Extension paper to optimise the transparent development and review of trial protocols with PROs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Calvert
- Centre for Patient Reported Outcome Research, Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Birmingham Health Partners Centre for Regulatory Science and Innovation, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Institute of Translational Medicine, Birmingham, UK
- NIHR Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology Research Centre, Birmingham, UK
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration West Midlands, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Madeleine King
- Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rebecca Mercieca-Bebber
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Olalekan Aiyegbusi
- Centre for Patient Reported Outcome Research, Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Institute of Translational Medicine, Birmingham, UK
| | - Derek Kyte
- Centre for Patient Reported Outcome Research, Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Anita Slade
- Centre for Patient Reported Outcome Research, Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- NIHR Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology Research Centre, Birmingham, UK
| | - An-Wen Chan
- Women's College Research Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - E Basch
- University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jill Bell
- Oncology Digital Health, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
| | - Antonia Bennett
- Cancer Outcomes Research Program, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Jane Blazeby
- NIHR Bristol Biomedical Research Centre, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Division of Surgery, Head and Neck, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Andrew Bottomley
- Department of Quality of Life, European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Julia Brown
- Clinical Trials Research Unit, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Michael Brundage
- Department of Oncology, Queen's University Cancer Research Institute, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lisa Campbell
- Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, London, UK
| | - Joseph C Cappelleri
- Global Biometrics & Data Management-Statistics, Pfizer Inc, New York City, New York, USA
| | | | - Amylou C Dueck
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
| | - Carolyn Ells
- School of Population and Global Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Lori Frank
- Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | | | - Kirstie Haywood
- Warwick Research in Nursing, University of Warwick, Warwick Medical School, Coventry, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Thomas Morel
- Patient-Centered Outcomes Research, UCB Pharma, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Linda Nelson
- Value Evidence and Outcomes-Patient Centered Outcomes, GSK, Collegeville, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Josephine Norquist
- Center for Observational Real-world Evidence (CORE), Patient-Centered Endpoints & Strategy, Merck & Co Inc, Kenilworth, New Jersey, USA
| | - Daniel O'Connor
- Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, London, UK
| | - Michael Palmer
- Cancer Research Institute, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Donald Patrick
- Department of Health Services, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Gary Price
- Centre for Patient Reported Outcome Research, Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Ameeta Retzer
- Centre for Patient Reported Outcome Research, Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Jane Scott
- Johnson and Johnson, Janssen Global Services LLC, High Wycombe, UK
| | | | - Grace Turner
- Centre for Patient Reported Outcome Research, Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- NIHR Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology Research Centre, Birmingham, UK
| | - Antonia Valakas
- EMD Serono Inc, Healthcare Business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Galina Velikova
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James's, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Maria von Hildebrand
- Centre for Patient Reported Outcome Research, Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Anita Walker
- Centre for Patient Reported Outcome Research, Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Lari Wenzel
- University of California, Irvine, California, USA
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Quality of Life in Vulnerable Older Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Receiving Palliative Chemotherapy-The Randomized NORDIC9-Study. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13112604. [PMID: 34073363 PMCID: PMC8198682 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13112604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Quality of life data from randomized trials are lacking in older patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). In the randomized NORDIC9-study, reduced-dose S1+oxaliplatin (SOx) showed superior efficacy compared to full-dose S1 monotherapy. We hypothesized that treatment with SOx does not result in inferior quality of life. Patients with mCRC aged ≥70 years and that were not a candidate for standard combination chemotherapy were included and randomly assigned to receive either S1 or SOx. The EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire was completed at baseline, after 9, and 18 weeks. The primary endpoint was global Quality of Life (QoL) at 9 weeks. For statistical analysis, a non-inferiority design was chosen applying linear mixed effects models for repeated measurements. The results were interpreted according to statistical significance and anchor-based, clinically relevant between-group minimally important differences (MID). A total of 160 patients aged (median (Interquartile range (IQR))) 78 years (76-81) were included. The QLQ-C30 questionnaire was completed by 150, 100, and 60 patients at baseline, at 9, and 18 weeks, respectively. The difference at 9 weeks in global QoL was 6.85 (95%CI-1.94; 15.65) and 7.37 (0.70; 14.05) in the physical functioning domain in favor of SOx exceeding the threshold for MID. At 18 weeks, the between-group MID in physical functioning was preserved. Dose-reduced combination chemotherapy may be recommended in vulnerable older patients with mCRC, rather than full-dose monotherapy.
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11
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Rizzo A, Mollica V, Dall'Olio FG, Ricci AD, Maggio I, Marchetti A, Rosellini M, Santoni M, Ardizzoni A, Massari F. Quality of life assessment in renal cell carcinoma Phase II and III clinical trials published between 2010 and 2020: a systematic review. Future Oncol 2021; 17:2671-2681. [PMID: 33880963 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2021-0069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims: Quality of life (QoL) assessment is frequently not included among the end points of clinical trials (CTs) on renal cell carcinoma. Herein we aimed to describe the assessment and reporting of QoL in Phase II and Phase III CTs published between 2010 and 2020. Methods: A total of 25 CTs were included; 76% of trials included were conducted in metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients, while 20% of studies evaluated adjuvant systemic treatments. Results: In 13/25 publications, QoL was not listed among the end points, with secondary publications dedicated to QoL present in a minority of cases. Conclusions: QoL was not included among the end points of a large percentage of CTs. Implementing the inclusion of QoL represents an urgent need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Rizzo
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Albertoni15, Bologna, 40138, Italy
| | - Veronica Mollica
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Albertoni15, Bologna, 40138, Italy
| | - Filippo Gustavo Dall'Olio
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Albertoni15, Bologna, 40138, Italy
| | - Angela Dalia Ricci
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Albertoni15, Bologna, 40138, Italy
| | - Ilaria Maggio
- Department of Medical Oncology, Azienda USL of Bologna, Bologna, 40139, Italy
| | - Andrea Marchetti
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Albertoni15, Bologna, 40138, Italy
| | - Matteo Rosellini
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Albertoni15, Bologna, 40138, Italy
| | - Matteo Santoni
- Oncology Unit, Macerata Hospital, Macerata, 62100, Italy
| | - Andrea Ardizzoni
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Albertoni15, Bologna, 40138, Italy
| | - Francesco Massari
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Albertoni15, Bologna, 40138, Italy
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12
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Wang YX, Li YZ, Zhu HF, Zhang ZY, Qian XL, He GY. STX2 drives colorectal cancer proliferation via upregulation of EXOSC4. Life Sci 2020; 263:118597. [PMID: 33075373 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To explore the biological function and mechanism of Syntaxin2 (STX2) in Colorectal cancer (CRC) proliferation. MAIN METHODS A series of gain- and loss-of-function analysis were conducted the to explore the biological function of STX2 in CRC proliferation in vivo and in vitro. Western blot, Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and the functional analyses were taken to analyze the regulative role of STX2 on Exosome Complex 4 (EXOSC4) in CRC proliferation; Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) were used to further verify the relationship between the expression of STX2 and EXOSC4 in human CRC samples. KEY FINDINGS Our study revealed that the over-expression of STX2 promoted CRC proliferation, while knockdown of STX2 repressed CRC proliferation; STX2 promoted CRC proliferation via increasing EXOSC4 protein; There was a positive correlation between STX2 and EXOSC4 expression. SIGNIFICANCE The current data verify that STX2 drives the proliferation of CRC via increasing the expression of EXOSC4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Xia Wang
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan, China; Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan, China; Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncologic Pathology, Henan, Xinxiang, China
| | - Yong-Zhen Li
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan, China; Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan, China; Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncologic Pathology, Henan, Xinxiang, China
| | - Hui-Fang Zhu
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan, China; Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan, China; Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncologic Pathology, Henan, Xinxiang, China
| | - Zhe-Ying Zhang
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan, China; Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan, China; Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncologic Pathology, Henan, Xinxiang, China
| | - Xin-Lai Qian
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan, China; Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan, China; Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncologic Pathology, Henan, Xinxiang, China.
| | - Guo-Yang He
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan, China; Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan, China; Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncologic Pathology, Henan, Xinxiang, China.
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13
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Saleh RR, Meti N, Ribnikar D, Goldvaser H, Ocana A, Templeton AJ, Seruga B, Amir E. Associations between safety, tolerability, and toxicity and the reporting of health-related quality of life in phase III randomized trials in common solid tumors. Cancer Med 2020; 9:7888-7895. [PMID: 32886422 PMCID: PMC7643655 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.3390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Anti‐cancer drugs are approved typically on the basis of efficacy and safety as evaluated in phase III randomized trials (RCTs). Health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) is a direct measure of patient benefit, but is under‐reported. Here we explore associations with reporting of HRQoL data in phase III RCTs in common solid tumors. Methods We searched ClinicalTrials.gov to identify phase III RCTs evaluating new drugs in adults with advanced cancers that completed accrual between January 2005 and October 2016. Data on HRQoL, safety, and tolerability comprising treatment‐related death, treatment discontinuation and commonly reported grade 3 or 4 adverse events (AEs) were extracted. Associations between these measures and reporting of HRQoL data were explored using logistic regression. Results Of 377 phase III RCTs identified initially, 143 studies were analysed and comprised 55% positive trials and 90% industry sponsored trials. HRQoL was listed as an endpoint in 59% trials; and of these, only 65% reported HRQoL data. There were higher odds of reporting HRQoL data for positive trials (OR 2.05, P = .04) and trials published in journals with higher impact factor (OR 1.35, P = .01). Reporting of HRQoL was not associated with treatment‐related death (OR 1.25, P = .40) or treatment discontinuation (OR 1.12, P = .61), but was positively associated with dyspnea and dermatological adverse events. Conclusions HRQoL is reported in only two‐thirds of RCTs that describe collecting such data. Reporting of HRQoL is associated with positive trial outcome and higher journal impact factor, but not associated with overall safety and tolerability of anti‐cancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramy R Saleh
- Division of Medical Oncology & Hematology, Department of Medicine, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nicholas Meti
- Division of Medical Oncology & Hematology, Department of Medicine, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Domen Ribnikar
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Hadar Goldvaser
- Davidoff Cancer Center, Beilinson Hospital, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Alberto Ocana
- Experimental Therapeutics Unit, Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, and IdISSC, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain.,Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Castilla-La Mancha University, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Arnoud J Templeton
- Department of Oncology, St. Claraspital, Basel, Switzerland.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Bostjan Seruga
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Eitan Amir
- Division of Medical Oncology & Hematology, Department of Medicine, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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14
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Leopold C, Haffajee RL, Lu CY, Wagner AK. The Complex Cancer Care Coverage Environment - What is the Role of Legislation? A Case Study from Massachusetts. THE JOURNAL OF LAW, MEDICINE & ETHICS : A JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF LAW, MEDICINE & ETHICS 2020; 48:538-551. [PMID: 33021165 DOI: 10.1177/1073110520958879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Over the past decades, anti-cancer treatments have evolved rapidly from cytotoxic chemotherapies to targeted therapies including oral targeted medications and injectable immuno-oncology and cell therapies. New anti-cancer medications come to markets at increasingly high prices, and health insurance coverage is crucial for patient access to these therapies. State laws are intended to facilitate insurance coverage of anti-cancer therapies.Using Massachusetts as a case study, we identified five current cancer coverage state laws and interviewed experts on their perceptions of the relevance of the laws and how well they meet the current needs of cancer care given rapid changes in therapies. Interviewees emphasized that cancer therapies, as compared to many other therapeutic areas, are unique because insurance legislation targets their coverage. They identified the oral chemotherapy parity law as contributing to increasing treatment costs in commercial insurance. For commercial insurers, coverage mandates combined with the realities of new cancer medications - including high prices and often limited evidence of efficacy at approval - compound a difficult situation. Respondents recommended policy approaches to address this challenging coverage environment, including the implementation of closed formularies, the use of cost-effectiveness studies to guide coverage decisions, and the application of value-based pricing concepts. Given the evolution of cancer therapeutics, it may be time to evaluate the benefits and challenges of cancer coverage mandates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Leopold
- Christine Leopold, Ph.D., M.Sc., conducted this research while she was a senior research fellow in the Department of Population Medicine at Harvard Medical School and the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute. She received her Ph.D. from Utrecht University and her Master of Science degree in international healthcare management, economics and policy from Bocconi University. Rebecca L. Haffajee, J.D., Ph.D., M.P.H., is a Policy Researcher at RAND Corporation and an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Health Management and Policy at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. She received her law degree from Harvard Law School and a Master in Public Health degree from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. She completed her Ph.D. in health policy with a concentration in evaluative science and statistics at Harvard University in 2016. Christine Y. Lu, M.Sc, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Population Medicine at Harvard Medical School and the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute and she co-directs the PRecisiOn Medicine Translational Research Center. She received her M.Sc. in biopharmaceuticals and a Ph.D. from the University of New South Wales. Anita K. Wagner, Pharm.D., M.P.H, Dr.P.H., is Associate Professor at the Department of Population Medicine at Harvard Medical School and the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute. She serves as the Director of the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Ethics Program. She received her Master of Public Health degree in international health and Doctor of Public Health degree in epidemiology from the Harvard School of Public Health
| | - Rebecca L Haffajee
- Christine Leopold, Ph.D., M.Sc., conducted this research while she was a senior research fellow in the Department of Population Medicine at Harvard Medical School and the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute. She received her Ph.D. from Utrecht University and her Master of Science degree in international healthcare management, economics and policy from Bocconi University. Rebecca L. Haffajee, J.D., Ph.D., M.P.H., is a Policy Researcher at RAND Corporation and an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Health Management and Policy at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. She received her law degree from Harvard Law School and a Master in Public Health degree from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. She completed her Ph.D. in health policy with a concentration in evaluative science and statistics at Harvard University in 2016. Christine Y. Lu, M.Sc, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Population Medicine at Harvard Medical School and the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute and she co-directs the PRecisiOn Medicine Translational Research Center. She received her M.Sc. in biopharmaceuticals and a Ph.D. from the University of New South Wales. Anita K. Wagner, Pharm.D., M.P.H, Dr.P.H., is Associate Professor at the Department of Population Medicine at Harvard Medical School and the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute. She serves as the Director of the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Ethics Program. She received her Master of Public Health degree in international health and Doctor of Public Health degree in epidemiology from the Harvard School of Public Health
| | - Christine Y Lu
- Christine Leopold, Ph.D., M.Sc., conducted this research while she was a senior research fellow in the Department of Population Medicine at Harvard Medical School and the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute. She received her Ph.D. from Utrecht University and her Master of Science degree in international healthcare management, economics and policy from Bocconi University. Rebecca L. Haffajee, J.D., Ph.D., M.P.H., is a Policy Researcher at RAND Corporation and an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Health Management and Policy at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. She received her law degree from Harvard Law School and a Master in Public Health degree from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. She completed her Ph.D. in health policy with a concentration in evaluative science and statistics at Harvard University in 2016. Christine Y. Lu, M.Sc, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Population Medicine at Harvard Medical School and the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute and she co-directs the PRecisiOn Medicine Translational Research Center. She received her M.Sc. in biopharmaceuticals and a Ph.D. from the University of New South Wales. Anita K. Wagner, Pharm.D., M.P.H, Dr.P.H., is Associate Professor at the Department of Population Medicine at Harvard Medical School and the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute. She serves as the Director of the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Ethics Program. She received her Master of Public Health degree in international health and Doctor of Public Health degree in epidemiology from the Harvard School of Public Health
| | - Anita K Wagner
- Christine Leopold, Ph.D., M.Sc., conducted this research while she was a senior research fellow in the Department of Population Medicine at Harvard Medical School and the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute. She received her Ph.D. from Utrecht University and her Master of Science degree in international healthcare management, economics and policy from Bocconi University. Rebecca L. Haffajee, J.D., Ph.D., M.P.H., is a Policy Researcher at RAND Corporation and an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Health Management and Policy at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. She received her law degree from Harvard Law School and a Master in Public Health degree from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. She completed her Ph.D. in health policy with a concentration in evaluative science and statistics at Harvard University in 2016. Christine Y. Lu, M.Sc, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Population Medicine at Harvard Medical School and the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute and she co-directs the PRecisiOn Medicine Translational Research Center. She received her M.Sc. in biopharmaceuticals and a Ph.D. from the University of New South Wales. Anita K. Wagner, Pharm.D., M.P.H, Dr.P.H., is Associate Professor at the Department of Population Medicine at Harvard Medical School and the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute. She serves as the Director of the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Ethics Program. She received her Master of Public Health degree in international health and Doctor of Public Health degree in epidemiology from the Harvard School of Public Health
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