Needs and preferences of patients regarding basal cell carcinoma and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma care: a qualitative focus group study

European consensus-based interdisciplinary guideline for invasive cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: Part 2. Treatment-Update 2023

In order to update recommendations on treatment, supportive care, education, and follow-up of patients with invasive cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), a multidisciplinary panel of experts from the European Association of Dermato-Oncology (EADO), the European Dermatology Forum (EDF), the European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO), the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS), the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV), and the European Organisation of Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) was formed. Recommendations were based on an evidence-based literature review, guidelines, and expert consensus. Treatment recommendations are presented for common primary cSCC (low risk, high risk), locally advanced cSCC, regional metastatic cSCC (operable or inoperable), and distant metastatic cSCC. For common primary cSCC, the first-line treatment is surgical excision with postoperative margin assessment or micrographically controlled surgery. Achieving clear surgical margins is the most important treatment consideration for patients with cSCCs amenable to surgery. Regarding adjuvant radiotherapy for patients with high-risk localised cSCC with clear surgical margins, current evidence has not shown significant benefit for those with at least one high-risk factor. Radiotherapy should be considered as the primary treatment for non-surgical candidates/tumours. For cSCC with cytologically or histologically confirmed regional nodal metastasis, lymph node dissection is recommended. For patients with metastatic or locally advanced cSCC who are not candidates for curative surgery or radiotherapy, anti-PD-1 agents are the first-line systemic treatment, with cemiplimab being the first approved systemic agent for advanced cSCC by the Food and Drugs Administration/European Medicines Agency. Second-line systemic treatments for advanced cSCC, include epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors (cetuximab) combined with chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Multidisciplinary board decisions are mandatory for all patients with advanced cSCC, considering the risks of toxicity, the age and frailty of patients, and co-morbidities, including immunosuppression. Patients should be engaged in informed, shared decision-making on management and be provided with the best supportive care to improve symptom management and quality of life. The frequency of follow-up visits and investigations for subsequent new cSCC depends on underlying risk characteristics.

Effectiveness of a patient decision aid for patients with superficial basal cell carcinoma: A pre- and post-implementation study

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluates whether using a patient decision aid (PDA) for patients with superficial basal-cell carcinoma (sBCC) results in a decreased decisional conflict level and increased knowledge.

METHODS

In a prospective multicentre study, patient groups were included before and after implementation of a PDA. Decisional conflict levels were compared directly after making the treatment decision, measured once as the mean score on the decisional conflict scale (DCS). Higher scores correspond with higher conflict levels (0-100). Secondary outcomes were knowledge on treatment options, recognizing a BCC, and risk factors for developing a BCC measured on an adapted version of a validated knowledge questionnaire for melanoma patients, and patient satisfaction with the PDA.

RESULTS

Data was available for 103 patients in the control-group and 109 in the PDA-group. The mean DCS score in the control-group was 22.78 (SD 14.76) compared to 22.34 (SD 14.54) in the PDA-group; the decrease was non-significant (p = 0.828). The average percentage correct answers on the knowledge questionnaire increased from 76.5% in the control-group to 80.5% in the PDA-group (p = 0.044). According to the majority of patients in the PDA-group (73.7%) the PDA had added value.

CONCLUSION

Using the PDA had no significant effect on decisional conflict levels, but increased overall knowledge on relevant issues concerning sBCC.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

The PDA can be used as an informational tool by patients with sBCC.

European consensus-based interdisciplinary guideline for diagnosis and treatment of basal cell carcinoma-update 2023

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common malignant tumour in white populations. Multidisciplinary experts from European Association of Dermato-Oncology (EADO), European Dermatology Forum, European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO), Union Européenne des Médecins Spécialistes, and the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology developed updated recommendations on diagnosis and treatment of BCC. BCCs were categorised into 'easy-to-treat' (common) and 'difficult-to-treat' according to the new EADO clinical classification. Diagnosis is based on clinico-dermatoscopic features, although histopathological confirmation is mandatory in equivocal lesions. The first-line treatment of BCC is complete surgery. Micrographically controlled surgery shall be offered in high-risk and recurrent BCC, and BCC located on critical anatomical sites. Topical therapies and destructive approaches can be considered in patients with low-risk superficial BCC. Photodynamic therapy is an effective treatment for superficial and low-risk nodular BCCs. Management of 'difficult-to-treat' BCCs should be discussed by a multidisciplinary tumour board. Hedgehog inhibitors (HHIs), vismodegib or sonidegib, should be offered to patients with locally advanced and metastatic BCC. Immunotherapy with anti-PD1 antibodies (cemiplimab) is a second-line treatment in patients with a progression of disease, contraindication, or intolerance to HHI therapy. Radiotherapy represents a valid alternative in patients who are not candidates for or decline surgery, especially elderly patients. Electrochemotherapy may be offered when surgery or radiotherapy is contraindicated. In Gorlin patients, regular skin examinations are required to diagnose and treat BCCs at an early stage. Long-term follow-up is recommended in patients with high-risk BCC, multiple BCCs, and Gorlin syndrome.

Current Utilization of Qualitative Methodologies in Dermatology: A Scoping Review

The focus of this review was to determine how qualitative methods are used in dermatology research and whether published manuscripts meet current standards for qualitative research. A scoping review of manuscripts published in English between January 1, 2016 and September 22, 2021 was conducted. A coding document was developed to collect information on authors, methodology, participants, research theme, and the presence of quality criteria as outlined by the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research. Manuscripts were included if they described original qualitative research about dermatologic conditions or topics of primary interest to dermatology. An adjacency search yielded 372 manuscripts, and after screening, 134 met the inclusion criteria. Most studies utilized interviews or focus groups, and researchers predominantly selected participants on the basis of disease status, including over 30 common and rare dermatologic conditions. Research themes frequently included patient experience of disease, development of patient-reported outcomes, and descriptions of provider and caregiver experiences. Although most authors explained their analysis and sampling strategy and included empirical data, few referenced qualitative data reporting standards. Missed opportunities for qualitative methods in dermatology include examination of health disparities, exploration of surgical and cosmetic dermatology experiences, and determination of the lived experience of and provider attitudes toward diverse patient populations.

Needs and preferences of patients regarding atopic dermatitis care in the era of new therapeutic options: a qualitative study

To optimally tailor atopic dermatitis (AD) care to patients' needs, especially considering the many emerging therapeutic options, insight into patients' needs and preferences regarding AD care is needed. To explore patients' needs and preferences regarding AD care, a qualitative study consisting of three focus groups with a total of 20 adult AD patients was conducted. All sessions were transcribed verbatim and inductively analyzed using several phases of coding to create an overview of patients' needs and preferences. AD patients emphasized the need for a patient-tailored approach in all identified aspects of AD care. With regard to consultations, patients stressed the need for a personal approach and increased recognition of the disease impact, which should mainly be determined by patients. With regard to the organization of AD care, the need for psychosocial and medical supportive care as well as quick access to health-care providers during disease flares was emphasized. Within the decision-making process, patients indicated that the provided information, the role of the patient and physician, whether or not treatment goals should be set, and decisive factors for indication and feasibility of novel therapies should be patient dependent. AD care should be patient tailored with increased attention for the psychosocial burden, as well as better access to health care during disease flares. To provide patient-tailored care, the personal situation, needs, and preferences of the patient should be taken into account in the therapeutic decision-making process, with respect for the autonomy of the patient.

Patient Perception of the Diagnosis Announcement and its Impact on Quality of Life of Patients with Primary Melanoma or Basal Cell Carcinoma

An improved understanding of the impact of skin cancer on patients’ daily life may optimize disease management. This questionnaire survey of adult patients in real-world settings aimed to assess patient perception of the diagnosis announcement, and the impact of the diagnosis on the patients’ professional and personal life. Data from 355 patients with melanoma and 320 patients with basal cell carcinoma (BCC) were analysed. Melanoma significantly impacted the couple, and sexual relationships, as well as family and social life, and reduced the patient’s libido more significantly than did BCC (all p < 0.05). Melanoma and BCC significantly impacted the patients’ professional and personal lives. The word “cancer” used for a BCC announcement has a high anxiety-producing meaning for the patient. The announcement of each skin cancer should be made during a dedicated consultation, with more time devoted to the patient and with specific empathy, in order to improve reassurance of the patient. 

Efficacy, cost-minimization, and budget impact of a personalized discharge letter for basal cell carcinoma patients to reduce low-value follow-up care

Background

The incidence of keratinocyte carcinomas is high and rapidly growing. Approximately 80% of keratinocyte carcinomas consist of basal cell carcinomas (BCC) with 50% of these being considered as low-risk tumors. Nevertheless, 83% of the low-risk BCC patients were found to receive more follow-up care than recommended according to the Dutch BCC guideline, which is one visit post-treatment for this group. More efficient management could reduce unnecessary follow-up care and related costs.

Objectives

To study the efficacy, cost-utility, and budget impact of a personalized discharge letter for low-risk BCC patients compared with usual care (no personalized letter).

Methods

In a multi-center intervention study, a personalized discharge letter in addition to usual care was compared to usual care in first-time BCC patients. Model-based cost-utility and budget impact analyses were conducted, using individual patient data gathered via surveys. The outcome measures were number of follow-up visits, costs and quality adjusted life years (QALY) per patient.

Results

A total of 473 first-time BCC patients were recruited. The personalized discharge letter decreased the number of follow-up visits by 14.8% in the first year. The incremental costs after five years were -€24.45 per patient. The QALYs were 4.12 after five years and very similar in both groups. The national budget impact was -€2,7 million after five years.

Conclusions

The distribution of a personalized discharge letter decreases the number of unnecessary follow-up visits and implementing the intervention in a large eligible population would results in substantial cost savings, contributing to restraining the growing BCC costs.

What do patients and dermatologists prefer regarding low-risk basal cell carcinoma follow-up care? A discrete choice experiment

BACKGROUND

Follow-up after low-risk basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is being provided more frequently than recommended by guidelines. To design an acceptable strategy to successfully reduce this 'low-value' care, it is important to obtain insights into the preferences of patients and dermatologists.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the preferences and needs of patients and dermatologists to reduce low-risk BCC follow-up care, and the trade-offs they are willing to make.

METHODS

A questionnaire including a discrete choice experiment was created, containing attributes regarding amount of follow-up, continuity of care, method of providing addition information, type of healthcare provider, duration of follow-up visits and skin examination. In total, 371 BCC patients and all Dutch dermatologists and dermatology residents (n = 620) were invited to complete the questionnaire. A panel latent class model was used for analysis.

RESULTS

Eighty-four dermatologists and 266 BCC patients (21% and 72% response rates respectively) completed the discrete choice experiment. If the post-treatment visit was performed by the same person as treatment provider and a hand-out was provided to patients containing personalised information, the acceptance of having no additional follow-up visits (i.e. following the guidelines) would increase from 55% to 77% by patients. Female patients and older dermatologists, however, are less willing to accept the guidelines and prefer additional follow-up visits.

LIMITATIONS

The low response rate of dermatologists.

CONCLUSION

This discrete choice experiment revealed a feasible strategy to substantially reduce costs, while maintaining quality of care, based on the preferences and needs of BCC patients, which is supported by dermatologists.

Complex skin cancer treatment requiring reconstructive plastic surgery: an interview study on the experiences and needs of patients

To provide patient-centered care, it is essential to explore what patients consider important and to adjust care accordingly. This may specifically be relevant for patients with complex skin cancer, for whom the care process is often more complicated and psychological and social problems may play a larger role. The objective was to explore the experiences and needs of patients who had undergone surgical treatment by a dermatologist for a complex skin cancer with a subsequent reconstruction by a plastic surgeon. An interview study was conducted among 16 patients who had undergone surgical treatment by a dermatologist and reconstruction by a plastic surgeon for basal cell carcinoma, cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, or lentigo maligna. The interviews focused on patients’ experiences and needs regarding care using a predefined topic list. All interviews were audio-taped, transcribed verbatim and inductively analyzed using Atlas.ti. Patients reported a need for a skilled and friendly physician who tailors information and communication to their individual situation. A need for continuity of care and improved collaboration between healthcare providers was also emphasized. Furthermore, patients experienced complications and unmet expectations and expressed a need for shared decision-making at various steps throughout the treatment process (depending on age). Patients also considered completeness of tumor removal, follow-up visits with multiple specialists to be planned the same day and recognition of the psychological impact of the disease on the partner important. To improve patient-centered care for complex skin cancer patients, more efforts should be directed towards improving continuity of care and collaboration. Furthermore, it is advocated for physicians to be sensitive to the individual needs of patients and their partner and adjust information, communication and (supportive) care accordingly.

Operationalizing patient-centered cancer care: A systematic review and synthesis of the qualitative literature on cancer patients' needs, values, and preferences

OBJECTIVE

Efficiently addressing patient priorities and concerns remains a challenge in oncology. Systematic operationalization of patient-centered care (PCC) can support improved assessment and practice of PCC in this unique care setting. This review aimed to synthesize the qualitative empirical literature exploring the National Academy of Medicine (NAM)'s PCC constructs of values, needs, and preferences among patients' during their cancer treatment experiences.

METHODS

A systematic review of qualitative studies published between 2002 and 2018 addressing adult patient values, needs, and preferences during cancer treatment was conducted. Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and SCOPUS databases were searched on September 10, 2018. Methodological rigor was assessed using a modified version of the Evaluation Tool for Qualitative Studies. Included study findings were analyzed using line-by-line coding; and the emergent themes were compared to the National Academy of Medicine (NAM)'s PCC dimensions.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine primary studies were included in the synthesis. Descriptive themes for values (autonomy, being involved, family, hope, normality, and sincerity), needs (care coordination, information, privacy, support of physical well-being, emotional support (family/friends, peer, provider), and self-support), and preferences (care coordination, decision-making, information delivery, source of social support, and treatment) were identified. "Cancer care context" emerged as an important domain in which these constructs are operationalized. This thematic framework outlines PCC attributes that oncology care stakeholders can evaluate to improve patient experiences.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings build on previous PCC research and may contribute to the systematic assessment of patient priorities and the improvement of oncology care quality from the patient perspective.

Growth rate of clinically diagnosed superficial basal cell carcinoma and changes in dermoscopic features over time

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most commonly occurring skin cancer. BCCs have been found to generally grow slowly. Data are limited on how the dermoscopic characteristics of BCCs evolve. We set out to determine the growth rate of superficial BCCs (sBCC) and assess the change in dermoscopic features over time.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed of clinically diagnosed sBCC. Images, demographic and dermoscopic data were collected by a melanographer. Mixed effects linear regression models were used to investigate sBCC growth and associations between size and dermoscopic/demographic variables. We tested differences in trends over time in dermoscopic features using non-parametric trend tests.

RESULTS

100 individual sBCC were evaluated in 70 patients (mean age 62; 59% male), 69% had Fitzpatrick skin phototype 1 or 2, and 81% had some degree of actinic damage. sBCC were present on the back in 58% and 22% of men and women, respectively. The median surface area was 41.9 mm² with a growth rate of 0.81 mm² /month. Males had larger sBCC than females. There was no association between sBCC size and Fitzpatrick skin phototype, history of skin cancer or family history of melanoma. There is some evidence larger sBCC gain shiny white structures (P = 0.053) over time.

CONCLUSIONS

sBCC grow at a rate unlikely to adversely affect patient outcomes associated with long wait times. Our data suggest that dermoscopy can aid in appropriate treatment selection for sBCC.

European interdisciplinary guideline on invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the skin: Part 2. Treatment

In order to update recommendations on treatment, supportive care, education and follow-up of patients with invasive cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), a multidisciplinary panel of experts from the European Dermatology Forum, the European Association of Dermato-Oncology and the European Organization of Research and Treatment of Cancer was formed. Recommendations were based on evidence-based literature review, guidelines and expert consensus. Treatment recommendations are presented for common primary cSCC (low risk, high risk), locally advanced cSCC, regional metastatic cSCC (operable or inoperable) and distant metastatic cSCC. For common primary cSCC (the most frequent cSCC type), first-line treatment is surgical excision with postoperative margin assessment or microscopically controlled sugery. Safety margins containing clinical normal-appearing tissue around the tumour during surgical excision and negative margins as reported in the pathology report are necessary to minimise the risk of local recurrence and metastasis. In case of positive margins, a re-excision shall be done, for operable cases. Lymph node dissection is recommended for cSCC with cytologically or histologically confirmed regional nodal involvement. Radiotherapy should be considered as curative treatment for inoperable cSCC, or for non-surgical candidates. Anti-PD-1 antibodies are the first-line systemic treatment for patients with metastatic or locally advanced cSCC who are not candidates for curative surgery or radiation, with cemiplimab being the first approved systemic agent for advanced cSCC by the Food and Drug Administration/European Medicines Agency. Second-line systemic treatments for advanced cSCC include epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors (cetuximab) combined with chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Multidisciplinary board decisions are mandatory for all patients with advanced disease who require more than surgery. Patients should be engaged with informed decisions on management and be provided with best supportive care to optimise symptom management and improve quality of life. Frequency of follow-up visits and investigations for subsequent new cSCC depend on underlying risk characteristics.

National survey of UK Dermatologists demonstrates significant variation in how to obtain consent for dermatological procedures

Consent must be undertaken prior to any dermatological procedure; however, in doing this, the clinician needs to ensure consent is valid and satisfies the principles of determining material risk. We aimed to assess variations in obtaining consent in the UK and understanding of material risk through a nationally distributed survey to members of the British Society for Dermatological Surgery and British Association of Dermatologists. Of 165 responses, we found that written consent was being obtained for all procedures in 73.9% of cases and typically at the time of procedure in the operating room/theatre (78.8%). Fifty-seven per cent of respondents were not familiar with the term 'material risk' and almost one-third were not aware of the Montgomery vs. Lanarkshire ruling, which replaced the Bolam test in 2015. We would encourage readers to be aware of these changes to consent law in the UK and how it might affect their approach to obtaining consent.

Electrochemotherapy and Ablative Therapies in Non-melanoma Skin Cancer

Although surgery and radiotherapy remain the most commonly used treatments for non-melanoma skin cancer, there are a variety of alternatives. Here we discuss the use of electrochemotherapy and ablative treatments and examine the evidence for their effectiveness against a number of non-melanoma skin cancers.

Health-Related Quality of Life, Satisfaction with Care, and Cosmetic Results in Relation to Treatment among Patients with Keratinocyte Cancer in the Head and Neck Area: Results from the PROFILES Registry

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the impact of keratinocyte cancer (KC) and its treatment on health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the present study were (1) to evaluate HRQoL among patients with KC in a population-based setting and compare this with an age- end sex-matched normative population and (2) to compare HRQoL, satisfaction with care, and cosmetic results among patients who underwent conventional excision, Mohs' micrographic surgery, or radiotherapy.

METHOD

A random sample of 347 patients diagnosed with cutaneous basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma in the head and neck area between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2014, were selected from the Netherlands Cancer Registry (NCR) and were invited to complete a questionnaire on HRQoL, satisfaction with care, and cosmetic results. Data were collected within Patient-Reported Outcomes Following Initial Treatment and Long-term Evaluation of Survivorship (PROFILES). Outcomes were compared to an age- and sex-matched normative population.

RESULTS

Two hundred fifteen patients with KC returned a completed questionnaire (62% response). Patients with KC reported better global quality of life (79.6 vs. 73.3, p < 0.01) and less pain (p < 0.01) compared to the normative population. No statistically significant differences in HRQoL, satisfaction with care, and cosmetic results were found between patients with KC who underwent conventional excision, Mohs' micrographic surgery, or radiotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

The impact of KC and its treatment seems relatively low and more positive than negative as patients reported better HRQoL compared to an age- and sex-matched normative population, probably due to adaptation. No statistically significant differences between treatment types were found concerning HRQoL, patient satisfaction, and cosmetic results. This information could be used by healthcare professionals involved in KC care to improve patients' knowledge about different aspects of the disease as patient's preference is an important factor for treatment choice.

Insight into the management of actinic keratosis: a qualitative interview study among general practitioners and dermatologists

BACKGROUND

The increasing incidence of actinic keratosis (AK) is causing a large burden on healthcare systems. The current management of patients with AK seems to vary within and between primary and secondary care; however, an in-depth understanding of healthcare providers' management of AK is currently lacking.

OBJECTIVES

To gain insight into the management of AK by exploring the underlying motives of current practices among general practitioners (GPs) and dermatologists in the Netherlands.

METHODS

A qualitative study was conducted consisting of semistructured individual interviews with 22 GPs and 18 dermatologists focusing on the underlying motives regarding AK management. A predefined topic list was used. All interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim and inductively analysed by two researchers drawing on elements of grounded theory.

RESULTS

GPs reported conducting limited proactive clinical assessments of cutaneous photodamage due to a perceived lack of value, varying in their method of diagnosing AK. They mainly applied cryotherapy or referred to secondary care due to lack of experience, varying in their applications and providing mostly patient-driven follow-up care. They also reported a great need for guidelines due to a lack of knowledge of AK management. Dermatologists indicated pursuing proactive clinical assessments of cutaneous photodamage and the goal of providing guideline-driven AK care. However, patient preferences still largely influence both treatment choices and follow-up regimens. Furthermore, dermatologists reported the need to improve AK and skin cancer management in primary care.

CONCLUSIONS

For AK care to become more standardized and uniform in Dutch primary care, the implementation of guidelines and (continuing) education are needed to address the commonly reported barriers of lack of value, experience and knowledge among GPs. For efficient use of care among dermatologists, shared decision-making tools along with adequate (framing of) patient information may be useful.

Opportunities for improving the efficiency of keratinocyte carcinoma care in primary and specialist care: Results from population-based Dutch cohort studies

BACKGROUND

High incidence rates of keratinocyte carcinoma (KC) in Western countries put pressure on healthcare systems. The aim of this study was to describe clinical practice in order to identify areas for improvement.

METHODS

A random selection of patients from the Integrated Primary Care Information database who consulted their general practitioner (GP) for suspicious or confirmed KC (n = 1597) was made in the analysis. For secondary care, 1569 patients with histologically confirmed KC were randomly selected from the Netherlands Cancer Registry. All patients were diagnosed between 2009 and 2013 and followed up until 2016. Details on diagnosis, treatment and care during follow-up were described.

RESULTS

Among 942 patients who consulted their GP, KC was included in the working or differential diagnosis, but two-thirds (629) were not KC. If the GP suspected KC, the GP directly referred to a medical specialist in most cases (548 of 942). In half (470 of 967) of all confirmed KCs, a skin malignancy was not described in the initial working or differential diagnosis of the GP. The medical specialist treated the first primary KC in 86% (1369 of 1596) by excision, 4% (69 of 1596) by Mohs surgery and 10% (158 of 1596) by another treatment. Although follow-up is not recommended for low-risk basal cell carcinoma, 83% (29 of 35) received follow-up care. In contrast, 82% (60 of 73) patients with squamous cell carcinoma received less follow-up than recommended.

CONCLUSIONS

Strengthening the diagnostic pathway for KC in primary care and reduction of low-value follow-up visits in secondary care seem potential areas for improving the efficiency of KC care.

Aging and the treatment of basal cell carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most commonly diagnosed type of skin cancer. BCCs are especially prevalent in the elderly population, given their association with cumulative sun exposure and other risk factors. In this contribution, we outline geriatric concepts related to the care of older adults with BCCs. We describe how a patient's life expectancy can be estimated and combined with tumor characteristics to determine lag time to benefit, a concept to better understand whether patients will experience the efficacy of a treatment within their life span. We also review the possibility of current BCC overdiagnosis and summarize the effectiveness, benefits, and risks of common treatments for BCCs, noting that all treatment modalities have special considerations when administered to older adults. In particular, nonsurgical treatments might be preferable for older adults with a limited life expectancy. Ultimately, we argue that the decision of whether and how to treat a BCC should be the result of shared decision-making between the provider and the patient and take into account not only tumor characteristics, but also patient values and preferences.

A Practical Guide for the Follow-Up of Patients with Advanced Basal Cell Carcinoma During Treatment with Hedgehog Pathway Inhibitors

The Hedgehog pathway inhibitors (HPIs), vismodegib and sonidegib, are increasingly employed in the treatment of patients with advanced basal cell carcinoma (BCC). The aim of this review is to create a synthesis of available information in the literature regarding the follow-up of patients with advanced BCC treated with HPIs and to provide the treating physician with a structured practical guide to standardize clinical practice. Several challenges during treatment are addressed: to optimally evaluate tumor responses, to differentiate between resistance (HPI rechallenge not possible) and recurrence (HPI rechallenge may be possible) in case of BCC regrowth, to readily assess for toxicity and tolerability issues, to provide patients with practical ways and behaviors to effectively cope with adverse events, and to improve patient adherence and quality of life. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: This is a practical guide for clinical practice regarding the monitoring and follow-up of patients with advanced basal cell carcinoma (BCC) during treatment with the Hedgehog pathway inhibitors (HPIs) vismodegib and sonidegib. This review aims to bridge the gap in knowledge of assessing tumor response for BCC with both an externally visible component and an infiltrating component measurable with imaging. Furthermore, it addresses the follow-up for adverse events as a challenging multistep process involving practices aiming to readily assess new-onset symptoms of HPI toxicity, perform total-body skin examination, and improve patient adherence and quality of life.

Factors influencing current low-value follow-up care after basal cell carcinoma and suggested strategies for de-adoption: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Providing follow-up to patients with low-risk basal cell carcinoma (BCC) can be considered as low-value care. However, dermatologists still provide substantial follow-up care to this patient group, for reasons not well understood.

OBJECTIVES

To identify factors influencing current BCC follow-up practices among dermatologists and suggested strategies to de-adopt this low-value care. In addition, views of patients regarding follow-up care were explored.

METHODS

A qualitative study was conducted consisting of 18 semistructured interviews with dermatologists and three focus groups with a total of 17 patients with low-risk BCC who had received dermatological care. The interviews focused on current follow-up practices, influencing factors and suggested strategies to de-adopt the follow-up care. The focus groups discussed preferred follow-up schedules and providers, as well as the content of follow-up. All (group) interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed by two researchers using ATLAS.ti software.

RESULTS

Factors influencing current follow-up care practices among dermatologists included complying with patients' preferences, lack of trust in general practitioners (GPs), financial incentives and force of habit. Patients reported varying needs regarding periodic follow-up visits, preferred to be seen by a dermatologist and indicated a need for improved information provision. Suggested strategies by dermatologists to de-adopt the low-value care encompassed educating patients with improved information, educating GPs to increase trust of dermatologists, realizing appropriate financial reimbursement and informing dermatologists about the low value of care.

CONCLUSIONS

A mixture of factors appear to contribute to current follow-up practices after low-risk BCC. In order to de-adopt this low-value care, strategies should be aimed at dermatologists and GPs, and also patients.

Substitution of low-risk skin cancer hospital care towards primary care: A qualitative study on views of general practitioners and dermatologists

BACKGROUND

Rising healthcare expenditures places the potential for substitution of hospital care towards primary care high on the political agenda. As low-risk basal cell carcinoma (BCC) care is one of the potential targets for substitution of hospital care towards primary care the objective of this study is to gain insight in the views of healthcare professionals regarding substitution of skin cancer care, and to identify perceived barriers and potential strategies to facilitate substitution.

METHODS

A qualitative study was conducted consisting of 40 interviews with dermatologists and GPs and three focus groups with 18 selected GPs with noted willingness regarding substitution of skin cancer care. The interviews and focus groups focused on general views, perceived barriers and potential strategies to facilitate substitution of skin cancer care, using predefined topic lists. All sessions were audio-taped, transcribed verbatim and analyzed using the program AtlasTi.

RESULTS

GPs were generally positive regarding substitution of skin care whereas dermatologists expressed more concerns. Lack of trust in GPs to adequately perform skin cancer care and a preference of patients for dermatologists are reported as barriers by dermatologists. The main barriers reported by GPs were a lack of confidence in own skills to perform skin cancer care, a lack of trust from both patients and dermatologists and limited time and financial compensation. Facilitating strategies suggested by both groups mainly focused on improving GPs' education and improving the collaboration between primary and secondary care. GPs additionally suggested efforts from dermatologists to increase their own and patients' trust in GPs, and time and financial compensation. The selected group of GPs suggested practical solutions to facilitate substitution focusing on changes in organizational structure including horizontal referring, outreach models and practice size reduction.

CONCLUSIONS

GPs and, to lesser extent, dermatologists are positive regarding substitution of low-risk BCC care, though report substantial barriers that need to be addressed before substitution can be further implemented. Aside from essential strategies such as improving GPs' skin cancer education and time and financial compensation, rearranging the organizational structure in primary care and between primary and secondary care may facilitate effective and safe substitution of low-risk BCC care.