JCO Oncology Practice

Socioeconomic and Racial Determinants of Brachytherapy Utilization for Cervical Cancer: Concerns for Widening Disparities

PURPOSE: Cervical cancer (CC) disproportionately affects minorities who have higher incidence and mortality rates. Standard of care for locally advanced CC involves a multimodality approach including brachytherapy (BT), which independently improves oncologic outcomes. Here, we examine the impact of insurance status and race on BT utilization with the SEER database. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 7,266 patients with stage I-IV CC diagnosed from 2007 to 2015 were included. BT utilization, overall survival (OS), and disease-specific survival (DSS) were compared. RESULTS: Overall, 3,832 (52.7%) received combined external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) + BT, whereas 3,434 (47.3%) received EBRT alone. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, increasing age (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.98 to 0.99; P < .001); Medicaid (OR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.72 to 0.88; P < .001), uninsured (OR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.56 to 0.80; P < .001), and unknown versus private insurance (OR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.43 to 0.86; P < .001); Black (OR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.60 to 0.77; P < .001) and unknown versus White race (OR, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.13 to 0.77; P = .047); and American Joint Committee on Cancer stage II (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.93 to 1.24; P = .36), stage III (OR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.71 to 0.94; P = .006), stage IV (OR, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.23 to 0.40; P < .001), and unknown stage versus stage I (OR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.28 to 0.45; P < .001) were associated with decreased BT utilization. When comparing racial survival differences, the 5-year OS was 44.2% versus 50.9% ( P < .0001) and the 5-year DSS was 55.6% versus 60.5% ( P < .0001) for Black and White patients, respectively. Importantly, the racial survival disparities resolved when examining patients who received combined EBRT + BT, with the 5-year OS of 57.3% versus58.5% ( P = .24) and the 5-year DSS of 66.3% versus 66.6% ( P = .53) for Black and White patients, respectively. CONCLUSION: This work demonstrates notable inequities in BT utilization for CC that particularly affects patients of lower insurance status and Black race, which translates into inferior oncologic outcomes. Importantly, the use of BT was able to overcome racial survival differences, thus highlighting its essential value.

Physician Influence on Variation in Receipt of Aggressive End-of-Life Care Among Women Dying of Ovarian Cancer

PURPOSE: End-of-life care for women with ovarian cancer is persistently aggressive, but factors associated with overuse are not well understood. We evaluated physician-level variation in receipt of aggressive end-of-life care and examined physician-level factors contributing to this variation in the SEER-Medicare data set. METHODS: Medicare beneficiaries with ovarian cancer who died between 2000 and 2016 were included if they were diagnosed after age 66 years, had complete Medicare coverage between diagnosis and death, and had outpatient physician evaluation and management for their ovarian cancer. Using multilevel logistic regression, we examined physician variation in no hospice enrollment, late hospice enrollment (≤ 3 days), > 1 emergency department visit, an intensive care unit stay, terminal hospitalization, > 1 hospitalization, receiving a life-extending or invasive procedure, and chemotherapy (in the last 2 weeks). RESULTS: In this sample of 6,288 women, 51% of women received at least one form of aggressive end-of-life care. Most common were no hospice enrollment (28.9%), an intensive care unit stay (18.6%), and receipt of an invasive procedure (20.7%). For not enrolling in hospice, 9.9% of variation was accounted for by physician clustering ( P < .01). Chemotherapy had the highest physician variation (12.4%), with no meaningful portion of the variation explained by physician specialty, volume, region, or patient characteristics. CONCLUSION: In this study, a meaningful amount of variation in aggressive end-of-life care among women dying of ovarian cancer was at the physician level, suggesting that efforts to improve the quality of this care should include interventions aimed at physician practices and decision making in end-of-life care.

Leveraging Electronic Health Records to Examine the Real-World Rates of Cancer Genetics Referrals in a Singapore Health Care Cluster

PURPOSE Identifying patients with hereditary cancer syndromes through genetics referral enhances early detection and reduces healthcare costs. Despite potential benefits, genetics referral rates globally, including Singapore, remain low. This study investigates the real-world rates of genetics referrals in eligible cancer patients at Singapore’s largest healthcare cluster using Electronic Health Records. METHODS Referral criteria for genetics referrals were based on international guidelines. The institution’s data repository was queried for eligible patients with relevant diagnosis codes from 2017 to 2021. We assessed genetics clinic attendance among eligible patients to evaluate referral rates. Variations in referral rates over time were analysed using linear regression and two-tailed t -test. RESULTS Of the 10,080 patients eligible for a genetics referral, 17.1% (1719) were referred to a cancer genetics clinic. Breast, ovarian, colorectal, and endometrial cancers accounted for 42.9%, 33.5%, 11.3%, and 8.6% of referrals, respectively. Other tumour types accounted for 3.7% of referrals. Referral rates for suspected Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer syndrome (HBOC)-related cancers were higher (19.4%) than referrals for suspected Lynch syndrome (11.9%). Among HBOC referrals, women (20.7%) were more likely to be referred than males (7.8%). From 2017 to 2021, we found an increase in referral rates for HBOC (12.8%-28.6%, P = .005) but not for Lynch syndrome-related indications (7.7%-13.5%, P = NS). The increase in referral rates for suspected HBOC in women was more significant than in men ( P = .03). CONCLUSION This study found lower referral rates for Lynch syndrome than HBOC, and identified a gender discrepancy, with men with HBOC being less likely to be referred. Efforts to increase referral rates should include raising clinician awareness and electronically identifying suspected cases, especially for male breast cancer and Lynch Syndrome.

Video Education Is an Acceptable Alternative to Pretest Genetic Counseling for Patients With Breast, Ovarian, Pancreatic, and Metastatic Prostate Cancer: Results From a Randomized Study

PURPOSE With increased demand for cancer genetic testing (GT), providers are exploring alternative service delivery models such as video education (VE). We compare the uptake of GT among 250 patients with breast, ovarian, pancreatic, or metastatic prostate cancer randomly assigned to receive either pretest VE or a pretest visit with a genetic counselor (GC). MATERIALS AND METHODS Using a 3:1 ratio, 187 patients were randomly assigned to the VE arm and 63 patients to the GC arm. GT was arranged after participants either watched an informative video (VE arm) or met with a GC (GC arm). Satisfaction, knowledge, distress, decisional regret, and family communication were assessed as secondary study end points. RESULTS Participants were age 39-88 years with no significant demographic differences between the two arms. In the VE arm, 170 (90.95%) participants completed GT versus 49 (77.8%) in the GC arm ( P = .01). The dropout rate before the pretest visit was higher in the GC arm compared with the VE arm: 10 (15.9%) versus 9 (4.8%). In the GC arm, 97.4% of participants felt all questions and concerns had been addressed compared with 66.9% of the VE arm ( P < .0001). Of the 219 participants tested, 29 (13.2%) had a pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant. CONCLUSION In this study, there was high acceptance of VE and it led to better GT uptake compared with the GC arm. However, it will be important for programs using VE to build-in more opportunities for patients to ask questions. Pretest VE is a viable option for patients with cancer who need their germline genetic test results to help guide surgical and medical decisions.

Clinical Management of Ovarian Function Suppression in Premenopausal Women With Breast Cancer: A Survey of Members of ASCO

PURPOSE Ovarian function suppression (OFS) with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHas) is a standard of care for premenopausal patients with high-risk stage II/III hormone receptor–positive breast cancer (BC). Practical guidance on the optimal choice of GnRHa, timing, schedule, and monitoring is limited. Our aim was to determine how oncologists use OFS in routine care. METHODS We designed a questionnaire to determine the choice of GnRHa, schedule, duration, initiation, use of bone modifiers, and monitoring of estradiol (E2). The questionnaire was sent to oncologists treating BC, in practice for >1 year and participating in the ASCO Research Survey Pool (RSP). It was also forwarded by investigators to oncologists meeting these criteria. The survey was open between November 14, 2023, and January 5, 2024. RESULTS Of 996 oncologists participating in the ASCO RSP, 178 (18%) completed the survey. An additional 56 oncologists contacted by investigators responded. Respondents were from the United States (57%), Asia (15%), and Europe (14%). Goserelin (54%) and leuprolide (39%) were the most frequently used GnRHas and were administered once every month by 46%. Approaches to starting GnRHas were varied. Most continued them for the duration of aromatase inhibitor therapy (57%). Estradiol monitoring was performed regularly, sometimes, or never by 43%, 27%, and 27%, respectively. The E2 assays used were standard (65%), ultrasensitive (16%), and unknown (14%). Interpreting E2 assay results were considered difficult by 55%; however, 62% of oncologists changed treatment on the basis of them. A total of 92% of respondents would like ASCO guidance on the practical use of OFS. CONCLUSION Considerable practice variation exists for similar clinical scenarios in OFS administration. Respondents would welcome ASCO guidance on all aspects of OFS.

Guidelines, Counseling Practices, and Fertility Preservation Options for Childhood Cancer Patients in the Nordic-Baltic Region

PURPOSE Despite new medicine and treatment options, fertility is impaired for many childhood cancer survivors after gonadotoxic treatment. In the current study, we compiled an overview on the state of fertility preservation (FP) care and limitations for childhood cancer patients throughout the Nordic-Baltic region. MATERIALS AND METHODS In partnership with the Nordic Society of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, an anonymous survey was conducted among 23 major pediatric oncology centers in Nordic and Baltic countries. The survey featured 22 multiple-choice and open-ended questions that provided insights into guidelines, available FP options, clinical indications, and counseling. RESULTS The response rate to the questionnaire was 74% (17 of 23 pediatric oncology centers). The survey revealed that only 65% of the centers have national guidelines on FP at the time. Although all centers offer counseling before treatment by oncologists (88%) or gynecologists (65%), 76% of the centers provide it only to those fulfill inclusion criteria. Additionally, counseling is unavailable for some patients because of age (35%), communication issues (29%), or lack of time (24%). Predominantly, sperm cryopreservation is offered across all centers for pubertal boys, while testicular tissue cryopreservation is provided at 41% of pediatric oncology centers for prepubertal boys. Oocyte cryopreservation is offered to pubertal girls at 88% of the centers, and ovarian tissue cryopreservation is offered to prepubertal and pubertal girls at 82% of the questioned centers. CONCLUSION The survey highlights the implementation of FP services status in the Nordic and Baltic countries. However, standardizing FP indications and disseminating guidelines widely is crucial to reduce clinical variability. Addressing issues such as inconsistent counseling, limited collaboration, and unclear risk stratification can drive further improvements.

Germline and Somatic Tumor Testing in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: ASCO Guideline Summary

Bridging the Gap: A Priorities Assessment Tool to Support Shared Decision Making, Maximize Appointment Time, and Increase Patient Satisfaction in Women With Ovarian Cancer

PURPOSE: Women with ovarian cancer identify patient-physician communication as an essential element in determining treatment course and believe a discussion about goals and values should precede treatment decisions. We sought to develop a patient-centered priorities assessment tool for women with ovarian cancer that could streamline communication, enhance treatment discussions, and increase patient satisfaction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We designed a priorities assessment tool using a validated ovarian cancer symptom index (National Comprehensive Cancer Center–Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Ovarian Symptom Index-18) combined with an index to assess daily quality-of-life priorities. The tool was distributed to women with ovarian cancer in small focus group settings and online, followed by a postactivity feedback form. RESULTS: In this pilot study, 36 women completed the priorities assessment tool and 35 completed the postactivity feedback form between September 2015 and May 2016. All participants reported that the tool was easy to understand and comprehensive in scope. Twenty-nine participants (82.9%) completed the tool in 10 minutes or less. Most participants (n = 31, 86.1%) were able to stratify their priorities and identify 5 top treatment-related priorities. Participants who indicated that their goals and priorities had changed since diagnosis (n = 25, 69.4%) reported that the tool helped to identify current goals and priorities (22 [88%] of 25 participants) and would help them feel more comfortable participating in shared decision making with their medical team (21 [84%] of 25 participants). CONCLUSION: A patient-centered priorities assessment tool was easy to complete and viewed as comprehensive and useful in a pilot cohort of women with ovarian cancer. Use of a priorities assessment tool has the potential to enhance communication, promote shared decision making, and improve patient satisfaction.

Fertility Preservation Services for Adolescents and Young Adults: 2022 National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program Landscape Assessment

PURPOSE Given the impact of cancer treatment on fertility among adolescents and young adults (AYAs: 15-39 years), it is important to ensure AYAs access to fertility preservation (FP). However, the availability of FP services for AYAs treated in community settings is unknown. We examined FP access at National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) practice groups. METHODS The 2022 NCORP Landscape Assessment survey captured available resources and cancer care services including FP services at practice groups. We described FP services as accessible (on-site or off-site) versus not accessible by AYA-treating status (as previously defined). Univariable and multivariable analyses were used to evaluate associations between FP services and practice characteristics (NCORP classification [minority/underserved or community] and proportion of Medicaid or uninsured above/below the national average). RESULTS Among 271 practice groups responding to the survey, 100 were categorized as AYA-treating, of which 32% had neither male nor female FP services available. Sperm banking was available at 59 AYA-treating practices, among which 43 (73%) referred for sperm banking off-site. Although approximately half of AYA-treating practices reported accessible female FP services (embryo = 54%, oocyte = 55%, ovarian tissue = 40%), most of them referred patients off-site (embryo = 72%, oocyte = 80%, ovarian tissue = 83%). The odds of access to male FP were lower at minority/underserved practices (odds ratio, 0.34 [95% CI, 0.13 to 0.88]; P = .026; ref = community); however, this same relationship was not seen for females. CONCLUSION Despite guidelines surrounding FP discussions before cancer therapy, and strong consensus regarding the importance of FP access, many AYA-treating practices in community settings lack access to FP services. Understanding how to leverage available services and broadly expand access is urgently needed to facilitate guideline-concordant, high-quality cancer care for AYAs.

Disparities in Endometrial Cancer Mortality: Will Increasing Use of Targeted Therapies Widen the Gap?

IMPORTANCE Incidence and mortality in endometrial cancer (EC) have been steadily increasing in the United States over the past two decades, with Black women experiencing disproportionately higher rates of advanced disease and cancer mortality. Recent treatment advances show promising improvements in EC survival, but as seen in other malignancies, access to and clinical benefits of these novel therapies are often not equitably shared. OBSERVATIONS In some gynecologic malignancies such as ovarian cancer, Black women are less likely than White women to receive targeted therapies for treatment of their disease. The reasons for this are multifactorial and include higher medication costs, decreased rates of insurance coverage, lower median income, lower rates of clinical trial enrollment, and lack of social support among Black patients. Several studies have examined racial differences in molecular tumor classification in EC, and these have shown that Black women are at least equally eligible for use of immunotherapy on the basis of tumor classification alone. CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE Immunotherapy is a recent addition to treatment of some advanced and recurrent ECs. On the basis of these findings alone, use of immunotherapy should be increased among Black patients given their higher rates of advanced disease at diagnosis. Yet trends in treatment of other malignancies raise concerns that Black patients may not have adequate access to targeted and immunotherapy agents for treatment of EC in the coming years.

Characterization of the Early Years of Bevacizumab Use for First-Line Treatment of Ovarian Cancer in the United States

PURPOSE: To quantify early dissemination patterns, factors influencing use, and costs of bevacizumab (BEV) for the treatment of newly diagnosed ovarian cancer (OC) in the United States before its regulatory approval for this indication (off-label use). METHODS: We identified women 18-65 years of age with newly diagnosed OC treated with surgery and platinum-based chemotherapy from 2008 to 2016 through the MarketScan database (N = 8,109). The proportion of women receiving BEV over time was calculated, multivariate logistic regression used to determine factors associated with BEV use, and total costs per cycle of chemotherapy with and without BEV abstracted. RESULTS: BEV utilization rose 1.8-fold during the study period, from 4.1% (2008) to 7.4 % (2016). BEV was used with non–platinum/taxane regimens over a third of the time (37.2%). Physician specialty (medical oncology v gyn oncology) and geography (southeast region) were significantly associated with higher rates of use. Clinical factors associated with BEV use were metastatic disease and presence of ascites. The median cost of one cycle of platinum/taxane chemotherapy plus BEV was $10,897 in US dollars (USD) (interquartile range $7,573-$18,133 USD), compared with $1,629 USD (interquartile range, $683.0-$4,461 USD) for platinum/taxane alone. CONCLUSION: Off-label use of BEV for newly diagnosed OC was rare (< 10%), but doubled following presentation of phase II and III data at international meetings. Both clinical (ascites, metastatic disease, and age) and nonclinical (specialty and region) factors were associated with BEV use, and its use was accompanied by a six-fold increase in the cost of one cycle of treatment.

Opportunities to Advance the Delivery of High-Quality, Goal-Concordant End-of-Life Care in Ovarian Cancer

Cost-Effectiveness of Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis During Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Ovarian Cancer

PURPOSE: Two recent clinical trials have demonstrated that direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are effective as venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis in patients with moderate-to-high risk ambulatory cancer initiating chemotherapy. Patients with advanced ovarian cancer receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy are at particularly increased risk of VTE. We performed a cost-effectiveness analysis from a health system perspective to determine if DOACs are a feasible prophylactic strategy in this population. METHODS: A simple decision tree was created from a health system perspective, comparing two strategies: prophylactic DOAC taken for 18 weeks during chemotherapy versus no VTE prophylaxis. Rates of VTE (7.3% DOAC v 13.6% no treatment), major bleeding (2.6% v 1.3%), and clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding (4.6% v 3.3%) were modeled. Cost estimates were obtained from wholesale drug costs, published studies, and Medicare reimbursement data. Probabilistic, one-way, and two-way sensitivity analyses were performed. RESULTS: In the base case model, DOAC prophylaxis is more costly and more effective than no therapy (incremental cost-effectiveness ratio = $256,218 in US dollars/quality-adjusted life year). In one-way sensitivity analyses, reducing the DOAC cost by 32% or raising the baseline VTE rate above 18% renders this strategy potentially cost-effective with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio below $150,000 in US dollars/quality-adjusted life year. CONCLUSION: Further confirmation of the true baseline VTE rate among women initiating neoadjuvant chemotherapy for ovarian cancer will determine whether prophylactic dose DOAC is a value-based strategy. Less costly VTE prophylaxis options such as generic DOACs (once available) and aspirin also warrant investigation.

Disparities in Psychosocial Distress Screening and Management of Lung and Ovarian Cancer Survivors

PURPOSE: Since 2016, the American College of Surgeons' Commission on Cancer (CoC) has required routine distress screening (DS) of cancer survivors treated in their accredited facilities to facilitate early identification of survivors with psychosocial concerns. Lung and ovarian cancer survivors have relatively low 5-year survival rates and may experience high levels of distress. We examined the extent to which ovarian and lung cancer survivors received CoC-mandated DS and whether DS disparities exist on the basis of diagnosis, sociodemographic factors, or facility geography (urban/rural). METHODS: This study included a quantitative review of DS documentation and follow-up services provided using existing electronic health records (EHRs). We worked with 21 CoC-accredited facilities across the United States and examined EHRs of 2,258 survivors from these facilities (1,618 lung cancer survivors and 640 ovarian cancer survivors) diagnosed in 2016 or 2017. RESULTS: Documentation of DS was found in half (54.8%) of the EHRs reviewed. Disparities existed across race/ethnicity, cancer type and stage, and facility characteristics. Hispanic/Latino and Asian/Pacific Islander survivors were screened at lower percentages than other survivors. Patients with ovarian cancer, those diagnosed at earlier stages, and survivors in urban facilities had relatively low percentages of DS. Non-Hispanic Black survivors were more likely than non-Hispanic White survivors to decline further psychosocial services. CONCLUSION: Despite the mandate for routine DS in CoC-accredited oncology programs, gaps remain in how many and which survivors are screened for distress. Improvements in DS processes to enhance access to DS and appropriate psychosocial care could benefit cancer survivors. Collaboration with CoC during this study led to improvement of their processes for collecting DS data for measuring standard adherence.

Prophylactic Salpingo-Opphorectomy in Patients With Hereditary Predisposition Genes for Ovarian Cancer

Resilience in the Face of Pandemic: The Impact of COVID-19 on the Psychologic Morbidity and Health-Related Quality of Life Among Women With Ovarian Cancer

PURPOSE: The COVID-19 pandemic has created new challenges for ovarian cancer survivors. This study aims to evaluate the psychologic morbidity and alterations in medical care caused by the pandemic. METHODS: Advanced-stage ovarian cancer survivors at our institution were contacted for participation in a cross-sectional telephone-based quantitative survey study assessing pandemic-related psychologic morbidity. Psychologic domains using validated measures were explored: health-related quality of life (HRQOL; functional assessment of cancer therapy [FACT-G7]), anxiety (generalized anxiety disorder-7 [GAD7]), depression (Patient Health Questionnarie-2 [PHQ2]), global health Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System - Global Physical Health/Global Mental Health (PROMIS-GMH/GPH), resilience (brief resilience scale), and loneliness (English Longitudinal Study on Aging). Novel COVID-19 pandemic questions were drawn from a larger survey developed in our department. RESULTS: Fifty-nine percent (61 of 104) of contacted patients completed the survey. One quarter of respondents had high resilience, with only 10% reporting low resilience. Only one patient screened positive for depression, and two for anxiety. Increased loneliness was reported by 43% of respondents. Patients' overall HRQOL was good (median = 21; range = 6-28). Few patients experienced treatment delays, with only four experiencing chemotherapy interruption and two reporting surgical delays. Multiple regression analyses revealed that high FACT-G7 HRQOL was predicted by age > 65 years, high self-reported mental health, high resilience, and being off chemotherapy. Lower COVID-19 concern was predicted by recurrent cancer and high resilience. CONCLUSION: Despite the far-reaching impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, ovarian cancer survivors' HRQOL has been maintained. Older age, high resilience, high mental health, and being off chemotherapy predicted better HRQOL. Ovarian cancer survivors remain resilient in the face of the pandemic, and the support of clinicians to preserve this invaluable personal resource is critical for well-being.

Cost-Effectiveness of Remote Tailored Risk Communication and Navigation for Hereditary Genetic Risk Assessment Uptake: Economic Evaluation From the Genetic Risk Assessment for Cancer Education and Empowerment Trial

PURPOSE The Genetic Risk Assessment for Cancer Education and Empowerment Project demonstrated that tailored counseling and navigation (TCN) substantially increased the rate of genetic evaluation (GE) in women with high-risk breast or ovarian cancer (odds ratio, 8.9 [95% CI, 3.4 to 23.5] for TCN v usual care [UC]). This study sought to estimate the cost and cost-effectiveness of TCN in a clinic setting from a societal perspective. METHODS We identified the components of the intervention and downstream outcomes which would result in resource use. We assessed time spent by staff, cost of mailings, cost of patient time, and cost of testing and counseling in 6 months. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were calculated for outcomes of interest. We assessed the sensitivity of our results to assumptions via one-way sensitivity analyses. In addition, we assessed how results would change if a higher volume of patients was given TCN, with a health coach working full-time. RESULTS TCN costs $68,924 in US dollars (USD) to deliver per 212 patients, or $325 USD per patient. The intervention cost was $2,154 USD per record-verified GE. Much of this was attributed to training costs for health coaches ($50,223 USD). When including testing and counseling, the incremental cost effectiveness ratio (ICER) of TCN versus UC was $3,250 USD per additional GE. This was most sensitive to TCN effectiveness (ie, GE rate in TCN patients) and cost of testing. Cost-effectiveness would be more favorable with higher coaching volume (ICER of $1,730 USD/GE). CONCLUSION Implementing TCN in a clinic setting would come with notable costs, and current reimbursement policies for telemedicine may not be sufficient. Cost-effectiveness of TCN can be improved if subsequent interventions are more efficacious or are delivered to greater patient volumes.

Dietary Magnesium Replacement for Prevention of Hypomagnesemia in Patients With Ovarian Cancer Receiving Carboplatin-Based Chemotherapy

PURPOSE Hypomagnesemia is a common side effect of platinum-based chemotherapy and predicts poor overall survival in some cancers. Standard magnesium replacement strategies are often inadequate for maintaining magnesium levels. We hypothesized that a daily dietary magnesium replacement approach through magnesium-rich foods would help maintain adequate magnesium levels during platinum-based treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a prospective feasibility study of magnesium-rich diets in patients 18 years and older with previously untreated ovarian cancer scheduled to receive carboplatin-containing chemotherapy of at least six consecutive cycles. Education about magnesium-rich diets was provided at enrollment and then weekly during chemotherapy. Feasibility was defined as ≥60% completion of dietary recalls and ≥280 mg average daily dietary magnesium intake across all patients. RESULTS Twenty-one of 26 patients enrolled completed at least five chemotherapy cycles and were included in the analysis. Adherence to the study diet was 76%. Daily dietary magnesium intake was 100.5 mg at baseline and increased throughout each cycle: 6% of patients at baseline, 24% after the first cycle, and 67% after the fifth cycle reached ≥280-mg/day magnesium intake. Seven (33%) of 21 had at least one incident of hypomagnesemia. Patients who were adherent had significantly lower incidence of hypomagnesemia (19% v 80%, P = .03) and less need for intravenous magnesium (6% v 60%, P = .03) than those who were nonadherent. CONCLUSION The study achieved primary feasibility objectives of retention and adherence to the study intervention. Weekly education about magnesium-rich diets was effective in increasing dietary magnesium intake. Adequate dietary magnesium appeared to be protective against hypomagnesemia.

Implementation of Evidence-Based Presurgical Testing Guidelines in Patients Undergoing Ambulatory Surgery for Endometrial Cancer

PURPOSE: The aim of this quality improvement intervention was to evaluate the safety and cost savings of presurgical testing (PST) guidelines for patients undergoing hysterectomy for endometrial pathology in the ambulatory setting. METHODS: Evidence-based presurgical testing (PST) guidelines were developed by a multidisciplinary team. These guidelines were implemented on the gynecologic surgery service of a comprehensive cancer center in January 2016. All patients with a diagnosis of endometrial pathology who underwent ambulatory surgery during the specified time periods were included in this analysis. A pre-post analysis was performed (preperiod, July 2014-December 2015; postperiod, July 2016-December 2017). Rates of completed presurgical tests and perioperative adverse events were compared between time periods. Cost savings related to the reduction in PST were calculated using the direct cost of testing and reported in percentage cost reduction. RESULTS: A total of 749 hysterectomies were completed in the preperiod and 775 in the postperiod. After implementation of PST guidelines, complete blood counts, coagulation testing, comprehensive metabolic panels, chest x-rays, and electrocardiograms were reduced by 13.4%, 78.1%, 36.8%, 39.0%, and 15.5%, respectively (all P < .001). Rates of perioperative cardiopulmonary adverse events (0% v 0%) and hematologic adverse events (3.3% v 2.0%; P = .10) were stable between time periods. There were no deaths within 90 days of surgery. There was a 41.4% reduction in direct costs related to PST in the postperiod. CONCLUSION: The use of evidence-based PST guidelines for patients with endometrial pathology undergoing hysterectomy in the ambulatory setting is safe and cost-effective. A multidisciplinary approach is essential for successful development and implementation.

Improving Rates of Germline BRCA Mutation Testing for Patients With Ovarian Cancer in Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada

PURPOSE Despite more than a decade of endorsement from multiple international cancer authorities advocating all women with ovarian cancer be offered germline breast cancer ( BRCA) gene testing, British Columbia Cancer Victoria was not meeting this target. A quality improvement project was undertaken with the aim of increasing completed BRCA testing rates for all eligible patients seen at British Columbia Cancer Victoria to > 90% by 1 year from April 2016. METHODS A current state analysis was completed, and multiple change ideas were developed, including education of medical oncologists, referral process update, initiating a group consenting seminar, and engagement of a nurse practitioner to lead the seminar. We used a retrospective chart audit from December 2014 to February 2018. On April 15, 2016, we initiated our Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) cycles and completed them on February 28, 2018. We evaluated sustainability through an additional retrospective chart audit from January 2021 to August 2021. RESULTS Patients with completed germline BRCA genetic testing climbed from an average of 58%-89% per month. Before our project, patients waited on average 243 days (± 214) for their genetic test results. After implementation, patients received results within 118 days (± 98). This was sustained with an average of 83% of patients per month having completed germline BRCA testing almost 3 years after project completion. CONCLUSION Our quality improvement initiative resulted in a sustained increase in germline BRCA test completion for eligible patients with ovarian cancer.

Current Issues in the Management of Patients With Newly Diagnosed Advanced-Stage High-Grade Serous Carcinoma of the Ovary

Ovarian cancer is the most common cause of mortality in patients with gynecologic malignancies. Advanced-stage high-grade serous carcinoma accounts for most ovarian cancer cases. Current issues in the management of patients with newly diagnosed advanced-stage high-grade serous ovarian cancer include decisions on primary versus interval cytoreduction, hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy, maintenance therapy, incorporation of bevacizumab, and germline and somatic genetic testing. Evidence and guidelines regarding these topics are addressed in this review.

Risk-Reducing Bilateral Salpingo-Oophorectomy for Ovarian Cancer: A Review and Clinical Guide for Hereditary Predisposition Genes

Pathogenic germline variants underlie up to 20% of ovarian cancer (OC) and are associated with varying degrees of risk for OC. For mutations in high-penetrance genes such as BRCA1/ 2, the role of risk-reducing bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) in cancer prevention is well-established and improves mortality. However, in moderate-penetrance genes where the degree of risk for OC is less precisely defined, the role of RRSO is more controversial. Although national guidelines have evolved to incorporate gene-specific recommendations, studies demonstrate significant variations in practice. Given this, our multidisciplinary group has reviewed the available literature on risk estimates for genes associated with OC, incorporated levels of evidence, and set thresholds for consideration of RRSO. We found that the benefit of RRSO is well-established for pathogenic variants in BRCA1/2 as well as BRIP1 and RAD51C/ D where the risk of OC is elevated beyond our threshold for RRSO. In PALB2, RRSO is particularly controversial as newer studies consistently demonstrate an increased risk of OC that is dependent on family history, making uniform recommendations challenging. Additionally, new guidelines for Lynch syndrome provide gene-specific risks, questioning the role of RRSO, and even hysterectomy, for MSH6 and PMS2 mutation carriers. Given these uncertainties, shared decision making should be used around RRSO with discussion of individual risk factors, family history, and adverse effects of surgery and premature menopause. Herein, we provide a clinical guide and counseling points.