Selection of Germline Genetic Testing Panels in Patients With Cancer: ASCO Guideline.

PURPOSE: To guide use of multigene panels for germline genetic testing for patients with cancer. METHODS: An ASCO Expert Panel convened to develop recommendations on the basis of a systematic review of guidelines, consensus statements, and studies of germline and somatic genetic testing. RESULTS: Fifty-two guidelines and consensus statements met eligibility criteria for the primary search; 14 studies were identified for Clinical Question 4. RECOMMENDATIONS: Patients should have a family history taken and recorded that includes details of cancers in first- and second-degree relatives and the patient's ethnicity. When more than one gene is relevant based on personal and/or family history, multigene panel testing should be offered. When considering what genes to include in the panel, the minimal panel should include the more strongly recommended genes from Table 1 and may include those less strongly recommended. A broader panel may be ordered when the potential benefits are clearly identified, and the potential harms from uncertain results should be mitigated. Patients who meet criteria for germline genetic testing should be offered germline testing regardless of results from tumor testing. Patients who would not normally be offered germline genetic testing based on personal and/or family history criteria but who have a pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant identified by tumor testing in a gene listed in Table 2 under the outlined circumstances should be offered germline testing.Additional information is available at www.asco.org/molecular-testing-and-biomarkers-guidelines.

Racial and Ethnic Inequities at the Practice and Physician Levels in Timely Next-Generation Sequencing for Patients With Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Treated in the US Community Setting.

PURPOSE: Racial/ethnic inequities in next-generation sequencing (NGS) were examined for patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (aNSCLC) at the practice and physician levels to inform policies to improve equitable quality of care. METHODS: This retrospective study used a nationwide electronic health record-derived deidentified database for patients with aNSCLC diagnosed between April 2018 and March 2022 in the community setting. Timely NGS was an NGS result between initial diagnosis and ≤60 days after advanced diagnosis. We studied how inequities were driven by (1) non-Latinx Black (Black) and Latinx patient under-representation at high testing practices versus (2) Black and Latinx patients being tested at lower rates than non-Latinx White (White) patients, even at the same practice. We defined these two concepts as across inequity and within inequity, respectively, with total inequity as their summation. Mean percentage point inequities were estimated using a Bayesian approach. RESULTS: A total of 12,045 patients (9,981 White; 1,528 Black; 536 Latinx) met study criteria. At the practice level, versus White patients, the mean percentage point difference in NGS testing total inequity was 7.49 for Black and 8.26 for Latinx. Within- and across-practice inequities contributed to total inequity in NGS testing for Black (48% v 52%) and Latinx patients (60% v 40%). At the physician level, versus White patients, the mean percentage point difference in total inequity was 7.73 for Black and 8.81 for Latinx patients. Within- versus across-physician inequities contributed to total inequity for Black and Latinx patients (77% v 23% and 67% v 33%). CONCLUSION: Within-practice, across-practice, and across-physician inequities were main contributors to total inequity in NGS testing, requiring a suite of interventions to effectively address inequities.

First-Line Ipatasertib, Atezolizumab, and Taxane Triplet for Metastatic Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Clinical and Biomarker Results.

PURPOSE: To evaluate a triplet regimen combining immune checkpoint blockade, AKT pathway inhibition, and (nab-) paclitaxel as first-line therapy for locally advanced/metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (mTNBC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The single-arm CO40151 phase Ib study (NCT03800836), the single-arm signal-seeking cohort of IPATunity130 (NCT03337724), and the randomized phase III IPATunity170 trial (NCT04177108) enrolled patients with previously untreated mTNBC. Triplet therapy comprised intravenous atezolizumab 840 mg (days 1 and 15), oral ipatasertib 400 mg/day (days 1-21), and intravenous paclitaxel 80 mg/m2 (or nab-paclitaxel 100 mg/m2; days 1, 8, and 15) every 28 days. Exploratory translational research aimed to elucidate mechanisms and molecular markers of sensitivity and resistance. RESULTS: Among 317 patients treated with the triplet, efficacy ranged across studies as follows: median progression-free survival (PFS) 5.4 to 7.4 months, objective response rate 44% to 63%, median duration of response 5.6 to 11.1 months, and median overall survival 15.7 to 28.3 months. The safety profile was consistent with the known toxicities of each agent. Grade ≥3 adverse events were more frequent with the triplet than with doublets or single-agent paclitaxel. Patients with PFS >10 months were characterized by NF1, CCND3, and PIK3CA alterations and increased immune pathway activity. PFS <5 months was associated with CDKN2A/CDKN2B/MTAP alterations and lower predicted phosphorylated AKT-S473 levels. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with mTNBC receiving an ipatasertib/atezolizumab/taxane triplet regimen, molecular characteristics may identify those with particularly favorable or unfavorable outcomes, potentially guiding future research efforts.

Advancing Inclusive Research (AIR) Site Alliance: Facilitating the inclusion of historically underrepresented people in oncology and ophthalmology clinical research.

BACKGROUND: The Advancing Inclusive Research (AIR) Site Alliance is composed of clinical research centers that partner with Genentech, a biotechnology company, to advance the representation of diverse patient populations in its oncology and ophthalmology clinical trials, test recruitment, and retention approaches and establish best practices to leverage across the industry to achieve health equity. METHODS: Through a data-driven selection process, Genentech identified 6 oncology and 3 ophthalmology partners that focus on reaching historically underrepresented patients in clinical trials and worked collaboratively to share knowledge and explore original ways of increasing clinical study access for every patient, including sites co-creation of a Protocol Entry Criteria Guideline with inclusion principles. RESULTS: For patients, three publicly available educational videos about clinical trials were created in multiple languages. The AIR Site Alliance has also defined invoiceable services for sites to enhance patient support; this has been built into the new study budget templates for sustainability. For healthcare professionals (HCPs), the first-of-its-kind AIR Educational Program was developed to focus on identifying and addressing bias and engaging historically underrepresented patient populations in trials. The sites also co-created videos for HCPs and patients on why advancing inclusive research matters. Over 16 regional health equity symposia have been delivered for patients, HCPs, and community leaders. CONCLUSIONS: This AIR Site Alliance is a model for other site alliances, including Kenya, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and Canada. Such alliances will build a robust and sustainable research ecosystem that includes diverse patient groups and encourages change across the healthcare system.

Silent suffering: the impact of sexual health challenges on patient-clinician communication and adherence to adjuvant endocrine therapy among Black women with early-stage breast cancer.

PURPOSE: Adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET) increases sexual health challenges for women with early-stage breast cancer. Black women are more likely than women of other racial/ethnic groups to report adverse symptoms and least likely to initiate and maintain AET. Little is known about how sexual health challenges influence patient-clinician communication and treatment adherence. This study explores facilitators of and barriers to patient-clinician communication about sexual health and how those factors might affect AET adherence among Black women with early-stage breast cancer. METHODS: We conducted 32 semi-structured, in-depth interviews among Black women with early-stage breast cancer in the U.S. Mid-South region. Participants completed an online questionnaire prior to interviews. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Participants' median age was 59 (range 40-78 years, SD = 9.0). Adverse sexual symptoms hindered participants' AET adherence. Facilitators of patient-clinician communication about sexual health included female clinicians and peer support. Barriers included perceptions of male oncologists' disinterest in Black women's sexual health, perceptions of male oncologists' biased beliefs about sexual activity among older Black women, cultural norms of sexual silence among Southern Black women, and medical mistrust. CONCLUSIONS: Adverse sexual symptoms and poor patient-clinician communication about sexual health contribute to lower AET adherence among Black women with early-stage breast cancer. New interventions using peer support models and female clinicians trained to discuss sexual health could ameliorate communication barriers and improve treatment adherence. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Black women with early-stage breast cancer in the U.S. Mid-South may require additional resources to address sociocultural and psychosocial implications of cancer survivorship to enable candid discussions with oncologists.

Phase II trial of fulvestrant plus enzalutamide in ER+/HER2- advanced breast cancer.

This clinical trial combined fulvestrant with the anti-androgen enzalutamide in women with metastatic ER+/HER2- breast cancer (BC). Eligible patients were women with ECOG 0-2, ER+/HER2- measurable or evaluable metastatic BC. Prior fulvestrant was allowed. Fulvestrant was administered at 500 mg IM on days 1, 15, 29, and every 4 weeks thereafter. Enzalutamide was given at 160 mg po daily. Fresh tumor biopsies were required at study entry and after 4 weeks of treatment. The primary efficacy endpoint of the trial was the clinical benefit rate at 24 weeks (CBR24). The median age was 61 years (46-87); PS 1 (0-1); median of 4 prior non-hormonal and 3 prior hormonal therapies for metastatic disease. Twelve had prior fulvestrant, and 91% had visceral disease. CBR24 was 25% (7/28 evaluable). Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 8 weeks (95% CI: 2-52). Adverse events were as expected for hormonal therapy. Significant (p < 0.1) univariate relationships existed between PFS and ER%, AR%, and PIK3CA and/or PTEN mutations. Baseline levels of phospho-proteins in the mTOR pathway were more highly expressed in biopsies of patients with shorter PFS. Fulvestrant plus enzalutamide had manageable side effects. The primary endpoint of CBR24 was 25% in heavily pretreated metastatic ER+/HER2- BC. Short PFS was associated with activation of the mTOR pathway, and PIK3CA and/or PTEN mutations were associated with an increased hazard of progression. Thus, a combination of fulvestrant or other SERD plus AKT/PI3K/mTOR inhibitor with or without AR inhibition warrants investigation in second-line endocrine therapy of metastatic ER+ BC.

Mobile application to support oncology patients during treatment on patient outcomes: Evidence from a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Cancer treatment requires substantial demands on patients and their caregivers. Mobile apps can provide support for self-management during oncology treatment, but few have been rigorously evaluated. METHODS: A 3-month randomized controlled trial was conducted at a large cancer center to evaluate the efficacy of an app (LivingWith®) that provides self-management support during cancer treatment on quality of life and health care utilization. Patients in chemotherapy treatment were randomized into the intervention (n = 113) and control group (n = 111). Intervention group participants agreed to use the app weekly for 3 months, and all participants completed a survey at enrollment and after 3 months to evaluate changes in quality of life and health care utilization. RESULTS: Retention rate was 75.4% with 169 participants completing the follow-up survey. The intervention group reported 0.74 fewer medical office visits (p = 0.043) and 0.24 fewer visits with a mental health professional (p = 0.061) during the 3 and month intervention compared with controls. There were no significant changes by study group in quality of life, or emergency room and urgent care visits. Among intervention participants, 75.3% reported using the app and on average, used it 11.7 times during the 3-month intervention. Reasons for not using the app among intervention participants included lack of time, lack of interest in apps, and usability challenges. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Apps are inexpensive and scalable tools that can provide additional support for individuals coping with complex cancer treatments. This trial provides evidence that a well-designed oncology support app used during chemotherapy resulted in fewer clinic visits. Still, nearly a quarter of participants randomized to the intervention arm reported never using the app due to personal preference and usability challenges, which points to future opportunities for calibrating target user population and improving user-centered design. CLINICALTRIALS: gov identifier: NCT04331678.

27-gene Immuno-Oncology (IO) Score is Associated With Efficacy of Checkpoint Immunotherapy in Advanced NSCLC: A Retrospective BC Cancer Study.

BACKGROUND: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are standard of care in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, not all patients benefit, even among PD-L1 tumor proportional score (TPS) ≥50%, indicating an unmet need for additional biomarkers such as those assessing the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). DetermaIO is a 27-gene assay that classifies TIME and has previously demonstrated association with ICI response. METHODS: FFPE samples were selected from BC Cancer and West Clinic Cancer Center patients with performance status (PS) ≤2 who received at least 2 cycles of ICI monotherapy in the first (1L) or second line (2L). IO scores were generated and analyzed for association with PFS and OS. RESULTS: In the entire cohort (N=147), IO score was significantly associated with OS (HR=0.68, 95%CI 0.47-0.99, P = .042) and PFS (HR=0.62, 95%CI 0.43-0.88, P = .0069). In 1L treated patients (PD-L1≥50%, N=78), IO score was significantly associated with PFS (HR=0.55, 95%CI 0.32-0.94, P = .028). In exploratory analyses, IO score was associated with benefit in 1L PS2 patients for OS (HR = 0.26, 95%CI 0.091-0.74, P = .012) and PFS (HR = 0.27, 95%CI 0.098-0.72, P = .0095) which was confirmed in PFS subgroup analysis in the independent West Cancer Center study (N=13 HR=0.14, 95%CI 0.027-0.76, P = .023). CONCLUSION: These data confirm the association of DetermaIO with ICI clinical benefit in NSCLC, and expand on previous studies by demonstrating that first line treated PD-L1≥50% patients can further be stratified by IO score to identify efficacy. Exploratory analysis suggested that the IO score identifies benefit in patients with poor PS.

Race Differences in Patient-Reported Symptoms during Chemotherapy among Women with Early-Stage Hormone Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Symptom burden differences may contribute to racial disparities in breast cancer survival. We compared symptom changes from before to during chemotherapy among women with breast cancer. METHODS: This observational study followed a cohort of Black and White women diagnosed with Stage I-III, hormone receptor-positive breast cancer from a large cancer center in 2007 to 2015, and reported symptoms before and during chemotherapy. We identified patients who experienced a one-standard deviation (SD) increase in symptom burden after starting chemotherapy using four validated composite scores (General Physical Symptoms, Treatment Side Effects, Acute Distress, and Despair). Kitagawa-Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition was used to quantify race differences in symptom changes explained by baseline characteristics (sociodemographic, baseline scores, cancer stage) and first-line chemotherapy regimens. RESULTS: Among 1,273 patients, Black women (n = 405, 31.8%) were more likely to report one-SD increase in General Physical Symptoms (55.6% vs. 48.2%, P = 0.015), Treatment Side Effects (74.0% vs. 63.4%, P < 0.001), and Acute Distress (27.4% vs. 20.0%, P = 0.010) than White women. Baseline characteristics and first-line chemotherapy regimens explained a large and significant proportion of the difference in Acute Distress changes (93.7%, P = 0.001), but not General Physical Symptoms (25.7%, P = 0.25) or Treatment Side Effects (16.4%, P = 0.28). CONCLUSIONS: Black women with early-stage breast cancer were more likely to experience significant increases in physical and psychological symptom burden during chemotherapy. Most of the difference in physical symptom changes remained unexplained by baseline characteristics, which suggests inadequate symptom management among Black women. IMPACT: Future studies should identify strategies to improve symptom management among Black women and reduce differences in symptom burden. See related commentary by Rosenzweig and Mazanec, p. 157.

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Rechallenge Safety and Efficacy in Stage IV Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients After Immune-Related Adverse Events.

BACKGROUND: Despite their anti-tumor efficacy, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are associated with a variety of immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Grade ≥ 2 irAEs require ICI discontinuation. The decision to resume ICI treatment often remains challenging. METHODS: We retrospectively studied 1051 adult patients with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with ICIs at a single institution between January 2015 and December 2020, and identified 99 (9.4%) patients with grade≥2 irAEs necessitating treatment interruption. Forty patients underwent retreatment (rechallenged group), while 59 discontinued the treatment (discontinued group). RESULTS: Baseline characteristics of patients in the 2 groups were similar. Initial irAEs were less severe in the rechallenged group. After rechallenging, 24 of 40 (60%) patients had recurrence of the same or de-novo irAEs. Twenty (50%) developed second grade≥ 2 irAEs. No grade 4 irAE or irAE-related death occurred after rechallenging. Using multivariate analysis, no statistically significant differences in overall survival (OS) (HR: 1.10, 95% CI: 0.57-2.15, P = .77) or progression-free survival (PFS) (HR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.45-1.71, P = .69) were noted between the 2 groups, while the best objective response prior to the initial irAEs was the only variable affecting OS and PFS. CONCLUSIONS: Rechallenge was associated with a relative high risk of second grade≥ 2 irAEs. The risk was less if the initial irAEs were resolved. No differences were seen in survival outcomes of patients who had ICI rechallenge and those who did not. Permanent ICI discontinuation is an appropriate strategy after grade≥ 2 irAEs, especially severe irAEs.

Racial Differences in Patient-Reported Symptoms and Adherence to Adjuvant Endocrine Therapy Among Women With Early-Stage, Hormone Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer.

Importance: Adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET) reduces breast cancer recurrence, but symptom burden is a key barrier to adherence. Black women have lower AET adherence and worse health outcomes than White women. Objective: To investigate the association between symptom burden and AET adherence differences by race. Design, Setting, and Participants: A retrospective cohort study using electronic health records with patient-reported data from a large cancer center in the US. Patients included Black and White women initiating AET therapy for early-stage breast cancer from August 2007 to December 2015 who were followed for 1 year from AET initiation. Sixty symptoms classified into 7 physical and 2 psychological symptom clusters were evaluated. For each cluster, the number of symptoms with moderate severity at baseline, and symptoms with 3-point or greater increases during AET were counted. Adherence was measured as the proportion of days covered by AET during the first-year follow-up. Multivariable regressions for patients' adherence adjusting for race, symptom measures, sociodemographic characteristics, and clinical characteristics were conducted. Kitagawa-Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition was used to quantify racial differences in adherence explained by symptoms and patient characteristics. Analyses were conducted from July 2021 to January 2022. Exposures: Physical and psychological symptoms at baseline and changes during AET. Results: Among 559 patients (168 [30.1%] Black and 391 [69.9%] White; mean [SD] age 65.5 [12.1] years), Black women received diagnoses younger (mean [SD] age at diagnosis, 58.7 [13.7] vs 68.5 [10.0] years old) than White women, with more advanced stages (30 Black participants [17.9%] vs 31 White participants [7.9%] had stage III disease at diagnosis), and lived in areas with fewer adults attaining high school education (mean [SD], 78.8% [7.8%] vs 84.0% [9.3%]). AET adherence in the first year was 78.8% for Black and 82.3% for White women. Black women reported higher severity in most symptom clusters than White women. Neuropsychological, vasomotor, musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory, distress, and despair symptoms at baseline and increases during the follow-up were associated with 1.2 to 2.6 percentage points decreases in adherence, which corresponds to 4 to 9 missed days receiving AET in the first year. After adjusting for psychological symptoms, being Black was associated with 6.5 percentage points higher adherence than being White. Conclusions and Relevance: In this cohort study, severe symptoms were associated with lower AET adherence. Black women had lower adherence rates that were explained by their higher symptom burden and baseline characteristics. These findings suggest that better symptom management with a focus on psychological symptoms could improve AET adherence and reduce racial disparities in cancer outcomes.

A look at current and potential treatment approaches for hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative early breast cancer.

The heterogeneity of hormone receptor (HR)-positive, HER2-negative early breast cancers reinforces the importance of individualized, risk-adapted treatment approaches. Numerous factors contribute to the risk for recurrence, including clinical tumor features, individual biomarkers, and genomic risk. Current standard approaches for patients with HR-positive, HER2-negative, early stage disease focus on endocrine therapy and chemotherapy. The specific treatment regimen and duration of adjuvant therapy should be selected based on accurate risk assessment, tolerability of available therapies, and consideration for patient preferences. For patients with high-risk features, such as highly proliferative tumors, large tumor size, and significant nodal involvement, the risk for recurrence remains clinically significant despite appropriate adjuvant treatment with current standards of care. This has driven investigation into novel treatment approaches, including the addition of cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 inhibitors to adjuvant endocrine therapy. Cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 inhibition has demonstrated significant efficacy in patients with high-risk, HR-positive, HER2-negative, nonmetastatic breast cancer and now offers a new strategy to greatly improve outcomes in this difficult to treat patient population.; LAY SUMMARY: Hormone receptor (HR)-positive, HER2-negative early breast cancers are highly diverse and need to be managed differently for individual patients. The use of adjuvant endocrine therapy and chemotherapy should be driven by a patient's risk for recurrence, preferences, and risk for side effects. Patients with high-risk tumors have a persistently elevated risk for recurrence despite current standards of care. Emerging cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 inhibitors are highly effective when added to endocrine therapy in high-risk, HR-positive early breast cancer and have the potential to improve patient outcomes in this difficult to treat patient population.

Association of a novel 27-gene immuno-oncology assay with efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in advanced non-small cell lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapies represent a major advance in treating a variety of advanced-stage malignancies. Nevertheless, only a subset of patients benefit, even when selected based on approved biomarkers such as PD-L1 and tumor mutational burden. New biomarkers are needed to maximize the therapeutic ratio of these therapies. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort, we assessed a 27-gene RT-qPCR immuno-oncology (IO) gene expression assay of the tumor immune microenvironment and determined its association with the efficacy of ICI therapy in 67 advanced-stage NSCLC patients. The 27-gene IO test score (IO score), programmed cell death ligand 1 immunohistochemistry tumor proportion score (PD-L1 TPS), and tumor mutational burden (TMB) were analyzed as continuous variables for response and as binary variables for one-year progression free survival. The threshold for the IO score was prospectively set based upon a previously described training cohort. Prognostic implications of the IO score were evaluated in a separate cohort of 104 advanced-stage NSCLC patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) who received non-ICI therapy. RESULTS: The IO score was significantly different between responders or non-responders (p = 0.007) and associated with progression-free survival (p = 0.001). Bivariate analysis established that the IO score was independent of PD-L1 TPS and TMB in identifying patients benefiting from ICI therapy. In a separate cohort of late-stage NSCLC patients from TCGA, the IO score was not prognostic of outcome from non-ICI-treated patients. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first application of this 27-gene IO RT-qPCR assay in a clinical cohort with outcome data. IO scores were significantly associated with response to ICI therapy and prolonged progression-free survival. Together, these data suggest the IO score should be further studied to define its role in informing clinical decision-making for ICI treatment in NSCLC.

Treatment patterns and overall survival in HER2+ metastatic breast cancer at US community oncology practices.

Aim: To describe real-world treatment patterns/outcomes among patients with HER2+ metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Materials & methods: Real-world treatments and overall survival (OS) were evaluated among adult women diagnosed with HER2+ MBC, with and without brain metastases (BMs), between 1 June 2012 and  31 May 2018 using electronic medical records from the Definitive Oncology Dataset. Results: Among 372 patients, 69% initiated first-line trastuzumab plus pertuzumab-based therapy; many therapy combinations were utilized in the second- to fourth-line. During follow-up (median 24.8 months), 18% of patients died (22% with and 16% without BMs). Mean OS was shortest among patients with BMs at MBC diagnosis in the third- and fourth-line. Conclusion: OS was poor, and no clear standard of care was observed among patients with HER2+ MBC progressing on trastuzumab-based therapies.

THRIVE intervention development: using participatory action research principles to guide a mHealth app-based intervention to improve oncology care.

BACKGROUND: Women with hormone receptor-positive, early-stage breast cancer who adhere to adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET) reduce the risk of cancer recurrence and mortality. AET, however, is associated with adverse symptoms that often result in poor adherence. We applied participatory action research (PAR) principles to conduct focus groups and interviews to refine and enhance a web-enabled app intervention that facilitates patient-provider communication about AET-related symptoms and other barriers to adherence. METHODS: We conducted four focus groups with women with early-stage breast cancer on AET (N=28), stratified by race (Black and White) and length of time on AET (<6 months and >6 months), to determine preferences and refine the app-based intervention. A fifth mixed-race focus group was convened (N=6) to refine THRIVE app content using high-fidelity mock-ups and to develop new, tailored feedback messages. We also conducted interviews with oncology nurses (N=5) who participated in the THRIVE randomized controlled trial. RESULTS: Participants reported preferences for weekly reminder messages to use the THRIVE app, a free-text option to write in AET-related symptoms, and app aesthetics. Other requested app features included: a body map for identifying pain, sleep and dental problems on the symptom list, a dashboard, tailored feedback messages, and information about social support resources. Participants also developed new intervention messages, decided which messages to keep, and edited language for appropriateness and sensitivity. They also discussed the type of electronic pill monitor and incentive plan to be used in the intervention. Nurses reported THRIVE alerts integrated seamlessly into their clinical workflow and increased patient-provider communication, facilitating quicker response to patients' reported symptoms. Nurses reported no negative feedback or usability concerns with the app. CONCLUSIONS: THRIVE app content reflects researchers' partnership with a racially diverse sample of breast cancer survivors and healthcare providers and adherence to participatory design by incorporating patient-requested app features, app aesthetics, and message content. The app has the potential to improve AET adherence and quality of life among breast cancer survivors and reduce disparities in mortality rates for Black women by facilitating communication with healthcare providers.

Impact of Anti-HER2 Treatments Combined With Atezolizumab on the Tumor Immune Microenvironment in Early or Metastatic Breast Cancer: Results From a Phase Ib Study.

BACKGROUND: Despite advances, there continues to be unmet need in breast cancer. Combining anti-programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) cancer immunotherapy atezolizumab with other targeted therapies may enhance T-cell-dependent cytolytic antitumor activity. METHODS: This open-label, phase Ib study evaluated the safety of atezolizumab-based combinations with antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity or antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) agents. Patients with unresectable human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive (HER2+) locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer (mBC) received atezolizumab with trastuzumab/pertuzumab, atezolizumab with the ADC ado-trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1), or atezolizumab with trastuzumab/pertuzumab and docetaxel. In an early-breast cancer (eBC) "window of opportunity" study, patients with operable HER2+ locally advanced or inflammatory eBC received neoadjuvant atezolizumab with trastuzumab/pertuzumab or atezolizumab/T-DM1, followed by docetaxel, carboplatin, and trastuzumab/pertuzumab. Exploratory outcomes included tumor response and biomarkers. RESULTS: By March 15, 2019, 73 patients were enrolled. Safety findings were consistent with the treatment components' individual profiles. Objective responses were observed in 2 of 6 and 5 of 14 patients in 2 mBC cohorts receiving atezolizumab/T-DM1 and in 6 of 6 patients with mBC receiving atezolizumab, trastuzumab/pertuzumab, and docetaxel. PD-L1 in immune cells was the only biomarker that increased with atezolizumab/T-DM1. In the window of opportunity cohorts, PD-L1 levels and CD8+ T-cell infiltration increased from baseline in HER2+ eBC tumors receiving atezolizumab with trastuzumab/pertuzumab or T-DM1, irrespective of response. Despite increases in T-cell and B-cell gene signatures with trastuzumab/pertuzumab, but not T-DM1, neither combination promoted T-cell receptor clonal expansion. CONCLUSION: Atezolizumab with antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity or ADC agents appears safe and may activate the adaptive immune system of patients with HER2+ eBC tumors more than those with mBC tumors.

Development of a Prognostic Factor Index Among Women With HR+/HER2- Metastatic Breast Cancer in a Community Oncology Setting.

BACKGROUND: This study explored the impact of multiple prognostic factors on patient overall survival (OS) and real-world progression-free survival (rwPFS) for patients with hormone receptor-positive (HR+)/human epidermal growth factor 2 negative (HER2-) metastatic breast cancer (MBC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study used electronic health record data of patients in the United States from community oncology practices from January 1, 2008 to April 30, 2017. Eligibility included HR+/HER2- MBC diagnosis in 2008 or later and prior systemic therapy for MBC. An index variable was created to assess the effect of multiple clinical prognostic factors collectively, including liver metastases (LM), primary endocrine resistance (PER), negative progesterone receptor (PR-) status, and high tumor grade (TG). Patients were grouped based on the number of prognostic factors present at MBC diagnosis: 0, 1, and 2+. Differences in rwPFS and OS from start of first-line therapy were evaluated by the Kaplan-Meier method and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression. RESULTS: Approximately 29.1% of the 378 eligible patient sample had 0, 36.0% had 1, and 34.9% had 2+ prognostic factors. For the patients with 1 of the prognostic factors, 24.3% had high TG, 14.7% were LM+, 39.7% had PER, and 21.3% were PR-. Univariate and multivariate results showed that rwPFS and OS were significantly (P < .05) shorter in patients with 1 and 2+ prognostic factors compared with patients with 0. CONCLUSIONS: The individual prognostic factors and the prognostic factor index may enable early identification of patients with a less favorable prognosis across the HR+/HER2- MBC population and help inform treatment decisions in difficult-to-treat populations.

"Nobody Will Tell You. You've Got to Ask!": An Examination of Patient-Provider Communication Needs and Preferences among Black and White Women with Early-Stage Breast Cancer.

Patient-provider communication is a critical component of healthcare and is associated with treatment quality and outcomes for women with breast cancer. This qualitative study examines similarities and differences in patient perspectives of communication needs between Black and White breast cancer survivors. We conducted four focus groups (N = 28) involving women with early-stage breast cancer on adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET), stratified by race and length of time on AET (< 6 months and >6 months). Each group was moderated by a race-concordant moderator and analyzed by emergent themes. Participants expressed common patient-provider communication needs, namely increased sensitivity from oncologists during the initial cancer diagnosis, personalized information to facilitate treatment decisions, emotional support during the transition from active treatment to maintenance, and rapid provider responses to mobile app-based queries. Communication differences by race also emerged. Black women were less likely than White women to describe having their informational needs met. White women praised longstanding relationships with providers, while Black women shared personal stories of disempowered interactions and noted the importance of patient advocates. White women more often reported privacy concerns about technology use. Unlike White women, Black women reported willingness to discuss sensitive topics, both online and offline, but believed those discussions made their providers feel uncomfortable. Early-stage breast cancer patients on AET, regardless of race, have similar needs for patient-centered communication with their oncologists. However, Black women were more likely to report experiencing poorer communication with providers than White women, which may be improved by technology and advocates.

Remote Oncology Care: Review of Current Technology and Future Directions.

Cancer patients frequently develop tumor and treatment-related complications, leading to diminished quality of life, shortened survival, and overutilization of emergency department and hospital services. Outpatient oncology treatment has potential to leave cancer patients unmonitored for long periods while at risk of clinical deterioration which has been exaggerated during the COVID19 pandemic. Visits to cancer clinics and hospitals risk exposing immunocompromised patients to infectious complications. Remote patient reported outcomes monitoring systems have been developed for use in cancer treatment, showing benefits in economic and survival outcomes. While advanced devices such as pulmonary artery pressure monitors and implantable loop recorders have proven benefits in cardiovascular care, similar options do not exist for oncology. Here we review the current literature around remote patient monitoring in cancer care and propose the use of reliable devices for capturing and reporting patient symptoms and physiology.

Usefulness of patient-reported outcomes to assess the effectiveness of topical hormonal therapy for gynecologic symptoms after antihormonal treatment for breast cancer.

The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the efficacy of topical hormonal therapy (THT) to relieve vaginal symptoms resulting from antihormonal therapy in women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. A total of 74 breast cancer patients who received THT for vaginal complaints were retrospectively identified and statistically matched with 74 control breast cancer patients with vaginal complaints with no documented use of THT. Symptom scores were recorded from the center's proprietary patient-reported outcomes database, Patient Care Monitor (ConcertoHealthAI, Boston). A baseline score was noted at the initiation of antihormonal therapy and was followed at 6 and 12 months. The median differences between baseline, 6-month, and 12-month scores were analyzed. Repeated measures analysis of variance assessed the impact of topical hormonal replacement. There was no statistically significant difference in score change between the two groups at 6 and 12 months. In the active THT group, there were no statistically significant differences in vaginal complaints or sexual problems over time: {F (2, 146) = 0.99, P = 0.369; and F (2, 146) = 1.56, P = 0.217}, respectively. In this study, the use of topical hormonal replacement was not effective in alleviating vaginal symptoms.