Use of FOLFOXIRI Plus Bevacizumab and Subsequent Therapies in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: An Age-Stratified Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Treatment recommendations for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) do not differ by age group; nevertheless, aggressive multiagent chemotherapy comprising FOLFOXIRI+bevacizumab (triplet+bev) is routinely administered in younger patients. This study analyzed real-world data on index triplet+bev use and subsequent systemic therapies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective, observational cohort study was conducted in patients aged ≥ 18 years with mCRC, who were initiated on triplet+bev. Data were derived from the Optum de-identified electronic health record dataset. RESULTS: Of 36,056 patients, 14%, 36%, and 50% were aged 18-49, 50-64, and ≥ 65 years, respectively. During the study period (2010-2021), triplet+bev use increased in patients aged 18-49 years (1%-4%) but remained at approximately 3% and 1% in patients aged 50-64 and ≥ 65 years, respectively. Patient demographics and clinical characteristics varied slightly; of patients receiving triplet+bev (n = 921) versus nontriplet+bev (n = 35,132) most were male (57% vs. 52%), resided in the Midwest (54% vs. 49%) and Northeast (18% vs. 14%) US regions, and had secondary malignancies (86% vs. 73%). Following triplet+bev, most patients received subsequent therapies (including continued triplet component therapies; 97%) or subsequent "new" therapies (therapies that did not include any agents comprising triplet+bev; 57%), most frequently EGFR inhibitors (28%) and regorafenib (21%), with a similar trend among all age groups. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, this study shows that younger patients with mCRC are more likely to receive first-line triplet+bev. These results also reveal that nonchemotherapy options are often used beyond first-line triplet chemotherapy for patients with mCRC.

Budget Impact Analysis of Circulating Tumor DNA Testing for Colon Cancer in Commercial Health and Medicare Advantage Plans.

Importance: In a randomized clinical trial, treatment guided by tumor-informed circulating tumor (ct)DNA testing reduced adjuvant chemotherapy use without compromising recurrence-free survival in patients with stage II colon cancer. The potential effects of adopting ctDNA testing into routine patient care is unknown. Objective: To compare the total cost of patient care scenarios with and without the adoption of ctDNA testing. Design, Setting, and Participants: This budget impact analysis was conducted from the perspectives of US commercial health and Medicare Advantage payers. A decision-analytical model was populated with age-specific incidence of colon cancer, use of adjuvant chemotherapy, and use of single-agent or multiagent regimens. Total cost was estimated with the costs of ctDNA testing, drug acquisition, administration, surveillance, and adverse events. The analysis was conducted from September 2023 to January 2024. Exposures: The adoption of ctDNA testing. Main Outcomes and Measures: The incremental cost in the first year following the adoption of ctDNA testing, where testing will affect patient treatment and costs. Results: In hypothetical plans with 1 million individuals covered, 35 commercial health plan members and 102 Medicare Advantage members aged 75 years and younger were eligible for ctDNA testing. In the base case with a 50% adoption rate, total cost savings were $221 684 (equivalent to $0.02 per member per month [PMPM]) for a commercial payer and $116 720 (equivalent to $0.01 PMPM) for a Medicare Advantage payer. Cost savings were robust to variations in assumptions of all parameters in the commercial population but sensitive to variations in assumptions of adjuvant chemotherapy use rates in the Medicare Advantage population. The number needed to test to avoid 1 patient receiving adjuvant chemotherapy was 4 in the commercial population and 10 in the Medicare Advantage population. The budget-neutral cost for ctDNA testing was $16 202 for a commercial payer and $5793 for a Medicare Advantage payer. Conclusions and Relevance: Use of tumor-informed ctDNA testing to guide adjuvant chemotherapy in postsurgery patients with stage II colon cancer was projected to result in cost savings for both commercial and Medicare Advantage payers. Adoption of ctDNA testing is therefore advantageous from a budgetary perspective.

Sequencing considerations in the third-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer.

Numerous advances in the standard of care for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), including the approval of several new treatments indicated for treatment in the third line or later (3L+), have been made, yet data and appropriate guidance on the optimal sequencing and treatment strategies for these lines of therapy are lacking. Four treatments-regorafenib, trifluridine/tipiracil alone or with bevacizumab, and fruquintinib-are FDA-approved and recommended by the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®) for the treatment of mCRC in the 3L+. When considering sequencing of treatment options for patients in the 3L+, the goal of treatment is to improve survival, but also maintain quality of life, a goal that requires consideration of relative efficacy and cumulative toxicity such as persistent myelosuppression.

Improving survival in metastatic colorectal cancer through optimized patient selection.

The systemic treatment options for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer have recently expanded with the US Food and Drug Administration approval of fruquintinib being added to previously approved trifluridine/tipiracil with or without bevacizumab and regorafenib. These therapies are recommended for use based on the initial clinical trials that focused on their safety and efficacy in extending overall survival of patients with refractory metastatic disease, as well as later studies, including the ReDOS study that confirmed the dose-escalation strategy of regorafenib to be key in optimizing duration of therapy and preventing side effects. Although more research is needed on how to sequence third-line therapies, data from real-world studies showed that switching from regorafenib to trifluridine/tipiracil with or without bevacizumab allowed patients to have a chemotherapy-free break and led to improved survival, suggesting that there may be a benefit for using regorafenib first. Current treatment guidelines state that each therapy can be given before or after the others. Generally, sequencing considerations in the refractory setting include multiple variables such as tumor characteristics, toxicities, factors that are important to the patient, response to prior lines of therapy, and extent of disease.

ERBB2 (HER2) amplifications and co-occurring KRAS alterations in the circulating cell-free DNA of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients and response to HER2 inhibition.

Purpose: Despite accumulating data regarding the genomic landscape of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), olaparib is the only biomarker-driven FDA-approved targeted therapy with a PDAC-specific approval. Treating ERBB2(HER2)-amplified PDAC with anti-HER2 therapy has been reported with mixed results. Most pancreatic adenocarcinomas have KRAS alterations, which have been shown to be a marker of resistance to HER2-targeted therapies in other malignancies, though the impact of these alterations in pancreatic cancer is unknown. We describe two cases of ERBB2-amplified pancreatic cancer patients treated with anti-HER2 therapy and provide data on the frequency of ERBB2 amplifications and KRAS alterations identified by clinical circulating cell-free DNA testing. Methods: De-identified molecular test results for all patients with pancreatic cancer who received clinical cell-free circulating DNA analysis (Guardant360) between 06/2014 and 01/2018 were analyzed. Cell-free circulating DNA analysis included next-generation sequencing of up to 73 genes, including select small insertion/deletions, copy number amplifications, and fusions. Results: Of 1,791 patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma, 36 (2.0%) had an ERBB2 amplification, 26 (72.2%) of whom had a KRAS alteration. Treatment data were available for seven patients. Two were treated with anti-HER2 therapy after their cell-free circulating DNA result, with both benefiting from therapy, including one with a durable response to trastuzumab and no KRAS alteration detected until progression. Conclusion: Our case series illustrates that certain patients with ERBB2-amplified pancreatic adenocarcinoma may respond to anti-HER2 therapy and gain several months of prolonged survival. Our data suggests KRAS mutations as a possible mechanism of primary and acquired resistance to anti-HER2 therapy in pancreatic cancer. Additional studies are needed to clarify the role of KRAS in resistance to anti-HER2 therapy.

Onvansertib in Combination with FOLFIRI and Bevacizumab in Second-Line Treatment of KRAS-Mutant Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: A Phase Ib Clinical Study.

PURPOSE: Onvansertib is a highly specific inhibitor of polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1), with demonstrated safety in solid tumors. We evaluated, preclinically and clinically, the potential of onvansertib in combination with chemotherapy as a therapeutic option for KRAS-mutant colorectal cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Preclinical activity of onvansertib was assessed (i) in vitro in KRAS wild-type and -mutant isogenic colorectal cancer cells and (ii) in vivo, in combination with irinotecan, in a KRAS-mutant xenograft model. Clinically, a phase Ib trial was conducted to investigate onvansertib at doses 12, 15, and 18 mg/m2 (days 1-5 and 14-19 of a 28-day cycle) in combination with FOLFIRI/bevacizumab (days 1 and 15) in patients with KRAS-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer who had prior oxaliplatin exposure. Safety, efficacy, and changes in circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) were assessed. RESULTS: In preclinical models, onvansertib displayed superior activity in KRAS-mutant than wild-type isogenic colorectal cancer cells and demonstrated potent antitumor activity in combination with irinotecan in vivo. Eighteen patients enrolled in the phase Ib study. Onvansertib recommended phase II dose was established at 15 mg/m2. Grade 3 and 4 adverse events (AE) represented 15% of all treatment-related AEs, with neutropenia being the most common. Partial responses were observed in 44% of patients, with a median duration of response of 9.5 months. Early ctDNA dynamics were predictive of treatment efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: Onvansertib combined with FOLIFRI/bevacizumab exhibited manageable safety and promising efficacy in second-line treatment of patients with KRAS-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer. Further exploration of this combination therapy is ongoing. See related commentary by Stebbing and Bullock, p. 2005.

Sexual dysfunction among early-onset colorectal cancer survivors: Sex-specific correlates of sexual health discussions between patients and providers.

PURPOSE: To examine the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction (FSD), male erectile dysfunction (ED), and the prevalence and correlates of sexual health discussions between early-onset CRC survivors and their health care providers. METHODS: An online, cross-sectional survey was administered in partnership with a national CRC advocacy organization. Respondents (n = 234; diagnosed < 50 years, 6-36 months from diagnosis/relapse) were colon (36.8%) and rectal (63.3%) cancer survivors (62.5% male). The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI-6) was used to measure FSD, and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) was used to measure ED. Survivors reported whether a doctor communicated with them about sexual issues during/after treatment. RESULTS: Among females (n = 87), 81.6% had FSD (mean FSFI-6 score = 14.3 [SD±6.1]). Among males (n = 145), 94.5% had ED (mean IIEF-5 score = 13.6 [SD±3.4]). Overall, 59.4% of males and 45.4% of females reported a sexual health discussion. Among the total sample, older age of diagnosis and relapse were significantly associated with reporting a discussion, while female sex was negatively associated with reporting a sexual health discussion. Among males, older age at diagnosis and relapse, and among females, older age of diagnosis, were significantly associated with reporting a sexual health discussion. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of FSD and ED were high (8 in 10 females reporting FSD, almost all males reporting ED), while reported rates of sexual health discussion were suboptimal (half reported discussion). Interventions to increase CRC provider awareness of patients at risk for not being counseled are needed to optimize long-term health outcomes.

Racial and ethnic disparities in self-reported general and mental health status among colorectal cancer survivors: impact of sociodemographic factors and implications for mortality-a SEER-CAHPS study.

PURPOSE: Patient-reported outcomes are recognized as strong predictors of cancer prognosis. This study examines racial and ethnic differences in self-reported general health status (GHS) and mental health status (MHS) among patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). METHODS: A retrospective analysis of Medicare beneficiaries between 1998 and 2011 with non-distant CRC who underwent curative resection and completed a Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) survey within 6-36 months of CRC diagnosis. Analysis included a stepwise logistic regression to examine the relationship between race and ethnicity and fair or poor health status, and a proportional hazards model to determine the mortality risk associated with fair or poor health status. RESULTS: Of 1867 patients, Non-Hispanic Black (OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.06-2.28) and Hispanic (OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.04-2.11) patients had higher unadjusted odds for fair or poor GHS compared to Non-Hispanic White patients, also Hispanic patients had higher unadjusted odds for fair or poor MHS (OR 1.92, 95% CI 1.23-3.01). These relationships persisted after adjusting for clinical factors but were attenuated after subsequently adjusting for sociodemographic factors. Compared to those reporting good to excellent health status, patients reporting fair or poor GHS or MHS had an increased mortality risk (OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.31-1.76 and OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.34-1.99, respectively). CONCLUSION: Racial and ethnic differences in GHS and MHS reported after CRC diagnosis are mainly driven by sociodemographic factors and reflect a higher risk of mortality. Identifying unmet biopsychosocial needs is necessary to promote equitable care.

Associations Between Patient Experience With Care, Race and Ethnicity, and Receipt of CRC Treatment Among SEER-CAHPS Patients With Multiple Comorbidities.

BACKGROUND: Patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) and multiple comorbidities are less likely to receive guideline-concordant treatment (GCT), a disparity exacerbated by racial and ethnic disparities in GCT. Yet, positive patient experiences with care are associated with more appropriate care use. We investigated associations between patient experiences with care, race and ethnicity, and receipt of GCT for CRC among older adults with multiple comorbidities. METHODS: We used SEER-Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) data to identify participants diagnosed with CRC from 2001 to 2017 at age ≥67 years with additional chronic conditions. Stage-specific GCT was identified following recommendations in the NCCN Guidelines for Colon and Rectal Cancer. Patient experiences with care were identified from CAHPS surveys. Multivariable log-binomial regression estimated associations between race and ethnicity and receipt of GCT by experiences with care. RESULTS: A total of 2,612 patients were included. Those reporting excellent experience with getting care quickly were 5% more likely to receive GCT than those reporting less-than-excellent experience (relative risk [RR], 1.05; 95% CI, 1.04-1.05). When reporting less-than-excellent experience with getting care quickly, non-Hispanic Black (NHB) patients were less likely than non-Hispanic White (NHW) patients to receive GCT (RR, 0.80; 99.38% CI, 0.78-0.82), yet NHB patients were more likely to receive GCT than NHW patients when reporting excellent experience (RR, 1.05; 99.38% CI, 1.02-1.09). When reporting less-than-excellent experience with getting needed care, Hispanic patients were less likely than NHW patients to receive GCT (RR, 0.91; 99.38% CI, 0.88-0.94), yet Hispanic patients were more likely to receive GCT than NHW patients when reporting excellent experience (RR, 1.06; 99.38% CI, 1.03-1.08). CONCLUSIONS: Although excellent patient experience among those with multiple comorbidities may not be strongly associated with receipt of GCT for CRC overall, improvements in experiences of accessing care among NHB and Hispanic patients with CRC and additional comorbidities may aid in mitigating racial and ethnic disparities in receipt of GCT.

Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: Real World Evidence of Care Delivery in AccessHope Data.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is an aggressive disease and the delivery of comprehensive care to individuals with this cancer is critical to achieve appropriate outcomes. The identification of gaps in care delivery facilitates the design of interventions to optimize care delivery and improve outcomes in this population. METHODS: AccessHope™ is a growing organization that connects oncology subspecialists with treating providers through contracts with self-insured employers. Data from 94 pancreatic adenocarcinoma cases (August 2019-December 2022) in the AccessHope dataset were used to describe gaps in care delivery. RESULTS: In all but 6% of cases, the subspecialist provided guideline-concordant recommendations anticipated to improve outcomes. Gaps in care were more pronounced in patients with non-metastatic pancreatic cancer. There was a significant deficiency in germline testing regardless of the stage, with only 59% of cases having completed testing. Only 20% of cases were receiving palliative care or other allied support services. There was no difference in observed care gaps between patients receiving care in the community setting vs. those receiving care in the academic setting. CONCLUSIONS: There are significant gaps in the care delivered to patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma. A concurrent subspecialist review has the opportunity to identify and address these gaps in a timely manner.

Real-World Treatment Patterns and Economic Burden Following First-Line Trastuzumab in Patients with Metastatic Gastric Cancer in the USA.

BACKGROUND: Trastuzumab in combination with chemotherapy is the standard first-line (1L) treatment for HER2+ metastatic gastric cancer (mGC) in the USA. OBJECTIVE: This study characterizes the real-world treatment patterns, healthcare resource use (HRU), and costs in patients with HER2+ mGC post-1L trastuzumab before approval of fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study used the IQVIA PharMetrics® Plus Database (October 2014-September 2019) to identify adults with HER2+ mGC who discontinued trastuzumab-based regimens in 1L. Patient characteristics, second-line (2L) treatment patterns, and treatment duration were summarized. HRU and costs before and after discontinuation of 1L trastuzumab-based regimens as well as during 2L treatment were described. RESULTS: Of the 190 HER2+mGC patients who discontinued 1L trastuzumab-based regimens, 136 (71.58%) initiated 2L treatments. Trastuzumab-based regimens were the most common in 2L (50.74%), followed by ramucirumab + paclitaxel (19.85%). The median time to 2L discontinuation was 2.37 months. During a mean follow-up of 9.8 months, mean per-patient-per-month (PPPM) healthcare costs post-1L trastuzumab-based regimens were higher in patients receiving 2L treatment than those without subsequent treatment (US$25,178 vs. US$14,812). The mean PPPM cost during 2L treatment was US$30,838, primarily driven by outpatient infusion costs (US$22,262). CONCLUSIONS: The short duration of 2L treatment observed in this study is consistent with a lack of effective treatments post-1L trastuzumab prior to 2020. Re-use of trastuzumab treatment was common despite its limited efficacy and high treatment cost. The findings highlight the unmet medical needs and substantial burden faced by patients with HER2 +mGC previously treated with trastuzumab.

Patient Care Satisfaction and Emergency Room Utilization among Young Adult Colorectal Cancer Survivors during the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: Lessons Learned.

Introduction: Survivors of colorectal cancer (CRC) are at risk for late effects of therapy and recurrence of cancer. With recurrence rates ranging between 30−40%, follow-up care is needed for both early detection and management of late effects. Cancer care delivery for CRC patients was significantly disrupted by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, with decreases of 40% in such services in the United States between April 2020 and 2019. Survivors were left with fewer options for care, potentially causing increases in emergency room (ER) utilization. Methods: This cross-sectional study examined the patterns of ER utilization during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic among young adult CRC survivors and assessed the relationship between self-reported care satisfaction and ER use. Eligible participants were colon or rectal cancer survivors diagnosed between 18−39 years of age, 6−36 months from diagnosis/relapse, English speaking and residing in the United States. Multivariable logistic regression assessed the association between patient care satisfaction and ER utilization, adjusting for pandemic factors. Covariates were chosen by significance of p < 0.1 at the univariate level and perceived clinical significance. Results: The overall sample (N = 196) had mean age (SD) 32.1 (4.5); 59% were male. Tumor location was colon or rectal in 42% and 57%, respectively, and the majority (56%) were diagnosed with stage 2 disease; 42.6% reported relapsed disease, and 20% had an ostomy. Most survivors (72.5%) had between 1−4 visits to an ER in the last 12 months and were categorized as normal utilizers. Approximately 24.7% of the sample had greater than 4 visits to the ER in the last 12 months and were categorized as super-utilizers. CRC survivors that reported a delay in their follow-up care as a result of the pandemic were two times (OR: 2.05, 95% CI 0.99, 4.24) more likely to be super-utilizers of the ER. Higher self-reported satisfaction with care was associated with a 13.7% lower likelihood of being a super-utilizer (OR: 0.86, 95%CI: −0.68, 1.09). Conclusions: This study found strong associations between delays in care, self-reported care satisfaction, and being a super-utilizer of the ER during the pandemic among young adult CRC survivors off treatment. Increasing patient satisfaction and minimizing care interruptions amongst this vulnerable population may aid in mitigating over-utilization in the ER during an ongoing pandemic.

The Impact of Facility Surgical Caseload Volumes on Survival Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Radical Cystectomy.

The role of surgical experience and its impact on the survival requires further investigation. A cohort of patients undergoing radical cystectomy or anterior pelvic exenteration for localized bladder cancer between 2006 and 2013 at 1143 facilities across the United States was identified using the National Cancer Database and analyzed. Using overall survival (OS) as the primary outcome, the relationship between facility annual caseload (FAC) and facility annual surgical caseload (FASC) for those undergoing curative surgery was examined. Four volume groups (VG) depending on caseload using both FAC and FASC were defined. These included VG1: below 50th percentile, VG2: 50th−74th percentile, VG3: 75th−89th percentile, and VG4: 90th and above. Between 2006 and 2013, 27,272 patients underwent surgery for localized bladder cancer. The median OS was 59.66 months (95% CI: 57.79−61.77). OS improved significantly as caseload increased. The unadjusted median OS difference between VG1 and VG4 was 15.35 months (64.3 vs. 48.95 months, HR 1.19 95% CI: 1.13−1.25, p < 0.001) for FAC. This figure was 19.84 months (66.89 vs. 47.05 months, HR 1.25 95% CI: 1.18−1.32, p < 0.0001) for FASC. This analysis revealed a significant and clinically important survival advantage for curative bladder cancer surgery at highly experienced centers.

Pyramidal Decision Support Framework Leverages Subspecialty Expertise across Enterprise to Achieve Superior Cancer Outcomes and Personalized, Precision Care Plans.

The complexity of cancer care requires integrated and continuous support to deliver appropriate care. An expert network with complementary expertise and the capability of multidisciplinary care is an integral part of contemporary oncology care. Appropriate infrastructure is necessary to empower this network to deliver personalized precision care to their patients. Providing decision support as cancer care becomes exponentially more complex with new diagnostic and therapeutic choices remains challenging. City of Hope has developed a Pyramidal Decision Support Framework to address these challenges, which were exacerbated by the COVID pandemic, health plan restrictions, and growing geographic site diversity. Optimizing efficient and targeted decision support backed by multidisciplinary cancer expertise can improve individual patient treatment plans to achieve improved care and survival wherever patients are treated.

Value-Based Analysis of Therapies in Refractory Metastatic Colorectal Cancer in US.

BACKGROUND: Recent phase 2 trials have provided data supporting regorafenib dose optimization (ReDO) and trifluridine/tipiracil (TAS-102) with bevacizumab (TAS-BEV) as treatment options in refractory metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Historically, regorafenib standard dose (RSD) and TAS-102 have been utilized as third-line options in mCRC. Given the incorporation of ReDO and TAS-BEV as treatment options, we sought to evaluate relative cost-effectiveness of ReDO vs. RSD, TAS-102, and TAS-BEV for mCRC from a payer perspective. METHODS: A Markov model was constructed to estimate total costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) for ReDO, RSD, TAS-102, and TAS-BEV. Clinical parameters were obtained from phase 2 and 3 trials for comparators. Health state utility values were from the RSD phase 3 clinical trial. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were utilized to compare treatments. Model robustness was checked with one-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses. RESULTS: In the base case, ReDO was dominant over TAS-BEV (ie provided a higher QALY at a lower cost). ReDO produced an ICER of $104,308 per QALY relative to RSD and $37,966 relative to TAS-102. In one-way sensitivity analyses, monthly drug cost of TAS-BEV was the most influential parameter determining relative cost-effectiveness between TAS-BEV and ReDO. When TAS-102 and RSD were independently compared to ReDO, the most influential parameters were related to duration of OS and PFS and costs of managing AEs. CONCLUSIONS: The optimum dosing strategy for regorafenib has improved its benefit-to-toxicity ratio and relative cost-effectiveness compared to RSD, TAS-102, and TAS-BEV.

Telemedicine in Cancer Care Beyond the COVID-19 Pandemic: Oncology 2.0?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This paper summarizes early experiences of telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic, the patient and physician experience, limitations in accessibility introduced by telemedicine, and the opportunities and anticipated sustained role of telemedicine for cancer care. RECENT FINDINGS: Research from a wide range of oncology facilities consistently demonstrates the feasibility of delivering telemedicine services over audio (telephone) and/or video platforms. Emerging work highlights that telemedicine is well suited for a subset of patients and clinical settings and that there are methods by which current disparities could potentially be ameliorated. Several current uncertainties limit the broad applicability of telemedicine longitudinally. Early responses to the pandemic that included rapid introduction of telemedicine demonstrated the feasibility of audio- and video-based platforms that achieved promising utility, while simultaneously demonstrating disparities based on patient characteristics and infrastructural support. Its long-term role will likely depend greatly on reimbursement and regulatory reform.

Provider imaging practices and outcomes of advanced colorectal cancer.

PURPOSE: To explore the real-world utilization of computerized tomography (CT) in patients with advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) and the associated outcomes. METHODS: Using Optum's de-identified Clinformatics® Data Mart Database (2008-2016), we identified patients with CRC receiving combination of chemotherapies (fluoropyrimidines with either oxaliplatin or irinotecan, or capecitabine with either oxaliplatin or irinotecan) combined with bevacizumab as the initial treatment, and its starting date was registered as the index date. End of treatment was defined by the presence of a gap in therapy > 60 days or treatment switch. We assessed the CT scan utilization during the period between 60 days pre-index and 30 days post-end of treatment. Cox regressions were performed to assess the impact of intensity of follow-up CT scans, measured by time to the first scan from the index date, on likelihood of treatment switch and survival. RESULTS: Among included 4,810 patients, the median (standard deviation) time to the first follow-up scan was 57 (45) days. The mean and median number of CT scans was 4 and 3, respectively. An earlier follow-up scan was associated with significantly greater chance of treatment switch (hazard ratio = 0.99 for each day of delay, P < 0.01), and greater likelihood of death (hazard ratio = 0.99 for each day of delay, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: More intense follow-up increased the likelihood of treatment switch, yet it was not associated with better survival outcome. Further analysis in populations with longer follow-up period is warranted to elucidate the link between CT scan utilization and outcomes.