Implementation of a Telehealth Genetic Testing Station to Deliver Germline Testing for Men With Prostate Cancer.

PURPOSE: Germline testing for men with prostate cancer (PCa) poses numerous implementation barriers. Alternative models of care delivery are emerging, but implementation outcomes are understudied. We evaluated implementation outcomes of a hybrid oncologist- and genetic counselor-delivered model called the genetic testing station (GTS) created to streamline testing and increase access. METHODS: A prospective, single-institution, cohort study of men with PCa referred to the GTS from October 14, 2019, to October 14, 2021, was conducted. Using the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance framework, we described patients referred to GTS (Reach), the association of GTS with germline testing completion rates within 60 days of a new oncology appointment in a pre- versus post-GTS multivariable logistic regression (Effectiveness), Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance. Because GTS transitioned from an on-site to remote service during the COVID-19 pandemic, we also compared outcomes for embedded versus remote GTS. RESULTS: Overall, 713 patients were referred to and eligible for GTS, and 592 (83%) patients completed germline testing. Seventy-six (13%) patients had ≥ 1 pathogenic variant. Post-GTS was independently associated with higher odds of completing testing within 60 days than pre-GTS (odds ratio, 8.97; 95% CI, 2.71 to 29.75; P < .001). Black race was independently associated with lower odds of testing completion compared with White race (odds ratio, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.13 to 0.96; P = .042). There was no difference in test completion rates or patient-reported decisional conflict for embedded versus remote GTS. GTS has been adopted by 31 oncology providers across four clinics, and implementation fidelity was high with low patient loss to follow-up, but staffing costs are a sustainability concern. CONCLUSION: GTS is a feasible, effective model for high-volume germline testing in men with PCa, both in person and using telehealth. GTS does not eliminate racial disparities in germline testing access.

A Phase IB Trial of the PI3K Inhibitor Alpelisib and Weekly Cisplatin in Patients with Solid Tumor Malignancies.

The PI3K pathway may be a potential mechanism to overcome cisplatin resistance. We conducted a phase Ib trial of alpelisib and cisplatin for patients with solid tumor malignancies with planned dose expansion in HPV-associated tumors. The primary objective was to determine the MTD and recommended phase II dose. Two different weekly doses of cisplatin (30 and 35 mg/m2) were evaluated with escalating doses of alpelisib, administered daily during a 21-day treatment cycle. Twenty-three patients were enrolled: 91% received >3 prior regimens with median of 4 (range 1-10), and 78% progressed on prior platinum. The MTD was alpelisib 250 mg daily with weekly cisplatin 30 mg/m2. There were 3 DLTs: all grade 4 hyperglycemia. Frequent treatment-related adverse events of any grade included fatigue (52%), diarrhea (39%), nausea (38%), hyperglycemia (30%), anemia (22%), and nephropathy (17%). Hyperglycemia was linked to baseline hemoglobin A1C, but not body mass index. Twelve patients discontinued treatment for toxicity (n = 9 during cycle 1) and 11 discontinued for progression. Of 14 evaluable patients who received at least one treatment cycle, 4 (29%) patients demonstrated partial response, and 7 had stable disease for a disease control rate of 79%. The median PFS measured 4.3 months (95% CI, 1.6-4.5). No difference in PFS was observed between PIK3CA-mutated and wild-type tumors. While the combination of alpelisib and cisplatin demonstrated preliminary evidence of activity despite platinum resistance, toxicities hindered prolonged treatment. Prospective studies are planned using carboplatin and alpelisib to improve toxicity and tolerability. Significance: The PI3K inhibitor alpelisib has limited activity alone, but there is interest in combinations in platinum-resistant tumors. In this phase Ib study of alpelisib with cisplatin, the objective response rate measured 29% but adverse events limited dose intensity. These promising results provide rationale for studying combinations with better tolerated platinum agents.