Randomized study of remote telehealth genetic services versus usual care in oncology practices without genetic counselors.

PURPOSE: To examine the benefit of telehealth over current delivery options in oncology practices without genetic counselors. METHODS: Participants meeting cancer genetic testing guidelines were recruited to this multi-center, randomized trial comparing uptake of genetic services with remote services (telephone or videoconference) to usual care in six predominantly community practices without genetic counselors. The primary outcome was the composite uptake of genetic counseling or testing. Secondary outcomes compare telephone versus videoconference services. RESULTS: 147 participants enrolled and 119 were randomized. Eighty percent of participants in the telehealth arm had genetic services as compared to 16% in the usual care arm (OR 30.52, p < 0.001). Five genetic mutation carriers (6.7%) were identified in the telehealth arm, compared to none in the usual care arm. In secondary analyses, factors associated with uptake were lower anxiety (6.77 vs. 8.07, p = 0.04) and lower depression (3.38 vs. 5.06, p = 0.04) among those who had genetic services. There were no significant differences in change in cognitive or affective outcomes immediately post-counseling and at 6 and 12 months between telephone and videoconference arms. CONCLUSION: Telehealth increases uptake of genetic counseling and testing at oncology practices without genetic counselors and could significantly improve identification of genetic carriers and cancer prevention outcomes.

Dual inhibition of the epidermal growth factor receptor pathway with cetuximab and erlotinib: a phase I study in patients with advanced solid malignancies.

PURPOSE: To determine the optimal dose of the antiepidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) monoclonal antibody cetuximab that can be safely administered in combination with a standard daily dose of erlotinib in patients with advanced solid malignancies. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with advanced solid malignancies who had failed standard chemotherapies received escalating doses of cetuximab without a loading dose (100, 200, 250 mg/m(2) i.v. weekly) in combination with a fixed dose of erlotinib (150 mg daily orally) until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients were treated, including 14 patients (64%) with non-small cell lung cancer. Twenty patients received combination treatment at the highest dose level for a median of 5.5 weeks (range, 1-31 weeks). One dose-limiting toxicity was observed: grade 3 skin rash. Overall, the most common adverse events (any grade, grade 3/4) were consistent with the safety profiles of the individual drugs: acneform rash (100%, 9%), diarrhea (77%, 5%), and hypomagnesemia (59%, 12%). Seven of 18 evaluable patients (38.9%) had stable disease lasting for a median of 16.6 weeks (range, 6.1-25.1 weeks). CONCLUSION: Dual EGFR inhibition with cetuximab and erlotinib is feasible; the observed toxicities were manageable and consistent with the safety profiles of the individual drugs. The recommended doses for phase II studies are 250 mg/m(2) i.v. weekly for cetuximab and 150 mg daily orally for erlotinib.

Temozolomide in non-small-cell lung cancer: preliminary results of a phase II trial in previously treated patients.

Virtually all patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) relapse. Docetaxel has an established, Food and Drug Administration-approved role as salvage therapy in previously treated, platinum-exposed patients. However, the response rate in phase III studies is < 15%, and median survival is only 6-8 months. Temozolomide, a novel triazene derivative with activity in melanoma and anaplastic astrocytoma, has demonstrated activity in C26 adenocarcinoma, Lewis lung cancer, and in phase I studies. A phase II trial was mounted using a unique schedule of oral temozolomide 75 mg/m2 daily for 6 weeks every 8-10 weeks, in patients with previously treated, advanced, incurable NSCLC. Eligibility stipulated an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (PS) of 0-2, adequate end organ function, up to 1 prior chemotherapy for advanced (relapsed or metastatic) disease, and up to 1 prior regimen in the context of radiosensitization, adjuvant therapy, or induction. From March 2000 through January 2002, 47 patients (24 male, 23 female) were enrolled. The median age was 67 years. Sixteen patients had a PS of 2, 22 had a PS of 1, and 9 had a PS of 0. It was too early to evaluate 9 patients. Toxicity, with the exception of mild nausea and thrombocytopenia, was negligible. Three patients had a delayed recovery of platelets prompting discontinuation of treatment. Of the 38 evaluable patients, 1 patient had a complete response, 2 patients had a partial response, 12 had stable disease, and 19 had disease progression. Four patients were not evaluable. Six patients died within 30 days of taking temozolomide; 5 of these deaths were not related to treatment upon review by an independent data safety monitoring committee. Temozolomide, using a unique 6-week continuous schedule, has demonstrated activity in the salvage therapy of advanced NSCLC. Toxicity is modest, and accrual to this study continues.