Identifying the Needs of Health Care Providers in Advanced First-Line Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Mixed-Methods Research.

INTRODUCTION: Systemic treatments for metastatic or unresectable renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) are rapidly evolving. This study aimed at investigating challenges in the care of mRCC to inform future educational interventions for health care providers (HCPs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sequential mixed-method design consisted of a qualitative phase (semistructured interviews) followed by a quantitative phase (online surveys). Participants included US-based medical oncologists, nephrologists, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and registered nurses. Interview transcripts were thematically analyzed. Survey data was descriptively and inferentially analyzed. RESULTS: Forty interviews and 265 surveys were completed. Analysis revealed four challenges in the care of mRCC patients. A challenge in staying current with emerging evidence and treatment recommendations was found with 33% of surveyed HCPs reporting suboptimal skills interpreting published evidence on the efficacy and safety of emerging agents. A challenge weighing patient health and preferences in treatment decisions was found, especially among HCPs with 3 to 10 years of practice (37%) who reported suboptimal skills in assessing patients' tolerance to side effects. Promoting a collaborative care approach to the management of immune-related adverse events was a challenge, specifically related to barriers involving nephrologists (eg, diverging treatment goals). Breakdowns in communication were reported (46% of HCPs), especially in the monitoring of side effects and treatment adherence. CONCLUSION: This study revealed key challenges faced by HCPs when treating and managing patients with mRCC across multiple providers. Future interventions (eg, community of practice) should aim to address the identified gaps and promote a team-based approach to care that strengthens the complementary competencies of HCPs involved.

Ginseng for the Management of Cancer-Related Fatigue: An Integrative Review.

BACKGROUND: Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is one of the most prevalent, debilitating symptoms affecting a majority of patients with cancer worldwide. It can lead to poor compliance with anticancer therapy and discontinuation of treatment. Current management strategies for CRF center around activity and exercise; however, these strategies can be challenging for many patients undergoing active treatment. Ginseng has been shown to improve CRF and may provide benefit for patients suffering from CRF. METHODS: A systematic review was completed by searching PubMed and Scopus databases. RESULTS: 115 search results were reduced to a final sample of five articles after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. Published results suggest that 2,000 mg of American ginseng once daily improves symptoms of CRF. Minimal side effects or drug interactions are observed. Additional research is needed to further evaluate the role of ginseng for CRF. CONCLUSION: There are data to support the use of American ginseng to treat CRF. Large-scale randomized controlled trials are needed to validate these findings and determine optimal dosage and duration of therapy.

Early Bone Metastases are Associated with Worse Outcomes in Metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Outcomes of patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC) with early bone metastases (eBM) vs no early bone metastases (nBM) have not thoroughly been described in the age of immuno-oncology. OBJECTIVE: To compare survival and other clinical outcomes in patients with eBM and nBM. METHODS: We used a multi-institutional database of patients with mUC treated with systemic therapy. Demographic, metastatic site, treatment patterns, and clinical outcomes were recorded. Wilcoxon rank-sum, chi-square tests were performed. Survival was estimated by Kaplan-Meier method; multivariable Cox analysis was performed. RESULTS: We identified 270 pts, 67% men, mean age 69±11 years. At metastatic diagnosis, 27% had≥1 eBM and were more likely to have de novo vs. recurrent metastases (42% vs 19%, p < 0.001). Patients with eBM had shorter overall survival (OS) vs. those with nBM, (6.1 vs 13.7 months, p < 0.0001). On multivariable analysis, eBM independently associated with higher risk of death, HR = 2.52 (95% CI: 1.75-3.63, p < 0.0001). OS was shorter for patients with eBM who received initial immune checkpoint inhibitor vs platinum-based chemotherapy, (1.6 vs 9.1 months, p = 0.02). Patients with eBM received higher opioid analgesic doses compared to patients with nBM and received quantitatively more palliative radiation. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with mUC and eBM have poorer outcomes, may benefit less from anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy and represent an unmet need for novel therapeutic interventions. Dedicated clinical trials, biomarker validation to assist in patient selection, as well as consensus on reporting of non-measurable disease are required.

Current and Future Landscape of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Urothelial Cancer.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized the field of oncology, providing a novel mechanism for anticancer therapy. Programmed death 1-targeting antibodies pembrolizumab and nivolumab and programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1)-targeting antibodies atezolizumab, durvalumab, and avelumab have been approved for use in advanced urothelial cancer in the post-platinum setting or in the upfront setting in platinum-ineligible patients. While this represents a significant step forward in management of urothelial cancers, most patients do not have an objective response to these therapies. PD-L1 expression is not a consistently predictive biomarker, but is recommended for checkpoint utilization in select circumstances. We report here a summary of known data and the differences between these agents, as well as future avenues to explore with immuno-oncologic agents in urothelial cancer. Much work is ongoing to better understand resistance mechanisms, to maximize efficacy with combination strategies, to find improved predictive biomarkers, to assess curative-intent strategies, and to better manage toxicity with these agents.

Real-World Experience With Cabozantinib in Metastatic Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Retrospective Analysis.

Cabozantinib inhibits tyrosine kinase activity at the MET, AXL, and VEGF receptors and is approved for front-line therapy in metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Little off-protocol data exist on tolerability and response. The objective of this retrospective study was to assess off-protocol tolerability and response rates in patients with metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma being treated with cabozantinib. Data on baseline disease characteristics and treatment details were retrospectively gathered for patients with metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma treated with cabozantinib at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center from 2015 to 2017. A blinded radiologist determined the best response according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) 1.1. Descriptive statistics were utilized. Cabozantinib has a high disease control rate (92%), even as a late line of therapy in metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma. However, careful monitoring is warranted, as many patients require treatment breaks and dose reductions for therapy-related toxicity.

Management of Advanced Bladder Cancer: An Update.

Bladder cancer is the sixth most common cancer in the United States; therefore, the majority of clinicians working in the oncology setting will care for this patient population. Unfortunately, treatment plans, especially in the advanced setting, lack consistency. This, along with the advanced age and comorbidities of most bladder cancer patients, can provide challenges for clinicians when developing treatment plans. In the past 2 years, new drug approvals, specifically those for immune checkpoint inhibitors, have changed the treatment landscape for bladder cancer for the first time since the 1980s. This review article outlines the current management for muscle-invasive and metastatic bladder cancer, while also highlighting future considerations in this disease space. It is imperative that oncology advanced practice providers are up to date with these new changes and have a sound understanding of treatment principles for patients with advanced bladder cancer in order to deliver the safest and most effective care.

Vaginal Testosterone for Management of Aromatase Inhibitor-Related Sexual Dysfunction: An Integrative Review.

PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION: Women taking aromatase inhibitors (AIs) as part of the management of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer experience more symptoms of sexual dysfunction, including vaginal atrophy, as opposed to postmenopausal women and women treated with tamoxifen (Nolvadex®). Vaginal testosterone could be an alternative to estrogen, which is contraindicated in this population.
. LITERATURE SEARCH: A systematic review was completed by searching PubMed and Scopus databases.
. DATA EVALUATION: 64 search results were reduced to a final sample of 3 articles after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria.
. SYNTHESIS: Published results suggest that vaginally applied testosterone doses of 150 mcg and 300 mcg improve symptoms of sexual dysfunction in women taking AIs. Minimal side effects are observed, and estradiol levels are not affected by vaginally applied testosterone. Additional research is needed to evaluate vaginal testosterone in women taking AIs.
. CONCLUSIONS: Vaginal testosterone shows preliminary promise as an option to manage sexual side effects of AI therapy in postmenopausal cancer survivors; however, available data are too limited to draw practice-changing conclusions.
. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH: Large-scale randomized, controlled trials need to be completed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of vaginal testosterone in women taking AIs.