Advanced Practice Provider Model for Urgent Oncology Care.

Inherent to the cancer disease trajectory are heightened risks for a plethora of comorbid diagnoses. As the treatment landscape for oncology therapeutics continues to rapidly advance, patients are living longer and potentially experiencing more symptoms requiring rapid assessment. Prompt assessment and intervention for cancer or cancer treatment-related symptoms is imperative to achieve patient comfort and obtain the best overall patient outcomes. Traditionally, these patients were frequently referred to the emergency department (ED) when same-day clinic appointments were not obtainable. In order to decrease ED utilization and provide same-day urgent care for oncology patients, the Abramson Cancer Center established an advanced practice provider-led Oncology Evaluation Center where cancer patients are able to receive same-day assessment, symptom relief, and ultimately prevent unnecessary ED visits.

Lung Cancer Biomarker Speak: Teach Me the Language.

A vital role of the advanced practitioner is to analyze biomarker testing reports and explain to patients how the results may impact their treatment. At JADPRO Live Virtual 2021, presenters reviewed the importance of molecular testing in non-small cell lung cancer and how to interpret molecular pathology reports.

Hitting the Right Spot: Advances in the Treatment of NSCLC With Uncommon EGFR Mutations.

An understanding of the biology of uncommon epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is evolving. These mutations are important for the selection of targeted therapy and the development of resistance. The advent of genomic profiling has led to guideline-recommended molecular testing to identify patients with NSCLC who carry uncommon EGFR mutations to aid in the selection of appropriate targeted therapy. This article discusses the efficacy and safety of current and emerging targeted therapies for the treatment of uncommon EGFR mutations in NSCLC to aid in developing patient-specific treatment plans.

Osimertinib: A Novel Dermatologic Adverse Event Profile in Patients with Lung Cancer.

Dermatologic adverse events (dAEs) are common with the use of epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) therapy. First- and second-generation agents (erlotinib, gefitinib, and afatinib) are frequently associated with acneiform rash, pruritus, xerosis, and paronychia; the incidence and characterization of these dAEs have been well described. However, there is evidence that the dAE profile is different with third-generation EGFR-TKIs. Herein, we describe the dAEs associated with third-generation EGFR-TKIs and our clinical experience with osimertinib, a third-generation EGFR-TKI approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of metastatic, EGFR T790M mutation-positive non-small cell lung cancer in patients whose disease has progressed on or after EGFR-TKI therapy. Case summaries of patients from two of our institutions who received osimertinib and were referred to a dermatologist for dAEs are also presented. Overall, the evidence suggests that osimertinib is associated with less severe and less frequent dAEs than first- and second-generation EGFR-TKIs and that therefore a different approach is warranted. Finally, we outline dAE management approaches for osimertinib in the context of those typically employed with first- and second-generation EGFR-TKIs. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Appropriate prevention and management of dermatologic adverse events (dAEs) associated with the use of epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) may help patients to continue therapy and lessen any negative impact on their quality of life. EGFR-TKIs are frequently associated with acneiform rash, pruritus, xerosis, and paronychia; however, dAEs associated with third-generation EGFR-TKIs are lower in frequency and severity. Before therapy, health care providers should discuss the potential osimertinib-associated dAEs and encourage patients to report their dAEs. Patients should also be educated on prophylactic measures to minimize the severity of dAEs and the importance of adherence to the treatment regimen.

Systemic Treatments for Lung Cancer Patients Receiving Hemodialysis.

Chemotherapy, and now targeted therapies and immunotherapies, are widely used for the management of patients with all stages of lung cancer. Some challenges present when patients are receiving concomitant hemodialysis for various comorbid conditions. However, this should not immediately rule out a patient for treatment. Many drugs may be safely given to patients who are receiving hemodialysis with the proper dosing schedule and careful monitoring. This article will outline the current literature surrounding the use of these drugs in patients undergoing active hemodialysis while being treated for lung cancer.

Pretreatment neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio as a marker of outcomes in nivolumab-treated patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer.

OBJECTIVES: Efficient use of nivolumab in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has been limited by the lack of a definitive predictive biomarker. In patients with metastatic melanoma treated with ipilimumab, a pretreatment neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR)<5 has been associated with improved survival. This retrospective cohort study aimed to determine whether the pretreatment NLR was associated with outcomes in NSCLC patients treated with nivolumab. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of all patients with previously treated advanced NSCLC who received nivolumab between March 2015 and March 2016 outside of a clinical trial at the University of Pennsylvania. Patients were dichotomized according to pretreatment NLR<5 vs. ≥5. Multivariable logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the impact of pretreatment NLR on overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall response rate (ORR). RESULTS: 175 patients were treated. Median age was 68 (range, 33-88); 54% were female. Twenty-five percent of patients had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG PS) ≥2; 46% had received ≥2 prior systemic therapies. In multivariate analyses, pretreatment neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) ≥5 was independently associated with inferior OS (median 5.5 vs. 8.4 months; HR 2.07, 95% CI 1.3-3.3; p=0.002) and inferior PFS (median 1.9 vs. 2.8 months; HR 1.43, 95% CI 1.02-2.0; p=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: In a cohort of patients with NSCLC treated with nivolumab in routine practice, pretreatment NLR≥5 was associated with inferior outcomes. It is unclear whether this marker is predictive or prognostic. Prospective studies are warranted to determine the utility of NLR in the context of other biomarkers of programmed death-1 (PD-1) therapy.

Use of Diagnostic Tests in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

INTRODUCTION As the official publication of the Advanced Practitioner Society for Hematology and Oncology (APSHO), JADPRO is pleased to offer Part 1 of an accredited educational activity based on the recently concluded APSHO Regional Lecture Series. Hosted in collaboration with major cancer centers around the country, the APSHO Regional Lecture Series brought case-based didactic presentations and skills workshops to advanced practitioners. In the spirit of JADPRO, three accredited Grand Rounds articles by Beth Eaby-Sandy, MSN, CRNP, OCN® (non-small cell lung cancer) and Sandra E. Kurtin, PhDc, ANP-C, AOCN® (multiple myeloma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia)-program chairs for the regional lecture series-offer the same practice-changing information and strategies for advanced practitioners. In this Grand Rounds article, essentials skills of interpreting pathology reports and imaging studies are reviewed. Images from patient cases supplement the article. Keep an eye out for Parts 2 and 3 in future issues of JADPRO, and be sure to check out apsho.org/lectures for information on registering for upcoming JADPRO Regional Lectures starting this spring.

EGFR Fusions as Novel Therapeutic Targets in Lung Cancer.

UNLABELLED: Here, we report that novel epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene fusions comprising the N-terminal of EGFR linked to various fusion partners, most commonly RAD51, are recurrent in lung cancer. We describe five patients with metastatic lung cancer whose tumors harbored EGFR fusions, four of whom were treated with EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) with documented antitumor responses. In vitro, EGFR-RAD51 fusions are oncogenic and can be therapeutically targeted with available EGFR TKIs and therapeutic antibodies. These results support the dependence of EGFR-rearranged tumors on EGFR-mediated signaling and suggest several therapeutic strategies for patients whose tumors harbor this novel alteration. SIGNIFICANCE: We report for the first time the identification and therapeutic targeting of EGFR C-terminal fusions in patients with lung cancer and document responses to the EGFR inhibitor erlotinib in 4 patients whose tumors harbored EGFR fusions. Findings from these studies will be immediately translatable to the clinic, as there are already several approved EGFR inhibitors. Cancer Discov; 6(6); 601-11. ©2016 AACR.See related commentary by Paik, p. 574This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 561.

Side effects of targeted therapies: rash.

OBJECTIVES: To present a thorough literature review on the assessment, grading, and treatment of rash associated with targeted therapies for cancer treatment. To identify ways that nursing can impact a patient's treatment experience by understanding and properly managing treatment for the rash. DATA SOURCES: Peer-reviewed journal articles, textbooks. CONCLUSION: Identification and management of rash induced by targeted therapies may improve quality of life and allow patients to continue drug therapy for their cancer to offer best outcomes. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Nurses are in a unique position to assess, grade, and manage rash in patients receiving targeted therapies. Nurses will often be the first point of contact for the patient experiencing a rash, and the proper triage and advice on management can help the patient tolerate these drugs and enable them to remain on treatment.

Clinical practice guidelines for the prevention and treatment of acute and late radiation reactions from the MASCC Skin Toxicity Study Group.

Radiation dermatitis (RD) results from radiotherapy and often occurs within the first 4 weeks of treatment, although late effects also occur. While RD may resolve over time, it can have a profound effect on patients' quality of life and lead to dose modifications. A study group of international, interdisciplinary experts convened to develop RD prevention and treatment guidelines based on evidence from randomized, controlled trials. Evidence-based recommendations were developed after an extensive literature review. Randomized, controlled trials with standardized measurement of outcomes were considered the best evidence, and a majority of the recommendations were formulated from this literature. The adoption of washing with water, with or without a mild soap, and allowing the use of antiperspirants is supported by randomized trials. Use of topical prophylactic corticosteroids (mometasone) is recommended to reduce discomfort and itching. There is some evidence that silver sulfadiazine cream can reduce dermatitis score. There is insufficient evidence to support, and therefore the panel recommends against the use of trolamine, topical sulcrate, hyaluronic acid, ascorbic acid, silver leaf dressing, light-emitting diode lasers, Theta cream, dexpanthenol, calendula, proteolytic enzymes, sulcralfate, oral zinc, and pentoxifylline. Moreover, there is no evidence to support the superiority for any specific intervention in a reactive fashion. For patients with established radiation-induced telangiectasia and fibrosis, the panel suggests the use of pulse dye laser for visual appearance, and the use of pentoxifylline and vitamin E for the reduction of fibrosis.

Phase 2 trial of maintenance bevacizumab alone after bevacizumab plus pemetrexed and carboplatin in advanced, nonsquamous nonsmall cell lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: The authors performed a phase 2 study of bevacizumab plus pemetrexed and carboplatin followed by maintenance bevacizumab in patients with advanced, nonsquamous nonsmall cell lung cancer. METHODS: Previously untreated patients with advanced, nonsquamous nonsmall cell lung cancer and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0 or 1 received bevacizumab 15 mg/kg, pemetrexed 500 mg/m(2) and carboplatin at an area under the concentration-time curve of 6 intravenously on day 1 every 21 days. Responding or stable patients who completed 6 cycles then received bevacizumab maintenance every 21 days until disease progression. RESULTS: In total, 43 patients (40 who were evaluable for response) were entered on the study. Treatment-related grade 3/4 toxicities were low and included febrile neutropenia (2%), neutropenia (28%), anemia (18%), thrombocytopenia (11%), hypertension (7%), epistaxis (5%), venous thrombosis (8%), dyspnea (7%), rectovaginal fistula (2.3%), infusion reaction (2%), and cerebrovascular event (2%). One patient died from complications of venous thromboembolism and cerebrovascular accident after Cycle 2. Minimal clinically significant toxicity occurred during maintenance bevacizumab. Two complete responses (5%) were observed, and 17 patients (42%) had a partial response. Fifteen patients (38%) displayed disease stability. The overall disease control rate was 85%. At a median follow-up of 15.8 months, the median progression-free survival was 7.1 months (95% confidence interval, 5.9-8.3 months), and the median overall survival was 17.1 months (95% confidence interval, 8.8-25.5 months). CONCLUSIONS: Combined bevacizumab, pemetrexed, and carboplatin followed by maintenance bevacizumab was well tolerated and displayed remarkable activity in patients with previously untreated, advanced, nonsquamous nonsmall cell lung cancer.

Dermatologic toxicities in epidermal growth factor receptor and multikinase inhibitors.

Targeted therapies have produced significant treatment advances for patients diagnosed with a variety of tumor types. These therapies are associated with unique dermatologic toxicities that may hamper treatment efforts and cause significant discomfort for patients. Prevention and management of these toxicities can allow patients to remain on therapy and hence receive maximum clinical benefit from the drug.

Clinical practice guidelines for the prevention and treatment of EGFR inhibitor-associated dermatologic toxicities.

BACKGROUND: Epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors (EGFRI) produce various dermatologic side effects in the majority of patients, and guidelines are crucial for the prevention and treatment of these untoward events. The purpose of this panel was to develop evidence-based recommendations for EGFRI-associated dermatologic toxicities. METHODS: A multinational, interdisciplinary panel of experts in supportive care in cancer reviewed pertinent studies using established criteria in order to develop first-generation recommendations for EGFRI-associated dermatologic toxicities. RESULTS: Prophylactic and reactive recommendations for papulopustular (acneiform) rash, hair changes, radiation dermatitis, pruritus, mucositis, xerosis/fissures, and paronychia are presented, as well as general dermatologic recommendations when possible. CONCLUSION: Prevention and management of EGFRI-related dermatologic toxicities is critical to maintain patients' health-related quality of life and dose intensity of antineoplastic regimens. More rigorous investigation of these toxicities is warranted to improve preventive and treatment strategies.