Abstract
Treatment goals for patients with metastatic cancer include prolongation and maintenance of quality of life. Patients and oncologists have questioned the current paradigm of initial dose selection for systemic therapy; however, data on oncologists' dose selection strategies and beliefs are lacking.
We conducted an electronic international survey of medical oncologists who treat patients with breast and/or gastrointestinal cancers. Survey questions addressed experiences with, and attitudes toward, dose reduction at initiation (DRI) of a new systemic therapy for patients with metastatic cancer.
Among 3,099 eligible oncologists, 367 responded (response rate 12%). Most (52%) reported using DRI at least 10% of the time to minimize toxicities. Gastrointestinal specialists were more likely to report DRI ≥ 10% of the time (72% v 50% of generalists and 51% of breast specialists, P < .005). Of those who dose reduced ≥ 10% of the time, 89% reported discussing potential tradeoffs between efficacy and toxicity with patients. Overall, 65% agreed it is acceptable to lower starting doses to reduce side effects even if it compromises efficacy; younger clinicians were more likely to agree (P < .005). There was strong support (89%) for future trials to determine optimal effective, rather than maximum tolerated, dose.
Oncology practice varies with regard to discussion and individualized selection of starting doses in the metastatic setting. This study demonstrates a need for consideration of shared decision making regarding initial dose selection and strong support among oncologists for clinical studies to define optimal dosing and best practices for individualizing care.
© 2022 by American Society of Clinical OncologyPRIOR PRESENTATIONThese data have been previously presented at the 2022 ASCO Annual Meeting, Chicago, IL, June 4, 2022.
SUPPORTResearch support for the study was provided by ASCO.
Conception and design: Rachel B. Jimenez, Caroline Schenkel, Laura A. Levit, R. Donald Harvey, Teri Pollastro, David Waterhouse, Colin Weekes, Grant R. Williams, Suanna Bruinooge, Jeffrey Peppercorn
Financial support: Rachel B. Jimenez
Administrative support: Rachel B. Jimenez, Caroline Schenkel, Laura A. Levit, Bonnie Hu
Collection and assembly of data: Rachel B. Jimenez, Caroline Schenkel, Laura A. Levit, David Waterhouse, Colin Weekes, Grant R. Williams, Jeffrey Peppercorn
Data analysis and interpretation: Rachel B. Jimenez, Caroline Schenkel, Laura A. Levit, Bonnie Hu, Xiudong Jennifer Lei, R. Donald Harvey, Vicki A. Morrison, David Waterhouse, Colin Weekes, Grant R. Williams, Suanna Bruinooge, Elizabeth Garrett-Mayer, Jeffrey Peppercorn
Manuscript writing: All authors
Final approval of manuscript: All authors
Accountable for all aspects of the work: All authors
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