Amgen, Thousand Oaks, CA
Kristina Hool , Kimberly Lowe , Tamer Garawin , Rachel Bergstresser , George Kafatos , Michelle McNamara , Seth Collins , Bruce A. Bach
Background: Skin toxicity can be a limiting factor for the use of anti-EGFR therapies, such as panitumumab, and there are currently no standard practice guidelines for rash management in the United States (U.S.). This study aimed to evaluate if there were regional or practice setting differences in strategies used among oncologists to manage EGFR rash, including utilization of dermatologic and nursing support. Methods: 250 practicing oncologists who had treated at least three mCRC patients with panitumumab in the last year completed an online survey to report their opinions and perceptions regarding skin toxicity management strategies. Participants reported if they were affiliated with an academic/university or a community-based practice. Participants were stratified into years of practice post-fellowship ( < 10 and > 10 years) and geographic region of primary practice (West, Midwest, Northeast, Southern U.S.). Results: Oncologists surveyed did not consistently utilize dermatology support. 40% (n = 99) of practicing oncologists surveyed reported consulting a dermatologist “occasionally.” Less than 5% reported “always” consulting dermatology and 6% reported “never” utilizing dermatology support. Utilization of dermatology support varied significantly by region. In the Southern US more oncologists reported “never” consulting dermatology while in the Midwest more oncologists reported “always” utilizing dermatology support (p = 0.05). While dermatology was inconsistently utilized, oncologists frequently utilized nursing support to minimize and manage anti-EGFR skin toxicity. 73% (n = 182) of oncologists engaged nursing support to “monitor skin toxicity during treatment” and 70% (n = 175) of oncologists had nursing support to “educate on skin toxicity prior to starting treatment.”Conclusions: While nursing support is consistently utilized by oncologists in the management of EGFR rash in mCRC patients treated with panitumumab, use of dermatology support was inconsistent and varied significantly by region. This lack of consistency in toxicity management strategies highlights the need for increased physician education.
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Abstract Disclosures
2017 ASCO Annual Meeting
First Author: Kimberly Lowe
2017 Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium
First Author: Kimberly Lowe
2024 ASCO Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium
First Author: Ramya Thota
2024 ASCO Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium
First Author: Ramya Thota