An evaluation of current practice patterns for patients with renal cell carcinoma.

Abstract

655 Background: First-line immunotherapy and tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment combinations have significantly improved clinical outcomes for patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC). To maximize clinical benefit of these regimens, risk stratification should guide treatment selection and treatment-related adverse events (AEs) should be appropriately managed. The goal of this project was to identify current practice patterns regarding treatment selection, guideline-based management of AEs, care coordination, and patient education for individuals with RCC treated in community oncology programs and practices. Methods: In July-September 2022, ACCC administered an online survey to evaluate current practice patterns for patients with RCC treated in community cancer programs. To maximize participant engagement, the survey was also shared with advanced practitioner, pharmacist, and oncology nurse members of the Advanced Practitioner Society for Hematology and Oncology (APSHO) and the Kidney Cancer Association who provide care to patients with RCC. Results: Respondents (n=104) were mainly surveyed from community cancer care programs or private/physician practices (69%) in urban/suburban settings (90%) who average 25-75 patients with RCC annually (77%). Most respondents (89%) reported using a combination of an immunotherapeutic and a TKI as initial treatment for advanced clear cell RCC while only 61% of respondents reported frequently using risk scores for newly diagnosed patients. 45% of regimen-specific patient education happens as a separate visit, usually conducted by the oncologist (23%) or the infusion nurse (22%), and 37% of respondents conduct this education on the first day of treatment. The responsibility of providing comprehensive patient education seems to vary by program with the oncologist being the most reported (23%), followed by infusion nurse (22%), clinic nurse (20%), advanced practice provider (18%), and pharmacist (16%). The frequency of monitoring AEs differed based on the given regimen. Respondents mainly (54%) monitored on day 1 of the cycle and again mid-cycle in patients receiving immunotherapy, while 40% monitor only on day 1 of the cycle in patients receiving single-agent TKIs. Clinic nurses are primarily responsible (40%) for monitoring treatment adherence in patients receiving TKIs and also triage for associated AEs. Conclusions: This survey has identified real-world practice patterns related to the management and monitoring of patients with RCC prescribed immunotherapy and tyrosine kinase inhibitor combinations. Opportunities exist to increase utilization of risk assessments, create patient education materials for the multidisciplinary cancer care team, and address the optimal frequency of adverse event monitoring.