Article Text
Abstract
Introduction/Background Immunotherapies are being studied in combination with poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors as therapy for ovarian cancer (OC). We sought to identify patient-relevant concepts for use in a discrete choice experiment (DCE) to understand patient and caregiver preferences for combination therapies for OC in the US, UK, and Germany.
Methodology Results presented here represent the first steps of an ongoing study. First, a targeted global literature review identified concepts that could differentiate treatment options. Second, a steering committee of 2 patients, 1 caregiver, 1 patient advocacy group member, and 2 gynaecological oncologists selected the most important patient-relevant concepts for a DCE.
Results The targeted global literature review of 24 studies identified 52 patient-relevant concepts. Notably, no reviewed study investigated immunotherapies for the treatment of OC. The most common benefit concepts identified were quality of life (QoL; n=16 studies), progression-free survival (n=9), and cancer symptom relief (n=9). The steering committee added the concept of the ‘value of hope’ that combination therapies may provide because patients may respond better to certain treatments depending on mutation status. Regarding risk concepts, patients and caregivers focused on serious adverse events (SAEs) that could impact QoL, while oncologists focused on SAEs that could result in treatment discontinuation or dose reduction. The committee recommended risks be described by severity, reversibility, short-/long-term implications, and available management plans. Other concepts identified included out-of-pocket cost/financial burden (n=9) and mode/frequency of administration (n=4) that could affect patient access or convenience.
Conclusion The concepts identified here will inform the development of a DCE. Next steps include identifying and quantifying patient/caregiver preferences when considering potential combination treatment options, including immunotherapies, for OC.
Disclosures This study (GSK214817) was sponsored by GSK, Waltham, MA, USA.
Writing and editorial support, funded by GSK (Waltham, MA, USA) and coordinated by Chun Zhou, PhD, of GSK, was provided by David M. Jensen, PhD, and Mary C. Wiggin of Ashfield MedComms, an Inizio company.