Survival, treatment patterns, and costs of HER2+ metastatic breast cancer patients in Ontario between 2005 to 2020

BACKGROUND

To enable the integration of novel therapies, it is critical to understand current long-term outcomes in HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer (mBC), including survival, treatment patterns, and costs. We sought to define these outcomes among patients with mBC in Ontario.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective population-level study in Ontario women diagnosed with breast cancer of any stage between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2019, with follow-up until December 31, 2020. HER2-positivity was based on receipt of a HER2-targeted therapy (HER2-TT) in the first line (1L) metastatic setting. Administrative databases at ICES were used to assess outcomes.

RESULTS

In Ontario, 2557 patients were diagnosed with mBC and received a HER2-TT, and of these 1606 were diagnosed with early-stage (stage I-III) that became metastatic (recurrent), while 951 were diagnosed with late stage/de novo mBC (stage IV). The average age of all patients was 54.8 years ± 12.7 years. Treatment regimens that included pertuzumab and trastuzumab (cohort name: pert_tras) were the most frequently used HER2-TT for 1L mBC (51.4%), while T-DM1 was the most frequent therapy (87.5%) in second line (2L). The median overall survival (mOS) from initiation of 1L pert_tras was not reached, whereas mOS from initiation of T-DM1 in 2L was 18.7 months. The overall mean cost per patient on pert_tras during 1L was $267,282. The main cost drivers were the cost of systemic therapy, followed by cancer clinic visits, with a mean cost per patient at $158,961 and $73,882, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The baseline characteristics and treatment patterns for patients who received HER2-TT in our study align with previously reported results. However, the mOS observed for 2L T-DM1 was shorter than that found in pivotal, clinical trial literature. As expected, anti-cancer systemic therapy costs were the main contributor to the over quarter-million dollar mean cost per patient on pert_tras in 1L.

Abstract P5-13-10: Recommendations to improve the lived experience of early stage and metastatic breast cancer patients in Canada

Introduction: In 2017, the Canadian Breast Cancer Network (CBCN) undertook two surveys of Canadians who have experienced a breast cancer diagnosis to better understand the lived experience of patients and what opportunities exist to improve support for patients, survivors and their families and minimize the impact of this disease. There were 278 people diagnosed with early stage breast cancer, defined as stage I, II or III for the purpose of this report, and 180 people living with metastatic breast cancer, or stage IV breast cancer, who responded to these surveys.

Results: The survey data shows that while patients feel supported and well cared for in certain aspects there are still significant opportunities for improvement. CBCN has identified five overarching factors that could greatly improve health outcomes and the quality of life of Canadians who experience a breast cancer diagnosis.

1. Improved Educational Resources: The quality and availability of patient education has increased over the past couple of decades; however, there are still some patient friendly educational resources including, specific resources for newly diagnosed metastatic breast cancer patients; decision aids that support breast cancer surgery and post-surgery decisions; navigation of financial resources; treatment timelines and recovery expectations; private insurance navigation and information on dying-well.

2. Increased Access to Treatments: This challenge was specifically identified and vocalized by people living with metastatic breast cancer. Efforts need to continue to shorten the drug approval process time, increase equitable access to new medications for all Canadians, and ensure equitable access for take home oral cancer medications.

3. Increased Access to Information: Information available to patients about their health and treatment has increased; however, there is still information that isn't always communicated to patients that would help them make informed decisions about their health. This includes information about breast density, palliative care options and information around clinical trials.

4. Integrated Systemic Supports: The health care system as a whole is responsible for many of the services and supports that patients need to achieve optimal health and manage their breast cancer; however, these supports can be challenging to navigate and are sometimes lacking. Supports that need to be addressed at a systemic level include developing survivorship care plans for early stage patients, patient navigation, communication tools to support general practitioners during the diagnosis process, access to psychosocial professionals and increased Employment Insurance Sickness Benefits.

5. Increased Awareness and Understanding of Metastatic Breast Cancer: A lack of accurate statistics and overall awareness of metastatic breast cancer makes it challenging to truly understand the impact of this disease and also leaves people living with an incurable form of breast cancer feeling isolated and disconnected. Accurate statistics and increased awareness would help further the understanding of the impact of this stage of breast cancer and better support those with it.

Citation Format: Gordon J, Ammendolea C, Chari N, Armstrong R, Hall W. Recommendations to improve the lived experience of early stage and metastatic breast cancer patients in Canada [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-13-10.

A multidisciplinary perspective on the subcutaneous administration of trastuzumab in HER2-positive breast cancer

Trastuzumab is the standard treatment in Canada for patients with breast cancer positive for her2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2), dramatically improving outcomes in that patient group. However, its current intravenous (IV) administration is associated with long infusion times that place a significant burden on health care resources and patient quality of life. In an effort to provide a faster and easier administration method, a subcutaneous (sc) formulation of trastuzumab has been developed. Data from comparative trials demonstrate that the two formulations are comparable with respect to pharmacokinetics and efficacy. They also have similar safety profiles, with the exception of mild local and administration reactions with the sc formulation. Furthermore, the sc formulation is preferred by patients and health care professionals, and greatly reduces administration and chair time. Additional advantages include easier preparation and dosing, reduced drug wastage, and reduced discomfort at the injection site. By using well-thought-out administration procedures, the sc formulation can be given safely and effectively, potentially reducing the burden on health care resources and improving quality of life for patients.

Financial Resources Digital Navigation Tool for Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients

Background and context: Although Canadians enjoy a universal health care system, there continues to be costs to patients that are not covered by the system. The economic impact of breast cancer is huge and, in many cases, devastating for patients and their families. As a result there is a need for educational and navigational resources that assist patients with the financial burden of facing a metastatic breast cancer diagnosis. Aim: The aim of this project is to develop an online navigation tool that will assist Canadians living with metastatic breast cancer source financial supports and resources to help lessen the financial impact of their diagnosis. Strategy/Tactics: An advisory board of people living with metastatic breast cancer was convened to help guide this project and provide input on the lived experience and financially challenges of Canadians living with this stage of the disease. The input from the advisory board along with the responses from a survey of over 150 Canadian metastatic breast cancer patients informed the type of information that should be included in the resource. Through an environmental scan and research of various financial supports, a comprehensive list of financial resources available locally, regionally and nationally was compiled. This data were integrated into a database that will be accessed through an intuitive online interface that will be integrated with CBCN´s Web site. The advisory board reviewed the draft content and framework to ensure that identified needs and priorities have been addressed. All content was translated into French as this tool will be offered in both French and English. The anticipated launch of this resource is November 2018. Outcomes: CBCN anticipates that over 1200 people living with metastatic breast cancer will access this resource in the first year and that over 50 institutions will be informed that this tool is available for their patients. Given that this will be a unique resource, CBCN expects that patients, health care professionals and support workers will access this resource to better support people living with metastatic breast cancer. What was learned: This resource has not launched, but based on CBCN´s research and the feedback of the patient advisory board, it is understood that there is a great need for this financial resources navigation tool.

High incidence of Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with systemic sclerosis: association with Sicca Syndrome

To test the incidence of Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection in patients affected by Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) a swift urease test, followed by histologic confirmation for the presence of HP was verified in 35 SSc patients. Serum samples from 46 patients were tested for HP IgG antibodies by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Urease test demonstrated the presence of HP in 23 patients out of 35 (66%); 12 of them were negative to colonization. A Sicca syndrome, with abnormal Schirmer’s test and dry mouth was detected in 66% of the patients. 78% of the patients with Sicca syndrome had a concomitant HP infection, compared to 42% of those without the syndrome (p=0,029). Altered peristalsis and reduced salivary clearance usually encourage HP infection. In patients with Systemic Sclerosis we found an enhanced frequency of HP infection.