Virtual Library

Start Your Search

S.J. Coons



Author of

  • +

    MINI 29 - Meta Analyses and Trial Conduct (ID 156)

    • Event: WCLC 2015
    • Type: Mini Oral
    • Track: Treatment of Advanced Diseases - NSCLC
    • Presentations: 1
    • +

      MINI29.11 - Assessing Patient-Reported Symptoms in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Clinical Trials (ID 2195)

      18:30 - 20:00  |  Author(s): S.J. Coons

      • Abstract
      • Presentation
      • Slides

      Background:
      In collaboration with the FDA, the Patient-Reported Outcome (PRO) Consortium’s Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Working Group (WG) has completed the initial development of a new PRO measure to assess symptom-related treatment benefit in clinical trials of advanced NSCLC to support labeling claims.

      Methods:
      Symptoms relevant to NSCLC patients were identified from the literature. This was followed by concept elicitation interviews conducted with patients at six US sites. Interview transcripts were coded using Atlas.ti software and concepts were grouped by similar content and subsequently reviewed by the NSCLC WG members and an expert panel in order to identify the symptoms most relevant for assessing treatment benefit. Preliminary items were generated and combined into a draft measure for cognitive testing with NSCLC patients for both item refinement and for assessing measurement equivalence between the original paper format and an electronic PRO (ePRO) data collection format (i.e., tablet).

      Results:
      For concept elicitation, the 51 patients interviewed had a mean age of 64.9 years [range 46-86], 51% were female, and 75% were white (non-Hispanic). Current NSCLC staging was: Stage I (12%), III (37%), and IV (51%). A total of 19 (37%) were treatment-naïve, 18 (35%) had received first-line treatment only, and 14 (27%) had received second- or third-line treatment. The most commonly expressed symptom was fatigue, described by patients as tiredness, lack of energy, tiring easily, and weakness. Other symptom concepts expressed included general pain, chest pain, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, appetite change, and coughing up blood. Items were drafted to assess either symptom frequency or severity for nine distinct symptoms using a 7-day recall period. Cognitive interviews were conducted in 3 waves to support iterative refinement. 20 additional NSCLC patients participated [mean age 65.2 years (range 44-83); 40% female; 75% white (non-Hispanic); 50% Stage III and 50% Stage IV]. During cognitive interviews, an 11-point numeric rating scale (NRS) and a 5-point verbal rating scale (VRS) were tested. Results indicated the 5-point VRS was better understood than the 11-point NRS. Further item refinement resulted in a 7-item measure covering pain (2 items: pain in chest, pain elsewhere), cough, shortness of breath, fatigue (2 items: energy, tiredness), and appetite. Patients reported no differences between tablet and paper data collection formats in regard to how they would interpret and respond to the items.

      Conclusion:
      NSCLC symptoms elicited from patients, across varied disease stages and treatments, were concordant with the pathophysiology of NSCLC. A new symptom-based PRO measure is being developed in accordance with the FDA’s PRO Guidance. The content is supported by existing literature, patient-reported experiences, and expert opinion. The draft measure (i.e., Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Symptom Assessment Questionnaire [NSCLC-SAQ]) has been programmed onto an ePRO tablet for quantitative testing. Once complete, the NSCLC-SAQ and supporting evidence will be submitted to the FDA for its qualification as an efficacy endpoint measure to quantify treatment benefit for product evaluation and labeling.

      Only Members that have purchased this event or have registered via an access code will be able to view this content. To view this presentation, please login, select "Add to Cart" and proceed to checkout. If you would like to become a member of IASLC, please click here.

      Only Active Members that have purchased this event or have registered via an access code will be able to view this content. To view this presentation, please login or select "Add to Cart" and proceed to checkout.