Prognostic gene expression profile testing to inform use of adjuvant therapy: A survey of melanoma experts

Abstract

Abstract Objectives To investigate current practices and attitudes regarding use of adjuvant immunotherapy and prognostic gene expression profile (GEP) testing among melanoma medical and surgical oncologists. Methods An anonymous RedCap‐based survey was emailed to ~300 melanoma experts. Results Respondents generally favored adjuvant immunotherapy over observation (73% for all Stage IIIA, 50% for Stage IIB/IIC) and cited a minimum 10‐year recurrence risk of 11%–20% (48%) or 21%–30% (33%) to justify treatment, but acknowledged that risks of serious adverse events may outweigh potential benefits for some Stage IIB/IIC patients. While GEP test results did not strongly influence decision‐making regarding follow‐up or intervention, most were receptive to randomized trials using GEP testing to identify subsets of Stage IIB/IIC (74%) and Stage IB/IIA (54%) patients who may not or may, respectively, benefit from adjuvant therapy. Conclusion Although most respondents do not routinely use GEP testing, many would participate in clinical trials to determine clinical utility.

Keywords

• adjuvant therapy
• clinical trial
• gene expression profiling
• melanoma