In:
Head & Neck, Wiley, Vol. 40, No. 12 ( 2018-12), p. 2612-2620
Abstract:
We analyzed systemic therapy plans submitted for commercially insured patients with untreated, newly diagnosed squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) to investigate patterns of practice. Methods Consecutive chemotherapy treatment plans were submitted using Eviti Connect ( https://www.marylandphysicianscare.com/content/dam/centene/maryland/pdfs/evitiConnectFactSheet.pdf ) portal for preauthorization between June 1, 2011, and June 30, 2015, were analyzed. Results A total of 387 treatment plans were submitted for 340 patients; 68 and 272 patients were from academic centers and community practices, respectively. Single agent cisplatin (57%), cetuximab (18%), and carboplatin (9%) were the most commonly proposed regimens concurrent with definitive radiotherapy (RT). The frequency of cetuximab use was not significantly different between academic centers and community practices. A clinical trial was proposed in only 15% of patients. Conclusion Among commercially insured patients with newly diagnosed, nonmetastatic SCCHN, the choice of systemic therapy in initial treatment plans was not significantly different between academic centers and community practices. Clinical trials are underutilized and should be encouraged.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1043-3074
,
1097-0347
Language:
English
Publisher:
Wiley
Publication Date:
2018
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2001440-5
detail.hit.zdb_id:
645165-2