Comparative effectiveness of avelumab versus chemotherapy in Merkel cell carcinoma: innovative use of patient insights
Abstract
Aim: To assess patient experience with chemotherapy and avelumab in metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma (mMCC). Methods: In the JAVELIN Merkel 200 trial, chemotherapy-refractory mMCC patients could participate in optional qualitative interviews at baseline documenting recollection of previous chemotherapy experience, and at weeks 13/25 documenting current experience with avelumab. Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy subscale for melanoma questionnaire (FACT-M) was administered in parallel. Results: In our sample, chemotherapy was associated with an unpleasant experience. On selected FACT-M items addressing chemotherapy-impacted concepts, most patients receiving avelumab were improved or stable; few worsened. In addition, a few patients spontaneously reported experiencing less toxicity with avelumab than experienced during previous chemotherapy. Conclusion: This approach merging qualitative and quantitative data suggests that mMCC patients report a better experience with avelumab than with chemotherapy.
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© 2018 Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.
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Received: 25 May 2018
Accepted: 27 July 2018
Published online: 15 August 2018
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Comparative effectiveness of avelumab versus chemotherapy in Merkel cell carcinoma: innovative use of patient insights. (2018) Journal of Comparative Effectiveness Research. DOI: 10.2217/cer-2018-0048
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- Giancarlo A. Garcia, Andrea L. Kossler, Avelumab as an Emerging Therapy for Eyelid and Periocular Merkel Cell Carcinoma, International Ophthalmology Clinics, 10.1097/IIO.0000000000000306, 60, 2, (91-102), (2020).
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