Perceptions of Multicancer Detection Tests Among Primary Care Physicians and Laypersons: A Qualitative Study.

Introduction: Multicancer detection tests (MCDs) are blood-based tests designed to detect multiple cancer types. It is currently unclear whether these cancer screening tests improve mortality. To understand awareness of MCDs among providers and patients, as well as explore how they perceive the benefits, harms, and acceptability of MCDs, we have undertaken a focus group study in primary care physicians (PCPs) and laypersons to explore knowledge, attitudes, and expectations of cancer screening using MCDs.

Statistical properties of items and summary scores from the Patient-Reported Outcomes version of the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (PRO-CTCAE) in a diverse cancer sample.

Background/aims: The Patient-Reported Outcomes version of the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (PRO-CTCAE) was developed to capture symptomatic adverse events from the patient perspective. We aim to describe statistical properties of PRO-CTCAE items and summary scores and to provide evidence for recommendations regarding PRO-CTCAE administration and reporting.

Methods: Using data from the PRO-CTCAE validation study (NCT02158637), prevalence, means, and standard deviations of PRO-CTCAE items, composite scores, and mean and maximum scores across attributes (frequency, severity, and/or interference) of symptomatic adverse events were calculated.

Increasing power in screening trials by testing control-arm specimens: application to multicancer detection screening.

Background: Cancer screening trials have required large sample sizes and long time-horizons to demonstrate cancer mortality reductions, the primary goal of cancer screening. We examine assumptions and potential power gains from exploiting information from testing control-arm specimens, which we call the "intended effect" (IE) analysis that we explain in detail herein. The IE analysis is particularly suited to tests that can be conducted on stored specimens in the control arm, such as stored blood for multicancer detection (MCD) tests.

Primary care physicians and laypersons' perceptions of multicancer detection clinical trial designs.

Background: The National Cancer Institute Cancer Screening Research Network is launching a pilot study (Vanguard) to determine feasibility of successful completion of a clinical trial of multicancer detection tests. This focus group study reports perceptions of primary care physicians and laypersons of different clinical trial designs and willingness to participate in a multicancer detection clinical trial.

Methods: We undertook 14 focus groups with 88 laypersons and 6 focus groups with 45 primary care physicians.