OBJECTIVES

CRC is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the US. Approximately 12-15% of all CRCs are associated with defects in the DNA MMR pathway and with MMR/MSI testing it is possible to tailor optimal treatments for patients. The objective was to assess knowledge and awareness of MMR/MSI testing among US mCRC patients.

METHODS

A non-interventional, cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 150 US mCRC patients. A draft survey was first developed based on a targeted literature review and exploratory interviews with 7 patients, and then pilot tested with a new series of 8 patients. Patients were eligible if they were ≥18 years, had a diagnosis of stage III or IV CRC (self-reported), had undergone MMR/MSI testing for CRC in the last year and could recall the test, and provided informed consent. Patients were invited to participate through a market research panel. Descriptive analyses were performed.

RESULTS

81.3% of patients received MMR/MSI testing information from their doctor. Of 64.7% of patients who were a member of a patient support group, 86.6% received information from their groups. Most patients (82.7%) also searched for information on their own (internet searches). Most patients (93.5 to 96.9%) were satisfied with information received from these sources.

Reasons for having the testing done included increasing knowledge about their cancer (69.3%), being beneficial to determining treatment options (60.7%), and doctor recommendation (62.7%). Key barriers to testing included personal reservations regarding benefits of the test (29.3%), insurance coverage (27.3%), and out-of-pocket costs (18.7%) ; 45.3% reported no barriers to testing.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients have a high degree of awareness about MMR/MSI testing and are satisfied with information received from health care professionals and through their own information gathering efforts. Increased education of testing benefits and addressing financial barriers may help to improve testing rates.