Addressing barriers to FRα-directed therapy integration in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer: A multi-phase, community-informed initiative.

Abstract

5601 Background: Antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) targeting folate receptor alpha (FRα) represent an important therapeutic advancement in ovarian cancer, introducing a new standard of care (SOC) for patients with FRα–positive platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (PROC). Despite this progress, real-world integration of FRα biomarker testing and FRα-directed therapies into clinical practice remains variable, particularly in community settings where most patients receive care. This multi-phase initiative was designed to assess real-world practice patterns and barriers related to FRα-directed care and to evaluate outcomes from an educational intervention addressing these gaps. Methods: Phase 1 formative research included a national claims data analysis, a community-based practice pattern analysis survey (n=100), and a clinician case crowdsourcing survey (n=100) examining biomarker testing practices, treatment sequencing, and perceived challenges in PROC care. Findings from Phase 1 informed development of a 60-minute, on-demand CME activity (Phase 2) targeting oncologists, gynecologic oncologists and pathologists, and APPs. Educational outcomes were assessed using pre-/post-activity knowledge and confidence measures, polling, and post-activity evaluations. Interim Phase 2 outcomes are reported. Results: Phase 1 analyses demonstrated variable use of FRα biomarker testing across the patient journey, with testing more frequently performed at initial diagnosis. Clinicians cited barriers including testing access and turnaround time, tissue adequacy, uncertainty around eligibility thresholds for FRα-directed therapy, and challenges in sequencing FRα-directed agents relative to other targeted options. Claims data showed continued predominance of cytotoxic regimens at first PROC progression. As of 2.5 months post-launch, over 5,100 clinicians have engaged with the education. Pre- to post-activity assessments demonstrated the largest gains in knowledge related to limitations of the current SOC in PROC and in understanding the role of FRα biomarker testing in informing treatment decisions. Confidence in appropriately incorporating FRα-directed therapies into treatment plans remained low at post-test. Intended practice changes included increased use of comprehensive biomarker testing (36%), reassessment of the role of PFI in treatment selection (41%), and routine FRα testing at recurrence (37%). Conclusions: This multi-phase initiative identified persistent gaps in FRα biomarker testing and therapeutic integration in PROC and demonstrated early educational gains in knowledge, with ongoing needs related to clinical application and confidence. These findings highlight the value of outcomes-driven education in addressing real-world barriers and supporting informed integration of FRα-directed therapies into PROC care.