Targeting HER3 in NSCLC: Leveraging continuing education to bridge the gaps between evidence and practice.

Abstract

e20055 Background: Treatments that target human epidermal growth factor receptor 3 (HER3) are emerging options for managing patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), particularly in those resistant to EGFR-targeted therapies. Despite advances, oncology providers demonstrate significant gaps in knowledge and potential application of HER3-targeted therapies. Targeted continuing education (CE) is a proven strategy to address such gaps. Methods: Vindico provided a CE monograph mailed with HemOnc Today and posted to Healio.com that reached 12,916 oncology or hematology-oncology clinicians. Knowledge, confidence, and practice patterns were assessed with pre- and/or post-education evaluations to measure baseline trends and impact of education. The activity was launched on October 1, 2024 and is available for credit for one year. Results: As of January 2025, a total of 154 oncology providers participated in the activity. At baseline, 57% underestimated the frequency of HER3 overexpression in lung cancer and 58% lacked knowledge of HER3-mediated oncogenic signaling. Similarly, only 27% were aware of the inverse relationship between HER3 levels and time to metastatic progression, demonstrating a lack of awareness of HER3 expression. Moreover, 61% underestimated the benefit of EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) as evidenced by a lack of knowledge regarding their impact on tumor regression. Participants had limited awareness of the therapeutic potential of HER3-targeted agents, as 66% lacked knowledge of objective response rates achieved by novel HER3-targeted biologics and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). These baseline gaps in knowledge translated to only 36% of providers always/frequently using ADCs in practice. Post-learning, there was a 48% overall knowledge gain, and over half the providers were extremely/very confident in applying emerging HER3-targeted options in patients with advanced NSCLC. This was coupled with a 68% increase in knowledge of the oncogenic role of HER3 in NSCLC and a 55% increase in knowledge of mechanisms underlying HER3-overexpressing NSCLC. Post-activity, knowledge of clinical evidence for HER3-targeted agents increased 40%, which translated to a notable 82% of providers indicating an intent to incorporate ADCs and latest evidence into their clinical decision-making. Conclusions: While gains in knowledge and confidence were noted, gaps persist regarding awareness of HER3 as a therapeutic target and evidence supporting emerging HER3-targeted options. Thus, ongoing education remains critical as the NSCLC treatment landscape evolves. CE remains an important tool to improve knowledge and confidence regarding the application of HER3-targeted therapies. Pre- and post-test assessments. Topic Pre (N=154) Post (N=103) Prevalence of HER3 overexpression in NSCLC 24% 92% HER3-mediated oncogenic signaling 42% 97% Data on HER3-targeted therapies 47% 87%