*This information was originally published as part of an abstract for the 2025 ASCO Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium*
Understanding Colorectal Cancer and the Unmet Patient Need
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide, and unfortunately the disease burden is projected to increase to 3.2 million new cases and 1.6 million deaths globally by 2040.1 Furthermore, incidence rates for colorectal cancer are rising significantly faster among people aged 25 – 49 than among their older counterparts (50-74).2
Historically, patients with HER2-positive metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) have had few options for treatment if their condition had progressed following frontline therapy. Recently, novel targeted therapies have entered the treatment landscape for these patients – providing hope for improved patient outcomes. Due to these innovations, an educational need emerged to ensure that these therapies are used effectively in clinical practice.
The Medlive Approach
At Medlive, we address these emerging needs through targeted digital education. To that end, we hosted a 1-hour online CME activity broadcast live in February 2023 and available on-demand for a year. We also pulsed three micro-learning videos (each 3 – 4 minutes and tied to learning objectives) to NPI-verified oncologists on LinkedIn.
The outcomes poster for this program was presented by Medlive Medical Director Karine Cohen-Solal at the 2025 ASCO Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium.
Data Analysis
Over 4,000 clinicians participated in the education, with 63% of them in the oncology specialty. The key takeaways from the program data were:
- Significant Knowledge Gains: Clinicians showed statistically significant knowledge improvements in key program areas, including HER2 amplification testing (35% to 51%, p<0.01), patient selection for anti-HER2 regimens (43% to 50%, p<0.01), and adverse event management (42% to 53%, p<0.01).
- Intent to Implement Change: 51% of all learners reported they are likely to incorporate HER2 testing prior to the selection of targeted therapy for their patients, and 77% intend to implement a practice change based on the education. Planned changes centered on enhancing patient education, integrating HER2-directed therapies, strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration, and applying evidence-based guidelines to treatment decisions.
Conclusion – Collaborating for Improved Patient Outcomes
By closing knowledge gaps and enhancing clinical confidence, targeted digital education is critical for equipping clinicians with the knowledge needed to optimize treatment strategies and improve patient outcomes in HER2-positive mCRC.
If you’d like to learn more about working with Medlive to deliver your next digital healthcare education campaign, e-mail hello@medlive.com to get-in-touch.
[1] Morgan E, Arnold M, Gini A, Lorenzoni V, Cabasag CJ, Laversanne M, Vignat J, Ferlay J, Murphy N, Bray F. Global burden of colorectal cancer in 2020 and 2040: incidence and mortality estimates from GLOBOCAN. Gut. 2023 Feb;72(2):338-344. doi: 10.1136/gutjnl-2022-327736. Epub 2022 Sep 8. PMID: 36604116.
About Medlive
Medlive is the leader in learner engagement and educational design for clinicians, patients, and caregivers seeking dynamic, up-to-date, accurate medical education. Medlive provides trusted digital health education from leading specialists and advocacy/partner organizations to empower audiences to make informed medical decisions that lead to better health outcomes.
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