Factors influencing adherence to cancer treatment in older adults with cancer: a systematic review

The Effect of Education and Monitoring via Tele-Nursing to Elderly Cancer Patients Using Oral Anticancer Agents on Self-efficacy and Medication Adherence: A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVES

This study was conducted as a randomized controlled trial to determine the effect of the education and monitoring provided via tele-nursing to elderly cancer patients using oral anticancer agents on their medication treatment adherence self-efficacy and medication adherence.

METHODS

The sample of the study consisted of 60 elderly cancer patients who presented to the oncology outpatient clinics of a medical faculty hospital in Turkey. An Elderly Information Form, the Oral Chemotherapy Adherence Scale, the Medication Adherence Self-Efficacy Scale, a Tele-nursing Evaluation Form, and a Telephone Monitoring Form were used to collect data. Patients in the intervention group were sent text messages and educational videos via WhatsApp® for the first four weeks, and after the fifth week, they were monitored by phone for eight weeks. Data collection tools were applied to the control and intervention groups at weeks 1, 8, and 12. Independent samples t-test, Repeated measurements analysis of variance chi-square test, and Pearson correlation test were used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

In the study, while there was no significant difference between the mean scores of the intervention and control groups on the pretest application of the Oral Chemotherapy Adherence Scale and the Medication Adherence Self-Efficacy Scale (p > .05), a significant difference was found between the mean posttest scores of the groups (p < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, it was determined that the education and monitoring provided to elderly cancer patients via tele-nursing positively affected their self-efficacy and medication adherence.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

In line with the research results, it is recommended that nurses use tele-nursing applications in the care of elderly cancer patients using oral anticancer agents.

Nonadherence to oral cancer chemotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma: prevalence and predictive factors in Vietnam

PURPOSE

Standard oral cancer chemotherapy (OCT) or targeted therapy (OTT) has expanded the treatment methods for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, its principal nonadherence causes a reduction in efficacy. We aimed to evaluate the status of nonadherence and influencing factors among outpatient patients with HCC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In 2021, a prospective observational study was conducted on 384 patients with either old or newly diagnosed HCC treated with OTT. Nonadherence to OCT was determined using the eight-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale, with a score < 6 points. The patients were finished with a six-month follow-up investigation by questionnaires.

RESULTS

54,8% of HCC outpatients were nonadherent to OCT, with a mean Morisky score of 5.19. They dropped out of the treatment mainly because of drug side effects, such as fatigue (72.4%), hand-foot syndrome (42.7%), diarrhea (38.3%), nausea (25%), insomnia (24.7%), abdominal pain (12%), and anxiety about these adverse events (65.9%). Additionally, financial difficulties and low relative copayments were significantly correlated with the noncompliant treatment of patients (OR = 2.29, 95% CI = 1.32-3.98, P = 0.003; OR = 4.36, 95% CI = 0.95-19.93, P = 0.039, respectively). Moreover, inadequate individual information about the clinical course, the art of treatment, and medication usage instructions were suggestive barriers to adherence to treatment (OR = 1.96, 95% CI = 1.08-3.55, P = 0.024; OR = 1.86, 95% CI = 1.1-3.14, P = 0.02; OR = 2.34, 95% CI = 1.29-4.26, P = 0.004, respectively). Finally, a low level of trust in doctors was an essential factor in nonadherence (Mean of the Anderson Trust in Physician Scale scores counted 38.12 vs. 43.97, respectively for non-adherence vs. adherence, P = 0.00001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests a high rate of primary nonadherence to standard oral targeted therapy among HCC outpatient patients because of drug side effects, patient awareness of treatment, and lack of confidence in healthcare providers. Close supervision, proper medication instructions, appropriate dosage reductions, and comprehensive patient counseling might be necessary to control nonadherence.

Patients' and Clinicians' Perceptions of the Clinical Utility of Predictive Risk Models for Chemotherapy-Related Symptom Management: Qualitative Exploration Using Focus Groups and Interviews

BACKGROUND

Interest in the application of predictive risk models (PRMs) in health care to identify people most likely to experience disease and treatment-related complications is increasing. In cancer care, these techniques are focused primarily on the prediction of survival or life-threatening toxicities (eg, febrile neutropenia). Fewer studies focus on the use of PRMs for symptoms or supportive care needs. The application of PRMs to chemotherapy-related symptoms (CRS) would enable earlier identification and initiation of prompt, personalized, and tailored interventions. While some PRMs exist for CRS, few were translated into clinical practice, and human factors associated with their use were not reported.

OBJECTIVE

We aim to explore patients' and clinicians' perspectives of the utility and real-world application of PRMs to improve the management of CRS.

METHODS

Focus groups (N=10) and interviews (N=5) were conducted with patients (N=28) and clinicians (N=26) across 5 European countries. Interactions were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically.

RESULTS

Both clinicians and patients recognized the value of having individualized risk predictions for CRS and appreciated how this type of information would facilitate the provision of tailored preventative treatments or supportive care interactions. However, cautious and skeptical attitudes toward the use of PRMs in clinical care were noted by both groups, particularly in relationship to the uncertainty regarding how the information would be generated. Visualization and presentation of PRM information in a usable and useful format for both patients and clinicians was identified as a challenge to their successful implementation in clinical care.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings from this study provide information on clinicians' and patients' perspectives on the clinical use of PRMs for the management of CRS. These international perspectives are important because they provide insight into the risks and benefits of using PRMs to evaluate CRS. In addition, they highlight the need to find ways to more effectively present and use this information in clinical practice. Further research that explores the best ways to incorporate this type of information while maintaining the human side of care is warranted.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02356081; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02356081.

Patient beliefs associated with medication hesitancy in palliative care: A systematic review using the theory of planned behavior

CONTEXT

The demand of palliative care is increasing due to the aging population and treatment hesitancy or intentional avoidance compromises symptom management.

OBJECTIVES

To identify patient beliefs associated with medication hesitancy by using the theory of planned behavior (TPB) namely, attitudes, subjective norms, behavioral intention, and perceived behavioral control associated with medication hesitancy or intentional noncompliance by avoidance.

METHODS

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guideline was followed to conduct a systematic literature search involving the CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO databases from inception until March 2022. Hand-searched articles from reference lists and gray literature were included. Thematic analysis was conducted on qualitative data and triangulated with quantitative data.

RESULTS

About 554 articles were retrieved from the literature search and 17 articles were included based on the eligibility criteria. Three subthemes that were identified under TPB constructs were attitude: negative attitude toward medications, passive attitude toward illness and inaccurate information about disease or medication; one subtheme was identified under subjective norms: perceived negative opinions from others; and one subtheme was identified under perceived behavioral control: perception of manageable symptoms. Quantitative data provided triangulation of qualitative findings related to fear of addiction and side effects, feelings of hopelessness, unclear direction and information, social stigma, endurable symptoms, and illness as determinants for medication avoidance.

SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS

This systematic review highlighted some patient beliefs related to medication hesitancy or avoidance. Clinicians should take patient beliefs and concerns into consideration when creating treatment regimens for people receiving palliative care to optimize medication adherence and the quality of care.

Eliciting Older Cancer Patients' Preferences for Follow-Up Care to Inform a Primary Healthcare Follow-Up Model in China: A Discrete Choice Experiment

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Increasing longevity and advances in treatment have increased the cancer burden in the elderly, resulting in complex follow-up care needs; however, in China, little is known about the follow-up care preferences of these patients. This study quantified older cancer patients' preferences for follow-up care and examined the trade-offs they are willing to make to accept an alternative follow-up model.

METHODS

A discrete choice experiment was conducted among inpatients aged over 60 years with breast, prostate, or colorectal cancer, at two large tertiary hospitals in Nantong, China. Preference weights for follow-up care were estimated using mixed logit analysis. Subgroup analysis and latent class analysis were used to explore preference heterogeneity.

RESULTS

Complete results were obtained from 422 patients (144 with breast cancer, 133 with prostate cancer, 145 with colorectal cancer), with a mean age of 70.81 years. Older cancer patients stated a preference for follow-up by specialists over primary healthcare (PHC) providers ( β = -1.18, 95% confidence interval -1.40 to -0.97). The provider of follow-up care services was the most valued attribute among patients with breast cancer (relative importance [RI] 37.17%), while remote contact services were prioritized by patients with prostate (RI 43.50%) and colorectal cancer (RI 33.01%). The uptake rate of an alternative care model integrating PHC increased compared with the baseline setting when patients were provided with preferred services (continuity of care, individualized care plans, and remote contact services).

CONCLUSION

To encourage older cancer patients to use PHC-integrated follow-up care, alternative follow-up care models need to be based on patients' preferences before introducing them as a routine option.

Dynamic Projection of Medication Nonpersistence and Nonadherence Among Patients With Early Breast Cancer

Importance

Oral endocrine treatments have been shown to be effective when carefully adhered to. However, in patients with early breast cancer, adherence challenges are notable, with 17% experiencing nonpersistence and 41% nonadherence at least once.

Objective

To model the persistence of and adherence to oral anticancer treatment of a patient with localized breast cancer.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study was conducted using anonymous reimbursement data belonging to French female patients with breast cancer, extracted from the French Health Insurance database from January 2013 to December 2018. Data analysis was conducted from January 2021 to May 2022.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcome was the detection of episodes of nonpersistence and nonadherence 6 months before they happened. Adherence was defined as the ratio between the time covered by a drug purchase and the time between 2 purchases; patients were considered nonadherent if the ratio of their next 3 purchases was less than 80%. Disparities in persistence and adherence based on criteria such as age, treatment type, and income were identified.

Results

A total of 229 695 female patients (median [IQR] age, 63 [52-72] years) with localized breast cancer were included. A deep learning model based on a gated-recurrent unit architecture was used to detect episodes of nonpersistence or nonadherence. This model demonstrated an area under the receiving operating curve of 0.71 for persistence and 0.73 for adherence. Analyzing the Shapley Additive Explanations values also gave insights into the contribution of the different features over the model's decision. Patients older than 70 years, with past nonadherence, taking more than 1 treatment in the previous 3 months, and with low income had greater risk of episodes of nonpersistence. Age and past nonadherence, including regularity of past adherence, were also important features in the nonadherence model.

Conclusions and Relevance

This cohort study found associations of patient age and past adherence with nonpersistence or nonadherence. It also suggested that regular intervals in treatment purchases enhanced adherence, in contrast to irregular purchasing patterns. This research offers valuable tools for improving persistence of and adherence to oral anticancer treatment among patients with early breast cancer.

Cardiovascular disease risk assessment and multidisciplinary care in prostate cancer treatment with ADT: recommendations from the APMA PCCV expert network

PURPOSE

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is the mainstay approach for prostate cancer (PCa) management. However, the most commonly used ADT modality, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists, has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

METHODS

The PCa Cardiovascular (PCCV) Expert Network, consisting of multinational urologists, cardiologists and oncologists with expertise in managing PCa, convened to discuss challenges to routine cardiovascular risk assessment in PCa management, as well as how to mitigate such risks in the current treatment landscape.

RESULTS

The experts identified several barriers, including lack of awareness, time constraints, challenges in implementing risk assessment tools and difficulties in establishing multidisciplinary teams that include cardiologists. The experts subsequently provided practical recommendations to improve cardio-oncology care for patients with PCa receiving ADT, such as simplifying cardiovascular risk assessment, individualising treatment based on CVD risk categories, establishing multidisciplinary teams and referral networks and fostering active patient engagement. A streamlined cardiovascular risk-stratification tool and a referral/management guide were developed for seamless integration into urologists' practices and presented herein. The PCCV Expert Network agreed that currently available evidence indicates that GnRH antagonists are associated with a lower risk of CVD than that of GnRH agonists and that GnRH antagonists are preferred for patients with PCa and a high CVD risk.

CONCLUSION

In summary, this article provides insights and guidance to improve management for patients with PCa undergoing ADT.

Roadmap for Connecting Cancer Rehabilitation With Survivorship to Improve Patient Outcomes and Clinical Efficiency

ABSTRACT

An evolved model of comprehensive cancer care is needed that begins at cancer diagnosis to proactively manage cancer treatment toxicities and optimize patient health, function, and well-being. Building new care models requires connecting oncology, primary care, and specialized clinicians from many disciplines including cancer rehabilitation. Having a vision for an evolved standard of comprehensive cancer care is a requirement, but it is not enough to bring an innovative clinical program to life and sustain it over the long term. To inform the development of new clinical programs, two example programs are presented that successfully integrate cancer rehabilitation services along with details of a three-step process these programs used to facilitate their success and build robust business models that ensure their sustainability. Following the roadmap for growth presented here, gaining input from stakeholders and ensuring their buy-in, leveraging existing programmatic priorities, as well as developing a strategic growth plan can help clinical innovators ensure that new programs anticipate and continually meet the needs of oncology, primary care, subspecialty care, and programs, while addressing the business needs of administrators and improving the experience for patients.

Investigating the role of the pelvic floor muscles in sexual function and sexual response: a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

The pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) have been suggested to play a key role in sexual function and response in women. However, syntheses of the evidence thus far have been limited to interventional studies in women with pelvic pain or pelvic floor disorders, and these studies have failed to fully capture the involvement of the PFMs in a broader population.

AIM

We sought to appraise the evidence regarding the role of the PFMs in sexual function/response in women without pelvic pain or pelvic floor disorders. More specifically, we examined the following: (1) effects of treatment modalities targeting the PFMs on sexual function/response, (2) associations between PFM function and sexual function/response, and (3) differences in PFM function between women with and those without sexual dysfunction.

METHODS

We searched for all available studies in eight electronic databases. We included interventional studies evaluating the effects of PFM modalities on sexual outcomes, as well as observational studies investigating the association between PFM function and sexual outcomes or the differences in PFM function in women with and those without sexual dysfunction. The quality of each study was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Estimates were pooled using random-effects meta-analyses whenever possible, or a narrative synthesis of the results was provided.

MAIN OUTCOMES

The main outcomes were sexual function (based on a questionnaire)/sexual response (based on physiological test), and PFM function (assessment of the PFM parameters such as strength and tone based on various methods).

RESULTS

A total of 33 studies were selected, including 14 interventional and 19 observational studies, most of which (31/33) were deemed of moderate or high quality. Ten out of 14 interventional studies in women with and without sexual dysfunctions showed that PFM modalities had a significant effect on sexual function. Regarding the observational studies, a meta-analysis revealed a significant moderate association between PFM strength and sexual function (r = 0.41; 95% CI, 0.08-066). Of the 7 observational studies performed to assess sexual response, all showed that the PFMs were involved in arousal or orgasm. Conflicting results were found in the 3 studies that evaluated differences in PFM function in women with and those without sexual dysfunction.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Our results highlight the contribution of the PFMs in sexual function/response.

STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS

One strength of this review is the inclusion of a broad range of study designs and outcomes, allowing a thorough synthesis of evidence. However, interpretations of these data should consider risk of bias in the studies, small sample sizes, and the absence of control/comparison groups.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this review support the involvement of the PFMs in sexual function/response in women without pelvic pain or pelvic dysfunction. Well-designed studies should be performed to further investigate PFM modalities as part of the management of sexual dysfunction.

Refusal of treatment among HER2-positive breast cancer patients in China: a retrospective analysis

Background

There is a need to update the understanding of treatment refusal among cancer patients in China, taking into account recent developments. This study investigated how public insurance coverage of the first breast cancer targeted therapy contributed to the changes in treatment refusal among HER2-positive breast cancer patients in China. And it intensively examined and discussed additional barriers affecting patient utilization of innovative anticancer medicines based on the types and reasons for treatment refusal.

Methods

This retrospective study included female breast cancer patients diagnosed as HER2-positive who received treatment at a provincial oncology center in southern China between 2014 and 2020. Multivariable analysis was conducted using a binary logistic regression model. Subgroup analysis was performed with the same regression model.

Results

Among the 1,322 HER2-positive breast cancer patients who received treatment at the study hospital between 2014 and 2020, 327 (24.55%) had ever refused treatment. Economic reasons were reported as the primary cause by 142 patients (43.43%). Patients diagnosed after September 2017, when the first breast cancer targeted therapy was included in the public health insurance, were less likely to refuse treatment (OR = 0.64, 95% CI:0.45 ~ 0.91, p = 0.01) compared to those diagnosed before September 2017. Patients enrolled in the resident health insurance were more likely to refuse treatment (OR = 2.43, 95% CI:1.77 ~ 3.35, p < 0.001) than those enrolled in the employee health insurance.

Conclusion

This study reveals a high rate of treatment refusal among HER2-positive breast cancer patients, primarily attributed to financial factors. The disparity in public health insurance benefits resulted in a heavier economic burden for patients with less comprehensive benefits. Furthermore, the study identified challenges faced by patients seeking quality-assured cancer care in underdeveloped regions in China. By addressing economic barriers, promoting accurate health information, and improving cancer care capacity across the country can reduce the rate of treatment refusal.

Understanding the Quality of Life Among Patients With Cancer in Saudi Arabia: Insights From a Cross-Sectional Study

INTRODUCTION

Cancer patients' quality of life (QoL) significantly influences treatment response and mortality rates. Understanding QoL domains among patients with cancer and what affects it can help create interventions that improve QoL and ease patients' experience. This study measures the OoL among patients with cancer and influencing factors.

METHODS

A prospective cross-sectional questionnaire-based study included cancer patients aged >18 currently receiving treatment. The questionnaire collected social and economic data, followed by the validated Arabic version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC-QLQ-C30). Means and standard deviations for described numeric variables and frequencies and percentages described categorical variables. Analysis of variance, F-tests, and P-values were reported.

RESULTS

Among 182 cancer patients, 60% were female. Younger patients exhibited higher QoL in physical and role functioning (P = .016 and .03) and experienced more significant financial impact (P = .0144). Females reported more adverse effects from cancer symptoms, including fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and pain (36.7% vs 25.5%, P = .005; 20.6% vs 11.5%, P = .0186; 34.7% vs 25.1%, P = .0281). Single patients had superior QoL in physical functioning compared to others (P = .0127). Patients traveling long distances were more likely to face adverse financial consequences (P = .007). Asthmatic patients exhibited lower QoL in physical, role, and cognitive functioning (72.3 vs 37.8, P = .0147; 76.4 vs 22.2, P = .0024; 84.7 vs 44.4, P = .0038) and reported increased dyspnea and appetite loss (16 vs 55.6 and 26.1 vs 66.7, both P < .05).

CONCLUSION

Factors influencing QoL in Saudi cancer patients include age, marital status, gender, hospital distance, and chronic conditions. Thus emphasizing the necessity for personalized care strategies to enhance outcomes and alleviate the overall burden of cancer care.

Biomaterial-Based Sustained-Release Drug Formulations for Localized Cancer Immunotherapy

Cancer immunotherapy has revolutionized clinical cancer treatments by taking advantage of the immune system to selectively and effectively target and kill cancer cells. However, clinical cancer immunotherapy treatments often have limited efficacy and/or present severe adverse effects associated primarily with their systemic administration. Localized immunotherapy has emerged to overcome these limitations by directly targeting accessible tumors via local administration, reducing potential systemic drug distribution that hampers drug efficacy and safety. Sustained-release formulations can prolong drug activity at target sites, which maximizes the benefits of localized immunotherapy to increase the therapeutic window using smaller dosages than those used for systemic injection, avoiding complications of frequent dosing. The performance of sustained-release formulations for localized cancer immunotherapy has been validated preclinically using various implantable and injectable scaffold platforms. This review introduces the sustained-release formulations developed for localized cancer immunotherapy and highlights their biomaterial-based platforms for representative classes, including inorganic scaffolds, natural hydrogels, synthetic hydrogels, and microneedle patches. The design rationale and other considerations are summarized for further development of biomaterials for the construction of optimal sustained-release formulations.

Rates of adherence to cancer treatment guidelines in Australia and the factors associated with adherence: A systematic review

Adherence to cancer treatment clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) varies enormously across Australia, despite being associated with improved patient outcomes. This systematic review aims to characterize adherence rates to active-cancer treatment CPGs in Australia and related factors to inform future implementation strategies. Five databases were systematically searched, abstracts were screened for eligibility, a full-text review and critical appraisal of eligible studies performed, and data extracted. A narrative synthesis of factors associated with adherence was conducted, and the median adherence rates within cancer streams calculated. A total of 21,031 abstracts were identified. After duplicates were removed, abstracts screened, and full texts reviewed, 20 studies focused on adherence to active-cancer treatment CPGs were included. Overall adherence rates ranged from 29% to 100%. Receipt of guideline recommended treatments was higher for patients who were younger (diffuse large B-cell lymphoma [DLBCL], colorectal, lung, and breast cancer); female (breast and lung cancer), and male (DLBCL and colorectal cancer); never smokers (DLBCL and lung cancer); non-Indigenous Australians (cervical and lung cancer); with less advanced stage disease (colorectal, lung, and cervical cancer), without comorbidities (DLBCL, colorectal, and lung cancer); with good-excellent Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (lung cancer); living in moderately accessible places (colon cancer); and; treated in metropolitan facilities (DLBLC, breast and colon cancer). This review characterized active-cancer treatment CPG adherence rates and associated factors in Australia. Future targeted CPG implementation strategies should account for these factors, to redress unwarranted variation particularly in vulnerable populations, and improve patient outcomes (Prospero number: CRD42020222962).

Compliance with medical regimen among hematological cancer patients and its association with symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder and adjustment disorder

Background

Hematological cancer patients must comply with extensive medical instructions to prevent cancer progression or relapse. Psychological comorbidities and patient characteristics have been shown to affect compliance. However, the impact of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and adjustment disorder (AjD) on compliance in cancer patients remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate compliance in hematological cancer patients more comprehensively and to investigate its association with PTSD and AjD symptomatology as well as sociodemographic and medical factors.

Methods

Hematological cancer patients were cross-sectionally assessed via validated questionnaires for PTSD (PCL-5) and AjD (ADMN-20), and three internally developed items on compliance with medical regimen, with two referring to compliance behavior and one item assessing perceived difficulties with complying. Each compliance item was analyzed descriptively. Multiple linear regression models tested the association between compliance and PTSD and AjD symptomatology, sociodemographic and medical factors.

Results

In total, 291 patients were included (response rate 58%). Nine out of ten patients reported to either never (67%) or rarely (25%) change their medical regimen. However, 8% reported to change it once in a while or often. Compliance behavior was mostly rated as very easy (36%) or easy (45%) to implement. Nevertheless, 19% perceived it to be partly difficult or difficult to follow medical regimen. Symptoms of AjD (β = 0.31, p < 0.001) were associated with more difficulties to comply. Higher compliance behavior in turn was associated with stem cell transplantation (SCT) treatment (β = -0.21, p < 0.001) and lower education (β = -0.19, p = 0.002).

Conclusion

Although most patients indicated that they comply with medical regimen, a considerable subgroup of patients indicated subjectively perceived difficulties and thus seem to require additional support in implementing medical instructions possibly through improved medical communication and patient health literacy or shared decision-making.

Medication adherence reporting in pivotal clinical trials: overview of oral oncological drugs

OBJECTIVES

To assess how and to what extent adherence to medication is reported in pivotal clinical trials of oral cancer drugs.

METHODS

All drugs authorised by the European Medicines Agency from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2019 were considered for analysis. For each pivotal trial we extracted the journal of publication, phase of the study, posology, mention of adherence within the main text of the published article or additional material and the terms in which the adherence was reported.

RESULTS

Thirty drugs were included in the analysis from 56 clinical trials. Eleven articles (19.6%) contained a mention of medication adherence in the main document, 26 (46.4%) in the supplementary material and 19 (33.9%) did not contain any reference to adherence. Seven studies reported medication adherence between the results, expressed as number of patients discontinuing treatment for non-compliance and mean or median percentage.

CONCLUSIONS

Medication adherence in pivotal clinical trials of oral oncological drugs is poorly represented. There should be a greater level of reporting in the results and it should be included among the minimum set of recommendations in reporting health research.

Heterogeneity of financial toxicity and associated risk factors for older cancer survivors in China

In China, older cancer survivors may show heterogeneity in financial toxicity (FT). We aimed to identify FT profiles among older Chinese cancer survivors and examine the association between FT profiles and individual characteristics. We used a latent profile analysis to categorize participants and a multinomial logistic regression to examine the associations. We identified three distinct FT profiles: high, moderate, and low. Participants aged 65-69 years, with a monthly household income ≥ 5,000 CNY and a high school education or above were more likely to be classified into the moderate than high FT profile, a monthly household income ≥ 5,000 CNY increased the likelihood of being in the low FT profile and living alone negatively affected the odds of being in the low FT profile. The findings identified heterogeneity in FT among this population, may help identify high-risk groups, and may enable early intervention.

Therapeutic adherence and assessment of satisfaction patients with multiple myeloma treated with immunomodulatory drugs in a "real-world" study: Experiences of the Polish Myeloma Group

INTRODUCTION

Therapeutic adherence (TA) is one of the most important factors influencing the effectiveness of treatment. Oral anti-cancer drugs are increasingly used to treat malignancy including multiple myeloma (MM). Our study aimed to determine TA of patients with MM treated with IMiDs, to identify TA risk factors, and to determine satisfaction with medical care during the treatment with IMiDs.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey-based study involving adult patients with MM treated with IMiDs.

RESULTS

Between January 2021 and May 2021, 267 patients with MM were enrolled in the study. The dosing schedule was declared as easy by 71.8% of patients, as standard for 24.0%, and difficult for 4.2% of patients. During MM treatment, 85.0% of patients did not skip any IMiDs dose, and 87.6% did not skip the IMiDs dose in the last cycle of chemotherapy. Identified factors affecting TA included the treatment duration and education level. In addition, depending on the patient's well-being, gender, and household companionship influenced TA. Satisfaction with medical care during the treatment with IMiDs was declared by 95.5% of patients with MM. In our cohort, 95.5% of patients were satisfied with the information they received from the hematologist during treatment with IMiDs.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with MM treated with IMiDs are highly adherent to treatment. With time from the beginning of treatment, patients need more attention and motivation to adhere to the therapy rules.

Primary health care roles of community pharmacists in low- and middle-income countries: A protocol for a mixed methods systematic review

BACKGROUND

The roles of community pharmacists in primary health care cannot be overemphasized, these professionals have evolved from the traditional dispensing to providing health promotion, vaccination services, and medication therapy management as well as other areas of patient care needs. The objectives of this review are to explore evidence of the provision of primary health care services by community pharmacists in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and identify barriers to these services and how these barriers can be mitigated.

METHOD

A systematic search will be conducted in Medline, CINAHL, Google scholar, Global Index Medicus, LILACS, and CENTRAL to identify potentially relevant primary literature for inclusion. Also, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses will be search to identify relevant gray literature. The review will be guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols checklist for systematic reviews. All primary research articles regardless of study design exploring or reporting on community pharmacists' involvement in primary health care in LMICs will be considered for possible inclusion. A summary of the included studies will be provided and a quality assessment will be conducted using the 2018 version of the mixed methods analytical tool.

EXPECTED RESULTS

Findings from this review will add to the evidence in the literature and cause the need for policy change to empower the community pharmacy practice by providing a friendlier legal framework for delivering services in tandem with international best practices. PROSPERO registration ID: CRD42023357312.

Prophylactic treatment of dacomitinib-induced skin toxicities in epidermal growth factor receptor-mutated non-small-cell lung cancer: A multicenter, Phase II trial

BACKGROUND

Dacomitinib significantly improves progression-free survival and overall survival (OS) compared with gefitinib in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-activating mutations. However, dacomitinib often causes skin toxicities, resulting in treatment discontinuation. We aimed to evaluate a prophylactic strategy for skin toxicity induced by dacomitinib.

METHODS

We performed a single-arm, prospective, open-label, multi-institutional phase II trial for comprehensive skin toxicity prophylaxis. Patients with NSCLC harboring EGFR-activating mutations were enrolled and received dacomitinib with comprehensive prophylaxis. The primary endpoint was the incidence of skin toxicity (Grade ≥2) in the initial 8 weeks.

RESULTS

In total, 41 Japanese patients participated between May 2019 and April 2021 from 14 institutions (median age 70 years; range: 32-83 years), 20 were male, and 36 had a performance status of 0-1. Nineteen patients had exon 19 deletions and L858R mutation. More than 90% of patients were perfectly compliant with prophylactic minocycline administration. Skin toxicities (Grade ≥2) occurred in 43.9% of patients (90% confidence interval [CI], 31.2%-56.7%). The most frequent skin toxicity was acneiform rash in 11 patients (26.8%), followed by paronychia in five patients (12.2%). Due to skin toxicities, eight patients (19.5%) received reduced doses of dacomitinib. The median progression-free survival was 6.8 months (95% CI, 4.0-8.6 months) and median OS was 21.6 months (95% CI, 17.0 months-not reached).

CONCLUSION

Although the prophylactic strategy was ineffective, the adherence to prophylactic medication was quite good. Patient education regarding prophylaxis is important and can lead to improved treatment continuity.

Development of an eHealth Tool for Capturing and Analyzing the Immune-related Adverse Events (irAEs) in Cancer Treatment

Introduction

Immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of many different types of cancer, but it is associated with a myriad of immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures have been identified as valuable tools for continuously collecting patient-centered data and are frequently used in oncology trials. However, few studies still research an ePRO follow-up approach on patients treated with Immunotherapy, potentially reflecting a lack of support services for this population.

Methods

The team co-developed a digital platform (V-Care) using ePROs to create a new follow-up pathway for cancer patients receiving immunotherapy. To operationalize the first 3 phases of the CeHRes roadmap, we employed multiple methods that were integrated throughout the development process, rather than being performed in a linear fashion. The teams employed an agile approach in a dynamic and iterative manner, engaging key stakeholders throughout the process.

Results

The development of the application was categorized into 2 phases: "user interface" (UI) and "user experience" (UX) designs. In the first phase, the pages of the application were segmented into general categories, and feedback from all stakeholders was received and used to modify the application. In phase 2, mock-up pages were developed and sent to the Figma website. Moreover, the Android Package Kit (APK) of the application was installed and tested multiple times on a mobile phone to proactively detect and fix any errors. After resolving some technical issues and adjusting errors on the Android version to improve the user experience, the iOS version of the application was developed.

Discussion

By incorporating the latest technological developments, V-Care has enabled cancer patients to have access to more comprehensive and personalized care, allowing them to better manage their condition and be better informed about their health decisions. These advances have also enabled healthcare professionals to be better equipped with the knowledge and tools to provide more effective and efficient care. In addition, the advances in V-Care technology have allowed patients to connect with their healthcare providers more easily, providing a platform to facilitate communication and collaboration. Although usability testing is necessary to evaluate the efficacy and user experience of the app, it can be a significant investment of time and resources.

Conclusion

The V-Care platform can be used to investigate the reported symptoms experienced by cancer patients receiving Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and to compare them with the results from clinical trials. Furthermore, the project will utilize ePRO tools to collect symptoms from patients and provide insight into whether the reported symptoms are linked to the treatment.

Clinical Relevance

V-Care provides a secure, easy-to-use interface for patient-clinician communication and data exchange. Its clinical system stores and manages patient data in a secure environment, while its clinical decision support system helps clinicians make decisions that are more informed, efficient, and cost-effective. This system has the potential to improve patient safety and quality of care, while also helping to reduce healthcare costs.

A Scalable Platform for Fabricating Biodegradable Microparticles with Pulsatile Drug Release

Pulsatile drug delivery systems have the potential to improve patient adherence and therapeutic efficacy by providing a sequence of doses in a single injection. Herein, a novel platform, termed Particles Uniformly Liquified and Sealed to Encapsulate Drugs (PULSED) is developed, which enables the high-throughput fabrication of microparticles exhibiting pulsatile release. In PULSED, biodegradable polymeric microstructures with an open cavity are formed using high-resolution 3D printing and soft lithography, filled with drug, and sealed using a contactless heating step in which the polymer flows over the orifice to form a complete shell around a drug-loaded core. Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) particles with this structure can rapidly release encapsulated material after delays of 10 ± 1, 15 ± 1, 17 ± 2, or 36 ± 1 days in vivo, depending on polymer molecular weight and end group. The system is even compatible with biologics, releasing over 90% of bevacizumab in its bioactive form after a two-week delay in vitro. The PULSED system is highly versatile, offering compatibility with crystalline and amorphous polymers, easily injectable particle sizes, and compatibility with several newly developed drug loading methods. Together, these results suggest that PULSED is a promising platform for creating long-acting drug formulations that improve patient outcomes due to its simplicity, low cost, and scalability.

When can cancer patient treatment nonadherence be considered intentional or unintentional? A scoping review

BACKGROUND

Treatment nonadherence in cancer patients remains high with most interventions having had limited success. Most studies omit the multi-factorial aspects of treatment adherence and refer to medication adherence. The behaviour is rarely defined as intentional or unintentional.

AIM

The aim of this Scoping Review is to increase understanding of modifiable factors in treatment nonadherence through the relationships that physicians have with their patients. This knowledge can help define when treatment nonadherence is intentional or unintentional and can assist in predicting cancer patients at risk of nonadherence and in intervention design. The scoping review provides the basis for method triangulation in two subsequent qualitative studies: 1. Sentiment analysis of online cancer support groups in relation to treatment nonadherence; 2. A qualitative validation survey to refute / or validate claims from this scoping review. Thereafter, framework development for a future (cancer patient) online peer support intervention.

METHODS

A Scoping Review was performed to identify peer reviewed studies that concern treatment / medication nonadherence in cancer patients-published between 2000 to 2021 (and partial 2022). The review was registered in the Prospero database CRD42020210340 and follows the PRISMA-S: an extension to the PRISMA Statement for Reporting Literature Searches in Systematic Searches. The principles of meta-ethnography are used in a synthesis of qualitative findings that preserve the context of primary data. An aim of meta-ethnography is to identify common and refuted themes across studies. This is not a mixed methods study, but due to a limited qualitativevidence base and to broaden findings, the qualitative elements (author interpretations) found within relevant quantitative studies have been included.

RESULTS

Of 7510 articles identified, 240 full texts were reviewed with 35 included. These comprise 15 qualitative and 20 quantitative studies. One major theme, that embraces 6 sub themes has emerged: 'Physician factors can influence patient factors in treatment nonadherence'. The six (6) subthemes are: 1. Suboptimal Communication; 2. The concept of Information differs between Patient and Physician; 3.Inadequate time. 4. The need for Treatment Concordance is vague or missing from concepts; 5. The importance of Trust in the physician / patient relationship is understated in papers; 6. Treatment concordance as a concept is rarely defined and largely missing from studies.

LINE OF ARGUMENT WAS DRAWN

Treatment (or medication) nonadherence that is intentional or unintentional is often attributed to patient factors-with far less attention to the potential influence of physician communication factors. The differentation between intentional or unintentional nonadherence is missing from most qualitative and quantitative studies. The holistic inter-dimensional / multi-factorial concept of 'treatment adherence' receives scant attention. The main focus is on medication adherence / nonadherence in the singular context. Nonadherence that is unintentional is not necessarily passive behaviour and may overlap with intentional nonadherence. The absence of treatment concordance is a barrier to treatment adherence and is rarely articulated or defined in studies.

CONCLUSION

This review demonstrates how cancer patient treatment nonadherence is often a shared outcome. An equal focus on physican and patient factors can increase understanding of the two main types of nonadherence (intentional or unintentional). This differentation should help improve the fundamentals of intervention design.

Telepharmacy in oncology care: A scoping review

INTRODUCTION

Telepharmacy has the potential to enhance pharmacy services in oncology care, especially in remote areas. This scoping review explored the range, critical benefits and barriers of using telepharmacy services in oncology care.

METHODS

The scoping review followed the Arksey and O'Malley's five-stage framework to identify available evidence. PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, Ovid MEDLINE and Scopus databases were searched for original research published between 2010 and 2020. The five dimensions of the Alberta Quality Matrix for Health were used to analyse reported outcomes.

RESULTS

Eligible articles (n = 21) were analysed. Telepharmacy in oncology care was used for follow-up, monitoring and counselling, intravenous chemotherapy and sterile compounding, expanding availability of pharmacy services, and remote education. Telepharmacy obtained high acceptability among cancer patients (n = 5) and healthcare professionals (n = 5), and increased accessibility of pharmaceutical services to underserved cancer populations (n = 2). Commonly cited effectiveness and safety outcomes were improved patient adherence (n = 5), increased pharmacy services (n = 3) and early identification of medication-related problems (n = 5). Telepharmacy improved efficiency in staffing and workload (n = 3), and increased cost savings (n = 3). A shortage of resources (n = 5), technical problems (n = 4) and prolonged turnaround time (n = 4), safety concerns (n = 2) and patient willingness to pay (n = 1) were identified barriers to implementing telepharmacy in oncology care.

DISCUSSION

Despite evidence pointing to the advantages and opportunities for expanding oncology pharmacy services through telepharmacy, certain challenges remain. Further research is needed to investigate safety concerns and patient willingness to pay for telepharmacy services.

Explanatory Model of Psychogenic, Behavioral and Environmental Causal Attributions of Cancer, and Their Psychogenic, Biomedical and Alternative Treatment in the General Population of Medellín, Colombia

Background: Understanding the causal attributions for cancer, the elements affecting therapeutic adherence, and behaviors that may compromise people’s health or even put them at risk of dying from this disease has garnered a considerable degree of attention. Methods: This study was designed in the city of Medellín with the aim to develop and validate a model for the study of (i) the categories that can be attributable to cancer etiology, (ii) the categories that can be attributed to the efficacy of treatment, and (iii) the relationship between the categories that can be attributed to the etiology and to the efficacy of the treatment. Structural equations were performed on 611 participants. Results: The analysis revealed that attributing the disease to psychogenic factors distances people from biomedical treatments (β coefficient, −0.12), and brings them closer to psychogenic (β coefficient, 0.22) and alternative treatments (β coefficient, 0.24). Attributing cancer to behavioral factors brings people closer to psychogenic treatments (β coefficient, 0.40) over biomedical treatments (β coefficient, 0.24). Conclusions: Symbolic, cultural, and social factors were evidenced, thereby leading to the underestimation of biomedical treatments and imparting a greater degree of importance to psychogenic or alternative therapies. These therapies will subsequently affect the achievement of therapeutic objectives such as increased survival.

Impact of patients' sex in assessments and treatment recommendations in an older adult cancer clinic

INTRODUCTION

In multiple settings, sex disparities have been seen in diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes. This study sought to determine whether there are sex differences in a geriatric oncology clinic concerning results of the comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) and treatment recommendations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study including patients ≥65 years old referred for consultation on cancer treatment decision-making who underwent a CGA between July 2015 and December 2020, in a single Canadian academic geriatric oncology (GO) clinic. We examined differences by sex, stratified by disease site, stage, treatment intent, CGA results by domain, final treatment plan, and referrals for abnormal CGA findings. Differences were assessed using chi-square, Fisher's exact, or t-test as appropriate. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to examine whether sex impacted recommendations to reduce treatment intensity.

RESULTS

In the study period, 328 patients were assessed in the GO clinic (mean age 81 years). The most common cancer types were gastrointestinal (42.1%), hematologic (18.3%), and head and neck (17.3%). More males than females were assessed in the GO clinic (62.2% versus 37.8%, respectively). This proportion did not change over time (p = 0.58). The GO clinic recommended to reduce treatment intensity in 140 cases (42.7%), with no difference between sexes in adjusted models (43.6% of females and 42.2% of males, p = 0.80). There were no differences in any CGA domain by sex. There were also no differences in referrals made by the GO clinic to optimize abnormal CGA domains by sex.

DISCUSSION

Sex itself did not impact treatment decision-making, nor referrals to optimize abnormal CGA domains in our GO clinic using CGA-based care.

Socioeconomic disparities in cancer survival: Relation to stage at diagnosis, treatment, and centralization of patients to accredited hospitals, 2005-2014, Japan

BACKGROUND

Cancer survival varies by socioeconomic status in Japan. We examined the extent to which survival disparities are explained by factors relevant to cancer control measures (promoting early-stage detection, standardizing treatment, and centralizing patients to government-accredited cancer hospitals [ACHs]).

METHODS

From the Osaka Cancer Registry, patients diagnosed with solid malignant tumors during 2005-2014 and aged 15-84 years (N = 376,077) were classified into quartiles using the Area Deprivation Index (ADI). Trends in inequalities were assessed for potentially associated factors: early-stage detection, treatment modality, and utilization of ACH (for first contact/diagnosis/treatment). 3-year all-cause survival was computed by the ADI quartile. Multivariable Cox regression models were used to assess survival disparities and their trends through a series of adjustment for the potentially associated factors.

RESULTS

During 2005-2014, the most deprived ADI quartile had lower rates than the least deprived quartile for early-stage detection (42.6% vs. 48.7%); receipt of surgery (58.1% vs. 64.1%); and utilization of ACH (83.5% vs. 88.4%). While rate differences decreased for receipt of surgery and utilization of ACH (Annual Percent Change = -3.2 and - 11.9, respectively) over time, it remained unchanged for early-stage detection. During 2012-2014, the most deprived ADI quartile had lower 3-year survival than the least deprived (59.0% vs. 69.4%) and higher mortality (Hazard Ratio [HR] = 1.32, adjusted for case-mix): this attenuated with additional adjustment for stage at diagnosis (HR = 1.23); treatment modality (HR = 1.20); and utilization of ACH (HR = 1.19) CONCLUSIONS: Despite improvements in equalizing access to quality cancer care during 2005-2014, survival disparities remained. Interventions to reduce inequalities in early-stage detection could ameliorate such gaps.

Predictors of adherence and the role of primary non-adherence in antihormonal treatment of breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Antihormonal treatment for hormone receptor (HR) positive breast cancer has highly beneficial effects on both recurrence rates and survival. We investigate adherence and persistence in this group of patients.

METHODS

The study population comprised 1192 patients with HR-positive breast cancer who were prescribed adjuvant antihormonal treatment from 2004 to 2013. Adherence was defined as a medical possession ratio (MPR) of ≥80.

RESULTS

Of the 1192 included patients, 903 (75.8%) were adherent and 289 (24.2%) were non-adherent. Primary non-adherence was seen in 101 (8.5%) patients. The extremes of age (< 40 and ≥ 80 years) were associated with poor adherence. Patients with metastasis to axillary lymph nodes and those who received radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy were more likely to be adherent. Better adherence was also shown for those who switched medication at 2 years after diagnosis. Primary non-adherence seems to be associated with cancers with a good prognosis.

CONCLUSION

Adherence to antihormonal therapy for breast cancer is suboptimal. Primary non-adherence occurs among patients with a relatively good prognosis. Non-adherent patients tend to terminate their antihormonal therapy in the initial part of the treatment period. Targeted interventions to improve adherence should be focused on the first part of the treatment period.

Systematic adaptation of the adherence improving self-management strategy to support breast cancer survivors' adherence to adjuvant endocrine therapy: An intervention mapping approach

OBJECTIVE

Non-adherence to adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET) for breast cancer leads to increased recurrence and mortality risk and healthcare costs. Evidence on feasible, effective AET adherence interventions is scarce. This paper describes the systematic adaptation of the cost-effective adherence improving self-management strategy (AIMS) for patients with HIV to AET for women after breast cancer treatment.

METHODS

We followed the intervention mapping protocol for adapting interventions by conducting a needs assessment, reviewing target behaviours and determinants, reassessing behaviour change methods and adapting programme content. Therefore, we performed a literature review, consulted behavioural theory and organised nine advisory board meetings with patients and healthcare professionals.

RESULTS

Non-adherence occurs frequently among AET users. Compared to HIV treatment, AET is less effective, and AET side effects are more burdensome. This drives AET treatment discontinuation. However, the key determinants of non-adherence are largely similar to HIV treatment (e.g. motivation, self-regulation and patient-provider relationship); therefore, most strategies in AIMS-HIV also seem suitable for AIMS-AET. Modifications were required, however, regarding supporting patients with coping with side effects and sustaining treatment motivation.

CONCLUSION

AIMS seems to be a suitable framework for adherence self-management across conditions and treatments. Intervention mapping offered a transparent, systematic approach to adapting AIMS-HIV to AET.

Food to Overcome Outcomes Disparities: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Food Insecurity Interventions to Improve Cancer Outcomes

PURPOSE

Food insecurity is prevalent among low-income immigrant and minority patients with cancer. To our knowledge, this randomized controlled trial is the first to prospectively examine the impact on cancer outcomes of food insecurity interventions, with the goal of informing evidence-based interventions to address food insecurity in patients with cancer.

METHODS

A three-arm randomized controlled trial was conducted among food-insecure (18-item US Department of Agriculture Household Food Security Survey Module score ≥ 3) patients with cancer (N = 117) at four New York City safety net cancer clinics. Arms included a hospital cancer clinic-based food pantry (arm 1), food voucher plus pantry (arm 2), and home grocery delivery plus pantry (arm 3). Treatment completion (primary outcome) and full appointment attendance were assessed at 6 months. Food security status, depression symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), and quality-of-life scores (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General) were assessed at baseline and at 6 months.

RESULTS

Voucher plus pantry had the highest treatment completion rate (94.6%), followed by grocery delivery plus pantry (82.5%) and pantry (77.5%; P = .046). Food security scores improved significantly in all arms, and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General scores improved significantly in the pantry and delivery plus pantry arms.

CONCLUSION

Our findings in this preliminary study suggest that voucher plus pantry was the most effective intervention at improving treatment completion, and it met our a priori criterion for a promising intervention (≥ 90%). All interventions demonstrated the potential to improve food security among medically underserved, food-insecure patients with cancer at risk of impaired nutrition status, reduced quality of life, and poorer survival. All patients with cancer should be screened for food insecurity, with evidence-based food insecurity interventions made available.

Characterizing factors influencing adherence to surgery and chemotherapy amongst women suffering from breast cancer in Mbingo Baptist Hospital Cameroon

Introduction

Breast cancer (BC) is the most prominent cancer in females and is cited as a leading cause of cancer-related mortality in women worldwide. We aimed to determine factors influencing adherence to surgery and chemotherapy in women with BC in Mbingo Baptist Hospital (MBH).

Methods

we conducted a cross-sectional study in the MBH-Cameroon. Purposeful sampling was used to select participants for investigation. A structured questionnaire was applied to 82 women on chemotherapy in the oncology unit. Socio-demographic, clinical, and therapeutic data were collected from participants. The Morisky Medication Scale (MMS) was used to assess the patient's motivation and knowledge while the Adherence Starts with Knowledge (ASK12) questionnaire was used to measure the patient's barriers to treatment. SPSS was used for data analysis.

Results

the mean age was 46.37 (SD 11 years). Most participants (67.1%) were in the group of (25-50 years). The majority (75.6%) of respondents attended at least primary school. The results showed that adherence to surgery and chemotherapy is low 44% and 56.1% respectively, and this was greatly influenced by treatment delay (P = 0.034), missed chemotherapy dose without medical indication (P=0.029), patient's motivation, and knowledge towards their disease and treatment (P=0.0001 and P=0.0001), respectively.

Conclusion

our results revealed that adherence to surgery and chemotherapy among women with BC in MBH is low and is driven by the patient´s motivation, knowledge about the disease, and treatment.

Development and Validation of a Predictive Model for Toxicity of Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy in Rectal Cancer in the CAO/ARO/AIO-04 Phase III Trial

Background: There is a lack of predictive models to identify patients at risk of high neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT)-related acute toxicity in rectal cancer. Patient and Methods: The CAO/ARO/AIO-04 trial was divided into a development (n = 831) and a validation (n = 405) cohort. Using a best subset selection approach, predictive models for grade 3−4 acute toxicity were calculated including clinicopathologic characteristics, pretreatment blood parameters, and baseline results of quality-of-life questionnaires and evaluated using the area under the ROC curve. The final model was internally and externally validated. Results: In the development cohort, 155 patients developed grade 3−4 toxicities due to CRT. In the final evaluation, 15 parameters were included in the logistic regression models using best-subset selection. BMI, gender, and emotional functioning remained significant for predicting toxicity, with a discrimination ability adjusted for overfitting of AUC 0.687. The odds of experiencing high-grade toxicity were 3.8 times higher in the intermediate and 6.4 times higher in the high-risk group (p < 0.001). Rates of toxicity (p = 0.001) and low treatment adherence (p = 0.007) remained significantly different in the validation cohort, whereas discrimination ability was not significantly worse (DeLong test 0.09). Conclusion: We developed and validated a predictive model for toxicity using gender, BMI, and emotional functioning. Such a model could help identify patients at risk for treatment-related high-grade toxicity to assist in treatment guidance and patient participation in shared decision making.

Childhood Cancer Survivors' Adherence to Healthcare Recommendations Made Through a Distance-Delivered Survivorship Program

Purpose

Ongoing survivorship care allows childhood cancer survivors the opportunity to address treatment-related health problems and improve their quality of life. However, many survivors do not adhere to their healthcare professionals’ recommendations and the factors supporting their adherence remain unclear.

Patients and Methods

Long-term childhood cancer survivors completed the “Re-engage” program, which assessed survivors’ heath needs and provided individualised recommendations for health interventions and surveillance developed by an expert multi-disciplinary team (MDT). We measured survivors’ recall of, and adherence to, their individualised healthcare recommendations at one and six months post-intervention. We conducted a series of univariate negative binomial regressions to investigate factors associated with the total number of recommendations that were correctly recalled and adhered to.

Results

We analysed the data of 25 childhood cancer survivors who participated in Re-engage (mean age = 31.9 years). On average, survivors were provided with 6.6 recommendations (range = 1–11). Survivors accurately recalled receiving 3.0 recommendations at one month post-intervention and 1.9 at six months. Survivors had adhered to an average of 1.3 recommendations by six-month follow-up. In total, 56% of participants reported that they did not adhere to any recommendations. By six-month follow-up, greater adherence to MDT recommendations was associated with having a history of a second cancer (B = 1.391; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.686 to 2.097; p < 0.001) and reporting a greater level of worry about late effects (B = 1.381; 95% CI, 0.494 to 2.269; p = 0.002).

Conclusion

Survivors reported sub-optimal levels of adherence and demonstrated limited recall of their healthcare recommendations. Effective communication of recommendations and clear discussion of barriers limiting adherence, coupled with late effects education, may be critical to ensure that survivors engage with their recommendations, to improve their quality of life and health outcomes.

Trial Registration Number

ACTRN12618000194268.

The Mediating Role of Spiritual Health in Adherence to Treatment in Patients with Cancer

Background: Adherence to the treatment regimen is among the behaviors, which predict the successful control of the disease and decrease its intensity and negative consequences, which is influenced by several factors. The patient's beliefs and attitudes toward the disease are effective factors in disease management and adherence to treatment, and spiritual health is one of these influential variables. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the mediating role of spiritual health in adherence to treatment in patients with cancer. Methods: In this descriptive correlational study, the participants were 234 Iranian patients with cancer, who were selected through convenience sampling, admitted to the oncology wards of 9 selected teaching hospitals in the northern, southern, eastern, and western provinces of the country, as well as the capital in 2021. The research instruments included the Demographic and Clinical Information Questionnaire, Spiritual Well-Being Scale, and Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8. The path analysis was done to determine the factors related to the degree of adherence to treatment, taking into account the mediating role of spiritual health. Results: The mean age of the participants in the study was 47.27 ± 15.36. The mean scores for spiritual health and adherence to treatment were 76.70 ± 13.75 and 6.47 ± 2.1, respectively. A positive and significant relationship was found between spiritual health and adherence to treatment (P-value < 0.05). The variables of marital status, the time of diagnosis, and being a religious person had a direct effect on spiritual health, and the time of diagnosis indirectly affected treatment adherence. Conclusions: According to the results, the level of spiritual health and adherence to the treatment in patients with cancer was moderate. In addition, the variable of diagnostic time affected adherence to treatment indirectly. Besides, in examining the factors affecting spiritual health, the findings indicated the effect of the variables “being religious”, “marital status”, and “the time of diagnosis”. In addition to strengthening spiritual health, it is necessary to highlight the need to follow therapeutic diets in these patients. Therefore, it is suggested to consider a program to meet the patients with cancer spiritual needs along with the physical care program.

Experimental and computational understanding of pulsatile release mechanism from biodegradable core-shell microparticles

Next-generation therapeutics require advanced drug delivery platforms with precise control over morphology and release kinetics. A recently developed microfabrication technique enables fabrication of a new class of injectable microparticles with a hollow core-shell structure that displays pulsatile release kinetics, providing such capabilities. Here, we study this technology and the resulting core-shell microstructures. We demonstrated that pulsatile release is governed by a sudden increase in porosity of the polymeric matrix, leading to the formation of a porous path connecting the core to the environment. Moreover, the release kinetics within the range studied remained primarily independent of the particle geometry but highly dependent on its composition. A qualitative technique was developed to study the pattern of pH evolution in the particles. A computational model successfully modeled deformations, indicating sudden expansion of the particle before onset of release. Results of this study contribute to the understanding and design of advanced drug delivery systems.

Effects of financial toxicity on prescription drug use and mental well-being in cancer patients

Background

In the US, medical costs for cancer patients have grown from $27 billion in 1990 to $174 billion in 2020. The increased financial strain that cancer patients and survivors endure is referred to as financial toxicity.

Objective

To quantify the relationship between indicators of financial toxicity and health utilization and quality of life in patients ever diagnosed with cancer.

Methods

Adult cancer patients and survivors in 2017 were identified using the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. Multiple logistic regression models were used to quantify the relationship between three financial toxicity exposures (concern for keeping an income, paying large medical bills, and going into debt or borrowing money) and two discrete outcomes of being able to purchase prescriptions and often worrying that cancer would worsen or come back.

Results

This study assessed 609 respondents. After survey weighting was applied, that represented 16,215,673 individuals. Patients who reported concern for keeping an income were at 2.91 (95% Confidence Interval [CI], 1.16 to 7.31) and 2.97 (95% CI, 2.01 to 2.67) times increased odds to report avoiding purchase of prescriptions and worry of cancer status, respectively, versus those who did not. Patients who reported worry about paying large medical bills were at 4.46 (95% CI, 2.15 to 9.24) and 2.80 (95% CI, 1.98 to 3.96) times increased odds to report avoiding purchase of prescriptions and worry of cancer status, respectively, versus those who did not. Patients who reported borrowing money or going into debt were at 3.04 (95% CI, 1.19 to 7.76) and 2.42 (95% CI, 1.54 to 3.18) times increased odds to report avoiding purchase of prescriptions and worry of cancer status, respectively, versus those who did not.

Conclusions

Financial toxicity is associated with decreased prescription utilization and quality of life in the form of excessive worry among cancer patients including cancer survivors.

•

Background: In the U.S., medical costs of cancer have increased from $27 billion in 1990 to $174 billion in 2020.

•

Patients with cancer carry the burden of paying higher out-of-pocket costs for their care than those without cancer.

•

The increased financial strain that patients and survivors with cancer is referred to as financial toxicity.

•

Findings: Patients and survivors with cancer who reported ever being concerned about income, ever being worried about paying large medical bills, or ever going into debt or had a family member go into debt were at higher odds to report not receiving prescriptions and worrying about their cancer recurring or worsening than those who did not.

A randomised controlled trial of clinical pharmacy intervention versus standard care to improve medication adherence in outpatients with head and neck cancer receiving radiotherapy

PURPOSE

Patient understanding of medicines information and adherence to medication instructions are important variables for ensuring optimal cancer care. This randomised controlled trial (RCT) aimed to evaluate the impact of an outpatient clinical pharmacy service on medication adherence and symptom burden in cancer patients.

METHODS

In this single-centre RCT, 115 patients were randomised 1:1 to a pharmacist-led pharmaceutical care program (intervention, n = 59) versus standard of care (control, n = 56) within an outpatient multidisciplinary radiotherapy clinic. The primary endpoint was medication adherence as assessed by Medication Understanding and Use Self-Efficacy (MUSE) scale and Teach-Back assessment. Secondary endpoints were patient-reported symptom burden assessed by the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS). Patients were assessed at baseline (weeks 1-2) and at discharge from radiotherapy (weeks 5-7).

RESULTS

Polypharmacy (use of five or more medications) was observed in 26% of patients at baseline compared to 97% at discharge. Patient self-efficacy and medication adherence was higher in the intervention arm compared to the control arm, with a mean MUSE score difference of 2.70 (95% CI 1.24, 4.17) after adjustment for baseline, and a higher proportion of patients with average Teach-Back score of four or more (86% vs 14%; odds ratio (OR) 46.09, 95% CI 14.49, 146.56). The mean (SD) scores for aggregate ESAS (0-100) at discharge were 26.2 (14.0) in the intervention arm and 32.0 (15.8) in the control arm demonstrating lower overall symptom burden associated with the intervention (mean score difference adjusted for baseline - 0.52; 95% CI - 1.03, - 0.01).

CONCLUSION

A structured outpatient clinic pharmacy service significantly improved medication adherence and reduced overall symptom burden in patients receiving radiotherapy.

Life-Saving Cancer Care

What, precisely, are we seeking to achieve in offering 'life-saving' treatment to patients with cancer? Research funding agencies and pharmaceutical industry media releases, and government cancer screening programs all promise that their cancer programs save lives. But everybody dies. The nature of life and death from cancer is explored philosophically in this essay, with particular reference to the quality of life, and its meaning, during the period of prolongation of survival by 'life-saving' cancer care.

Utility, promise, and limitations of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-based therapeutic drug monitoring in precision medicine

Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is typically referred to as the measurement of the concentration of drugs in patient blood. Although in the past, TDM was restricted to drugs with a narrow therapeutic range in order to avoid drug toxicity, TDM has recently become a major tool for precision medicine being applied to many more drugs. Through compensating for interindividual differences in a drug's pharmacokinetics, improved dosing of individual patients based on TDM ensures maximum drug effectiveness while minimizing side effects. This is especially relevant for individuals that present a particularly high intervariability in pharmacokinetics, such as newborns, or for critically/severely ill patients. In this article, we will review the applications for and limitations of TDM, discuss for which patients TDM is most beneficial and why, examine which techniques are being used for TDM, and demonstrate how mass spectrometry is increasingly becoming a reliable and convenient alternative for the TDM of different classes of drugs. We will also highlight the advances, challenges, and limitations of the existing repertoire of TDM methods and discuss future opportunities for TDM-based precision medicine.

Self-Compassion and Adherence to Treatment in Patients with Cancer

Background:

Emotional disorders and depression make cancer patients reluctant about adherence to their treatment. The present study was conducted to determine the relationship between self-compassion and adherence to treatment in cancer patients.

Materials and Methods:

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 214 patients with cancer in 2019. They were inpatients aged over 18 years. Two months had passed since their cancer was diagnosed, and they had undergone a course of chemotherapy. Data were collected using a personal details form, Neff's Self-Compassion Scale and the Modanloo Adherence to Treatment Questionnaire and were then analyzed using the mean, frequency, Pearson's correlation coefficient and linear regression analysis.

Results:

The mean (SD) total score of self-compassion was 80.07 (15.68), and the mean (SD) total score of adherence to treatment was 134.44 (38.37). Pearson's correlation coefficient showed a direct relationship between the total score of self-compassion and the total score of adherence to treatment (p < 0.05). The linear regression analysis showed that the score of suffering as a common humanity (β = 0.47, p ≤ 0.001) and the variable of education (β = 0.27, p ≤ 0.001) were significant predictors of the total score of adherence to treatment (R² = 0.33).

Conclusions:

According to the results, suffering as a common humanity and education were significant predictors of adherence to treatment. Oncology nurses are therefore recommended to get further educated about self-compassion, so that they take this concept more seriously in providing patient care. Nurses should also educate the patients with low levels of education about the consequences of not adhering to their treatment.

The role of nursing in the management of patients with renal and hepatic cancers: A systematic literature review

PURPOSE

This systematic literature review identified publications evaluating the role and benefits of nurse-led care in the management of patients with a diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS

The review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidance. Structured searches of the PubMed database and the EMCare nursing and allied health database were conducted (August 11, 2021). Eligible publications were English-language, full-text, peer-reviewed journal articles featuring HCC and/or RCC populations, interventions involving nurses, any/no comparators, and reporting any related healthcare outcomes. Data on study design and size, patient characteristics and impact of nursing care were extracted.

RESULTS

Fifty-six relevant articles were identified (43 on HCC; 10 on RCC; 3 on HCC and RCC). The literature described the role and impact of oncology nurses across a variety of care functions, including in health promotion and screening, care coordination, holistic oversight, symptom and adverse event monitoring and management, and emotional support. Twenty-nine empirical studies/case reports were identified demonstrating benefit of nurse-led interventions in HCC/liver cancer (n = 28) and RCC (n = 1). Benefits were achieved through: improved patient participation in screening programs; reduced time to diagnosis; improved treatment adherence, reduced treatment complications, dose reductions and outpatient visits, and potential cost savings.

CONCLUSIONS

The oncology nurse plays a multifaceted role in the care of patients with HCC and RCC, but more evidence from nurse-led interventions is required to guide optimal multidisciplinary care of patients with these conditions.

Treatment utilization patterns of newly initiated oral anticancer agents in a national sample of Medicare beneficiaries

BACKGROUND: Few studies have examined oral anticancer treatment utilization patterns among Medicare beneficiaries. OBJECTIVE: To assess treatment utilization patterns of newly initiated oral anticancer agents across national samples of Medicare beneficiaries for 5 cancer types: chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), multiple myeloma (MM), metastatic prostate cancer (mPC), metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC), and metastatic breast cancer (mBC). METHODS: This retrospective claims analysis used 100% Medicare Chronic Condition Data Warehouse (CCW) Parts A, B, and D files from 2011 to 2014 (for CML, MM, mPC, and mRCC patients) and a 5% random fee-for-service sample from 2011 to 2013 (for mBC patients). Outcomes of interest were the number of 30-day supply prescriptions, adherence, and discontinuation of newly initiated (ie, index) oral anticancer agents indicated for each of the cancers. Adherence was calculated with both the "traditional" proportion of days covered (PDC) approach, measured over a fixed 1-year period or until hospice/death, and a "modified" PDC approach, measured over the time between the first and last fill of the index oral anticancer agent. Patients with PDC of at least 0.80 were deemed as being adherent. Discontinuation was defined as the presence of a continuous 90-day gap in the availability of days supply of the index oral anticancer agent. RESULTS: Our study included 1,650, 7,461, 6,998, 2,553, and 79 patients for CML, MM, mPC, mRCC, and mBC, respectively. Patients with mRCC had the highest proportion of patients with only 1 fill of their index anticancer agent (28%) followed by mBC (17%), MM (17%), mPC (12%), and CML (12%). Patients with CML had the highest mean (SD) number of 30-day supply equivalent prescriptions (8.3 [4.6]), followed by patients with mPC (6.5 [4.2]), MM (5.7 [4.1]), mBC (4.7 [3.2]), and mRCC (4.5 [3.9]). Using the modified PDC measured between the first and last fills, approximately three-quarters of patients with CML (74%), mRCC (71%), and mBC (70%) were adherent to the index oral anticancer agent. Adherence was highest for patients with mPC (87%) and lowest for patients with MM (58%). The percentage of patients defined as adherent to the index oral anticancer agent decreased for all cancers when using the traditional PDC measure over a fixed 1-year period: CML (54%), MM (35%), mPC (48%), mRCC (37%), and mBC (22%). Rates of discontinuation for patients in our sample were 32% (CML), 38% (mPC), 42% (mRCC), 48% (MM), and 58% (mBC). CONCLUSIONS: Between 13% and 42% of Medicare patients were nonadherent between the first and last fill of their newly initiated oral anticancer therapies across a range of cancers. This study provides a valuable benchmark for stakeholders seeking to measure and improve adherence to oral anticancer agents in Medicare patients. DISCLOSURES: This study was supported by Humana, Inc. (Louisville, KY). The sponsor played a role in the development of the study protocol, interpretation of results, and revisions of the manuscript. The sponsor was not involved in data analysis. Brown is employed by Humana, Inc., and Ward was employed by Humana, Inc., from research inception through initial drafts. Doshi has served as an advisory board member or consultant for Allergan, Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Janssen, Kite Pharma, Merck, Otsuka, Regeneron, Sarepta, Sage Therapeutics, Sanofi, and Vertex and has received research funding from AbbVie, Biogen, Humana, Janssen, Novartis, PhRMA, Regeneron, Sanofi, and Valeant. Her spouse holds stock in Merck and Pfizer. All other authors have no financial conflicts of interest to report.

Influence of the implementation of a multidisciplinary consultation program on adherence to the first ever course of oral antineoplastic treatment in patients with cancer

PURPOSE

To evaluate adherence (as measured by the medication possession ratio) to the first ever course of oral antineoplasic treatment in cancer patients before and after the implementation of a multidisciplinary consultation program (involving an oncologist, a pharmacist, and a nurse) and to investigate the program's impact on adverse events and drug-related problems.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In a retrospective single-center study, we compared the medication possession ratio 2 months after treatment initiation in a control group (before multidisciplinary consultation program implementation) versus an interventional group (after multidisciplinary consultation program implementation).

RESULTS

Two months after oral antineoplasic treatment initiation, the mean ± standard deviation medication possession ratio did not differ significantly when comparing the interventional (multidisciplinary consultation program) group (n = 33; 0.99 ± 0.06) with the control group (n = 64; 0.94 ± 0.16) (p = 0.062). Patients in the multidisciplinary consultation program group had fewer adverse events in general (41, vs 109 in the control group; p = 0.048) and digestive adverse events in particular (6 vs 29, respectively; p = 0.007). A total of 53 and 40 drug-related problems were identified in the control and multidisciplinary consultation program groups, respectively (p = 0.074).

CONCLUSIONS

Implementation of an multidisciplinary consultation program was not associated with a significant difference in drug adherence (as assessed by the medication possession ratio), which was good before and after implementation. The multidisciplinary consultation program was associated with a lower incidence of adverse events.

Determinants of use of oral complementary-alternative medicine among women with early breast cancer: a focus on cancer-related fatigue

BACKGROUND

Despite the questionable effectiveness of oral complementary and alternative medicine (OCAM) in relieving cancer-related symptoms, including fatigue (CRF), many patients use it aiming to improve their quality of life. We assessed factors associated with OCAM use, focusing on CRF.

METHODS

Women with stage I-III breast cancer (BC) were included from CANTO (NCT01993498). OCAM use was defined as taking homeopathy, vitamins/minerals, or herbal/dietary supplements. Multivariable multinomial logistic regressions evaluated associations of CRF (EORTC QLQ-C30), patient, and treatment characteristics with OCAM use.

RESULTS

Among 5237 women, 23.0% reported OCAM use overall (49.3% at diagnosis, 50.7% starting post-diagnosis), mostly homeopathy (65.4%). Mean (SD) CRF score was 27.6 (24.0) at diagnosis and 35.1 (25.3) at post-diagnosis. More intense CRF was consistently associated with OCAM use at diagnosis and post-diagnosis [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for 10-point increase 1.05 (95% Confidence interval 1.01-1.09) and 1.04 (1.01-1.09) vs. never use, respectively]. Odds of using OCAM at diagnosis were higher among older [for 5-year increase, 1.09 (1.04-1.14)] and more educated patients [college vs. primary 1.80 (1.27-2.55)]. Women with income > 3000 [vs. < 1500 euros/month, 1.44 (1.02-2.03)], anxiety [vs. not, 1.25 (1.01-1.54)], and those receiving chemotherapy [vs. not, 1.32 (1.04-1.68)] had higher odds of using OCAM post-diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

One-in-four patients reported use of OCAM. More severe CRF was consistently associated with its use. Moreover, older, better educated, wealthier, more anxious women, and those receiving chemotherapy seemed more prone to use OCAM. Characterizing profiles of BC patients more frequently resorting to OCAM may help deliver targeted information about its benefits and potential risks.

A Smartphone-Based App to Improve Adjuvant Treatment Adherence to Multidisciplinary Decisions in Patients With Early-Stage Breast Cancer: Observational Study

BACKGROUND

Multidisciplinary treatment (MDT) and adjuvant therapy are associated with improved survival rates in breast cancer. However, nonadherence to MDT decisions is common in patients. We developed a smartphone-based app that can facilitate the full-course management of patients after surgery.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate the influence factors of treatment nonadherence and to determine whether this smartphone-based app can improve the compliance rate with MDTs.

METHODS

Patients who had received a diagnosis of invasive breast cancer and had undergone MDT between March 2013 and May 2019 were included. Patients were classified into 3 groups: Pre-App cohort (November 2017, before the launch of the app); App nonused, cohort (after November 2017 but not using the app); and App used cohort (after November 2017 and using the app). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the factors related to MDT adherence. Compliance with specific adjuvant treatments, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, endocrine therapy, and targeted therapy, was also evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 4475 patients were included, with Pre-App, App nonused, and App used cohorts comprising 2966 (66.28%), 861 (19.24%), and 648 (14.48%) patients, respectively. Overall, 15.53% (695/4475) patients did not receive MDT recommendations; the noncompliance rate ranged from 27.4% (75/273) in 2013 to 8.8% (44/500) in 2019. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that app use was independently associated with adherence to adjuvant treatment. Compared with the patients in the Pre-App cohort, patients in the App used cohort were less likely to deviate from MDT recommendations (odds ratio [OR] 0.61, 95% CI 0.43-0.87; P=.007); no significant difference was found in the App nonused cohort (P=.77). Moreover, app use decreased the noncompliance rate for adjuvant chemotherapy (OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.27-0.65; P<.001) and radiotherapy (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.25-0.96; P=.04), but not for anti-HER2 therapy (P=.76) or endocrine therapy (P=.39).

CONCLUSIONS

This smartphone-based app can increase MDT adherence in patients undergoing adjuvant therapy; this was more obvious for adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Chemically and Biologically Engineered Bacteria-Based Delivery Systems for Emerging Diagnosis and Advanced Therapy

Bacteria are one of the main groups of organisms, which dynamically and closely participate in human health and disease development. With the integration of chemical biotechnology, bacteria have been utilized as an emerging delivery system for various biomedical applications. Given the unique features of bacteria such as their intrinsic biocompatibility and motility, bacteria-based delivery systems have drawn wide interest in the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases, including cancer, infectious diseases, kidney failure, and hyperammonemia. Notably, at the interface of chemical biotechnology and bacteria, many research opportunities have been initiated, opening a promising frontier in biomedical application. Herein, the current synergy of chemical biotechnology and bacteria, the design principles for bacteria-based delivery systems, the microbial modulation, and the clinical translation are reviewed, with a special focus on the emerging advances in diagnosis and therapy.

Balancing the needs of individuals and services in cancer treatment for people with dementia: A focused ethnographic study

BACKGROUND

Managing multiple conditions is difficult for patients and their families, increasing complexity in care. Two of the most common long-term conditions, cancer and dementia, both disproportionately affect older adults. However, little is known about the needs and experiences of those living with both conditions, which could inform practice in the area.

OBJECTIVES

This focused ethnographic study sought to understand how oncology services balance the unique and complex needs of these patients with those of the service more widely.

DESIGN

Focused ethnography.

SETTING

Two National Health Service hospital trusts.

PARTICIPANTS

Seventeen people with dementia and cancer, 22 relatives and 19 staff members participated.

METHODS

Participant observation, informal conversations, semi-structured interviews, and medical notes review.

RESULTS

Improved satisfaction and outcomes of care were reported when staff were delivering person-centred care. Staff tried to balance the need for personalised and flexible support for individuals with dementia with managing targets and processes of cancer care and treatment. The importance of continuity of people, places, and processes was consistently highlighted.

CONCLUSION

Navigating and managing the delicate balance between the needs of the individual and the needs of services more widely was difficult for both staff and patients. Improved awareness, identification and documentation of dementia would help to ensure that staff are aware of any specific patient needs. Consistency in staffing and appointment locations should develop familiarity and routine for people with dementia.

Why do Older Women Avoid Breast Cancer Surgery? A Qualitative Analysis of Decision-making Factors

BACKGROUND

Few studies have explored why older women (≥70 years old) avoid breast cancer surgery. This study aimed to identify physician- and patient-perceived attitudes that influence the decision to avoid surgery among older women with invasive breast cancer.

METHODS

Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with multidisciplinary breast cancer specialists and older women (≥70 years old) with breast cancer who declined surgery. Transcripts were iteratively coded using a theoretical framework to guide identification of common themes. Thematic comparison was performed between patients and physicians.

RESULTS

Ten breast cancer specialists and eleven patients participated. Physicians believed older women declined surgery because they did not perceive breast cancer as a life-threatening ailment compared to other medical comorbidities. Physicians did not discuss breast reconstruction, as it was perceived to be unimportant. Treatment side effects, length of treatment, impact on quality of life, and minimal survival benefit strongly influenced patients' decision to decline surgery. Patients valued independence and quality of life over quantity of life. Patients felt empowered to participate in the decision-making process but appreciated having support. Both phyisicians and patients had congruent beliefs with respect to age impacting treatment decision, cosmesis playing a minor factor in treatment decisions, and importance of quality of life; however, they were discordant in their perceptions about the amount of support that patients have from their families.

CONCLUSIONS

The decision to avoid surgery in older women stems from a variety of individual beliefs. Acknowledging patient values early in treatment planning may facilitate a patient-centered approach to the decision-making process.

Oral therapy adherence and satisfaction in patients with multiple myeloma

The transition to oral therapies in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) offers potential benefits to patients; however, they must self-manage their medication and adherence plays an important role in patient care. It has been shown that patient satisfaction with their medication has a strong positive correlation with adherence in chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to estimate adherence rate of oral antimyeloma therapies and to identify risk factors for medication non-adherence. This observational, prospective, and multicentre survey based on a self-report questionnaire enrolled MM patients with at least 3 months of oral therapy. The 6-item Girerd scale and the medication possession ratio (MPR) were used for measuring medication adherence and the SATMED-Q® questionnaire was used for measuring satisfaction. An analysis of risk factors for non-adherence to oral therapy was performed using univariate analysis. A total of 101 patients participated in the survey, yielding a response rate of 87%. The prevalence of adherence to oral antimyeloma therapy was estimated at 51.5% using the Girerd questionnaire. According to the MPR, adherence was evaluated at 96% (i.e. MPR ≥ 0.80). Both methods combined, adherence was estimated at 50.5%. One risk factor for medication non-adherence was identified: Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status > 2 (p = 0.007). One predictive factor for high medication adherence was identified: high satisfaction with treatment (p = 0.01). Identifying patients at higher risk for non-adherence allows clinical pharmacists to personalise therapeutic information and education and to improve the quality of healthcare overall.

Development and evaluation of a sustainable video health education program for newly diagnosed breast cancer patients in Malaysia

PURPOSE

Wider breast cancer (BC) treatment options, short consultation time with physicians, lack of knowledge, and poor coping skills at the time of diagnosis may affect patients' decisions causing treatment delays and non-adherence. To address this gap, a breast care nurse video orientation program was started. Our aim was to evaluate the video on patients' knowledge, satisfaction, and treatment adherence.

METHODS

The video was developed using the BC delay explanatory model. A self-administered pre- and post-survey on 241 newly diagnosed BC patients in University Malaya Medical Center was performed. The Wilcoxon matched paired signed rank test was used to evaluate patients' pre and post perceived knowledge using a Likert scale 0 to 4 (0 = "no knowledge," 4 = "a great degree of knowledge"). Treatment adherence among participants were measured after 1-year follow-up.

RESULTS

Eighty percent of the patients reported that the video met or exceeded their expectations. In total 80.5% reported that the video was very effective and effective in improving their perspective on BC treatments. There was improvement in perceived knowledge for treatment options (mean scores; M = 0.93 versus M = 2.97) (p < 0.001) and also for perceived knowledge on types of operation, information on chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormone therapy, healthy diet, physical activity after treatments, and care of the arm after operation(p < 0.001). In total 89.4%, 79.3%, and 85.9% adhered to surgical, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy recommended treatment, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The video improved patients' perceived knowledge and satisfaction. The program improved access not only to new BC patients but also the public and found sustainable using the YouTube platform.

The Use of Real-World Evidence for Oral Chemotherapies in Breast Cancer

Almost all patients with breast cancer will eventually receive chemotherapy drugs, the majority of which are administered as IV infusions. Real-world evidence indicates that while current treatment paradigms vary considerably from guideline recommendations, there is an increasing trend towards a preference for oral oncolytics among patients with breast cancer. Recent data have shown that oral anticancer therapeutics represent 25% of the oncology drug market share and that there is a high demand for these agents. Therefore, oral formulations of chemotherapy agents such as paclitaxel are currently under development. Although oral oncolytics are associated with several advantages over conventional intravenous drugs, maintaining adherence to therapy is a major barrier in achieving improved outcomes with these agents. Advanced practitioners can facilitate improved adherence to oral oncolytics by integrating evidence into practice to support better education and communication strategies to address patient concerns, overcome key hurdles, and ultimately, empower patients.