Kerri Fitzgerald

Cancer Nursing Today nonprod

A study identified self-reported gaps from healthcare providers (HCPs) associated with providing treatment-related support to patients with metastatic breast cancer. Areas for improvement include setting expectations about treatment side effects and discussing the patient&rsquo;s role in reporting potential side effects.Combination cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6 inhibitors plus endocrine therapy has improved outcomes for patients with hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer. Despite this fact, some patients discontinue CDK 4/6 therapy. A study presented at the 2022 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting assessed how HCPs define their role in educating patients on treatment-related side effects to improve treatment compliance and reduce early discontinuation of CDK 4/6 inhibitors.Using a sequential mixed-methods design, investigators conducted 45-minute phone interviews (n=25) with HCPs that then informed the development of an online survey (n=193). The survey was distributed to medical oncologists (n=64), oncology registered nurses (RNs; n=64), and nurse practitioners/physician assistants (NPs/PAs; n=65) in the community-based setting.In general, 26% to 48% of those surveyed reported suboptimal knowledge of side effects related to specific CDK 4/6 inhibitors (abemaciclib, ribociclib, and palbociclib). Interviewees noted that educating patients and setting expectations on potential side effects was critical, but 52% of medical oncologists reported suboptimal skill in doing so compared with 42% of NPs/PAs and 20% of RNs.Most HCPs (68% of medical oncologists, 85% of NPs/PAs, and 91% of RNs) expect patients to be able to report all side effects, while less than one-third explain to patients their role in reporting side effects (31%, 26%, and 16%, respectively). Half of medical oncologists believe compliance to prescribed medications is entirely in the patient&rsquo;s hands compared with just 17% of NPs/PAs and 16% of RNs. Less than half of HCPs (44% to 45%) openly discuss conventional and alternative medications patients are taking.&ldquo;This study identified areas where HCPs can improve their ability to counsel patients and address concerns that may influence a patient&rsquo;s decision to prematurely discontinue therapy and should be used to inform future professional development initiatives,&rdquo; the researchers concluded.ReferenceO&rsquo;Sullivan CCM, Jacobs G, Perez DG, et al. Supporting patients with metastatic breast cancer during therapy with cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK) inhibitors: A needs assessment. <a href="https://meetings.asco.org/abstracts-presentations/210043">Abstract #e13054</a>. Presented at the 2022 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting; June 3-7, 2022; Chicago, IL.

Physicians, Nurses Can Improve Treatment Compliance With CDK 4/6 Inhibitors in Metastatic Breast Cancer

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A study identified self-reported gaps from healthcare providers associated with providing treatment-related support.