[Online Survey about Communication between Abemaciclib-Treated Patients with Breast Cancer and Physicians].

Abstract

Objective: To describe the actual communication of patients with breast cancer on oral abemaciclib treatment and the motivating factors to continue treatment.

Methods: An online survey was conducted in July and August 2023 across Japan among patients aged ≥18 years who were undergoing or had prior experience with abemaciclib treatment and physicians who had prescribed abemaciclib during the past year.

Results: Responses from 80 patients and 78 physicians were obtained. The main explanations patients received from their physicians before/after starting treatment were related to side effects (90%)and effectiveness(88%). Regarding management of side effects, both patients(66%)and physicians(54%) responded that"easy-to-understand explanations on how to deal with side effects"is necessary. The proportion of patients who received an explanation from their physician on how to deal with side effects was relatively low. A notable challenge experienced by patients when they had side effects was "I don't know how severe my symptoms should be before contacting or visiting the hospital".

Conclusions: The results of this survey suggest that specific, easy-to-understand information from healthcare professionals on adverse events and how to deal with them could help patients more appropriately self-manage abemaciclib treatment.