Study Highlights the Importance of Sharing Metastatic Breast Cancer Prognosis, Treatment Plan With Patients

Some patients are unaware of their incurable metastatic breast cancer (mBC) stage and treatment duration, according to a study presented at the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting.

“Patients with [mBC] require knowledge of their advanced stage to fully participate in health care decision-making. However, both patients and oncologists face communication challenges when discussing this information,” the researchers noted.

They assessed online survey results from 19 oncologists and 50 patients (median patient age, 52 years) across 8 cancer centers in Mexico 3 to 7 days after mBC diagnosis and treatment (Tx) initiation. They sought to discern knowledge about stage and Tx objectives, illness uncertainty (SF-MUIS), and satisfaction. Medical oncologists involved in the study also answered an online survey exploring their perceptions, experience, and distress levels (distress thermometer) when sharing mBC information.

According to the results, most (74%) patients were aware of their mBC stage, 14% were unaware, and 12% were not sure. All 19 oncologists declared that they explained the noncurability of mBC. However, when asked if mBC was curable (as explained by the oncologist), only 50% of patients stated it was incurable, 40% were not sure, and 10% believed it was curable. Moreover, while most (68%) patients considered the main objective of their Tx to be an improved lifespan and quality of life, 32% believed it was to cure their mBC and only 60% were aware their Tx had no established end date. Most (86%) were satisfied with the way their oncologist provided mBC information. Furthermore, oncologists reported discussing prognosis in 96% of cases, yet only 42% of patients reported having this discussion.

“Patients’ perceptions of the information provided by their oncologists were generally positive. Yet, a considerable proportion were unaware of their incurable mBC stage and its Tx objectives and duration. Interventions to facilitate these conversations for both patients and oncologists are crucial to improve patients’ understanding and enable their active participation in care decisions,” the researchers concluded.

Reference

Mesa-Chavez F, Carrillo G, Vazquez Juarez D, et al. Disclosure of metastatic breast cancer information: patients’ understanding and patients’ and oncologists’ experiences. Abstract #12101. Published for the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting; May 31-June 4, 2024; Chicago, Illinois.