Barriers and facilitators to taking CDK4/6 inhibitors among patients with metastatic breast cancer: a qualitative study

Purpose Most studies of adherence to treatment for breast cancer have focused on early-stage patients. Findings from these studies may not generalize to patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). The objective of this study was to identify barriers and facilitators of adherence to cyclin-dependen...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Breast cancer research and treatment 2022-04, Vol.192 (2), p.385-399
Main Authors:	Conley, Claire C., McIntyre, McKenzie, Pensak, Nicole A., Lynce, Filipa, Graham, Deena, Ismail-Khan, Roohi, Lopez, Katherine, Vadaparampil, Susan T., O’Neill, Suzanne C.
Format:	Article
Language:	eng
Subjects:	Analysis Breast cancer Breast Neoplasms - drug therapy Breast Neoplasms - pathology Cancer Cancer patients Cancer research Care and treatment Caregivers Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 4 Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 6 - metabolism Cyclin-dependent kinases Drug therapy Epidemiology Female Humans Medicine Medicine & Public Health Metastases Metastasis Oncology Oncology, Experimental Patient compliance Patient education Patients Qualitative Research Symptom management
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Summary:	Purpose Most studies of adherence to treatment for breast cancer have focused on early-stage patients. Findings from these studies may not generalize to patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). The objective of this study was to identify barriers and facilitators of adherence to cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK4/6) inhibitors among patients with MBC, guided by the social ecologic model (SEM). Methods Patients with MBC ( N = 25), their caregivers ( N = 9), and oncology providers ( N = 13) completed semi-structured qualitative interviews exploring their experiences with CDK4/6 inhibitors. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed by three raters using a combined deductive and inductive approach. Results Qualitative analysis identified barriers and facilitators of adherence at each SEM level. Intrapersonal and interpersonal factors were most frequently discussed. Intrapersonal factors included knowledge/beliefs about CDK4/6 inhibitors, side effects, and establishing a routine. Interpersonal factors included effective communication with/coordination by the care team, support from family and friends, and information from other patients with MBC. Although less frequently discussed, policy factors (i.e., cost of CDK4/6 inhibitors) were of great concern to patients, caregivers, and providers. Conclusion Barriers to adherence to CDK4/6 inhibitors exist at multiple levels. Our results underscore the potential value of a multilevel intervention (e.g., patient education, evidence-based strategies for symptom management, tips for open and assertive communication with providers, information about financial resources/support available, and so on) to support adherence in this population.
ISSN:	0167-6806 1573-7217