Abstract P4-11-24: Patient's point of view on how to promote adherence to adjuvant endocrine therapy (ET): A large french survey
Authors: Sarra Akla, Elie Rassy, Antonio Di-Meglio, Elise Martin, Julie Havas, Andre Rieutord, Angelo Paci, David Combarel, Leonor Fasse, Florian Scotte, Guillemette Jacob, Anne Bergognoux, Suzette Delaloge, Ines Vas Luis, Barbara Pistilli
Journal: Cancer Research (2022)

Abstract Purpose: Non-adherence to adjuvant ET remains a major issue in patients with localized breast cancer (BC) and negatively impacts the long-term recurrence and survival outcomes. Recently, we reported that 16.0% of premenopausal pts had a serum tamoxifen level below the set adherence threshold and had an increased their risk of breast cancer distant recurrences (NCT01993498). Thus, implementation of personalized effective strategies to improve patients adherence remains a topic of active research. As effective approaches must rely upon a comprehensive understanding of the multiple interplaying factors that affect adherence, we performed a survey among French breast cancer survivors that were receiving or had previously received adjuvant ET to explore patients’ expectations and preferences for mitigating ET side effects. Methods: From July 1st to July 31 2020, we addressed a large social media and web-based survey to premenopausal patients who currently or had been treated for a localised BC in collaboration with 2 major French patient advocacy groups “Les Seintinelles” and “ODYSSEA Foundation”. The survey aimed to determine: a. patient’s preferences on ET formulation and administration; b. patient’s opinion on the contents of a mobile application for managing ET. It comprised 3 items: information about the participants and the ET received or currently ongoing; preferences on ET formulation (type of pill, taste, color, shape), dosing and combination with active drugs controlling side effects; opinion on the usefulness of a mobile application and relevance of its possible contents for complementing ET administration. Results: Of the 1,616 survey responses collected, 1,474 were completely filled and could be used in the analysis. 65% of them were aged between 40 and 59 years, 68% were still receiving ET during data collection. Most of the patients considered the presentation of the drug (taste, shapes and colors) to have little impact on adherence to treatment. The preferred pharmaceutical forms were capsules or swallowable tablets (56%). 75% of participants favoured a single pill containing ET plus an active substance controlling side effects. 85% were favourable to the use of a mobile application, in particular to better understand the interest and the expected benefit of ET (15%), to be reminded when to take the treatment (11%), and to obtain advice concerning the management of side effects (29%).Conclusion: This large French survey identified two main leads that could potentially promote or improve adherence to ET: combined treatment formulation including substances. targeting side effects, and a mobile application allowing support throughout treatment duration. Patient’s opinions on ET dosing and management are essential to inform the development of personalized approaches for improving adherence. Keywords: Endocrine therapy, non-adherence, breast-cancer, survey. Citation Format: Sarra Akla, Elie Rassy, Antonio Di-Meglio, Elise Martin, Julie Havas, Andre Rieutord, Angelo Paci, David Combarel, Leonor Fasse, Florian Scotte, Guillemette Jacob, Anne Bergognoux, Suzette Delaloge, Ines Vas Luis, Barbara Pistilli. Patient's point of view on how to promote adherence to adjuvant endocrine therapy (ET): A large french survey [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2021 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2021 Dec 7-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-11-24.