Abstract P5-15-06: Analysis of knowledge, quality of life and medical management of patients with metastatic breast cancer: Results of the RÉALITÉS 2 French Survey
Authors: Jean-Sebastien Frenel, Séverine Guiu, Dominique Debiais, Isabelle Moley-Massol, Laure Gueroult-Accolas, Claudia Lefeuvre-Plesse
Journal: Cancer Research (2022)

Abstract Metastatic breast cancer (mBC) progression and associated treatments can significantly impact the patients’ quality of life (QoL). However, few studies address the patients’ experience and the solutions to improve their QoL. RÉALITÉS 2 is a physicians/patients mirror survey carried out in 2020 among 57 medical doctors and 269 patients with mBC, one of which main objectives is to assess the mBC patients’ QoL and healthcare. The participating physicians were invited to distribute a questionnaire to their voluntary patients. Compared with the results of the RÉALITÉS 1 survey conducted in 2015, patients declared that they have a better knowledge of their disease in 2020. Most of the patients (76%) understood they had metastasized cancer, vs. 65% during the first wave. Regarding the information provided during mBC announcement, patients were more positive in 2020. 78% of them reported that their medical doctor spent time listening them, vs. 68% in 2015. However, for 58% of the surveyed physicians, the information provided remains difficult to understand for a minority of patients. Throughout the RÉALITÉS 2 survey, patients also expressed their satisfaction with the information received about their treatment. 81% of them said they were informed about the adverse effects of treatments and 74% felt free to ask their questions, vs 71% and 66% respectively in 2015. In 2020, patients made more use of supportive care, such as social assistance (36% vs. 26% in 2015), as well as physical activity advice (18% vs. 13% in 2015). Regarding patients who did not receive supportive care, surveyed physicians explained that they were not offered in 2/3 of cases. The main adverse effects reported while taking treatments are fatigue, hair loss, pain and vomiting, mentioned respectively in 53%, 41%, 49% and 36% of cases by the patients; information confirmed by physicians. According to 82% of patients treated with chemotherapy, these adverse effects are attributable to their treatments, vs only 61% of patients receiving endocrine therapy and 66% of patients treated with targeted therapy. Physicians also believe that side effects are more frequently mentioned in patients undergoing chemotherapy. RÉALITÉS 2 survey highlights the significant improvement in terms of mBC patient support, care and disease/treatment understanding in France. However, cancer treatments remain quite impactful on mBC patients’ QoL, especially for patients treated by CT. There is still room for improvement on delivering and promoting supportive care access. Citation Format: Jean-Sebastien Frenel, Séverine Guiu, Dominique Debiais, Isabelle Moley-Massol, Laure Gueroult-Accolas, Claudia Lefeuvre-Plesse. Analysis of knowledge, quality of life and medical management of patients with metastatic breast cancer: Results of the RÉALITÉS 2 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 P5-15-06.