Patients' preference for administration of endocrine treatments by injection or tablets: results from a study of women with breast cancer

Ann Oncol. 2006 Feb;17(2):205-10. doi: 10.1093/annonc/mdj044. Epub 2005 Oct 20.

Abstract

Background: Endocrine therapies for advanced breast cancer include tablets and intramuscular injections. When treatments have similar efficacy and tolerability profiles, addressing preferences about routes of administration is important.

Patients and methods: Two hundred and eight women>2 years post-breast cancer diagnosis were interviewed about their preferences for daily tablets or monthly intramuscular injections. Health-care professionals treating the women estimated patients' preferences.

Results: Sixty-three per cent of patients preferred tablets, 24.5% preferred the injection and 12.5% had no preference. The most cited reasons for tablet preference were convenience and dislike of needles; for injection preference, adherence and convenience. Variables associated with preferences were body mass index, educational level, attitudes towards injections and efficacy perceptions. Estimates about patients' preferences by health-care professionals varied widely. When asked to imagine scenarios where injections produced fewer hot flushes, or where two injections monthly improved efficacy, injection preference increased to 60.6% and 74.5%, respectively. Disturbingly, approximately 50% of patients admitted they sometimes forgot or chose not to take their current oral medication.

Conclusions: The majority of breast cancer patients preferred hormone therapy via daily tablets rather than monthly injections. Information about side-effects or improved efficacy altered these preferences. Adherence to treatment cannot be assumed; patients' preferences about drug administration may influence this.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / therapeutic use*
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Injections, Intramuscular
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Compliance
  • Patient Education as Topic*
  • Patient Satisfaction*
  • Tablets

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal
  • Tablets