Treatment of metastatic breast cancer in EU: Analysis of market research data from 4Q2013 till 3Q2014

Objective: Despite the scientific evidence undoubtedly influencing current guidelines on the management of metastatic Breast cancer (mBC), marketing research data suggests this may not be reflected in EU prescribing behavior. Specifically we would like to understand the use of combination chemotherapy vs monotherapy in mBC patients.

Methodology: This study is based on IMS Oncology Analyzer™, a web-based physician panel survey set-up by IMS Health, a global company which specializes in health care information including market research data. Analysis was carried out on prescribing behavior reflected in marketing research data from IMS source (from MAT Q42013 till MAT Q32014) and comparing the data with the current guidelines recommendation in mBC (ESO-ESMO 2nd international consensus guidelines).

Results: In 1st line mBC around 17% of patients are treated with combination chemotherapy drugs. The combination chemotherapy are essentially anthracycline based than taxane based. In 2nd⁺ line mBC a higher proportion of monotherapy (chemotherapy+/-biologics) is being used.

Conclusion: Despite the recommendation provided by current ESMO guidelines on mBC treatments, indicating the sequential use of single cytotoxic agents is a considerable alternative to standard multidrug chemotherapy regimens, marketing research data suggests this may not be reflected in EU prescribing behavior.