New Findings From Global Survey Of Women Living With Metastatic Breast Cancer Highlight Strategies To Improve Patient Enrollment In Clinical Trials

Main Category: Breast Cancer
Also Included In: Women's Health / Gynecology;  Cancer / Oncology
Article Date: 24 Apr 2009 - 2:00 PDT


Newly released findings from the BRIDGE survey (Bridging Gaps, Expanding Outreach - Metastatic Breast Cancer Patient Survey) found that most (78 percent) women living with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) have never participated in a clinical trial. Of these women, more than half (56 percent) were never invited to consider a clinical trial and one-third (30 percent) had not been recommended a clinical trial by their healthcare provider. Findings from the survey, conducted by Harris Interactive and supported by Pfizer Oncology, were presented today at the American Association for Cancer Research 100th Annual Meeting 2009 in Denver, Colorado.

The survey of 950 women living with MBC in the United States, the United Kingdom, Belgium, France, Spain, Poland, Argentina, Egypt and Mexico found that less than one-fifth of respondents (18 percent) had ever enrolled in a clinical trial. Of these women, 77 percent cited encouragement from their healthcare provider as the primary reason for participating. Among the 23 percent of respondents who were invited to consider a clinical trial by a healthcare provider, 31 percent (67 respondents) did not participate for reasons including fear of side effects (38 percent), not meeting screening requirements (31 percent), belief that they would not benefit from the trial (30 percent) and not wanting to be part of an experiment (26 percent).

"Metastatic breast cancer remains a clinical challenge in the oncology community, as the majority of patients progress despite available therapies," said Ruth Oratz, M.D., F.A.C.P., clinical associate professor of medicine, NYU School of Medicine and BRIDGE steering committee member. "While clinical trials are critical to the development of new treatment options for metastatic breast cancer, many trials are delayed due to insufficient enrollment. The BRIDGE survey helps to reveal some of the barriers to clinical trial participation in the metastatic breast cancer setting that may help us address challenges in patient recruitment."

The BRIDGE survey found that about a quarter (26 percent) of respondents had proactively searched for information on clinical trials. Of these women, nearly half (46 percent) had been invited to consider a clinical trial by a healthcare provider and 34 percent had enrolled in a clinical trial, compared to those who had not sought out information, 15 and 13 percent, respectively. Further, among women who had participated in a clinical trial, more than half reported that information about the benefits and risks of participation (57 percent), as well as potential side effects (54 percent), was helpful in getting them through the clinical trial process.

"The BRIDGE survey shows that knowledge is power when it comes to clinical trials," said Professor Lesley Fallowfield, director, Cancer Research UK Psychosocial Oncology Group, University of Sussex, UK, and BRIDGE steering committee member. "Physician influence is a primary factor driving participation, but patients can only take an active role if they are aware of all their treatment options and are encouraged to enquire about treatments available within a clinical trial."

Based on these findings, the international steering committee overseeing the BRIDGE survey encourages healthcare providers to proactively discuss the options, risks and benefits of clinical trials with potentially eligible patients, and provide support services that offer assistance and guidance to patients throughout the clinical trial process. The steering committee also encourages women living with MBC to research and proactively discuss clinical trials with their healthcare providers.

About Metastatic Breast Cancer

Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is the most advanced stage of breast cancer (Stage IV) and occurs when cancer has spread beyond the breast to distant parts of the body. Compared to early stage breast cancer, the prognosis for Stage IV breast cancer is poor, with the majority of breast cancer-related deaths resulting from complications of metastatic disease. Despite advances in treatment, effective therapy for metastatic breast cancer remains a clinical challenge in the oncology community, as the majority of patients eventually relapse even with available therapies. Additional treatment options are critically needed to address this continuing unmet need.

Source
Harris Interactive

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