A Comparison of Breast Cancer Treatment Regimens by Demographic Characteristics

1999 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marianne U. Yood ◽  
Kenneth Rothman
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Treatment ◽  
Breast Cancer Treatment ◽  
Demographic Characteristics ◽  
Treatment Regimens

scholarly journals Biosimilar Use in Breast Cancer Treatment: A National Survey of Brazilian Oncologists' Opinions, Practices, and Concerns

2021 ◽  
pp. 1316-1324
Author(s):  
Heloísa M. Resende ◽  
Leandro Ladislau ◽  
Ana Carolina F. Cardoso ◽  
Juliana Dinéia P. Brandão ◽  
Biazi R. Assis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Treatment ◽  
Breast Cancer Treatment ◽  
Her2 Positive ◽  
Treatment Regimens ◽  
Her2 Positive Breast Cancer ◽  
Level Of Knowledge ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Switching Treatment ◽  
Positive Breast Cancer

PURPOSE Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in Brazilian women, with 66,280 new cases in 2020 (with 20% overexpressing human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 [HER2]). The trastuzumab biosimilar was the first oncology biosimilar approved in Brazil for HER2-positive breast cancer treatment. This study aimed to assess the current level of knowledge of biosimilars, comfort of use, extrapolation indications, and switching of practices among oncologists in Brazil. METHODS A 24-question survey was developed using an online platform that sought information regarding responders' characteristics and use of biosimilars. The survey analyzed the basic knowledge of biosimilars, trastuzumab biosimilars, level of comfort with extrapolation, switching treatment regimens, and opinions concerning the cost of HER2-positive breast cancer therapy. Data were collected between July and September 2019 and included 144 oncologists from five Brazilian regions. RESULTS In total, 95% of respondents could identify the most appropriate definition of biosimilars and 96% felt comfortable prescribing trastuzumab biosimilars. Although 63% of respondents would use the biosimilar in all settings wherein the reference biologic was approved, 35% would use the biosimilar for cases involving metastatic disease. Although 82% of oncologists were in favor of switching from a reference biologic to a biosimilar, 18% would avoid switching regimens. The lack of studies detailing switching to other regimens and the correct timing to switch was the major concern. The cost of HER2 therapy was a significant concern for most oncologists. CONCLUSION Oncologists demonstrated a high level of knowledge of biosimilars and encouraging levels of prescriber use; however, extrapolation and switching treatment regimens are barriers to the effective use of biosimilars in cancer treatment. Efforts should be concentrated on strategies involving medical education programs on biosimilars.

scholarly journals Development of a Breast Cancer Treatment Program in Port-au-Prince, Haiti: Experiences From the Field

2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincent DeGennaro ◽  
Rachel Libby ◽  
Elizabeth Patberg ◽  
Dieudina Gabriel ◽  
Samer Al-Quran ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Treatment ◽  
Treatment Program ◽  
Medical Training ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Breast Cancer Treatment ◽  
Outcome Data ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Chemotherapy Drugs ◽  
Treatment Regimens

Purpose The nonprofit Project Medishare launched a breast cancer treatment program in Port-au-Prince in July 2013 to address the demand for breast cancer care in Haiti. We outline the development of the program, highlight specific challenges, and discuss key considerations for others working in global oncology. Methods We reflected on our experiences in the key areas of developing partnerships, building laboratory capacity, conducting medical training, using treatment algorithms, and ensuring access to safe, low-cost chemotherapy drugs. We also critically reviewed our costs and quality measures. Results The program has treated a total of 139 patients with breast cancer with strong adherence to treatment regimens in 85% of patients. In 273 chemotherapy administrations, no serious exposure or adverse safety events were reported by staff. The mortality rate for 94 patients for whom we have complete data was 24% with a median survival time of 53 months. Our outcome data were likely influenced by stage at presentation, with more than half of patients presenting more than 12 months after first noticing a tumor. Future efforts will therefore focus on continuing to improve the level of care, while working with local partners to spread awareness, increase screening, and get more women into care earlier in the course of their disease. Conclusion Our experiences may inform others working to implement protocol-based cancer treatment programs in resource-poor settings and can provide valuable lessons learned for future global oncology efforts.

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