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01-11-2018 | Original Article

Metastatic breast cancer patients’ expectations and priorities for symptom improvement

Authors: Danielle B. Tometich, Catherine E. Mosher, Adam T. Hirsh, Kevin L. Rand, Shelley A. Johns, Marianne S. Matthias, Samantha D. Outcalt, Bryan P. Schneider, Lida Mina, Anna Maria V. Storniolo, Erin V. Newton, Kathy D. Miller

Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Issue 11/2018

Abstract

Purpose

Little research has examined cancer patients’ expectations, goals, and priorities for symptom improvement. Thus, we examined these outcomes in metastatic breast cancer patients to provide patients’ perspectives on clinically meaningful symptom improvement and priorities for symptom management.

Methods

Eighty women with metastatic breast cancer participated in a survey with measures of comorbidity, functional status, engagement in roles and activities, distress, quality of life, and the modified Patient-Centered Outcomes Questionnaire that focused on 10 common symptoms in cancer patients.

Results

On average, patients reported low to moderate severity across the 10 symptoms and expected symptom treatment to be successful. Patients indicated that a 49% reduction in fatigue, 48% reduction in thinking problems, and 43% reduction in sleep problems would represent successful symptom treatment. Cluster analysis based on ratings of the importance of symptom improvement yielded three clusters of patients: (1) those who rated thinking problems, sleep problems, and fatigue as highly important, (2) those who rated pain as moderately important, and (3) those who rated all symptoms as highly important. The first patient cluster differed from other subgroups in severity of thinking problems and education.

Conclusions

Metastatic breast cancer patients report differing symptom treatment priorities and criteria for treatment success across symptoms. Considering cancer patients’ perspectives on clinically meaningful symptom improvement and priorities for symptom management will ensure that treatment is consistent with their values and goals.

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Title: Metastatic breast cancer patients’ expectations and priorities for symptom improvement
Authors: Danielle B. Tometich
Catherine E. Mosher
Adam T. Hirsh
Kevin L. Rand
Shelley A. Johns
Marianne S. Matthias
Samantha D. Outcalt
Bryan P. Schneider
Lida Mina
Anna Maria V. Storniolo
Erin V. Newton
Kathy D. Miller
Publication date: 01-11-2018
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer / Issue 11/2018
Print ISSN: 0941-4355
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7339
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-018-4244-8

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