[The treatment of bone metastases with bisphosphonates--the patients' view]

The Hungarian bisphosphonate market has been increasing for years; last year the number of patients was approximately 3200-3500. We decided to start a research among patients having malignant disease with bone metastases, in order to find out how patients evaluate the drugs, how they are informed and what is the role of doctors and nurses in compliance. Nearly 300 patients filled questionnaires and we have made 16 in-depth interviews. The average age of patients was 57 years. More than 60% of patients were younger than 60 and the male-female ratio was 1:2. We found that more than one quarter of the patients arrived to their doctor from farther than 50 km and 70% of them meet their doctor at least once a month. The results showed that 95% of patients would prefer oral treatment (tablets or capsules), and 75% of the patients would choose tablets, if they were asked. Most of the patients wanted to be informed primarily by doctors. Nurses were the hostesses of emotional problems. Doctor-patient relationship was characterised by paternalism. Female patients were more open to nurses, they talked over smaller problems emerging during the treatment and the same occurred with some male patients, too. Only 5% of patients received the treatment of their choice. Patients want to be involved more actively in the planning of their treatment process than doctors think, they expect that doctors should prefer their interest. Cancer patients are frequently underinformed and they expect more help to solve their psychological problems.