Flexible care in breast cancer

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Patient Care Models
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Cancer treatment delivery is resource-intensive, burdening patients and healthcare systems.
• Flexible care models administer treatments outside traditional hospital settings.
• Subcutaneous trastuzumab offers advantages over intravenous administration for breast cancer patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and patient preference for subcutaneous trastuzumab administration in a flexible care setting.
• To explore the potential of flexible care models to improve patient quality of life and reduce healthcare system strain.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical trial data comparing subcutaneous (s.c.) and intravenous trastuzumab administration.
• Analysis of a Belgian study (BELIS) on home administration of s.c. trastuzumab.
• Examination of numerous European programmes and pilot studies on flexible administration of s.c. trastuzumab.

Main Results:

• Subcutaneous trastuzumab is preferred by breast cancer patients over intravenous administration.
• Home administration of s.c. trastuzumab is feasible and preferred by patients.
• Flexible care models, including home administration, reduce healthcare professional time and costs.

Conclusions:

• Flexible care models, particularly home administration of subcutaneous trastuzumab, are feasible and beneficial for breast cancer patients.
• These models enhance patient quality of life and reduce pressure on healthcare resources.
• Flexible care aligns with modern healthcare trends, including remote and decentralized treatment delivery.