[3 osteosarcoma therapy dropouts. Clinical cases]

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Adolescent Medicine
• Psychology

Background:

• Osteogenic sarcoma treatment often involves aggressive chemotherapy.
• Adherence to treatment plans is crucial for patient outcomes.
• Understanding patient refusal factors is vital for personalized care.

Observation:

• Three male patients (late adolescence/young adulthood) with osteogenic sarcoma refused the full COSS 80 chemotherapy protocol.
• Patients reported disturbed family situations, early independence, and high sociability.
• Key reasons for refusal included perceived intolerability of chemotherapy side effects and significant fear of medical procedures like injections.

Findings:

• Patient refusal of cancer treatment can be multifactorial, influenced by psychological and social factors.
• Personality traits such as autonomy and low self-control may correlate with treatment non-adherence.
• Fear of medical interventions and side effect management are significant barriers to chemotherapy completion.

Implications:

• This case series highlights the need for tailored patient support and psychological interventions in osteogenic sarcoma treatment.
• Healthcare providers should address patient fears and side effect concerns proactively.
• Further research into the psychological and social determinants of cancer treatment adherence is warranted.