PROFESSIONAL IMPACT OF SIDE-EFFECTS ASSOCIATED WITH ENDOCRINE TREATMENTS FOR ADVANCED BREAST-CANCER - CLINICIAN AND PATIENTS PERCEPTIONS

A study was initiated to determine the impact on the patient of the si de-effects associated with endocrine treatments for advanced breast ca ncer, with respect to distress caused leading to a desire to change tr eatment. The patients' views were compared with the medical profession als' perceptions of a change of treatment being required. Concerning s ide-effects, such as hot flushes, weight gain, and vaginal bleeding, t here was generally a good correlation of perceptions between the medic al professionals and patients, however, in most cases the medical prof essional underestimated the distress caused to the patients. The side- effects leading to most patient distress were, in descending order, va ginal bleeding, lethargy/sleepiness, hot flushes/sweats and weight gai n. The study identified that whereas patients would continue to persev ere despite toxicities, better tolerated treatments were required.