A single-arm longitudinal study to evaluate a decision aid for women who have been offered neoadjuvant systemic therapy for operable breast cancer (ANZ1301 DOMINO)

Abstract

Background:Once reserved for inoperable breast cancer, neoadjuvant systemic therapy (NAST) has become a treatment option for women with large operable or highly proliferative breast cancer. With equivalent survival outcomes between NAST and up-front surgery, the preference sensitive nature of the decision makes it suitable for a decision aid (DA). We aimed to develop and evaluate an online DA for women who had been offered NAST. Methods: Eligible women, considered by investigators as candidates for NAST, were enrolled in a single arm longitudinal study in Australia. Participants completed an online questionnaire prior to the DA, followed by a series of questionnaire post-DA up to 12 months from diagnosis. Primary outcomes were feasibility of use, and acceptability to patients and clinicians. Secondary outcomes were decision-related patient reported measures. Results: Seventy-nine women were screened, 59 were enrolled, and 47 (79.7%) reported having read the DA. 51 completed the first post-DA questionnaire. Patients were typically well educated, married, had health insurance and were information seekers. 4151 (80.4%) of participants found the DA useful for their decision about NAST. 1618 (88.9%) of responding investigators would continue to use the DA in routine practice. Post-DA, Decisional conflict decreased significantly across all subscales (p<0.01); anxiety and distress decreased significantly; 86.3% achieved at least as much decisional control as they desired; and a high level of knowledge was demonstrated. Discussion: This DA was feasible and acceptable to patients and clinicians, and improvements in decision-related outcomes were demonstrated. This DA could be implemented into routine practice for women with operable breast cancer who are candidates for NAST.

Publication
Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network
Date
Links