Scientific Poster Session I - Students Research-in-Progress

Abstract

Near perfect (>90%) adherence to oral anticancer agents (i.e. OAA) is required for optimal outcomes in patients with cancer.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the level of adherence to OAA in patients with solid tumors and hematologic malignancies and assess perceived barriers to adherence. Results will help clinicians identify approaches to a patient-centered plan to improve adherence.

Research Question or Hypothesis:

What is the level of OAA adherence in patients with cancer?

What are common reasons for suboptimal adherence to OAA in patients with cancer?

Study Design:

Single-center prospective observational study of patients receiving care at UNC-Health-System (UNC-IRB 22-1317).

Methods:

IRB was approved in June 2022, eligible patients were identified from the Carolina Data Warehouse. Patients =18 years, English-speaking, actively taking one OAA to treat cancer, and receiving care at UNC-Health-System were included.

We used an 8-section, 55-question telephone survey developed by the study team (Qualtrics®).

We used descriptive statistics to describe all responses and Wilson Adherence Score to calculate the level of adherence.

Results:

Between March 2023-June 2024, 45 surveys were completed and included in the final analysis. 77.5% of studied population had optimal adherence (>90%). Common reasons for cutting back: physician instructions(n=5), pharmacy delay(n=5), travel(n=4), adverse events(n=4). Top 3 primary resources for OAA information: doctor(n=34), internet(n=5), pharmacist(n=3). Pharmacists spoke to 23.7% of studied population when they started taking OAA. 62.2% reported “never” or “rarely” thinking about the last time they ate before taking OAA and 57.7 % said that out-of-pocket cost is “very” or “somewhat” important in determining whether they take OAA as prescribed.

Conclusion:

Nearly a quarter of our patients had suboptimal adherence. We found that gaps in care might include: 1)patients' non adherence to food-drug instructions; 2)high-cost; 3)pharmacy delay; 4)forgetfulness; 5)side effects. Pharmacists are underutilized and could be leveraged in addressing these gaps.

Presenting Author

Authors