Challenges of oral medications in patients with advanced breast cancer.
OBJECTIVE
To list methods that nurses can use to monitor and ensure compliance with an oral agent for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer.


METHODS
Published research articles, abstracts, and clinical experience.


CONCLUSIONS
Oral chemotherapeutic agents offer the advantages of patient control and less interference with administration and, frequently, improved tolerability profiles versus conventional infusion chemotherapy. However, there is the difficulty of ensuring optimal adherence to the treatment plan. Adherence rates for oral chemotherapy vary widely in studies, and can depend on psychological and socioeconomic factors as well as individual patient outcome expectations.


CONCLUSIONS
Oncology nurses can identify factors influencing adherence to therapy and assess those patients appropriate for oral therapy. Oncology nurses can facilitate follow-up visits, ask appropriate adherence questions, and successfully manage the shift of administration responsibility to the patient.
Breast Clinic and Breast Cancer Program, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA. Palmieri.Frances@mayo.edu
Frances M
FM
Palmieri
Debra L
DL
Barton
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000451:nursing; D003142:Communication; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D017010:Reminder Systems
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents