Testing a behavioral intervention to improve adherence to adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET).

Abstract

TPS10128 Background: Adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET) is a crucial component of treatment used to prevent recurrence and reduce mortality for women with hormone receptor positive breast cancer. Poor adherence to AET is a significant problem, with rates of non-adherence ranging from 28% to 59%. Non-adherence to AET contributes to increased medical costs and increased mortality. Symptoms (e.g., pain, hot flashes, sleep problems, vaginal dryness) associated with AET are related to non-adherence and early discontinuation of treatment. Our goal is to test the efficacy of a novel self-management intervention (SMAET) that teaches patients skills for enhancing adherence to AET and coping with AET-related symptoms. Methods: Trial participants will be recruited from a tertiary care medical center and community clinics that are located in medically underserved areas. Target enrollment is 400 patients. Prospective participants must meet the following criteria: diagnosis of Stage I to III breast cancer; hormone receptor positive tumor; local definitive cancer treatment complete; within 12 months of beginning AET; have at least 18 months of AET recommended; and at least 21 years of age. We will test the effects of the SMAET intervention (n = 200) by comparing it to a general health education intervention (n = 200; attention control). The SMAET protocol includes 7 sessions providing systematic training in coping skills for managing symptoms that interfere with adherence and 3 maintenance calls delivered over 6 months by a nurse via the phone. The intervention also includes interactive voice messaging that is tailored based on real-time adherence data. The primary study outcome, adherence to AET, will be assessed in real-time for 18 months using wireless smart pill bottles (i.e., bottle opening and percent of pills remaining). Symptom interference will be examined as a secondary outcome and will be assessed over 18 months. If effective, the intervention may reduce the burden of AET use. Clinical trial information: NCT02707471.