For Patients
You deserve a treatment plan that works for you
The Patient Centered Dosing Initiative (PCDI) encourages patients and doctors to talk openly about cancer treatment dosing—before side effects become overwhelming. Most metastatic breast cancer (MBC) treatments are available in a range of approved doses, but patients are often started on the highest one by default.
That approach can lead to severe, long-term side effects—especially since most MBC patients are on treatment for life. But recent evidence shows that lower doses may still be effective, while being easier to tolerate.
That’s why dosing should be a conversation. Together, you and your doctor can weigh your health, history, and personal goals to decide what makes sense for you.
Things to consider when discussing dose:
Your own personal goals and wishes
Your performance status (co-morbidities/medications, mobility and agility, current & past health situation, age, etc.)
Your history of side effects from prior drugs
Your current & historical blood count levels
Whether your disease is aggressive or indolent
Whether you have visceral crisis (severe organ dysfunction) or Central Nervous System (CNS) metastases
Your Body Mass Index (BMI)
Your personal financial situation (if additional medications are needed for side effect mitigation, can you afford them?)
Availability of in-home care (if you have severe side effects, is there anyone available to assist you?)