Patient Survey (2020)

The Patient-Centered Dosing Initiative (PCDI) conducted the MBC Patient Survey to better understand the impact of treatment-related side effects on individuals with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Designed by MBC patient advocates, the survey explored the prevalence and severity of side effects, communication between patients and doctors, and the potential benefits of personalized dosing strategies.

The results were striking: 86% of the 1,221 respondents reported experiencing at least one significant side effect. These side effects were severe enough to result in hospital visits for 1 in 5 patients, and more than 40% missed at least one treatment. Despite these challenges, 92% of patients expressed a willingness to discuss flexible dosing options with their oncologists, highlighting a strong interest in approaches that could improve both quality of life and treatment adherence.

Medical Oncologists Survey (2021)

Building on the success of the patient survey, PCDI launched the Medical Oncologists Survey in 2021 to gain insights into oncologists’ perspectives. The results revealed that oncologists often underestimated the prevalence and severity of side effects experienced by their patients. However, 85% did not believe that higher doses were always more effective, and 97% were open to discussing flexible dosing options with their patients.

Together, these surveys are fostering critical conversations and driving change in oncology care.

Recognized Impact and Success

The insights from the PCDI’s patient and oncologist surveys have gained widespread recognition, sparking critical conversations and driving tangible change in cancer care. The Patient Survey results were presented globally at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) 2021 conference, with additional highlights shared at "Best of ASCO" Malaysia.

This international exposure amplified patient voices and underscored the importance of addressing treatment-related side effects.

The Medical Oncologists Survey further solidified PCDI’s impact, with its findings published in the peer-reviewed journal Breast Cancer Research and Treatment. The results were also featured at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS) 2021 and summarized in the Journal of Clinical Pathways. Collectively, these surveys have been highlighted in multiple academic and clinical platforms, including a comprehensive paper in Clinical Trials summarizing PCDI’s groundbreaking work.

Publications and Presentation Materials

The insights from both surveys have been published in leading journals:

• “The Right Dose: Results of a Patient Advocate-Led Survey of Individuals With Metastatic Breast Cancer Regarding Treatment-Related Side Effects and Views About Dosage Assessment to Optimize Quality of Life.” JCO oncology practice

• “Patient-centered dosing: oncologists' perspectives about treatment-related side effects and individualized dosing for patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC).” Breast cancer research and treatment

• “The patient perspective on dose optimization for anticancer treatments: A new era of cancer drug dosing-Challenging the "more is better" dogma.” Clinical trials