Newly-published results from the ASKHER2 European survey underscore the crucial need for physicians to proactively involve patients with HER2-positive breast cancer (HER2+ BC) in their disease management and treatment choices.¹ 

Specifically, the survey shows that physicians’ communication of recurrence risk alongside uncertainty patients face regarding treatment options may influence how disease is perceived.

This subsequently influences motivation and behaviour to decrease risk, affecting choices, decision satisfaction and treatment adherence, which can impact clinical outcomes.¹

The study, funded by Pierre Fabre Laboratories and published in The Breast journal, underscores the critical need for enhanced patient communication to facilitate shared decision-making and adherence to proposed interventions, and for distinct communication on the risk of disease recurrence.

The ASKHER2 survey was a European, multinational, direct-to-patient study that examined the perceptions and concerns of 622 women with early and metastatic HER2+ BC.

It was designed to help understand women’s perceptions and fears of the risk of recurrence, as well as additional interventions including lifestyle changes they are willing to undertake.

Data showed that 96.8% of women wanted to be involved in their treatment decision (49.2% completely and 47.6% partially).

Overall, 30.4% reported having fully discussed the risk of recurrence with their healthcare team, whereas 19.5% had not.

To decrease the risk of cancer recurrence, 76.9% of patients were open to modifying their dietary habits, 74.2% were willing to exercise more frequently, and 64.5% were open to taking additional treatments. 

Full results have been published here.¹

Professor Matteo Lambertini, Associate Professor and Consultant in Medical Oncology at the University of Genova - IRCCS Policlinico San Martino Hospital in Genova, Italy, and ASKHER2 Publication Committee Member and Lead Author, said: 

“In the ASKHER2 survey, women living with HER2+ breast cancer ranked risk of disease recurrence as their number one concern. Almost all patients want to be involved in treatment decisions, and most are willing to make lifestyle adjustments to decrease their risk of cancer recurrence. Coupled with the fact that almost one in five patients reported not discussing risk of recurrence with their physicians, it appears that in some cases there is a disconnect or misunderstanding between doctors and patients that needs to be addressed. To ensure patients receive optimal information and care, physicians must have a clear understanding of women’s needs so they can create appropriate treatment plans, involve them in decision-making, address concerns around disease recurrence and subsequently improve adherence to care programmes.”

Alessandra Meda, Head of Scientific Secretariat, Europa Donna Italia, and ASKHER2 Publication Committee Member, said: 

“For many women with HER2+ breast cancer, their perceived risk, fear of recurrence, and uncertainty about prognosis impact their behaviour and decision-making process, and are important psychological burdens affecting quality of life that need to be addressed. The findings of the ASKHER2 survey show the willingness of most women to take preventative measures and change lifestyle habits to reduce their risk of recurrence, alongside working more closely with their physicians to better manage their disease. Enhanced physician-patient communication that helps women to fully understand their options should be considered, as this could help reduce concerns about disease recurrence and support them to make treatment-related decisions that are right for them.”

The ASKHER2 survey emphasises the need for open communication throughout a patient's treatment journey, proactive monitoring of patient perception on risk of recurrence so that appropriate interventions can be put in place, and individualising messaging based on patient preferences.

This could be achieved by optimising patient-physician communication through communication skills training for physicians, the increased use of short explanations using easy-to-understand vocabulary to provide personal risk information to patients, and increased coordination between multidisciplinary teams.¹

References: [1] Lambertini, Matteo et al. Patient perception on risk of recurrence and decision-making in the management of HER2-positive early breast cancer: Insights from the ASKHER2 European survey. The Breast, Volume 81, 104456

Source: Pierre Fabre Laboratories