Oncology and Medication Adherence

Motivated patients are more likely to have better adherence and outcomes. Healthcare providers (HCPs) and families play crucial roles in treatment. Cancer mortality has significantly dropped over time, but nonadherence continues to be a problem. This is particularly so for patients taking oral oncolytics.

Cancer by the Numbers

Cancer by the Numbers

Since its peak in 1991, cancer mortality in the U.S. has dropped 33% (1)

Cancer incidence is on the rise for many common cancers (2)

The number of people
ages 50 to 64 with cancer is growing (2)

New cases of cancer in the US are expected to exceed 2 million in 2024 for the first time (2)

People taking oral cancer medications are reported to have lower adherence­—as low as 16%—compared with infusion therapies (3)

The global oral cancer treatment market is projected to grow more than 26%, from $2.5B in 2023 to $3.2B by 2029 (4)

Nonadherence Factors

Nonadherence is much higher for patients taking oral oncolytics compared to infusion medications. It is important to consider the factors that go into nonadherence. These include:

medication adherence factors
  • The change in behavior required is substantial
  • Inconvenient or insufficient availability of healthcare facilities

  • Inadequate supervision

  • Poor communication with healthcare providers

  • Patient dissatisfaction with care

  • Patient health beliefs about medication

  • Inadequate social support

  • A patient history of nonadherence

  • History of mental illness

  • Complexity of treatment regimens

The development of oral oncological treatments is fairly recent. The benefits to patients, as well as the drawbacks of nonadherence, provide convincing reasons for efforts made to mitigate the factors that affect each patient.

Factors for Improved Motivation and Medication Adherence

 

Healthcare providers such as Clinical Nurse Educators (CNEs) and Nurse Navigators provide holistic support for patients taking oncology medicines. Their interventions may include:

  • Establishment of relationships with patients built on trust, cooperation, and respect.

  • Ensuring patients are adequately informed and knowledgeable about diagnosis and treatment at time of prescription and throughout the therapy journey.

  • Addressing emotional concerns such as stress and feelings of hopelessness.

  • Regular follow-ups to counter forgetfulness and administration errors.

  • Providing a feedback loop to healthcare providers.

  • Identification of avenues for support from friends, family, and advocacy organizations.

  • Supplying digital tools to track medication, questions, and side effects.

Support networks can be crucial to outcomes. The roles of Nurse Navigators and CNEs may be substantial in ensuring adherence.

Nurse Navigators’ Impact in Oncology Treatment and Adherence

Oral cancer treatment—and its specialty medications—is complex and requires increased support. The barriers patients face when starting and effectively managing these therapies can be considerable. Interventions by Nurse Navigators are relevant factors in patients’ treatment support.

Momentum support programs demonstrate impactful post-program survey results:

43% Increase

in healthcare provider confidence to share oncology resources and support solutions with patients.

192% Increase

in knowledge about oncology therapy.

97%

of HCPs rated the knowledge and expertise of the oncology Nurse Navigator as “excellent” or “very good.”

Vulnerable Patients Need Support

Oncology patients may face a particularly difficult treatment regimen, both emotionally and in terms of the complexity of treatment. The seriousness of cancer underscores the need for adherence. Adherence can lead to better treatment outcomes, longer life expectancy, a better quality of life, and reduced cancer recurrences.

Nurse Navigators, CNEs, and other healthcare providers are significant in that they can assist the treatment process, provide critical information, and influence patient behaviors and attitudes during the course of treatment.

References: 1. Penn Medicine. 2. American Cancer Society. 3. US Pharmacist. 4. Global Market Stats and Figures. 5. MLS data on file. 6. NIH.

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