A Patient-Led Survey of Antibody Drug Conjugate Usage and Dosing for People Living With Metastatic Breast Cancer
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Scientific advancements have led to more people living longer with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) offer a promising treatment option, but currently approved ADCs are associated with significant side effects that can impact quality of life. Dose reductions may help mitigate these effects, yet little is known about real-world, patient-reported experiences with ADC dosing. We surveyed 170 individuals with MBC who had received ADC treatment to assess initial dosing, dose modifications, and barriers to supportive care. Most respondents (94.1%) began treatment with the recommended dosing frequency and 82.9% with the recommended dose. However, 35.3% reported dose reductions, primarily due to experienced or anticipated side effects. Open-ended responses underscored the burden of side effects: “If not for low dose, I don’t think I could go on.” Most participants (81.0%) reported oncologist-led efforts to manage side effects, and 73.0% used medications for symptom control. Financial barriers were common, with 43.5% reporting difficulty accessing supportive care. These findings highlight the need for patient-centered dosing strategies and improved access to supportive care.
DOI: 10.17615/2qef-wj33
Institution: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Language: English
Topic: Cancer survivorship and care
Subfield: Oncology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
Funders: National Institute of Health Sciences, United Therapeutics Corporation, University of Pittsburgh, European Food Safety Authority, Lisa Dean Moseley Foundation, Roche España, Michael Smith Health Research BC, Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, National Natural Science Foundation of China, VINNOVA, China Postdoctoral Science Foundation, Natural Science Foundation of Fujian Province, National Research Foundation of Korea, Natural Science Foundation of Hebei Province, Vetenskapsrådet, Department of Science and Technology of Sichuan Province, Novo Nordisk Fonden, National Science and Technology Major Project, Partenariat Canadien Contre Le Cancer, National Institutes of Health, Genentech, Johnson and Johnson, Defense Health Agency, Health Promotion Administration, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Economic and Social Research Council, National Key Research and Development Program of China, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, National Institute of Nursing Research, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, HORIZON EUROPE Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions, HORIZON EUROPE European Research Council, Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province, Deutsches Zentrum für Diabetesforschung, Hillman Cancer Center, Medical Center, University of Pittsburgh
OpenAlex ID: W7163654047