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Qualitative Study Explores Olaparib Adherence Among Patients With Ovarian Cancer
Patients with ovarian cancer are willing to take olaparib long term, demonstrating prolonged adherence despite a long cancer journey, according to results from a qualitative study at the Mayo Clinic (Support Care Cancer. 2022. doi:10.1007/s00520-022-06879-w).
“This qualitative study sought to learn patients' perspectives on olaparib - including maintenance olaparib - in their own words,” wrote Nichole Martin, Department of Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA, and colleagues.
Patients with ovarian cancer treated with olaparib participated in a semi-structured phone interview, focusing on symptoms and quality of life.
Among the 20 patients interviewed, authors noticed 4 common themes within responses:
- The Long Cancer Journey;
- Adherence;
- Adherence Despite Challenges;
- Modifications in Perceptions of BRCA status.
Long cancer journeys and prior cancer were associated with patients who were prescribed olaparib. Authors found that patients were adherent to olaparib, and, despite side effects and cost, this adherence continued. Olaparib as cancer therapy influenced perceptions of BRCA mutations.
“Although oral maintenance therapy for ovarian cancer is relatively new, patients appear willing to take olaparib long term,” concluded Dr Martin and colleagues, adding, “and they seem to take great lengths to remain adherent, despite having sometimes had a long cancer journey.”
