Improving outcomeS for Women diagnosed with early breast cancer through adhErence to adjuvant Endocrine Therapy (SWEET)

Research summary

In 2016, 11,563 women died from breast cancer in the UK. Most would have been prescribed hormone therapy (HT); sometimes known as endocrine therapy, which blocks the effect of oestrogen on breast cancer cells. HT is prescribed as a daily tablet, usually for at least five years and often up to 10 years. When women stop taking HT prematurely, or don’t take it as prescribed (known as “poor adherence”), they have up to a three times higher chance of the cancer returning and dying from cancer. At least 20% of women have poor adherence after two years and around 50% by five years. Our previous research has identified reasons for poor adherence, including: feeling negative or concerned about HT; not fully understanding its importance; side-effects; feeling unsupported; and forgetfulness. SWEET is an NIHR funded a research programme, which supported by a Patient Advisory Group and Clinical Reference Group, will develop and test a support package to support women take ET as recommended. SWEET will be delivered over 6 workstreams. This application refers to workstream 3, the randomised controlled trial. It will involve 1460 women, treated with adjuvant endocrine therapy. Women will be randomised to received either: 1. HT&Me support package: Initial and follow up appointment with a trained SWEET nurse, to discuss concerns and beliefs about endocrine therapy, access to the HT&Me web app with information, tips & tools to support adherence, and strategies for managing side effects. Regular motivational messages to encourage use of web-app and continue on AET. 2. Usual care (as per their site practices) The study will test whether the HT&Me support package can improve endocrine therapy adherence, and cancer specific health related quality of life.

Principal Investigator

Dr Nicola C Levitt

Contact us

Email: latephaseoncology@ouh.nhs.uk

IRAS number

330129