Perceptions and lived experiences with abemaciclib and endocrine therapy for early breast cancer: a rapid communication

AIMS: This study explored perceptions and initial experiences of abemaciclib, a CDK4/6 inhibitor, plus endocrine therapy (ET) as adjuvant targeted therapy for early breast cancer with high risk of recurrence (EBC). Early onset diarrhea is the most common side-effect, but its impact is often under-recognized and may affect treatment adherence. METHODS: Three serial interviews were conducted with five women with EBC recruited from four UK breast units. The baseline interview took place before the start of treatment, follow-up interviews 4 and 8 weeks later. Transcripts were analyzed following the framework approach to thematic analysis. RESULTS: Diarrhea at follow-up was reported by 4 women, and in 3 this was the most bothersome symptom. It was usually managed by anti-diarrheal drugs and/or dietary modifications. One woman discontinued treatment due to its effect on day-to-day living. All patients said they adhered to treatment. Beliefs that the drug offered a lower risk of recurrence helped some to tolerate side-effects, alongside support from their clinical teams. CONCLUSION: These initial findings showed that abemaciclib plus ET was generally manageable. Regular follow-up in this patient cohort could support early detection of symptoms. Further longitudinal real-world research into patients' experiences with abemaciclib plus ET for EBC is warranted. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT04584853 (06/07/2020).