Why Patients Prescribed Oral Agents for Cancer Need Training: A Case Study

Background: Oral agents for cancer (OACs) are a common form of treatment. However, with OACs, the responsibility shifts from supervised healthcare providers who work in a clinic to patients and caregivers who must manage treatment on their own at home. Consequently, patients and caregivers must be knowledgeable about all aspects of care. In addition, most patients with cancer are older and have multiple comorbid conditions treated by several providers who prescribe medications, further complicating care.

Objectives: This purpose of this article is to present a patient perspective of managing treatment with OACs in the home setting.

Methods: A case study format was used to describe challenges faced by a patient newly prescribed OACs.

Findings: Data from the patient interviews support the urgent need for patient and caregiver training; the outcome of treatment for patients taking OACs depends significantly on the patient or caregiver managing treatment in the home setting.