Adherence to oral anticancer treatments: network and sentiment analysis exploring perceived internal and external determinants in patients with metastatic breast cancer

Purpose Adherence to oral anticancer treatments (OATs) is a critical issue in metastatic breast cancer (MBC) to enhance survivorship and quality of life. The study is aimed to analyze the main themes and attributes related to OATs in MBC patients. This research is part of a project titled “ Enhancing Therapy Adherence Among Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients " designed to produce a predictive model of non-adherence, a decision support system, and guidelines to improve adherence to OATs. Methods The study consists of an exploratory observational and qualitative analysis using a focus group method. A semi-structured interview guide was developed to handle relevant OAT themes. Wordcloud plots, network analysis, and sentiment analysis were performed. Results Nineteen female MBC patients participated in the protocol (age mean 55.95, SD = 6.87). Four main themes emerged: (theme 1) individual clinical pathway; (theme 2) barriers to adherence; (theme 3) resources to adherence; (theme 4) patients’ perception of new technologies. The Wordcloud and network analysis highlighted the important role of treatment side effects and the relationship with the clinician in the modulation of adherence behavior. This result is consistent with the sentiment analysis underscoring patients experience fear of issues related to clinical values and ineffective communication and discontinuity of the doctor in charge of the patient care. Conclusion The study highlighted the key role of the individual, relational variables, and side effects as internal and external determinants influencing adherence to MBC. Finally, the opportunity offered by e Health technology to connect with other patients with similar conditions and share experiences could be a relief for MBC patients.