Patient Preferences in Metastatic Breast Cancer Care: A Scoping Review

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Identifying and understanding patient preferences regarding their own care can help to tailor cancer therapies and services to the needs, goals, and values of patients. Currently, research on the preferences of patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) regarding their care has not been summarized. Our review aims to summarize all research reporting on the specific preferences of patients with MBC regarding their care to identify important areas for future research. The main finding of the current review is that to-date studies evaluating preferences among patients with MBC are mixed. Most studies on MBC patient preferences have focused on capturing preferences directly relating to cancer treatments. More information on patient preferences for other aspects of MBC care, including supportive care therapies and services that target physical, mental, and emotional quality of life, is needed. ABSTRACT: People with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) have diverse medical, physical, and psychosocial needs that require multidimensional care. Understanding patient preferences is crucial to tailor treatments, services, and foster patient-centered care. A scoping review was performed to summarize the current evidence on the preferences of people with MBC regarding their care to identify knowledge gaps and key areas for future research. The Embase, MEDLINE, CINAHL and PsycInfo databases were searched. Twenty studies enrolling 3354 patients met the study eligibility criteria. Thirteen quantitative studies, four mixed methods studies, and three qualitative studies were included. Seven studies captured healthcare provider perspectives; thirteen studies evaluated patient preferences relating specifically to cancer treatments; three studies evaluated preferences relating to supportive care; and four studies evaluated communication and decision-making preferences. The current literature evaluating MBC patient preferences is heterogeneous with a focus on cancer treatments. Future research should explore patient preferences relating to multidisciplinary, multi-modal care that aims to improve quality of life. Understanding MBC patient preferences regarding their comprehensive care can help tailor healthcare delivery, enhance the patient experience, and improve outcomes.