Understand the current discourse on HR+ Breast cancer CDK4/6i on social media.
More specifically:
We extracted around 344.560 search data points, 200 tweets and 350 Reddit posts within the geography of the US from Mar 2021 to Feb 2023, using curated keywords and hashtags.
Using unsupervised machine learning, our proprietary in-house AI clustered linguistically related inputs into concept clusters. Our team of analysts then interpreted these clusters, teasing out nuanced discourses on the topic.
The discourse were then sized through search - based on our curated keywords. Search data was obtained within a 2-year time period (March 2021 to February 2023).
Finally, from studying the discourses, we picked apart key themes and attitudes, combined data points with other relevant information surfaced during our research, and synthesized the findings into this report.
Side Effects
Side effects, especially those affecting digestion, can greatly impact a patient's life.
Dietary Changes
Patients adopt dietary changes to manage drug side effects and enhance treatment outcomes.
Effectiveness
Patients are concerned about the effectiveness of the drug both in the short and long term
Drug Eligibility
Patients are confused by a drug's eligibility and their doctor's decision on its use.
Drug Comparison
Challenges in choosing the appropriate CDK4/6 inhibitor drug.
Targeted Therapy Vs Chemotherapy
Patients wonder if CDK4/6 inhibitors alone suffice, or if they need chemotherapy as well.
Patients frequently discuss the side effects of cdk4/6i treatments, which remains a stable topic of interest.
Despite not having a high search volume, patients are increasingly searching for information on drug comparisons, drug eligibility, effectiveness, and survival rates of cdk4/6i drugs. This reflects their need for more information to ensure the effectiveness of cdk4/6i treatments.
Moreover, there is a high search volume for dietary changes that can assist breast cancer patients in reducing discomfort and minimizing the side effects of drugs.
CDK4/6 inhibitors target specific proteins that help cancer cells grow and divide, making them a vital tool in treating hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. But, like all medications, they can cause challenges for patients.
Side effects related to digestive system such as vomiting, diarrhea, constipation are common, with diarrhea being the most frequent. Other side effects include fatigue, hair loss, and hematological toxicity. Patients collaborate closely with their healthcare providers to monitor these side effects and explore effective strategies for managing them. They share their experiences and potential solutions with other patients online, such as adjusting medication dosage or exploring alternative treatment options.
Access to information about potential side effects empowers patients to take control of their treatment.
Making dietary changes can often help alleviate side effects experienced by cancer patients undergoing treatment.
Some patients have found that incorporating supplements or specific foods, such as mushrooms or turmeric, into their diet can be a helpful tool in managing side effects and improving overall well-being. Some of them even work with a nutritionist or dietician to create a diet plan that is low in fiber and easy to digest to alleviate digestive symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, and constipation.
However, HCPs should discuss with patients before they make any significant dietary changes, as certain foods or supplements may interact with their treatment or exacerbate other health issues.
Patients who have been diagnosed with cancer often have concerns about the persistence of treatment benefits and the likelihood of recurrence.
Some patients may question whether a particular treatment will continue to be effective beyond a certain period of time or whether they should switch to a new treatment that may offer additional benefits. Many are feeling hopeful that Verzenio will be effective in reducing the risk of recurrence for those with high-risk, early-stage HR+ HER2- breast cancer. They are interested in learning more about the drug and its potential benefits in treating early stage breast cancer.
It is important for patients to have open and honest conversations with their healthcare providers about their concerns and to make informed decisions about their treatment based on the best available information.
Patients with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer often wonder if they are suitable candidates for CDK4/6 inhibitor treatment.
In some cases, patients may have received prior treatment for their cancer, such as chemotherapy and radiation, which can raise questions about whether CDK4/6 inhibitors are appropriate. Additionally, patients may need to meet certain eligibility criteria for specific CDK4/6 inhibitors, such as having a certain number of positive lymph nodes or a high Ki67 score.
If a patient does not meet the eligibility criteria for a specific CDK4/6 inhibitor, there may be alternative treatment options available. Patients can work with their healthcare team to understand their options and make informed decisions about their treatment.
The use of chemotherapy versus CDK4/6 inhibitors in breast cancer treatment is a subject of ongoing debate among patients.
Some patients who are hesitant about chemotherapy have found CDK4/6 inhibitors to be a less toxic and more manageable alternative. However, there are concerns about the efficacy of targeted therapy as a standalone treatment, as chemotherapy is able to target rapidly dividing cancer cells throughout the body and prevent the cancer from spreading. While CDK4/6 inhibitors rely on the identification of specific receptors on tumor cells, they may not always be effective and some patients may require chemotherapy.
Therefore, the decision about whether to use CDK4/6 inhibitors or chemotherapy should be made on a case-by-case basis in consultation with a healthcare provider.
Once a breast cancer patient decides to undergo CDK4/6 inhibitor treatment, they are faced with the decision of which drug will suit them best. Often, patients seek more than one opinion from their doctors and also want to hear real-life experiences from other patients.
For example, some patients may consider choosing between Kisqali and Ibrance. Recent studies have suggested that Kisqali is more effective and better tolerated in premenopausal women compared to Ibrance. However, for patients who suffer from side effects of one drug, switching to another drug can be challenging as they want to take the most effective medication but may not tolerate it well, which can cause them to feel anxious.
It is crucial for patients to be informed about the pros and cons of each drug and make an informed decision based on their individual needs and circumstances.
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