Pilot Study of PACHA Program to Enhance Adherence to Adjuvant Endocrine Therapy Among Breast Cancer Survivors
This study, called PACHA, is for women who've had hormone-sensitive breast cancer and are taking hormone therapy to stop it from coming back. Sometimes, it can be tricky for women to keep taking these treatments as prescribed. This programme, run from local pharmacies, aims to make it easier to understand and manage their treatment. Researchers want to see if PACHA is practical to run, if women and pharmacists like it, and if it helps women stick to their treatment. Community pharmacies are split into two groups: one where pharmacists get special training and materials for patients, and another where they give their usual care. This helps researchers compare if PACHA makes a difference.
At a glance
What is this study about?
When women have been treated for a certain type of breast cancer (called hormone-sensitive breast cancer), they are often prescribed hormone therapy. This treatment helps prevent the cancer from returning. However, it can sometimes be difficult to stick with this medication as it might have side effects or be confusing to manage. This study is looking at a new programme called PACHA (which stands for a Pharmacy programme to support women on Adjuvant Hormone Therapy).
PACHA is designed to be run from local pharmacies. It gives pharmacists special training and materials to help them support women taking hormone therapy. This support includes information, videos, and tips for managing any side effects. The main idea is to make taking hormone therapy a better and more manageable experience for women. This study isn't about the treatment itself, but about how best to support women taking it.
This first study is a small, 'pilot' study. Its main goals are to find out if the PACHA programme is easy enough for pharmacies to deliver, if women find it helpful and acceptable, and if it seems to have a positive effect on women taking their medication regularly. The researchers also want to learn if they can run a bigger study like this in the future, based on what they learn from this smaller one.
Key takeaways
- This study explores a new pharmacy-based support program called PACHA for breast cancer hormone therapy.
- It aims to help women manage their hormone treatment and take it as prescribed.
- Pharmacists in some local pharmacies will offer special support and resources.
- It's a pilot study to see if the program is practical and helpful.
- Participation is for women aged 18+ in Quebec, Canada, who recently started hormone therapy.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you would need to be a woman, aged 18 or older. You should have been diagnosed with a type of breast cancer that hasn't spread and is sensitive to hormones. You must have started taking hormone therapy for the first time within the last six months.
You also need to speak French fluently and have access to the internet. Crucially, the study is currently only happening in pharmacies within the province of Quebec in Canada. You wouldn't be able to join if you live in a care home where someone else manages your medication.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Have you been diagnosed with hormone-sensitive breast cancer that hasn't spread?
- Did you start hormone therapy for the first time in the last 6 months?
- Do you speak French fluently?
- Do you have internet access?
- Do you live in the Quebec province of Canada?
What does participation involve?
If you join this study, your local pharmacy would be part of it. Some pharmacies will offer the special PACHA programme, while others will provide their usual care. If your pharmacy is offering PACHA, your pharmacist will have received special training and will use guides for talking to you about your hormone therapy. You would also get access to extra information like videos and booklets in addition to your usual pharmacy care.
These special consultations with your PACHA-trained pharmacist would happen roughly once in the first month and then again around four months after the study starts, or more often if you need it. The study will look at how this extra support affects how women take their medication and their overall experience. The total duration of your participation would depend on how long your specific hormone therapy course is and how the study tracks your progress, but it focuses on the initial months of starting treatment and support from the pharmacy.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Centre de recherche du CHU de QuébecVerified postcodeQuébec, Canada· Recruiting
Common questions
What is hormone-sensitive breast cancer?
This is a type of breast cancer where the cancer cells can grow in response to hormones in the body. Hormone therapy aims to block or reduce these hormones.
What is 'adjuvant endocrine therapy' (AET)?
This is the medical term for hormone therapy drugs given after primary treatments like surgery or chemotherapy to reduce the chance of breast cancer coming back.
Will my medication change if I join this study?
No, this study is about support and information, not changing your actual breast cancer medication. You will continue to take the same treatment prescribed by your doctor.
Do I have to do extra visits to the pharmacy?
If you're in the PACHA group, your pharmacist might offer more structured conversations with you about your hormone therapy, which could be in person or by phone. This is part of the support offered.
Why is this study only in Quebec?
This is a pilot (small-scale) study happening within a specific region to test the programme first. If successful, it might be expanded to other areas in the future.
How to find out more
Sophie Lauzier, Ph.D.
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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