Miami Breast Cancer Conference® Abstracts Supplement
A theory-driven paper planner combined with a digital AI companion demonstrated high acceptability and improved treatment confidence among patients with metastatic TNBC initiating ADC therapy.
Patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) face complex treatment decisions and significant adverse-effect management challenges, particularly when initiating antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). With limited appointment time (typically 10-15 minutes) and the cognitive and emotional burden of a cancer diagnosis, patients often struggle to effectively communicate with their oncology teams and participate meaningfully in treatment decisions. Evidence-based tools specifically designed around self-management theory for the metastatic TNBC population remain limited.
We developed a customized paper-based planner grounded in the Individual and Family Self-Management Theory. The planner underwent 4 rounds of iterative design with patient input and was tailored for patients with metastatic TNBC initiating ADC therapy. Key features include structured appointment preparation tools, symptom tracking worksheets, questions to ask health care providers, and treatment decision–support frameworks. A multichannel dissemination strategy was implemented through (1) patient advocacy group partnerships, including patient summits and community events; (2) distribution through community oncology centers; and (3) integration with a digital platform featuring an artificial intelligence (AI)–powered conversational assistant (Hope.ai). Patient feedback was collected through postdissemination surveys assessing planner acceptability, usefulness, and impact on treatment confidence.
Preliminary patient feedback indicated high acceptability, with patients reporting increased confidence in treatment decisions and improved ability to manage adverse effects. Qualitative feedback highlighted themes of feeling “more prepared” for appointments, having a “central repository I control,” and experiencing greater support during treatment transitions. One patient noted, “With the planner, I feel more confidence in my treatment decision, know how to manage it, and feel supported.” Integration with the digital AI companion provided additional real-time support, with users reporting feeling “heard and seen.” (Full quantitative results to be updated prior to the conference.)
An evidence-based, theory-driven paper planner combined with digital support tools showed promise in addressing the self-management needs of patients with metastatic TNBC. This multichannel approach—combining analog tools with AI-powered digital support—represents a scalable model for enhancing patient agency and treatment confidence in the oncology setting. Future directions include prescription adherence measurement and expanded dissemination through oncology practice networks.
