Real-World Quantitative Insights of Cancer Patient Experience With Subcutaneous (SC) Vs Intravenous (IV) Drug Delivery

OBJECTIVES: While some EU research has addressed patient experience and preference with rapid high-dose, high-volume SC vs. IV administered therapies, few studies have compared these different treatment modalities in the US. This real-world study seeks to understand patient impacts of each route of administration related to convenience, preference, adherence, time, and other daily-life factors.

METHODS: An online survey comprising 44 fixed-response questions and 1 free-text question was conducted (05/23/2024–06/25/2024) among US cancer patients (≥18) treated with oncology SC therapies having prior IV experience with the same or different drug for the same condition.

RESULTS: 176 respondents completed the survey: mean age was 57 (SD=12), 68% female, 62% Caucasian, having blood or solid tumor cancer diagnosis including multiple myeloma (51%), breast (39%), and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (9%). Nearly all respondents preferred SC (92%), vs. IV (4%) or indifferent (4%). The strength of the preference was very or fairly strong (97%). Reasons for preference included SC was more convenient (80%), allowed easier treatment continuation (65%), less disruptive to everyday life (65%), less pain/discomfort (59%) and less distressing (57%). Total healthcare visit, treatment and wait times were <1 hour during SC administration (56%) vs. IV (11%). SC scored 3-5 times better than IV on each of 7 questions when asked how treatment experience impacted relationships with others or ability to complete daily activities such as household responsibilities, work outside the home or leisure and social commitments.

CONCLUSIONS: This survey provides insight into US patients’ experience with SC and IV administration routes among treatments for cancer. Nearly all felt strongly that SC was their preferred mode of administration for a variety of reasons, including time spent receiving treatment and effects on daily life. Future research is needed to understand how to incorporate patient preference in decision-making related to mode of administration of treatment.