Development and evaluation of a decision aid for patients considering first-line chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer

Objective Treatment decisions in advanced breast cancer are complex, with enhanced quality of life and survival among important treatment goals. Patients with metastatic breast cancer face the decision of whether or not to have chemotherapy, and many wish to be involved in this decision. We report the development and evaluation of a decision aid (DA) designed to assist patients facing this treatment decision. Design and sample Women with metastatic breast cancer (n = 17) and medical oncologists in Australia and Canada (n = 7) were invited to evaluate the DA. Intervention A DA was developed for patients with hormoneresistant metastatic breast cancer considering chemotherapy. The DA presented options of supportive care, with or without chemotherapy. Potential benefits and side effects of different chemotherapy regimens, and evidence-based prognostic estimates were described, and a values clarification exercise included.