Adnkronos Rome, October 13 (Adnkronos Salute) – In Italy, over 70% of patients with metastatic breast cancer fear that the disease may progress. Approximately half of caregivers share this fear. Hence the need to ensure adequate psycho-oncology services at all times. To best support women affected by cancer throughout their treatment journey, it is essential to ensure continuity of care throughout the community, not just in referral hospitals.
The relationship of trust that patients build over time with doctors and nurses is perceived as irreplaceable. At the same time, many women feel the need for quick answers to everyday questions that often arise during visits. Telemedicine and teleconsultations are tools that should be utilized and represent a valuable aid that does not further burden the work of oncology centers.
These are some of the conclusions of the focus groups conceived and coordinated by the IncontraDonna Foundation as part of Officina #Metastabile, the project designed to co-design and implement the "Pdta dedicated to metastatic breast cancer" in the local community. The initiative is now in its second year, and the latest developments are being presented today in Rome at a national conference held at Agenas (National Agency for Regional Health Services). Last year, the IncontraDonna Foundation – according to a press release – conducted two surveys, one on several breast care centers and one on patients, which identified specific needs. This year, the activities continued with the launch of focus groups led by qualified professionals, reserved for patients and conceived as spaces for listening and sharing. The scientific directors are Andrea Botticelli (oncologist, member of the IncontraDonna Foundation Board of Directors and head of the Breast Unit at the Policlinico Umberto I in Rome) and Lucia Del Mastro (professor and director of the Medical Oncology Clinic at the IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, University of Genoa). Today's event is taking place on National Metastatic Breast Cancer Day and is moderated by Mauro Boldrini, Director of Communications at AIOM, and Antonella Campana, president of the IncontraDonna Foundation.
"In Italy, an increasing number of women (and a smaller percentage of men) are living with this advanced cancer diagnosis," says Adriana Bonifacino, founder of Fondazione IncontraDonna. "In 2024, out of 53.686 new diagnoses, 6-7% were diagnosed as metastatic at the onset, equivalent to approximately 3.500 cases. It is estimated that over 50.000 people are living with metastatic disease overall, but the data remains uncertain: it is urgent to equip ourselves with national oncology indicators that allow us to accurately measure the situation and ensure adequate responses. Pharmacological innovation is contributing to increased survival and, in some cases, the regression of metastatic disease, but living longer requires ensuring a good quality of life." "Our project," she continues, "highlights several unmet needs and emphasizes the priority of defining a specific PDTA for the most advanced form of breast cancer. In recent years, the treatment of this cancer has undergone rapid and significant evolution: innovative therapies are increasing cure rates, helping to improve both overall and progression-free survival. It is essential that all affected people, wherever they live, have access to the same treatment and care opportunities, with a focus on quality of life."
"It is the responsibility of healthcare institutions," stated Americo Cicchetti, Agenas Special Commissioner, "to ensure all patients have equal access to care, regardless of where they live. This principle must also apply to women with metastatic breast cancer, a field in which we are finally witnessing significant advances in therapies and treatment options. More generally, as an Agency, we are committed to creating the conditions for a constant strengthening of patient care services, also in light of the clinical and organizational innovations that have emerged in recent years, so as to ensure increasingly appropriate, integrated, and person-centered care pathways."
"A cancer diagnosis almost always brings a strong sense of uncertainty about one's future," says Anna Costantini, past president and national councilor of Sipo (Italian Society of Psycho-Oncology). "In patients living with metastases, fear of disease progression has a significant impact on their quality of life and is present in approximately 72% of cases, representing an unmet need in healthcare. It is characterized by the fear of dying, suffering, and being a burden to loved ones. It is not an irrational reaction in itself, but if it manifests in a severe form, it can evolve into a psychopathological disorder such as clinical depression and interfere with well-being and quality of life. These reactions should be brought to the attention of the entire team caring for the patient through dedicated rapid screenings, since severe forms do not improve without specialized psycho-oncological interventions of proven effectiveness. Clear and honest communication from all doctors and access to certified and reliable information can also help patients feel more aware and less overwhelmed. scared".
"Therapeutic innovation must be accompanied by organizational innovation focused on people's needs," adds Nicola Silvestris, national secretary of AIOM (Italian Association of Medical Oncology). "A 'decentralization of care' is needed, moving from the hospital to community-based medicine. Physical proximity to treatment and care facilities is a major advantage for patients and caregivers. Metastatic breast cancer is a highly complex disease, but it is possible to receive some treatments outside of the hospital oncology department. The same can be true for many diagnostic services, which can be performed in community healthcare facilities closer to a woman's home. Certain and adequate quality standards must be guaranteed, but the localization of care, if well integrated and coordinated with referral centers, can offer concrete responses to everyday needs."
"Officina #Metastabile demonstrates that personalized care and collaboration between institutions, clinicians, and associations can change the course of metastatic breast cancer," says Lavinia Mennuni, member of the Senate Standing Budget Committee. "It is essential in our work in Parliament to support a healthcare system that brings treatment closer to the public, using telemedicine and personalized care pathways to avoid unnecessary hospitalizations and ensure continuity of care. Oncology is central to our government's efforts: investing in early diagnosis, new drugs, and technologies improves patients' quality of life while simultaneously containing public spending. Thanks in part to IncontraDonna, October 13th was recognized as National Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day. Today we must go a step further, supporting a Plan of Action that overcomes regional disparities, promotes continuity of care, and the right to oblivion in cancer. Offering metastatic patients a stable and dignified care pathway is a civic duty and a sustainable choice for the healthcare system."
"The #Metastabile experience is a virtuous example of how associations like IncontraDonna, clinicians, and institutions can build paths for the future of our healthcare system," says Beatrice Lorenzin, member of the Senate's Permanent Budget Committee. "In my parliamentary career, I have always fought to ensure all women have access to the most innovative treatments and breast cancer prevention. Today, we must all unite to ensure that healthcare is not a patchwork of services. This is why we need coordinated national treatment plans (PDTAs) and oncology networks, because the current regional fragmentation risks relegating advanced therapies only to those entering clinical trials. Investing in a specific treatment plan for metastatic breast cancer means recognizing the importance of multidisciplinary care, psychological support, home care, and continuity of care throughout the entire disease process. In view of the budget law, I will fight to ensure adequate resources are allocated for prevention, the expansion of screening programs, and the full implementation of treatment plans (PDTAs), demonstrating that women's health is not a cost." but an investment in the future."
Officina #Metastabile – the statement concludes – is a project supported by Agenas, the ISS, and numerous other scientific associations and societies. It was also made possible thanks to the unconditional contributions of Daiichi Sankyo-AstraZeneca, Gilead, Menarini Stemline, and Pfizer.