# HERmione: Understanding the Needs of Patients Living with Metastatic HER2-Positive Breast Cancer Through a Cross-Sectional Survey in Parallel with Patients and Oncologists

## TL;DR

A survey of patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer and oncologists in France found that patients face significant burdens and lack access to essential support services, highlighting the need for better communication and resources.

## Contribution

This study identifies unmet support needs in HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer patients and highlights discrepancies in perceived burdens between patients and oncologists.

## Key findings

- Patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer experience substantial disease and treatment burdens, often underestimated by oncologists.
- Many patients lack access to nursing support and resources for sexual well-being, with 60% lacking nursing support.
- Patients have high information needs but often do not know where to find it, suggesting a need for improved informational tools.

## Abstract

The aim of this study was to survey patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer and oncologists to identify the difficulties experienced by patients and compare their support needs with the healthcare services available. Overall, 273 patients responded, with a mean age of 52 years. Patients reported substantial burdens from both the disease and its treatment, which were often underestimated by oncologists. They also had lower physical and mental well-being than average. Patients did not have access to many types of support, especially for sexual well-being, and about 60% lacked nursing support. Patients often did not know where to find the information they needed. This study suggests that better communication is needed to ensure that patients receive the necessary support, which could be improved with better nursing support and a wider range of informational tools. Overall, these measures should enhance patient well-being.

Background/Objectives: HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer continues to have a significant impact on patients’ lives. The HERmione project was conducted in France to identify patients’ needs for support and information, understand services offered, and identify differences in the perception of burden between patients and oncologists. Methods: Between July and October 2022, 273 patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer and 40 oncologists were surveyed. The mean age of patients was 52 years, with most receiving treatment at specialized cancer centers (38%) or other public hospitals (34%). Results: The survey revealed a substantial burden of the disease and treatment in patients, perceptions that differed from those of oncologists. Both the physical and mental well-being of the patients were below average. Despite the burden of the disease, patients lacked access to many types of support, particularly support with sexual well-being. Additionally, 60% of patients did not have access to nursing support. Patients had high expectations regarding access to information but often did not know where to access this information. Despite this, they still exhibited treatment preferences. Conclusions: These findings suggest that enhanced communication is critical to ensure that patients receive adequate support. Nursing support could improve patient–oncologist communication and thereby enhance patient well-being. Finally, to meet patient expectations regarding information access, a broader array of support tools should be offered.