Factors that affect cancer patient compliance to oral anti-neoplastic therapy

OBJECTIVES: To identify factors that can affect compliance to treatment with neoplastic oral drugs in a group of cancer patients. METHODS: Interviews were performed on 61 patients diagnosed with cancer and under anti-neoplastic oral therapy in a private hospital. The interviews were carried out using instruments to assess compliance. RESULTS: Most patients (95%) reported the oral treatment was not difficult. The Morisky and Green Test were positive in 28% of the patients. Factors that may affect following the treatment were significantly (p<0.05) associated with the time variable; patients who presented more difficulty had more treatment time. CONCLUSIONS: Patients presented positive attitudes toward the use of this anti-neoplastic oral treatment therapy, however 28% were considered non-compliant in the Morisky and Green Test.