Protocol for studying the efficiency of ChemoCalc software in helping patients to understand drug treatment costs for breast cancer: A multicenter, open-label, randomized phase 2 study

Survival of patients with breast cancer can be prolonged by treatment with drugs, particularly new molecular-targeted drugs. However, these agents can be expensive and such treatments can be an economic burden. In this ongoing trial, we aim to assess the usefulness of ChemoCalc, a software package for calculating drug costs, to help patients understand the financial outlays. In this multicenter, randomized controlled phase 2 trial, 106 patients with advanced breast cancer will be assigned to either the ChemoCalc or Usual Explanation group. Treatment using ChemoCalc will be discussed with patients in the ChemoCalc group, whereas standard treatments, without using ChemoCalc, will be discussed with patients in the Usual Explanation group. Subsequently, the participants will decide the treatment and complete a five-grade evaluation questionnaire; those in the Usual Explanation group will receive information about ChemoCalc. Investigators will report if patients subsequently decide to change treatments. The primary endpoint will be the scores of two key questions compared between the groups: Did you understand the cost of treatment in today's discussion? and Do you think the cost of treatment is important in choosing a treatment?. The secondary endpoints will be to compare discrepancies between treatments recommended by physicians and those selected by patients, the time required for discussion, other questionnaire factors, and the relationship between Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity tool and treatment selection. This will be the first randomized controlled trial to assess the efficacy of software to help patients understand drug cost estimates and whether it subsequently affects treatment choice. This study will be conducted according to the CONSORT statement. All participants will sign a written consent form. The study protocol was reviewed and approved by the Clinical Research Review Board of Nagasaki University (19070801). The protocol (version 1) was designed and will be conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki (1964) and the Ethical Guidelines for Medical and Health Research Involving Human Subjects (2017). The findings will be disseminated through scientific and professional conferences, and in peer-reviewed journals.

Automated summary

This study aims to assess the effectiveness of the ChemoCalc software in helping patients understand drug cost estimates and whether it subsequently affects treatment choice. By comparing the scores of key questions between the ChemoCalc group and the Usual Explanation group, researchers will determine the impact of the software on treatment decisions.