Preferences in Cancer Supportive Care Revealed in National 'Strength in Knowledge' Survey and Roundtable

Results Demonstrate Concerns on All Sides Regarding Time Spent with Physicians and Nurses, Insurance Coverage, and Understanding of Chemotherapy Side Effects

BRIDGEWATER, N.J., July 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Effective supportive care for people with cancer, including the relief of chemotherapy side effects, is a top concern of physicians, nurses and patients, as revealed in a new survey of 1,200 respondents, which addressed key aspects of cancer care. In fact, when choosing between two characteristics -- noticeable relief of symptoms and frequent office visits -- 90 percent of oncology nurses, 85 percent of patients and 88 percent of oncologists surveyed ranked noticeable relief of symptoms as the more important characteristic in choosing a medication for chemotherapy-related anemia.

The survey is part of a comprehensive supportive care initiative called "Strength in Knowledge" to emphasize the importance of doctor-nurse patient communication during cancer care and chemotherapy. Using chemotherapy-related anemia as a model, the "Strength in Knowledge" survey, and subsequent roundtable discussion among oncologists, oncology nurses and cancer patients, were designed to help identify perception and awareness gaps in oncology supportive care and generate an open dialogue on best practices.

"In the midst of my chemo my blood levels go way down, which means I'm often in the oncologist's office three times a week. I want my symptoms relieved, so I'm willing to go in that often," said roundtable participant Lisa Gregorian-Glassman, a non-Hodgkin's lymphoma patient of eight years.

"Relief of symptoms is a key factor in treating anemia. Patients are coming to their physician's office very often these days for weekly or bi- weekly chemotherapy. So, in some ways, frequency of dosing for red blood cell growth factor is a non-issue," explained roundtable participant Paul Weinstein, MD, director of Hematology-Oncology, Bennett Cancer Center, Stamford Hospital, Stamford, Conn.

When asked to consider a list of characteristics when choosing a medication to treat chemotherapy-related anemia, 78 percent of oncologists surveyed ranked insurance coverage among the most important drivers, while 71 percent of patients mentioned symptom relief as being more important than insurance coverage, stated by 60 percent of patients as a key factor. More than three-quarters (78 percent) of oncology nurses reported that the impact of medication on lab values is one of the most important characteristics in choosing a medication for chemotherapy-related anemia. This is important knowledge as providers and patients need to fully understand and agree upon therapeutic priorities when treating chemotherapy-related anemia.

Additionally, the survey suggested that there is a low understanding of the treatment options available for chemotherapy-related anemia. This finding, agreed upon by all groups surveyed, is possibly the result of not enough office visit time.

In fact, 44 percent of patients surveyed agreed that they completely understood their oncologist's explanations of treatment options for chemotherapy-related anemia. Only 36 percent of oncology nurses and 28 percent of oncologists surveyed agreed completely that they were confident that their patients understood the information they provided surrounding treatment options for chemotherapy-related anemia. Similarly, only 27 percent of oncology nurses and 21 percent of oncologists surveyed completely agreed with the notion that they were able to spend as much time as necessary with patients so that they could understand what they need to know about effective treatments for chemotherapy-related anemia.

There are also discrepancies between doctors, nurses and patients as to communications regarding the importance of controlling side effects to stay on track with chemotherapy schedules. About 48 percent of oncologists completely agreed that they convey to their patients the importance of controlling side effects to maintain treatment schedules. This was true of 78 percent of oncology nurses. Only 45 percent of patients completely agreed that their oncologist explains the importance of controlling side effects to stay on schedule.

"Switching from an oncologist where I didn't feel informed or supported to an office where the oncologist and nurses were willing to spend time going over my questions made a huge difference in my feelings about chemotherapy," said Gregorian-Glassman. "I have more knowledge, which makes me feel more in control."

"We were surprised to learn from the survey that, although 54 percent of the nurses surveyed said they initiate the discussion of chemotherapy side effects with patients, 64 percent of patients said that it's the oncologist who takes the lead," observed roundtable moderator Lori Wendt, RN, MSN, APRN, BC-PCM, AOCN, oncology clinical nurse specialist, Agnesian Healthcare, Central Wisconsin Cancer Program, Fond du Lac, Wis. "The

'Strength in Knowledge' survey and roundtable further demonstrate the need for open communication between patients and their entire healthcare team, including oncology nurses, to fully understand patient preferences."

About "Strength in Knowledge"

"Strength in Knowledge" was conceived based on a recent study, conducted by noted expert in cancer supportive care and chemotherapy-related anemia, Corey Langer, MD, medical director, Thoracic Oncology, Fox Chase Center, Philadelphia, Pa. and vice-chair, Radiation Therapy Oncology Group. Langer's study showed that providers and patients both view effectiveness as a more important attribute of anemia treatment over convenience.

For "Strength in Knowledge," a national survey of 400 oncologists, 396 oncology nurses and 406 patients was conducted between March 27 and April 11, 2006, by International Communications Research (ICR), a nationally regarded research firm based in Media, Pa. Ortho Biotech Products, L.P., sponsored the survey in conjunction with ONSEdge, Inc. (formerly Oncology Education Services, Inc.), a subsidiary of the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS). A panel of 14 physicians, nurses and patients convened at the 31^st Annual ONS Congress in Boston, May 5, 2006, reviewed and discussed the results of the survey.

About ONSEdge

ONSEdge, a subsidiary of ONS, taps the vast knowledge of over 34,000 oncology professions to solve tactical and strategic needs of its clients.

ONSEdge provides consulting services to corporate clients in the pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical equipment/device industries and the advertising and public relations agencies that serve these industries. ONSEdge services include healthcare advisory board and speaker bureau programs, strategic planning and marketing support, sales force training support, market research and web-based surveys, and healthcare communications and awareness campaign development. For information, visit http://www.onsedge.com.

About Chemotherapy-Related Anemia

Anemia is a potentially life-threatening side effect experienced by more than 60 percent of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Chemotherapy drugs kill rapidly dividing cells in the body, including cancer cells and normal cells, such as cells in the bone marrow, responsible for red blood cell production. Red blood cells carry oxygen, which acts like fuel for the body providing energy for muscles and organs to work. Common symptoms can include tiredness, shortness of breath, dizziness and inability to concentrate.

About PROCRIT(R) (Epoetin alfa)

PROCRIT(R) (Epoetin alfa) is for the treatment of chemotherapy related anemia in patients with most types of cancer. PROCRIT is available by prescription only and is injected by your doctor or nurse.

Important Safety Information

PROCRIT(R) (Epoetin alfa) is not for patients with uncontrolled high blood pressure. High blood pressure has been noted rarely in cancer patients treated with PROCRIT and blood pressure should be monitored carefully. Drugs like PROCRIT may increase the risk of blood clots. Loss of response to PROCRIT could be a sign of a very rare but serious condition. In studies, the most common side effects included fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, edema (swelling), shortness of breath, tingling and upper respiratory infection. Please visit http://www.procrit.com for full prescribing information.

About Ortho Biotech Products, L.P.

Ortho Biotech Products, L.P. is a leading biopharmaceutical company devoted to helping improve the lives of patients with cancer and with anemia due to multiple causes, including chronic kidney disease. Since it was founded in 1990, Ortho Biotech and its worldwide affiliates have earned a global reputation for researching, manufacturing and marketing innovative products that enhance patients' health. Located in Bridgewater, N.J., Ortho Biotech is an established market leader in Epoetin alfa therapy for anemia management. The company also markets treatments for recurrent ovarian cancer, rejection of transplanted organs and other serious illnesses. For more information, visit http://www.orthobiotech.com.