To explore the feasibility of self-administering hormone-based treatments at home for patients with hormone-dependent malignancies.
Approach:
Pilot Study: A pilot study involving 24 breast cancer patients receiving leuprolide was conducted to assess the feasibility of home self-injection after a nurse-led instructional visit.
Key Findings:
23 out of 24 participants successfully completed at least one injection at home.
75% of participants continued self-injections after the study, particularly those living more than 50 miles from the clinic.
Insurance-related barriers prevented 30 out of 54 interested patients from participating, primarily due to increased out-of-pocket costs.
Limitations:
The study had a small sample size and was conducted at a single suburban site with a socioeconomically advantaged population.
The impact of health literacy, housing stability, and caregiver support on self-administration was not assessed.
