Access to Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapies (ASACT-GM)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A mixed methods study to evaluate Access to Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapies for women with secondary breast cancer across Greater Manchester (ASACT-GM)
IRAS ID
281931
Contact name
Sally Taylor
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Manchester
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 28 days
Research summary
Secondary breast cancer (SBC) is a primary breast cancer which has spread to another part of the body. Core treatment is with systemic anti-cancer therapies (SACT) which include chemotherapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapy and hormone therapy. Treatment is most often given to improve quality of life, alleviate symptoms and extend life (where possible) though is rarely curative. SBC presents a significant disease burden with variation in outcomes associated with where people live (APPG, 2018) and how they access services (MBC Global Alliance, 2016). Many factors have been associated with inequities in access to treatment however, this remains poorly understood. To address this gap in current knowledge the research study aims to answer the question as to what factors influence access to systemic anti-cancer therapies (SACT) for the treatment of SBC for women across Greater Manchester.
The study will take a mixed methods approach to answer this clinically important and relevant question. The study will use routinely collected NHS data to analyse which factors are most commonly associated with receiving appropriate, guideline recommended SACT. This will be complimented by qualitative interviews with women and clinicians to explore the experience of access and treatment receipt. Women with SBC who have been cared for at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust and the regional SACT treatment centres at Bolton, Macclesfield, Oldham, Salford and Wigan will be eligible to take part.
The study will provide an original contribution to limited knowledge in this area. This will include a comprehensive picture of SBC and access to SACT across Greater Manchester with a detailed evaluation of those factors which are associated with appropriate SACT treatment. The study findings will also support the development of interventions to improve equity in access and potentially reduce unwarranted variation in outcomes.REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/NW/0008
Date of REC Opinion
1 Mar 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion