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Methods

The Alliance collected and reviewed multiple sources of data and information for the
landscape analysis:

• Scientific research—a first time effort to analyze information on breast cancer
treatment trials recruiting MBC patients in the US and information on breast cancer and
MBC research grants awarded by most of the major cancer and biomedical research
funding organizations. Interviews were conducted with 59 key opinion leaders with
scientific expertise relevant to MBC research.

• Quality of life for MBC patients, and their families and caregivers—more than 150
published, peer reviewed articles relevant to the experience and needs of people living
with the disease and 13 MBC surveys from 2006–2014 were analyzed.

• Information and support services specific to MBC—Alliance members were interviewed
about their efforts in research, patient advocacy, patient education and support, and
community awareness. Collateral materials, including surveys and research reports and
information about services and support relevant to MBC, were collected from Alliance
members. Member organizations’ print and web-based materials were analyzed, and a
short survey on telephone information/helplines was conducted.
• Epidemiology—the literature was reviewed to identify shortcomings in currently
available population-based statistics relating to MBC.
• Public awareness of MBC—over the course of work of the landscape analysis,
discussions among advocates, patients, and industry members at MBC Alliance
meetings highlighted the need to educate the public about MBC. Members helped
to compile information on common misconceptions around MBC and brainstormed
actions for the Alliance to increase understanding.

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