
Abstract Purpose A critical component of breast cancer (BC) chemotherapy effectiveness is relative dose intensity (RDI), as Methods The medical records of 161 BC patients (M = 61.5 years, SD = 12.7) from a holistic cancer clinic were collected and analyzed. This clinic offers a patient-centered approach (i.e., patients actively make decisions, treatment education, chair yoga, reiki, and nutritional counseling). RDI was determined by calculating the ratio of the received dose versus the intended dose intensity. Results 92% of patients had an RDI ≥ 85% (Mean = 96%) and 8 of the 9 treatment regimens' RDI exceeded 85%. RDI had a significant positive association with BMI (p = .06), and being ER+ and/or HER2+ (p’s = .08). None of the remaining demographic or clinical characteristics were associated. Conclusions This non-pharmacologic approach led to a higher RDI than recommended, potentially improving BC patients’ prognosis. Higher RDI was related to BMI, and ER+ and HER2 status. Additional research is needed; however, these results provide promising evidence regarding the benefits of a patient-centered, holistic approach.
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