Background: Early phase clinical trials represent novel treatment options that can offer therapeutic effect for cancer patients. With genomic marker-driven approach, lower toxicity profile and increase in objective response rates, the demand for access to experimental treatment is significant. While there is substantial research focused on treatment outcomes, the patient experiences of those living through such treatment have not been documented. This research aims to identify Early phase trial patients’ needs, and provide meaningful recommendations and an insight into patients’ journey while receiving novel therapy.
Methods: This qualitative research project has recruited Early phase trial participants with advanced or metastatic cancer treated at TKCC/SVH between 2020 and 2022, for whom conventional treatment has failed. Participants were audio/video recorded during their interview using semi-structured/relatively unstructured approach. Thematic analysis and narrative inquiry were used to analyse patient stories and identify unmet needs. Analyses were performed in Microsoft 365.
Results: Nine clinical trial participants (five females, four males) consented and completed the in-depth interview between 2020 and 2022. Meaningful recommendations and results, including recurring themes, such as financial toxicity, anxiety/fear of progression, difficulty returning to work, cancer self-blame, coping mechanisms, lack of resources, and isolation will be presented.
Conclusion: This study will provide practical recommendations on patients’ needs and a management of cancer survivorship. This information will guide development of supportive care interventions to assist survivors through Early phase trial treatment.
Acknowledgements:
Scholarship through Torrens University has been awarded in support of this research.