Patient Perspective on Communication, Symptom Screening in Metastatic Lung Cancer

A recent qualitative study conducted at a Canadian tertiary cancer center delved into the insights and perspectives of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (mNSCLC). The study aimed to explore patient viewpoints regarding symptom screening and the utilization of population-level patient-reported outcome (PRO) data in understanding common symptom patterns following diagnosis. These findings were published in the Journal of Cancer Education.

Ten English-speaking participants, with mNSCLC diagnosed at least 6 months before the study invitation, engaged in semistructured one-on-one interviews. Chart reviews provided essential patient and treatment characteristics for the study.

Analysis of anonymized interview transcripts revealed 6 overarching themes derived from the participants’ experiences.

Two themes highlighted how participants value symptom screening data. The participants recognized the usefulness of screening for self-monitoring symptoms and communicating with healthcare providers. They also expressed a desire for expanded screening of quality-of-life domains, such as smoking-related stigma, sexual dysfunction, and financial toxicity.

Four themes demonstrated their preferences regarding population-level PRO symptom trajectory data. Participants found the collected data were reassuring and motivating, and prompted engagement in symptom self-management. Participants suggested this data should be disclosed with the treatment plan. Participants advocated for in-person discussions accompanied by patient-education resources to effectively communicate the data. Lastly, participants highlighted the importance of communication that reassures them regarding symptom stabilization, acknowledges patient experience variability, and offers strategies for symptom self-management.

Study limitations include possible survivor bias, with patients surviving less than 12 months possibly not experiencing the same decrease and stabilization in symptom burden, due possibly to less favorable cancer biology. Excluding non-English speakers could affect generalizability of results.

The study’s findings offer insights and recommendations drawn directly from the experiences of patients with mNSCLC. These recommendations aim to enhance symptom screening processes and leverage population-level symptom trajectory data effectively for patient education, potentially contributing to improved patient care and support.

“Broadening the scope and utilization of standardized symptom assessment and sharing population-level symptom trajectory data with patients may further optimize the experience of patients with mNSCLC,” concluded the authors.

Disclosures: Some study authors declared affiliations with biotech, pharmaceutical, and/or device companies. Please see the original reference for a full list of disclosures.

Reference

Safavi AH, Bryson E, Delibasic V, et al. Enhancing symptom screening and patient education among patients with metastatic lung cancer: a qualitative analysis. J Cancer Educ. Published online November 14, 2023. doi:10.1007/s13187-023-02379-5