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Kamminga NCW, Kievits JEC, Wakkee M, Loon SGWV, Joosen MCW, Verver D, Munte K, Plaisier PWP, Rietjens JAC, Nijsten TEC, Lugtenberg M. "There is a life before and after cancer": experiences of resuming life and unmet care needs in stage I and II melanoma survivors. Arch Dermatol Res 2024; 316:645. [PMID: 39325191 DOI: 10.1007/s00403-024-03376-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 09/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/27/2024]
Abstract
Although the largest increase in melanoma incidence is observed for localised melanoma, little research has been done on its impact. Despite favourable prognoses and relatively short treatment trajectories, diagnosis and treatment may significantly impact life post-treatment. Therefore, the aim of this study was to gain an in-depth understanding of stage I and II melanoma survivors' experiences resuming life after treatment and their associated survivorship care (SSC) needs. A qualitative focus group study was conducted with 18 stage I or II melanoma survivors, divided over three focus groups with 6 survivors each. Transcripts were analysed through thorough thematic content analysis, using multiple phases of coding. In resuming life, survivors experienced profound initial impacts of disease and treatment, fed by a perceived lack of knowledge and underestimation of melanoma. They faced unexpected physical and emotional effects post-surgery, experiencing mixed feelings from relief to fear and uncertainty. Survivors felt misunderstood, had to adjust their lives, and managed personal and external expectations while experiencing a positive shift in life perspective, leading to a notable difference in life before and after cancer. In terms of SSC needs, survivors stressed the need for tailored information, accessible resources, patient-centered follow-up, and supportive care addressing the total impact of disease and treatment. These findings highlight the importance of improving melanoma awareness and providing holistic SSC not only to advanced, but also to localised melanoma survivors. A tailored survivorship care plan could facilitate access to information and supportive care, helping patients resume their lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- N C W Kamminga
- Department of Dermatology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - J E C Kievits
- Department of Dermatology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Dordrecht, The Netherlands
| | - M Wakkee
- Department of Dermatology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - S G W van Loon
- Department of Dermatology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M C W Joosen
- Department Tranzo, Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - D Verver
- Department of Surgery, Franciscus Gasthuis, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - K Munte
- Department of Dermatology, Maasstad Ziekenhuis, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - P W P Plaisier
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Dordrecht, The Netherlands
| | - J A C Rietjens
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Design Organisation and Strategy, Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - T E C Nijsten
- Department of Dermatology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M Lugtenberg
- Department of Dermatology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
- Department Tranzo, Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands.
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Buiting HM, Sonke GS. Setting the Stage for Cancer: Stay Soft and Optimistic. THE YALE JOURNAL OF BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2024; 97:247-252. [PMID: 38947106 PMCID: PMC11202115 DOI: 10.59249/fqvx3500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
In the Netherlands, one out of two people will be confronted with the diagnosis of cancer sometime in their life. Against this increased number of patients, a large proportion luckily can be cured. Today, a rather high proportion of people receive treatment to control cancer growth or stabilize the disease, sometimes, for the rest of their lives. If such long-standing treatment is administered for more than 10-20 years, the stage of cancer is presently often not referred to as "palliative" anymore, but much more often as "chronic." It could be argued that regardless of the cancer disease stage you are in and whether you are or can be cured, your cancer diagnosis nevertheless has become part of your life, including the experience of chronicity. Discussions surrounding the chronicity of cancer in the context of cancer are still ongoing. This is especially the case because "experiencing chronicity" is dependent on the type of cancer and is less applicable in cancers where the prognosis is often less than one year, such as is more frequently the case with lung or pancreatic cancer. In all situations, experiencing chronicity nevertheless brings along uncertainty, either with or without chronic stress. Combatting stress by choosing the right wording, maintaining an optimistic stance along with physical activity and/or psychosocial education seems important to optimize well-being and to stabilize tumor growth or remove the tumor. In conclusion, chronicity in the context of treating and caring for cancer seems a somewhat gray area. However, regardless in how we, as medical professionals, speak about cancer with long-standing disease trajectories (that sometimes even can be cured), it first of all seems important to approach, take care, and treat patients well. This can facilitate discussions with patients about their disease and disease experiences. Moreover, it can stimulate patients themselves to take responsibility for their own health, which can be of added value to the entire disease trajectory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilde M. Buiting
- Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Netherlands Cancer Institute,
Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the
Netherlands
| | - Gabe S. Sonke
- Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Netherlands Cancer Institute,
Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the
Netherlands
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Shilling DM, Manz CR, Strand JJ, Patel MI. Let Us Have the Conversation: Serious Illness Communication in Oncology: Definitions, Barriers, and Successful Approaches. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book 2024; 44:e431352. [PMID: 38788187 DOI: 10.1200/edbk_431352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Serious illness communications are crucial elements of care delivery for patients with cancer. High-quality serious illness communications are composed of open, honest discussions between patients, caregivers, and clinicians regarding patient's communication preferences, expected illness trajectory, prognosis, and risks and benefits of any recommended care. High-quality communication ideally starts at the time of a patients' cancer diagnosis, allows space for and response to patient emotions, elicits patients' values and care preferences, and is iterative and longitudinal. When integrated into cancer care, such communication can result in improved patient experiences with their care, care that matches patients' goals, and reduced care intensity at the end of life. Despite national recommendations for routine integration of these communication into cancer care, a minority of patients with cancer receive such communication. In this chapter, we describe elements of high-quality serious illness communication, patient-, clinician-, institution-, and payer-level barriers, and successful strategies that can routinely integrate such communication into cancer care delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle M Shilling
- Division of Community Internal Medicine, Geriatrics & Palliative Care, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Christopher R Manz
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Jacob J Strand
- Division of Community Internal Medicine, Geriatrics & Palliative Care, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Manali I Patel
- Division of Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
- VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA
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Dolgoy N, Bernard S, Huang F, Driga A, Hall-Lavoie D, Brown A, Pituskin E, Fairchild A, McNeely ML. Determining the destination: a co-designed chronic advanced cancer rehabilitation conceptual framework for engagement of individuals with lived experience in rehabilitation research. RESEARCH INVOLVEMENT AND ENGAGEMENT 2024; 10:35. [PMID: 38528573 DOI: 10.1186/s40900-024-00566-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals living with chronic advanced cancer (CAC) often face distinct physical, functional, and cognitive issues. Their rehabilitation needs are not yet routinely met, warranting further CAC-specific rehabilitation-based research. Given the complexity of functional and symptom presentations, engagement of individuals living with CAC as partners in the research process is encouraged to better understand the lived perspective. Formal engagement requires both structured approaches and iterative processes. The aim was to co-design a conceptual framework to develop and integrate engagement strategies into rehabilitation research focused on CAC populations. METHODS A multidisciplinary team of authors, including two individuals with lived experience, conducted an implementation-focused descriptive study to inform future research design, including: interviews and follow-up, review of current models and approaches, and development of a co-designed conceptual framework for engaging individuals with lived experience into CAC-specific rehabilitation research. RESULTS Emergent themes include shared understanding, transparent appreciation, iterative processes and unique partnership needs. A definition, guiding principles and tools for engagement were identified. In consultation with individuals with lived experience, and application of the emergent themes in context, a conceptual framework to guide the engagement process was developed. CONCLUSION A novel conceptual framework for engaging individuals with lived experience with CAC as partners in rehabilitation research is proposed to facilitate implementation-focused team-based approaches for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Dolgoy
- Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
- Cancer Rehabilitation Clinic, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
| | - Stephanie Bernard
- École des sciences de la réadaptation, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Fleur Huang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Amy Driga
- Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | - Adam Brown
- Individuals With Lived Experience, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Edith Pituskin
- Faculty of Nursing, Department of Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute and University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Alysa Fairchild
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Margaret L McNeely
- Department of Physical Therapy, Department of Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute and University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Cancer Rehabilitation Clinic, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Buiting HM, van der Linden Y, Steenbruggen TG, Bolt EE, van Houdt W, Sonke GS. Oligometastases: Incorporate the patient perspective to ensure optimal treatment and care. J Surg Oncol 2024; 129:679-680. [PMID: 38100164 DOI: 10.1002/jso.27561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Hilde M Buiting
- Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- O2PZ, Platform of Palliative Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Yvette van der Linden
- LUMC, Department of Radiation Oncology/Center of Expertise in Palliative Care, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Tessa G Steenbruggen
- Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eva E Bolt
- Amsterdam UMC/VUmc, Public and Occupational Health/CCA, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Winan van Houdt
- Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gabe S Sonke
- Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric C T Geijteman
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Evelien J M Kuip
- Department of Medical Oncology and Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Palliative Care, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Diana Lees
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Liverpool University Foundation Teaching Hospital, United Kingdom
| | - Eduardo Bruera
- Department of Palliative Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, USA
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Takahashi M. Cancer survivorship care: challenges and opportunities in Japan. Jpn J Clin Oncol 2023; 53:757-763. [PMID: 37279595 DOI: 10.1093/jjco/hyad054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
This article discusses the current international scope and practices of cancer survivorship care and the challenges and opportunities of survivorship care in Japan. Cancer is a common illness in Japan; however, the national cancer control plan focuses only on limited survivorship-related issues, and there is no official national-level survivorship care strategy that addresses the diverse unmet needs of survivors. There is an urgent need to discuss and implement measures for quality survivorship care delivery under the current healthcare system in Japan. The Development of Survivorship Care Coordination Model Research Group, 2022, organized under the National Cancer Center Japan research grant from 2019 to 2022, identified four tasks that are required to realize quality survivorship care: (i) providing education opportunities for survivorship care stakeholders to raise awareness about the concept and the necessity of cancer survivorship care, (ii) providing training opportunities and cancer survivorship care certification for community healthcare providers, (iii) enforcing the economic basis of survivorship care and (iv) creating simpler systems that are organically linked with existing care systems. Collaboration among multiple players is indispensable to developing the philosophy of survivorship care and efficient care delivery. For this purpose, we need a platform where diverse players can participate equally towards the same goal: cancer survivors' optimal wellness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miyako Takahashi
- Japan Cancer Survivorship Network, Iwate Medical University, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Laidsaar-Powell R, Butow P, Brown BB, Mander K, Young J, Stone E, Chin V, Banks E, Lim CYS, Rankin NM. Application of a revised model for coping with advanced cancer to qualitatively explore lung cancer survivors' experiences of ongoing physical effects, novel treatments, uncertainty, and coping. J Cancer Surviv 2023:10.1007/s11764-023-01417-x. [PMID: 37495907 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-023-01417-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Lung cancer remains underrepresented in cancer survivorship research. This study aimed to understand survivors' physical/psychological challenges, experiences of immunotherapy (IO) and targeted therapy (TT), and psychological adjustment through application of the Roberts et al. (2017) advanced cancer adaptation of Folkman and Greer's appraisal and coping model. METHODS Adults 6-24 months post-initial treatment completion were recruited via an Australian cohort study. Participant demographic, clinical, quality of life, and distress data were obtained through the cohort database. Qualitative interviews were conducted and analyzed using Framework methods. Roberts et al. (2017)'s model informed data interpretation and presentation. RESULTS Twenty interviews were conducted (10 females; average age 69 years). Participants' diagnostic stages varied (stage I = 2, stage II = 4, stage III = 8, stage IV = 6); most had received IO/TT (n = 14) and were on average 17 months (range 10-24) post-diagnosis. Three themes were identified and mapped to the Roberts' framework: (1) Ongoing illness events: most participants reported functioning well despite ongoing physical effects. Those on IO/TT reported side effects; some were unexpected/serious. (2) Adjusting to life with lung cancer: most expressed hope for the future while simultaneously preparing for disease progression. Those receiving IO/TT experienced uncertainty given limited survival information. (3) Learning to live with lung cancer: participants described emotion, problem, and meaning based on coping strategies. CONCLUSIONS Findings may guide development of supportive care resources/interventions focused on uncertainty, IO/TT communication and decision-making, and coping. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS Many people with lung cancer are living well with their ongoing illness. Despite challenges, many survivors are adapting to issues as they arise and are maintaining a sense of hope and optimism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekah Laidsaar-Powell
- Centre for Medical Psychology and Evidence-Based Decision-Making (CeMPED), School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Phyllis Butow
- Centre for Medical Psychology and Evidence-Based Decision-Making (CeMPED), School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Bernadette Bea Brown
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kimberley Mander
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jane Young
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- The Daffodil Centre, The University of Sydney, a joint venture With Cancer Council, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Emily Stone
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Thoracic Medicine and Lung Transplantation, St Vincent's Hospital Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Venessa Chin
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, 370 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Emily Banks
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Chloe Yi Shing Lim
- Centre for Medical Psychology and Evidence-Based Decision-Making (CeMPED), School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Nicole M Rankin
- Centre for Health Policy, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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van Eijk M, de Vries DH, Sonke GS, Buiting HM. Friendship during patients' stable and unstable phases of incurable cancer: a qualitative interview study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e058801. [PMID: 36400727 PMCID: PMC9677003 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-058801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Little is known about the added value of friendship during the care of intensive cancer disease trajectories. Friends, however, can play an important (caring-)role to increase their friends' (mental) well-being. We explored the experiences and desires of friends while their ill friends were-most of the time-in a stable phase of incurable cancer. DESIGN Qualitative study in the Netherlands based on 14 in-depth interviews with friends of patients living with incurable cancer. Interviews were performed at the home setting or the friend's office. Data gathering was inspired by grounded theory and analysed with a thematic analysis. SETTING The home setting/friend's office. RESULTS Friends reported to experience difficulties in how and how often they wanted to approach their ill friends. They emphasised the ever-present knowledge of cancer inside their friends' body as a 'time bomb'. They seemed to balance between the wish to take care for their ill friend, having a good time and not knowing what their ill friend desired at specific times. Some friends felt burdened with or forced to provide more care than they could, although they acknowledged that this relationship provided space to reflect about their own life. CONCLUSIONS Friends are constantly negotiating and renegotiating their relationship depending on the severity of the disease, transparency of patients about their illness, their previous experiences and personal circumstances in life. Although a decrease in friendship may impact a patient's quality of life, friends also need to be protected against providing more care than they are willing or able to give. Healthcare professionals, being aware of this phenomenon, can assist in this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle van Eijk
- Faculty of Social and Behavioural Science, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Netherlands Cancer Institute / Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Daniel H de Vries
- Faculty of Social and Behavioural Science, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gabe S Sonke
- Department of Medical Oncology, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek/Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hilde M Buiting
- University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Antoni van Leeuwenhoek/Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- O2PZ Platform of Palliative care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Kamminga NCW, van der Veldt AAM, Joosen MCW, de Joode K, Joosse A, Grünhagen DJ, Nijsten TEC, Wakkee M, Lugtenberg M. Experiences of resuming life after immunotherapy and associated survivorship care needs: a qualitative study among patients with metastatic melanoma. Br J Dermatol 2022; 187:381-391. [PMID: 35596713 PMCID: PMC9545549 DOI: 10.1111/bjd.21670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have significantly improved the overall survival of patients with metastatic melanoma. It is unclear how the growing group of metastatic melanoma survivors resume their lives after treatment, and which needs they have regarding survivorship care (SSC). Objectives To gain an in‐depth understanding of metastatic melanoma survivors’ experiences of resuming life after ICIs and their associated SSC needs. Methods A qualitative study was conducted among 20 patients with metastatic melanoma in whom ICIs had been discontinued after ongoing tumour response. One focus group (n = 9) was held, which was complemented by 11 individual interviews. Purposive sampling was used to select a variable sample in terms of sex, age, time since discontinuation of ICIs, and perceived impact of the disease. A topic guide was used to structure the (group) interviews, which were transcribed verbatim and analysed in a thematic content analysis, using several phases of coding. Results In resuming life after ICIs, the prognosis switch often caused mixed feelings among patients, mainly because of the uncertainty about the future. Demands and expectations from self and others, persistent complaints and new problems in different life domains often make it challenging to proceed with life as it was prior to metastatic cancer. Patients indicated they needed to find a new balance, which included learning to cope with uncertainty and a changed perspective on life and close relationships. In terms of SSC needs, patients particularly stressed the need for more tailored patient information, available at one location. In addition, they emphasized the need to know who to turn to in case of questions and indicated the need for psychosocial support, also for their close relatives. Conclusions Metastatic melanoma survivors face various challenges in resuming life after ICIs and are left with several unmet SSC needs. Efforts should be focused on offering psychosocial supportive care in addition to medical care, from diagnosis onwards, taking into account the patient’s close relatives. A single point of contact and personalized survivorship care plan (SCP) could be of added value in guiding them through the patient journey, which is, given its multidisciplinary nature, particularly important in melanoma care. What is already known about this topic?Since the introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) the overall survival of patients with metastatic melanoma has improved significantly, leading to a growing group of melanoma survivors. Melanoma survivors may face various problems and challenges in resuming life after treatment, which may be associated with unmet survivorship care (SSC) needs. An in‐depth understanding of their experiences with resuming life and the associated SSC needs is currently lacking.
What does this study add?Metastatic melanoma survivors experience various challenges after immunotherapy, from the uncertain prognosis switch to the struggle of finding a new balance in life. Besides negative aspects, such as complaints in different life domains, the patient journey is often accompanied by positive outcomes, for example a changed perspective on life. They stress the need for tailored patient information and broader supportive care, also for their close relatives.
What are the clinical implications of this work?In addition to medical care, efforts should be focused on offering psychosocial supportive care, including return‐to‐work issues, from diagnosis onwards, ideally taking into account the patient’s close relatives. To guide them through the patient journey, a single point of contact and a personalized survivorship care plan (SCP) could be of added value. The latter is particularly important in melanoma care, given its multidisciplinary nature.
With this qualitative study we provided an in‐depth understanding of metastatic melanoma survivors' experiences of resuming life after ICIs and their associated SSC needs. They face various challenges in resuming life and efforts should be focused on offering psychosocial supportive care, in addition to medical care, from diagnosis onwards, taking into account the patient's close relatives. A single point of contact and personalized survivorship care plan (SCP) could be of added value in guiding them through the patiënt journey which is, given its multidisciplinary nature, particularly important in melanoma care. Linked Comment:E.N. Clarke. Br J Dermatol 2022; 187:286–287.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia C W Kamminga
- Department of Dermatology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Astrid A M van der Veldt
- Department of Medical Oncology and Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Margot C W Joosen
- Department Tranzo, Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - Karlijn de Joode
- Department of Medical Oncology and Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Arjen Joosse
- Department of Medical Oncology and Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dirk J Grünhagen
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Tamar E C Nijsten
- Department of Dermatology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marlies Wakkee
- Department of Dermatology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marjolein Lugtenberg
- Department of Dermatology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department Tranzo, Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands
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Patient perception of burden of disease and treatment preferences in non-small cell lung cancer: results from a European survey. Lung Cancer 2022; 168:59-66. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2022.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Celius EG, Thompson H, Pontaga M, Langdon D, Laroni A, Potra S, Bharadia T, Yeandle D, Shanahan J, van Galen P, Alexandri N, Kesselring J. Disease Progression in Multiple Sclerosis: A Literature Review Exploring Patient Perspectives. Patient Prefer Adherence 2021; 15:15-27. [PMID: 33447018 PMCID: PMC7802794 DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s268829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Multiple sclerosis (MS) prognosis is often uncertain. This literature review considers patients' understanding of, and perspectives on, MS progression to better comprehend the unmet needs of people with MS (PwMS), in order to improve treatment adherence and quality of life (QoL). METHODS Literature searches for peer-reviewed papers concerning patient perspectives on the progression of MS and comparable conditions, published between January 2000 and January 2020, were conducted. RESULTS Little qualitative evidence exists that examines PwMS' perspectives on MS progression. The understanding and meaning ascribed to terms such as "disease progression" vary. Some PwMS find disease labels stigmatizing, confusing, and disconnected from reality. The lack of a clear definition of progression and discrepancies between PwMS and healthcare professional (HCP) perspectives may contribute to misunderstanding and poor communication. Patient descriptions of progression and relapses include symptoms in addition to those evaluated by standard severity and disability measures. Compared with HCPs, PwMS are still focused on relapse prevention but place higher priority on QoL and ascribe different relative importance to the causes of poor adherence to treatment plans. PwMS want to discuss progression and likely prognosis. Such communication needs to be personalized and delivered with sensitivity, at an appropriate time. Poor treatment adherence may arise from a lack of understanding and poor communication, particularly around treatment goals. The few studies that directly considered patient perspectives on the progression of comparable conditions supported and extended the perspectives of PwMS. Lack of adequate communication by HCPs was the most common theme. CONCLUSION Patient perspectives on disease progression in MS and other chronic progressive conditions are under-investigated and under-reported. The limited evidence available highlights the importance of providing adequate information and effective HCP communication. While further studies are needed, the current evidence base offers information and insights that may help HCPs to enhance patient care, well-being, and treatment adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth G Celius
- Deparment of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Correspondence: Elisabeth G Celius Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Postboks 4950 Nydalen, Oslo0424, NorwayTel +47 91 50 27 70 Email
| | - Heidi Thompson
- The Neurology Centre, Craigavon Area Hospital, Portadown, UK
| | | | - Dawn Langdon
- Department of Psychology, Royal Holloway, University of London, London, UK
| | - Alice Laroni
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Italy and IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Stanca Potra
- Patient Member of the MS in the 21st Century Steering Group, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Trishna Bharadia
- Patient Member of the MS in the 21st Century Steering Group, Buckinghamshire, UK
| | - David Yeandle
- Patient Member of the MS in the 21st Century Steering Group, Southampton, UK
| | - Jane Shanahan
- Patient Member of the MS in the 21st Century Steering Group, Ascot, UK
| | - Pieter van Galen
- Patient Member of the MS in the 21st Century Steering Group, Overijse, Belgium
| | - Nektaria Alexandri
- Global Medical Affairs, Neurology and Immunology, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Jürg Kesselring
- Department of Neurology & Neurorehabilitation, Kliniken Valens, Valens, Switzerland
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Buiting HM, Bolt EE. Patients with incurable cancer as a separate group of survivors in the primary care setting. Cancer 2019; 125:4541. [DOI: 10.1002/cncr.32473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Eva E. Bolt
- Department of Social Medicine Center for Palliative Care Amsterdam UMC, Location VUMC Amsterdam The Netherlands
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