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  P3.25 - Poster Session 3 - Nurses (ID 250)

  • Event: WCLC 2013
  • Type: Poster Session
  • Track: Nurses
  • Presentations: 1
  • Moderators:
  • Coordinates: 10/30/2013, 09:30 - 16:30, Exhibit Hall, Ground Level

  • 12910

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    P3.25-002 - The effects of the molecular targeted therapies in advanced lung cancer - focus group analysis (ID 1098)

    09:30 - 09:30  |  Author(s): T.G.Q. Eisen
    • Abstract

    Background
    The development of molecular targeted therapies has provided many cancer patients with promising treatment options. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are a group of biological molecules designed to block specific molecular targets within the cell. They are easily taken in tablet form but can have significant systemic side effects causing physical and psychological discomfort. The importance of preparing the patient before treatment starts, evaluating the toxicities carefully using various validated tools and implementing appropriate care is well recognised. This study aimed to examine the physical side effects and psychosocial experiences of patients with advanced lung cancer taking TKIs. By using the Medical Research Council (MRC) framework for developing and evaluating complex interventions, this study forms the first stage of data gathering to inform the design of subsequent research projects. The overall aim is to develop a more specific toxicity measurement tool. A grant was awarded from the National Lung Cancer Forum for Nurses Research Interest Group.

    Methods
    Clinical teams at 4 hospitals within the West Anglia Cancer Research Network approached patients with advanced lung cancer taking TKI therapy for 3 to 24 months. Written informed consent was taken prior to focus group meetings which were held in the comfort of a cancer support centre. Separate provision was made for carers. Conversation was captured using two digital recorders and transcribed verbatim. A topic guide shaped the conversation. Field notes were taken to describe the dynamics of the group. The transcripts were analysed using grounded theory techniques of constant comparison of the narrative, incorporating memos of the researchers thoughts during the recordings, and deviant case analysis. Data was analysed and coded independently by two researchers and the findings compared and discussed. The theories generated were validated by checking the findings against the original data demonstrating a systematic research process of rigour and transparency. Analysis was aided by the use of NVivo 10 software.

    Results
    Two focus groups including 3 and 4 patients respectively were conducted. Of the 7 participants 6 were female, average age 68 years (range 58 - 81 years). All were currently taking Gefitinib, average 13 months (range 5 - 23 months). Early analysis shows common themes emerging such as pragmatic acceptance about their situation, feelings of isolation, experiencing the inconsistency and variety of chronic physical toxicities, the necessity of self-management, the need for support and uncertainty about their future. Body image changes were a significant problem for females including hair and skin changes. It is clear from the data that there is an on-going and changing psychosocial and physical experience for the patient. The nature of this experience will be expanded upon with individual anonymous quotes.

    Conclusion
    The experience of taking TKI’s, over an indefinite period of time, for advanced lung cancer is complex. Using the MRC framework we aim to evaluate the themes identified, so assessing not only the quantitative physical toxicities of the treatment but also the qualitative issues, the provision of support and the patients’ understanding of the side effects and management of their treatment.