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[What Are Patients' Expectations from Palliative Chemotherapy ?]
Nobumichi Takeuchi1, Kumiko Koike, Sonomi Yoshida
1Dept. of Medical Oncology, Ina Central Hospital.
Gan to Kagaku Ryoho. Cancer & Chemotherapy
|September 11, 2019
Summary
Patients undergoing palliative chemotherapy often expect symptomatic improvement or a cure, but frequently worry about treatment toxicity. Understanding these patient expectations is crucial for effective cancer care.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Palliative Care
- Patient-Centered Medicine
Background:
- A significant disconnect exists between patient and physician expectations in oncology, impacting treatment decisions.
- This study focused on understanding patient expectations and concerns during the initiation of palliative chemotherapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and analyze patient expectations from palliative chemotherapy.
- To determine the primary concerns of patients when starting palliative chemotherapy for metastatic or recurrent cancer.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire with open-ended questions was administered to 165 consecutive Japanese patients.
- Patients received a clear explanation that their cancer treatment was palliative, not curative, prior to completing the questionnaire.
- The survey assessed expectations and concerns at the initiation of palliative chemotherapy.
Main Results:
- Patient expectations included symptomatic improvement (29%), objective treatment effect (28%), and cure (19%).
- The most frequently reported concern among patients was treatment toxicity (41%).
- No significant changes in expectations or concerns were observed in later treatment lines.
Conclusions:
- Patient expectations and concerns regarding palliative chemotherapy require careful consideration throughout all treatment phases.
- Implementing dedicated palliative care services and providing clear explanations about toxicity management are essential at treatment initiation.