Cancer patients' experiences with immune checkpoint modulators: A qualitative study

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Immunotherapy
• Qualitative Research

Background:

• Limited qualitative data exist on patient experiences with immune checkpoint modulators (ICMs).
• Understanding daily impacts of ICMs on quality of life is crucial for clinical decision-making.
• This study addresses the need for in-depth patient perspectives on ICM treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the diverse and complex experiences of cancer patients undergoing treatment with immune checkpoint modulators.
• To investigate the impact of side effects from immune checkpoint modulators on patients' daily lives and well-being.
• To lay the groundwork for developing assessment tools for treatment-related side effects.

Main Methods:

• A single-center qualitative study employing focus groups and semistructured interviews.
• Recruitment of patients currently or recently treated with immune checkpoint modulators for various cancers.
• Analysis guided by interpretive description using an inductive, iterative approach.

Main Results:

• Eight key themes emerged, detailing side effect categories, heterogeneity, and impact on well-being.
• Patients described living with uncertainty, reframing side effects, and maintaining hope and positivity.
• Themes included acceptance, adaptation, social support, and faith in medical advancements.

Conclusions:

• This is the first in-depth qualitative study on patient experiences with immune checkpoint modulators.
• Findings highlight the profound impact of ICMs on patients' daily lives and quality of life.
• The research is a foundational step toward creating instruments to assess treatment-related side effects.