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Updated: Jul 15, 2025
Author Spotlight: Enhanced Generation of Patient-Derived 3D Organoids for Glioblastoma and Glioma
Published on: January 19, 2024
Work-related experiences and unmet needs of patients with a malignant glioma and relevant professionals: the
Amber Daniëlle Zegers1,2, Pieter Coenen1,2,3, Amy Heeren4
1Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam University Medical Centers Location Vrije Universiteit, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Purpose:
Many patients with a malignant (i.e., grade II-IV) glioma are of working age, yet they are rarely included in "cancer and work" studies. Here, we explored (1) the work-related experiences and unmet needs of patients with a malignant glioma and (2) the experiences and needs of relevant healthcare and occupational (health) professionals ("professionals") in providing work-related support to this patient group.
Methods:
Individual semi-structured interviews were held with patients with a malignant glioma who were of working age and had an employment contract at diagnosis, and relevant professionals. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically.
Results:
Patients (n = 22) were on average 46 ± 13 years of age (64% male) and diagnosed with a grade II (n = 12), III (n = 4), or IV glioma (n = 6). Professionals (n = 16) had on average 15 ± 9 years of relevant work experience with the patient group. Four themes emerged from the data: (1) having a malignant glioma: experienced consequences on work ability, (2) communicating about the consequences of a malignant glioma at work, (3) distilling the right approach: generic or tailored work-related support, and (4) accessibility of work-related support.
Conclusions:
Glioma-specific consequences on patients' work ability necessitate better communication between, and tailored guidance for, patients, relevant professionals, and the workplace. Suggestions for improvement, e.g., the periodic use of comprehensive neuropsychological assessments, are provided in the article.
Implications For Cancer Survivors:
Patients with a malignant glioma would benefit from tailored and proactive outreach about work-related issues bv relevant professionals.
