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Experiences of Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients with Targeted Therapy Using Journey Mapping: A

Hailing Tu1, Minghui Wang1, Shengmei Yang1

  • 1School of Nursing, Anhui Medical University, 81# Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, China.

Current Oncology (Toronto, Ont.)
|August 27, 2025
PubMed

Insights

This study maps the patient journey for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients on targeted therapy. Understanding these experiences helps healthcare providers offer timely support and improve patient quality of life.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Patient Experience Research
  • Qualitative Health Research

Background:

  • Targeted therapies are standard first-line treatment for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
  • Despite improved survival, the cancer treatment journey remains challenging for patients.
  • A deeper understanding of patient experiences is needed to improve care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore and describe the lived experiences of advanced NSCLC patients undergoing targeted therapy.
  • To develop a patient journey map and identify key themes across different treatment stages.
  • To inform the development of targeted support interventions and enhance patient quality of life.

Main Methods:

  • Qualitative descriptive study utilizing semi-structured interviews with 18 advanced NSCLC patients.
  • Patient journey logs were used to supplement interview data.
  • A patient journey map was created, outlining five distinct stages of treatment.

Main Results:

  • The patient journey was delineated into five stages: diagnosis, initial treatment, maintenance therapy, disease progression, and end-of-life.
  • Four key themes emerged, characterizing patient experiences throughout these stages.
  • Specific risk situations and optimal timing for support interventions were identified.

Conclusions:

  • Healthcare professionals can use these findings to proactively identify patients needing support.
  • Preparing patients for treatment processes and side effects can reduce anxiety and improve quality of life.
  • This research provides a framework for enhancing supportive care in advanced NSCLC.
Keywords:
advanced non-small cell lung cancerpatient journey mappingprecision medicinequalitative interviewtreatment experience

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