The Supportive Care Needs of Individuals Living With Advanced or Metastatic Lung Cancer Receiving Targeted or Immunotherapies

Abstract

Objective: Lung cancer is associated with the highest incidence and mortality of all cancers. New treatments, called targeted therapies (TT) and immunotherapies (IO), offer higher treatment efficacy and fewer side effects compared to traditional treatments but are accompanied by uncertainty and an unpredictable treatment course. There is a paucity of research on the experiences of individuals living with advanced or metastatic lung cancer receiving TT/IO, and even less is known about the supportive care needs of this population. Methods: Twenty four participants from across Canada participated in semi-structured interviews regarding their supportive care needs. Thematic analysis was utilized to identify their supportive care needs. Results: Qualitative coding identified unmet needs and challenges. All participants indicated difficulties with unmet supportive care needs, including psychological, informational, and practical needs. Conclusions: The exploration of supportive care experiences of patients receiving TT/IO exposes high distress and unmet needs. Results indicate the need for timely and accessible supportive cancer care. Results can inform patient advocacy efforts and the development of new services.