Pancreatic Cancer Patients Supportive Care Needs: A Qualitative Analysis

Abstract

Objective: Pancreatic cancer (PaCa) patients face a 5-year survival rate of just 13%. Most patients present with unresectable disease and endure aggressive treatments with significant chronic and debilitating side effects. PaCa patients also experience significant unmet supportive care needs (e.g., physical, psychological, informational/educational); however, limited qualitative studies have explored the specific needs of racially and ethnically diverse PaCa populations. Aims: This study identified supportive care needs in a racially and ethnically diverse sample of PaCa survivors. Methods: As part of a larger project to develop a psychosocial symptom management intervention, semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with PaCa survivors to explore the supportive care needs at diagnosis and after treatment. Qualitative data were analyzed using Rapid Qualitative Analysis, and personal/medical characteristics were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: PaCa survivors (n = 18; Mage = 64) participated, with the majority identifying as female (66.7%), White (88.9%), and Hispanic (55.6%). Over one-third completed interviews in Spanish. Four themes emerged: (1) information/health system needs, including difficulty understanding complex medical concepts, limited holistic care, post-treatment symptom management, and health behaviors; (2) psychosocial needs related to quality of life and relationships with family and healthcare providers; (3) physical and functional needs, including persistent side effects and lifestyle changes; and (4) positivity and gratitude. Conclusions: We emphasize the themes of unmet supportive care needs in a racially and ethnically diverse sample of PaCa survivors. These findings underscore the importance of developing interventions to address these gaps and improve the overall quality of life for diverse PaCa patients.