A qualitative exploration of perceptions and experiences towards physical activity among patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma undergoing treatment.

Abstract

646 Background: Patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) experience significant symptom burden due to the disease and its treatment, thus limiting their ability to participate in physical activity (PA) and engage in daily activities. PA can have many physical and psychosocial benefits, and exploring its value and how to deliver it to patients with PDAC could support their health and well-being. Therefore, the objective of this qualitative research was to explore perceptions and experiences of PA among PDAC patients undergoing active treatment. Methods: Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with individuals with PDAC. Participation was optional and open to individuals in the DigiSTEPS prospective trial evaluating associations between PA measures, performance status, and patient-reported outcomes (NCT03757182). Interviews were conducted virtually. Data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Results: Ten patients (50% male, 80% white, mean age=70 years) participated in the interviews. While clinical approaches may often be informational and seek to educate PDAC patients regarding the importance of PA and the benefits of PA participation, findings suggest that participants understand the benefits of PA and are interested in being active. However, cancer symptoms and treatment-related side effects are substantial barriers that are hard to surmount. A further barrier was the dissonance in self-perceptions, particularly the contrast in their functional abilities and body composition pre- to post-cancer diagnosis. We identified four action items to support patients in overcoming these barriers: clinicians can leverage trust in their team to provide evidence-based information on how to be active; distribute wearable activity monitors which can increase motivation; harness virtual PA opportunities during more symptomatic periods; and provide PA trainers with cancer knowledge to tailor programming. Conclusions: This research highlights the importance of tailoring PA discussion and approaches based on a PDAC patient’s phase in the cancer survivorship continuum, their stage at diagnosis, and treatment type. In addition, clinical teams and trainers should consider patient concerns related to body image and develop programs that address the barriers identified in this research. Clinical teams may benefit from integrating access to counselling psychologists to address these concerns and promote PA in positive and adaptive ways. Clinical trial information: NCT03757182 .