Anxiety among immunotherapy patients: Preliminary findings from Immunotherapy & Me.

Abstract

104 Background: Immunotherapy is a relatively new method of cancer treatment which has seen little research into its psychosocial side effects. A clearer understanding of the source of anxiety for those undergoing immunotherapy is crucial as anxiety during cancer treatment can result in decreased treatment adherence, increased mortality rates, and other negative outcomes. This study surveyed 112 cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy to understand their top treatment-related concerns. Methods: RNs in twelve clinics across the U.S. recruited participants into Immunotherapy & Me, a study run by the Cancer Support Community (CSC). Participants were given access to a selection of CSC’s world-class support resources designed to help them and their loved ones manage their treatment. While accessing these resources, participants were encouraged to complete a monthly survey online either at their clinic or at home for seven months. This survey included CancerSupportSource – CSC’s scientifically-validated distress screening tool – as well as some additional questions specifically tailored to immunotherapy patients. Results: The most frequent source of concern related to diagnosis and treatment was “feeling too tired to do things you want to need or do” ( M = 1.21, SD = 1.01), closely followed by “exercising and being physically active” ( M = 1.05, SD = .93). Other concerns included the future ( M = 1.03, SD = .99) and financial ( M = 1.02, SD = 1.16). There were significant differences between age groups in concerns about disruption to life F(4, 97) = 3.52, p < .01; pain F(4,97) = p < .05; finances F(4,97) = 2.86, p < .05; and fatigue F(4, 96) = 2.47, p< .05. Older participants were significantly less concerned about disruption to life as compared to younger participants while younger participants were more concerned about pain than older participants. Conclusions: Cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy do not have a single, outstanding concern. Instead, these patients have several concerns, the level of which varies significantly between age groups and gender. This suggests the need for a subsequent study that explores a more refined list of categories and probes which specific aspects of diagnosis and treatment generate these concerns. Clinical trial information: NCT03347058.