Abstract
e24185 Background: IT and TT have improved survival for many pts with mNSCLC. However, the lived experience of these pts is under-studied. We conducted a single centre, qualitative study to understand concerns and supportive care needs of this novel survivor population. Methods: Eligible pts had mNSCLC, aged >18, English speaking and > 6 months post initiation of IT/TT without progressive disease. Semi-structured interviews were conducted focusing on physical, psychological, social and functional impacts of diagnosis, therapy and prognosis. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. The framework method of analysis was used. Results: 20 pts were interviewed between May-December 2019; median age 62 years (range 34-83), 13 (65%) female; median time since diagnosis of mNSCLC 27 months (range 10-108). 12/20 (60%) had tumours with a targetable molecular alteration (EGFR/ALK/BRAF). 6 were receiving IT, 11 TT, 2 IT and chemotherapy, 1 IT and TT. Dominant themes included: the experience of chronic toxicities (cutaneous, gastrointestinal, fatigue); psychological concerns (living with uncertainty, fear of cancer progression [FCP], scan-related anxiety, stigma around smoking, loneliness) and coping strategies (living in the present, practising self-care with exercise and meditation, early discussions with their treating team regarding future treatment options, and accessing psychology services); the desire for tailored information (internet resources, support groups, challenges in accessing pertinent information); and the desire for assistance with practical issues (financial planning, returning to work, challenges of long-term clinical trial participation, difficulty planning for the future). Conclusions: Longer term survivors of mNSCLC report significant physical, psychological and functional concerns and unmet needs. Self-management strategies for chronic toxicities, professional psychological services to manage FCP and scan-related anxiety, and tailored information regarding work and financial planning may mitigate these concerns. Future work should examine these issues in a larger population.
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