Understanding patient and physician perceptions of cell and gene therapy in oncology: A pilot study using qualitative interviews and social media data.

Abstract

e21194 Background: Cell and gene therapies (CGTs) offer the potential to transform oncology treatment in terms of efficacy/ effectiveness and durability of response. Given their novelty in oncology and limited patient and clinician experience with these therapies, little is known on how CGTs are perceived and how decisions are made about their use. This pilot study aimed to explore current perceptions of CGT in oncology through qualitative interviews and social media data mining. Methods: The study included 20 cancer patients and 20 oncologist interviews in the US (25% CGT-experienced) using semi-structured guides. Social media data was manually extracted from websites including posts from oncology forums and online transcripts from clinician discussions. Several key themes related to user perceptions and experiences of CGT emerged from analysis, including information on treatment expectations, perceptions of treatment risks and benefits, CGT decision drivers and administrative considerations for successful implementation. Results: In interviews, a variety of considerations relating to decision making criteria for CGT were shared, highlighting concerns and expectations about CGT; these criteria elucidated valuable insights on opportunities for stakeholder education and enhancing value and access of oncology CGT. In social media search, 302 patient posts and 36 clinician transcripts were analyzed from extracted social media data. Patients frequently discussed published CGT materials focused on efficacy and long-term survival; little discussion focused on trial experience and side effects. Clinician online discussion topics focused on CGT administration, patient eligibility, access and cost, efficacy and safety. Conclusions: The results of this pilot study may inform future research to explore emerging trends as well as inform patient and clinician education, development of clinical practice tools and potentially trial methods. These results provide valuable insights on patient and clinician perceptions of CGT that may help address key challenges of CGT such as affordability, accessibility and implementation into clinical practice.