The experiences of patients with oesophageal cancer receiving chemoradiotherapy treatment: a qualitative study embedded in the SCOPE2 trial.

The experiences of patients with oesophageal cancer receiving chemoradiotherapy treatment: a qualitative study embedded in the SCOPE2 trial.

Publication date: Sep 23, 2024

This qualitative study explored patients’ experiences and perceptions of the SCOPE2 trial. SCOPE2 examined radiotherapy dose escalation in patients with inoperable oesophageal cancer treated with definitive chemoradiotherapy (dCRT). Recruitment at five clinical sites in England and Wales, UK. SCOPE2 trial participants were invited to take part in interviews from across five clinical sites. Participants self-selected to take part in up to three interviews across four different time points: baseline (before treatment) and at 2-3 months, 3-6 months or 6 months+ after baseline. There were five female and five male interview participants. Participants were randomised to standard dose dCRT prescribed carboplatin/paclitaxel or cisplatin/capecitabine, or an escalated dose dCRT prescribed carboplatin/paclitaxel or cisplatin/capecitabine. This qualitative study used semistructured longitudinal interviews to explore the impact of treatment on patient outlook and quality of life and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Interview data were thematically analysed. 10 patients participated in 16 longitudinal interviews. Three participants were accompanied by companions. Participants experienced side-effects from radiotherapy and chemotherapy including nausea, throat pain, difficulties eating and regaining appetite, thrombosis and fatigue, although most of these symptoms gradually improved. Participants required more ongoing information and support regarding treatment side-effects and cancer status in order to improve their overall quality of life. Best practice examples involved key contacts providing practical advice and signposting support. Participants of the SCOPE2 trial reported short and longer-term side-effects from chemoradiotherapy, but these usually lessened over time. Participants attempted to be positive about their survival prospects by readjusting their expectations, priorities and lifestyles. Providing patients with ongoing opportunities to discuss detailed and timely information regarding treatment side-effects, aftercare and cancer status could improve the overall health and well-being of patients during oesophageal cancer trials and pathways. NCT02741856; ISRCTN: 97125464.

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Concepts Keywords
Aftercare Oesophageal disease
Chemotherapy ONCOLOGY
Eating Patient-Centered Care
Interviews QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
Nct02741856

Semantics

Type Source Name
disease MESH cancer
drug DRUGBANK Carboplatin
drug DRUGBANK Paclitaxel
drug DRUGBANK Cisplatin
drug DRUGBANK Capecitabine
disease IDO quality
disease MESH COVID-19 pandemic
disease MESH thrombosis
disease MESH lifestyles
disease MESH overall health
drug DRUGBANK Coenzyme M
disease MESH symptom burden
disease MESH dysphagia
drug DRUGBANK Trestolone
disease IDO site
disease IDO process
drug DRUGBANK Etoperidone
disease MESH muscular fatigue
disease MESH pneumonia
disease MESH hair loss
disease MESH infection
drug DRUGBANK Tropicamide
drug DRUGBANK Acetaminophen
disease MESH shock
disease MESH weight loss
disease MESH uncertainty
disease MESH anxiety
pathway REACTOME Translation
disease MESH esophageal cancer
disease MESH gastric cancer
pathway KEGG Gastric cancer
disease MESH carcinoma
drug DRUGBANK Cetuximab
disease MESH breast cancer
pathway KEGG Breast cancer
disease MESH squamous carcinoma
disease IDO symptom
disease MESH neck cancer
disease MESH communication barriers
disease MESH psychological distress
disease MESH Loneliness

Original Article

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