Experiences of immune checkpoint inhibitors from the perspectives of people affected by cancer: a qualitative evidence synthesis

Watts, Tessa ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1201-5192, Roche, Dominic, Jennings, Stephen and Csontos, Judit ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4597-3052 2022. Experiences of immune checkpoint inhibitors from the perspectives of people affected by cancer: a qualitative evidence synthesis. Presented at: UKONS Annual Conference, Belfast, UK, 11-12 November 2022. Conference Abstracts:Cancer care in the digital age. UKONS, p. 104.

Preview

PDF (Abstract 101Type: Oral & Poster) - Published Version Download (955kB) | Preview

Abstract

Background Clinical trials of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in people with advanced cancers have demonstrated consistent improvements in progression-free, treatment-free and overall survival compared to chemotherapy (Bhramer et al. 2015, Antonia et al. 2018). However, people receiving ICIs can experience mild to life-threatening immune-related adverse events (irAE) (Ramos-Casals et al. 2020), which require ongoing monitoring, support, and clear communication. Recently, there has been an increase in international research investigating patients’ perspectives on ICIs and associated supportive care. The aim of this qualitative evidence synthesis (PROSPERO: CRD42021261634) was to summarise the existing evidence on people’s experiences with ICIs. Method Five electronic databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Embase, Web of Science) were searched from 2010 until January 2022 using MeSH and text-word terms for cancer, immunotherapy, ICIs and qualitative research filters on 28th January 2022. Retrieved records were screened by two reviewers independently, with conflicts resolved by a third researcher. Relevant data were extracted from full-text papers and the quality of included papers assessed with Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Checklist (CASP). Thematic synthesis methods were used to analyse included study findings (Thomas and Harden 2008). Results Searches identified 1022 unique records, out of which 34 full-text papers were screened. Finally, 16 qualitative (n=10) and mixed- methods (n=6) empirical papers met the eligibility criteria. Data were mainly collected via semi structured interviews. Common themes included: hope for ICI as a medical innovation, impact of irAE on quality of life, uncertainty and anxiety due to cancer diagnosis and treatments, information and supportive care needs. Conclusion People perceived ICIs positively, as treatments provided hope and potential for prolonged survival. However, numerous unmet needs were identified, notably regarding information, psychological, and practical support. Oncology staff needs to ensure that information about irAE and cancer prognosis is clearly communicated, and support is available for people with unmet needs.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item - unpublished
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Schools > Healthcare Sciences
Publisher:	UKONS
Funders:	Macmillan Cancer Support
Projects:	Experiences of Cancer Immunotherapy (ExCIM)
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	14 November 2022
Last Modified:	21 Oct 2026 11:27
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/154171

Actions (repository staff only)

Edit Item