Experiences along the diagnostic pathway for patients with advanced lung cancer in the USA: a qualitative study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Most patients with lung cancer are diagnosed at advanced stages. However, the advent of oral targeted therapies has improved the prognosis of many patients with lung cancer.

Purpose

We aimed to understand the diagnostic experiences of patients with advanced lung cancer with oncogenic mutations.

Methods

Qualitative interviews were conducted with patients with advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer with oncogenic alterations. Patients were recruited from online support groups within the USA. Interviews were conducted remotely or in person. Analysis used an iterative inductive and deductive process. Themes were mapped to the Model for Pathways to Treatment.

Results

40 patients (12 male and 28 female) with a median age of 48 were included. We

SUBMITTER: Al Achkar M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8070881 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature