Abstract 561P
Background
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), especially at advanced stage, imposes significant burdens on patients’ quality of life (QoL) and poses complex challenges in treatment and supportive care (SC). Given the limited data in China, this study was aimed to explore the comprehensive needs and perspectives of Chinese patients with NSCLC.
Methods
Data on perceptions about treatments, biomarkers, clinical trials (CTs) and SC needs were collected in 2023 through online surveys (n=100) and in-depth interviews (n=15) from adult patients with NSCLC in China.
Results
Overall (n=115), mean age of patients was 51 years; most were female (54%), at stage IV (70%) and had adenocarcinoma (91%). In survey, 86% of patients received targeted therapy and felt mostly satisfied with it. Because of poor treatment outcome and disease progression, 59% of patients change treatment regime. For new treatment options, most patients (72%) preferred oral administration due to its convenience. Efficacy was the most attractive feature when choosing a new treatment. Despite patients' high interest in CTs (80%) and biomarker testing (88%), participation was hindered by limited information channels, lengthy screening processes, and efficacy and safety concerns. Besides, high costs (75%), potential side effects (73%) and accessibility issues (58%) deterred them from biomarker testing. More than half of the patients reported that lung cancer affected their family and social life (58%), and they were often worried about their illness and future (50%). Additionally, the most common cancer-related symptoms were fatigue and sleep disturbances, with 34% suffered from decreased work ability and daily function. There was a strong demand for psychological support for patients and caregivers.
Conclusions
Our findings reveal substantial unmet needs among patients with NSCLC in China, necessitating the urgent development of more effective, less toxic treatments and robust SC systems. Enhancing patient education on CTs and biomarkers, optimizing CT protocols, and alleviating the financial and psychological burdens of patients are crucial to improve both clinical outcomes and the QoL of patients.
Clinical trial identification
Editorial acknowledgement
Medical writing support was provided by Rahul Nikam and Charu Pundir from Sanofi.
Legal entity responsible for the study
Sanofi.
Funding
Sanofi.
Disclosure
All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.