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S. Hughes
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O07 - Supportive and Surgical Care (ID 136)
- Event: WCLC 2013
- Type: Oral Abstract Session
- Track: Surgery
- Presentations: 1
- Moderators:M. Culligan, K.A. Mooney
- Coordinates: 10/28/2013, 10:30 - 12:00, Bayside Gallery A, Level 1
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O07.07 - Lung Cancer Clinical Trials and the Involvement of The Lung Cancer Nurse Specialist (ID 2245)
10:30 - 12:00 | Author(s): S. Hughes
- Abstract
- Presentation
Background
Clinical trials (CT) are fundamental to improving outcomes in lung cancer. Recruitment to CT in the UK is poor. The National Cancer Research Interest Group, Clinical Studies Group (UK), identified that Lung Cancer Nurse Specialist (LCNS) may have a role in improving recruitment to CT. The National Lung Cancer Audit (England) 2010-2012 identified that patients who access a LCNS are more likely to recieve anti cancer treatment. Therefore could this correlation be applicable to the CT setting? A survey was conducted to understand the role of LCNS in relation to CT, and to investigate the views of LCNS regarding CT involvement of advanced stage patients.Methods
A questionnaire was emailed to all registered members of the National Lung Cancer Nurses Forum NLCFN(UK) with an explanatory letter,during the month of April 2013. An e-survey was chosen, to facilitate a convenient route for response and to minimise costs. A custom excel database was built for the purposes of data collection and analysis. The audit was pilot tested by 10 LCNS prior to distribution.Results
138 (50%) responses received. Results support that LCNS have a good understanding of CT availability (92%). Research nurses were regarded as key team members by all respondents, and 81% were dedicated to lung cancer CT. 85% of LCNS discussed CT in the course of treatment option consultations. The vast majority of technical aspects of CT recruitment, was deferred to the Research nurses. Benefits of CT participation identified by the LCNS's included: access to new drugs, closer follow up,benefit for future patients, additional support from Research nurses, a level of decision making regarding treatment. Disadvantages included: excessive time commitment, additional requirement for hospital appointments, travel distance to trial centre, patients deriving false hope, delays commencing therapy due to protocol requirements, increased number of invasive procedures, feeling they will let the doctor down by non-participation, psychological harm if they don’t responsed to therapy. 17% of respondents suggested that CT participation may be unethical. On further analysis concerns were information, selection and appropriate support levels. Responses confirmed that there is uncertainty in relation to the LCNS role in CT management generally. Little reference was made regarding non drug CT, such as radiotherapy or supportive care.Conclusion
The LCNS community understand and supports the value of CT. This include patients in the advanced stages of the disease. The role of the LCNS is not clearly defined in relation to CT. Most LCNS are comfortable speaking to patients regarding CT and have a good working knowledge of CT availability. The finer detail in terms of recruitment and clinical trial management is seen as the remit of the research nurse. No expressions of serious concern in relation to trial participation or ethical concerns where derived from responses. LCNS’s have reported understanding of CT philosophy in the UK, and the requirement for CT to continue in this patient group, while at the same time demonstrating a strong advocacy role. LCNS’s in the UK support clinical trial recruitment in patients with lung cancer and regard them as ethical.Only Members that have purchased this event or have registered via an access code will be able to view this content. To view this presentation, please login, select "Add to Cart" and proceed to checkout. If you would like to become a member of IASLC, please click here.
