The impact on quality of life for people with brain tumours of entering a research trial involving new anti-cancer agents.
OBJECTIVE
The intention of this study was to offer an alternative perspective to the quantitative findings of larger randomised controlled trials by using a phenomenological approach to explore the impact on Quality of Life (QoL) for people with brain tumours of entering a research trial involving new anti-cancer agents.


METHODS
Given the subjective nature of the proposed topic, a phenomenological approach was adopted. Sample size was limited to five participants. A semi-structured interview technique was used. Interviews were digitally audio recorded with permission from those involved. In order to guide data analysis for this study, Colaizzi's framework was utilised.


RESULTS
As a result of data analysis, two major themes were identified. These were 'Hope and optimism' and 'The therapeutic relationship'. Three minor themes were also found. These were 'A complex symptom profile', 'The importance of non-medical coping strategies' and 'Impressions of the QoL tools used'.


CONCLUSIONS
This phenomenological study has highlighted key themes relating to QoL which are not addressed in some of the widely used assessment tools such as the EORTC QLQ C30 and BN20. They generally focus on health status, and do not capture issues identified in this study as being of significant importance to the QoL of participants such as hope and optimism, and the importance of the therapeutic relationship. They also omit reference to coping and management strategies.
University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, T14 North Chemotherapy Office, 235 Euston Road, London NW1 2BU, UK. katie.sutton@kcl.ac.uk
Katie
K
Sutton
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents