Patient attitudes towards chemotherapy as assessed by patient versus physician: A prospective observational study in advanced non-small cell lung cancer
Abstract
This paper describes the extent of any differences observed between patient attitudes towards chemotherapy for advanced non-small cell lung cancer as assessed by patients themselves versus their physicians. Patients with stage IIIB or IV NSCLC who received gemcitabine plus cisplatin or carboplatin were enrolled into this prospective observational study.
Patients and their physicians completed questionnaires containing descriptions of seven patient-specific attitudes. A pre-defined algorithm was used to categorize patients into one of the three 'need' categories based on the questionnaire responses: (A)'maximum extension of survival with acceptance of high toxicity', (B) 'maximum extension of survival only if coupled with normal life style', and (C) 'relief of symptoms'.
Each patient was categorized based on his own response, as well as his physician's response. Patients have varying needs from cancer chemotherapy and it may not always be correctly identified by the treating physician.