In:
Journal of Clinical Oncology, American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), Vol. 31, No. 15_suppl ( 2013-05-20), p. 5569-5569
Abstract:
5569 Background: The primary aim of this study was to investigate information needs and preferences among patients with ovarian cancer, focusing especially on doctor-patient relationships and therapy management in different European countries. Methods: A questionnaire was developed based on the experiences of expression II, a German survey, and then provided to primary and recurrent ovarian cancer patients via internet (online) or as a print-version in 8 countries in Europe (Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Rumania, Spain). In the first part basic data (age, tumour status, therapy) were requested from the patient. In the second part, most of the questions tried to evaluate the expectations and needs concerning their therapy management and doctor-patient communication. Results: From December 2009 to October 2012, a total of 1743 patients with ovarian cancer from 8 European countries participated in the survey.The median age was 58 years (range 16-89). Nearly all patients (96,3%) had a primary surgery and a first-line chemotherapy (91,5%). About 423 (25,7%) patients were included in another clinical trial.Most of the patients in each country were pleased with the completeness and understandability of the explanations about the therapies from their doctors. About 68% of patients would be interested in having the opportunity to have a second opinion. The three most important aspects, which were proposed by patients to improve therapy against ovarian cancer were: “the therapy should not induce alopecia” (42%), “there must be more done to counter fatigue” (34%), and “the therapy should be more effective” (29%). Conclusions: This study underlines the high need of ovarian cancer patients to discuss all details concerning treatment options and clinical management with only minor difference between the countries. Patients also need more information about side effects of cancer therapies and second opinion opportunities. Besides effectiveness of therapy, alopecia and fatigue are the most important side effects bothering the patients.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0732-183X
,
1527-7755
DOI:
10.1200/jco.2013.31.15_suppl.5569
Language:
English
Publisher:
American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
Publication Date:
2013
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2005181-5
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