WCLC 2025 - Posters & ePosters-P3.16.05 Exploring Quality of Life in Oncogene Addicted NSCLC Patients and Their Caregivers

Pdf Summary

This study explored quality of life (QoL) and caregiving self-efficacy in patients with oncogene-addicted advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) undergoing targeted therapies (TT), along with their caregivers. Conducted in collaboration with the patient advocacy group Women Against Lung Cancer in Europe (WALCE), data were collected during two patient-caregiver events in Rome (2023 and 2024). The study included 87 patients and 72 caregivers from 12 Italian oncology centers.<br /><br />Patients completed questionnaires including the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Lung (FACT-L) to assess QoL, and the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) to evaluate pain levels. Caregivers completed the Caregiver Inventory (CGI) to measure their self-efficacy in caregiving roles. Results indicated that patients reported higher physical well-being compared to emotional and functional well-being domains (p<0.001). Within social/family well-being, satisfaction with sexual activity was significantly lower than other aspects (p<0.001). Pain was generally mild and well-managed; notably, 17.2% of patients used their tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) primarily for pain control.<br /><br />Caregivers expressed greater confidence in maintaining close relationships with patients, but lower self-efficacy in coping with patients’ potential death, disease progression, and managing negative emotions related to illness (p<0.001). They also tended to neglect their own self-care while focusing on coping strategies for themselves and the patient (p<0.001).<br /><br />The findings reveal unmet needs among patients—particularly in emotional, functional well-being, and sexuality—and highlight caregiver challenges in emotional support and self-care. The study suggests that collaborative efforts with patient organizations like WALCE could help address these gaps, improve support systems, and enhance comprehensive oncological care.

Asset Subtitle

Massimiliano Cani

Meta Tag

Speaker Massimiliano Cani

Topic Patient Advocacy

Keywords

Quality of Life

Caregiving Self-Efficacy

Oncogene-Addicted Advanced NSCLC

Targeted Therapies

Women Against Lung Cancer in Europe (WALCE)

Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Lung (FACT-L)

Brief Pain Inventory (BPI)

Caregiver Inventory (CGI)

Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs)

Emotional and Functional Well-being