ESTRO 2025 - Abstract Book

S4195

RTT - Patient experience and quality of life

ESTRO 2025

Conclusion: Radiotherapy for prostate cancer demonstrated a positive emotional impact on patients, even during the peak toxicity period, as evidenced by improved emotional functioning scores. However, a significant decline in social functioning was observed, particularly in broader social interactions compared to family dynamics. These findings underline the importance of addressing social support and reintegration during and after treatment, as these factors may play a critical role in the overall recovery and well-being of patients. Future interventions could focus on mitigating social challenges and enhancing quality of life through tailored psychosocial support programs.

Keywords: PROMS, PREMS, QLQ-C30

References: 1. Aaronson NK, Ahmedzai S, Bergman B, et al. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30: a quality-of-life instrument for use in international clinical trials in oncology. J Natl Cancer Inst. 1993;85(5):365–76. doi:10.1093/jnci/85.5.365

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Digital Poster ‘I found it very isolating to be given a diagnosis like that.’ A qualitative study of patient experiences of Head and Neck Cancer treatment in Ireland Roisin O Maolalai 1 , Sinead Brennan 2 , Daniela Rohde 3 1 Radiation Therapy, Irish Research Radiation Oncology Group, Dublin, Ireland. 2 Radiation Oncology, SLRON, Dublin, Ireland. 3 School of Social Work and Social Policy, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland Purpose/Objective: Head and neck cancer (HNC) is the sixth most common cancer globally (1). Increased prevalence among lower socio economic groups in conjunction with debilitating treatment-related toxicities makes this a vulnerable patient cohort (2). Embedding shared decision making (SDM) within healthcare has been recognised as a key component of delivering patient-centred care and optimising patient outcomes. This study aimed to gain an understanding of the experiences of HNC patients, the facilitators and barriers to shared decision making (SDM), the impact of their disease on their ‘sense of self’, and how their level of social support impacted their resilience to treatment. Material/Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted by a research RT with seven purposively sampled HNC patients from a Phase 3 clinical trial: Optimising Patient Experiences of Head and Neck Radiotherapy. Public and patient involvement was embedded within the study, through a previous HNC patient reviewing the study aims and semi structured interview schedule. The interview was based on the Warwick Framework of Patient Experience Themes (3). Line-by-line inductive coding of each interview was completed, and data were analysed using a Constructivist Grounded Theory approach. An iterative process was followed whereby the research questions and interview schedule were redefined following early interpretations of the initial interviews. Results: Barriers that prevented SDM included a poor understanding of treatment-related toxicities and the use of medical jargon by healthcare staff. Facilitators of SDM included family members aiding with information retention and clear explanations of the treatment rationale. The high value patients place on the importance of patient-centred care was emphasised; this was considered related to the loss of ‘sense of self’ and ‘feelings of invisibility’, which this patient group were found to commonly encounter. High levels of social isolation and loneliness were observed within the cohort, as well as a lack of signposting towards social supports such as peer-support patient groups. Table 1 below includes verbatim participant quotes illustrating these themes.