Testing the feasibility of establishing a cohort of lung cancer patients to investigate recovery following radiotherapy with curative intent

Abstract

Introduction: Following a successful pilot study of patients treated surgically, we are conducting an innovative project to test the feasibility of establishing a cohort of patients treated with curative intent radiotherapy. We are assessing patient reported outcomes (PROMS) to understand recovery of health and wellbeing and a range of factors associated with this. We have little information about the needs and wellbeing of patients who undergo curative treatment and there is insufficient evidence to guide the development of services to support patients after treatment and to identify those at risk of protracted recovery.

Methods: A prospective, longitudinal cohort study design is employed. Eligible patients due to undergo radiotherapy with curative intent between October 2015 and April 2016 at six sites across the UK are eligible to participate. Participants complete questionnaires before treatment and three months later. Questionnaires include validated PROMs, across a number of domains, including quality of life, recovery, wellbeing and socio-demographic details. Participants’ clinical details are also collected. Study procedures will be evaluated using semi-structured interviews with patient participants and local site staff.

Results: We will assess the feasibility of recruiting a consecutive sample of eligible patients and retaining these patients for the duration of the study. Feasibility assessment will also be informed by interview data gathered on the acceptability of the study procedures, the questionnaires and the methods for gathering medical details.

Conclusion: This study will test the feasibility of a cohort of patients to asses wellbeing and understand patterns of recovery, this will inform a large (n=1000) UK wide cohort study of patients undergoing treatment with curative intent (radiotherapy and surgery) we plan to follow patients for a number of years. This novel approach to understanding lung cancer survival will enhance our ability to offer patients appropriate and timely support and identify who is most at risk of protracted recovery.

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Identifiers

ORCID for L. Calman: orcid.org/0000-0002-9964-6017

ORCID for A. Richardson: orcid.org/0000-0003-3127-5755

ORCID for J. Baird: orcid.org/0000-0002-4039-4361

ORCID for C. Foster: orcid.org/0000-0002-4703-8378

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