Experiences of immune-related skin toxicity: a qualitative study among patients with cancer

Abstract

Background Immunotherapy has changed the outlook for cancer treatment. A closer look at the accompanying symptoms from the patient’s perspective is necessary to improve their tolerance to treatment and is the basis for standardized symptom management. Objective To describe the symptomatic experience of skin toxicity in cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy. Design: Qualitative interviews on symptom experiences were conducted from the perspective of cancer patients receiving immunotherapy. Methods A purposive sample of 18 patients with immune-related cutaneous adverse events participated in this semi-structured interview. Transcripts were entered into NVivo 11.0. Qualitative thematic analysis was used to analyze the data for significant statements and phrases, which were organized into themes and subthemes. Results Three main themes were identified in the data: (I) management of skin toxicity in patients; (II) patients’ experience of skin toxicity; and (III) problems that skin toxicity poses for patients and the support they would like to receive. Conclusions The result enables nurses to better understand and empathize with the patient’s experience, to truly practice the essence of patient-centered care, and provide a basis for the development of standardized symptom management programs in the future.