Spirituality in cancer patients on phase 1 clinical trials. Issue 6 (6th April 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ferrell, Betty; Chung, Vincent; Koczywas, Marianna; Borneman, Tami; Irish, Terry L.; Ruel, Nora H.; Azad, Nilofer S.; Cooper, Rhonda S.; Smith, Thomas J.
• Is Part Of: Psycho-oncology. Volume 29:Issue 6(2020)
• Page Start: 1077
• Page End: 1083
• Publication Date: 2020-04-06
• Subjects: cancer -- cancer patients -- existential concerns -- hope -- investigational treatments -- oncology -- spirituality -- spiritual care -- underserved populations; Cancer -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Neoplasms -- psychology -- Periodicals; 616.9940019
• DOI: 10.1002/pon.5380
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1057-9249

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: Patients with cancer who are at a transition to Phase I investigational treatments have been identified as an underserved population with regard to palliative care. This disease transition is often accompanied by spiritual and existential concerns. The study objective was to conduct a secondary analysis of data from a larger study testing a palliative care intervention. This paper reports the findings of this secondary focus on the spiritual needs of this population. Methods: Patients (n = 479) were accrued to this study prior to initiating a Phase I clinical trial with data collected at baseline, and 4, 12, and 24 week follow‐up. Results: Qualitative data revealed that the transition to Phase 1 trial participation is a time of balancing hope for extended life with the reality of advancing disease. Quantitative results demonstrated increased spirituality over time in both religious‐ and non‐religious‐affiliated patients. Conclusions: Patients entering Phase I trials have important spiritual needs as they face treatment decisions, advancing disease, and often mortality. Spiritual care should be provided to seriously ill patients as a component of quality care.