Virtual Intervention for Patients With Lung Cancer

Patients with lung cancer transitioning from curative treatment to surveillance often face unaddressed quality of life (QOL) challenges. The absence of research into interventions for this phase prompted a study to identify these challenges and develop a virtual intervention to support patients. The study aimed to characterize the QOL difficulties patients encounter post-treatment and to create an intervention that aids in their transition to surveillance, with a focus on those who have a high risk of recurrence.

The methodology involved semi-structured interviews with patients who had recently completed lung cancer treatment to identify their QOL challenges. The findings from these interviews informed the development of a cognitive behavioral intervention delivered remotely. An open pilot tested the intervention’s feasibility and acceptability, incorporating patient feedback to refine the program. Conducted at an academic medical center in New England, the study gathered mixed methods data to evaluate the intervention and suggest improvements.

The study concluded that patients undergoing the shift to surveillance experience significant QOL challenges, including coping with residual symptoms, health uncertainty, and relationship changes. The five-session, remote intervention developed addresses these issues and has been well-received by pilot participants, indicating the need for further refinement and larger scale testing. The remote delivery format shows promise for scalability and could be beneficial for survivors of other cancers with a high recurrence risk. The intervention’s efficacy will be examined in a forthcoming clinical trial.