An investigation of the experiences and unmet needs of adult cancer patients receiving chimeric antigen receptor t-cell (CAR-T) therapy in Ireland is set to be launched soon.

The study, which is co-funded by Trinity College and St James’s Hospital and led by nurse and PhD researcher Isabel Girleanu, aims to explore the voice of individuals living with a cancer diagnosis.

Phase one of the study will comprise a national survey, which will seek to ascertain the experiences and needs of adult (18 years and older) patients undergoing CAR-T therapy at the national CAR-T centre. 

In phase two, semi-structured interviews will be carried out with a subsequent sample of survey respondents to provide a more in-depth and contextualised understanding of the nuanced experiences and unmet needs of this group of cancer patients.

CAR-T therapy has been developed for patients with subtypes of leukaemia and lymphoma, with growing demand to establish its benefit for additional subtypes.

In current literature, the pattern of outcomes of interest is largely clinical, rather than patient-related or with the healthcare system in focus. Research undertaking a more person-centred approach is required to understand the complexities of patient experiences and unmet needs to improve patient outcomes and guide delivery of care.

It is hoped the study will identify and provide a holistic understanding of the unmet needs of patients receiving CAR-T therapy, providing valuable insight into patient specific outcomes, with a focus on improving the pathways of care for those undergoing this innovative and growing treatment for haematological cancers. 

This will seek to improve the delivery of CAR-T therapy by informing the development of services and aiding in policy-making.