New research presented at the 2025 National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Annual Conference sheds light on how patients with advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (aNSCLC or mNSCLC) approach treatment decision-making, emphasizing the value they place on efficacy even when it involves trade-offs such as adverse effects. The study found that most patients prioritize treatment efficacy and quality of life above other treatment attributes and are willing to accept side effects for the potential of improved outcomes.

As treatment options for NSCLC become increasingly complex, patients are often faced with weighing the potential benefits of a therapy against its associated risks. This study aimed to assess how patients with aNSCLC or mNSCLC perceive and respond to these trade-offs. Conducted between March and May 2023, the study utilized an online survey completed by 160 individuals with NSCLC, including 133 who self-reported having stage III (locally advanced) or stage IV (metastatic) disease. Of those, 85 had prior experience with targeted therapies. Participants were recruited through a US-based NSCLC online community and research panel, and all met eligibility criteria that included being aged 18 years or older, having a diagnosis for at least 6 months, and currently receiving care for NSCLC.

The survey instrument, which was developed with input from clinicians, patients, a caregiver, and a patient advocate, asked participants to rank treatment attributes by importance and to indicate their willingness to accept treatment trade-offs using a Likert scale. Results showed that patients most often identified treatment efficacy and quality of life as the attributes they valued most. Additionally, a majority of respondents reported that they would be willing to accept side effects or other downsides if it meant achieving better efficacy with a new treatment.

The findings underscore the importance of engaging patients in treatment discussions and ensuring that their preferences and risk tolerance are factored into clinical decisions. Personalized treatment approaches that reflect individual patient values may lead to better care experiences and improved satisfaction with therapy. Future research should include larger and more diverse samples, ideally including patients recruited in person at the point of care, to confirm and expand on these findings.

Reference

Vadagam P, Dwyer L, Vanderpoel J, Yung M, Deering KL, Kulbokas V. Patient preferences and willingness to accept trade-offs for a favorable treatment response among patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. Presented at: 2025 NCCN Annual Conference; March 28-March 30, 2025; Orlando, Florida, and virtual.