Qualitative Investigation of Experience and Quality of Life in Patients Treated with Calcium Electroporation for Cutaneous Metastases

Simple Summary Some cancer patients develop cutaneous metastases at late stage of disease, and the tumours may be present for months or years. Some cancers are more prone to disseminating to the skin, such as breast and lung cancer. When cancer manifests on the body's surface or on the face, symptoms and distress can have a significant impact on the quality of life of patients. Surgical and medical treatment is difficult, and local treatments are important. Calcium electroporation is a novel cancer treatment. It includes injecting calcium-solution and applying electric pulses to tumour tissue. There is a scarcity of literature on patient experience of living with cutaneous metastases. Our study's objective was to examine the patient's perspective on CaEP treatment of skin tumours, as well as the treatment's impact on health-related quality of life (QoL). We evaluated quality of life in patients with skin metastases treated with calcium electroporation using qualitative interviews. Calcium electroporation enhanced health-related quality of life by reducing symptoms and increasing social inclination. Peer accounts are important in preparation for treatment. (1) Background: Calcium electroporation is a novel cancer treatment. It includes injecting calcium-solution and applying electric pulses to tumour tissue. Data on quality of life for patients with cutaneous metastases treated with calcium electroporation is limited. We evaluated quality of life in patients with skin metastases treated with calcium electroporation using qualitative interviews. (2) Methods: This investigation featured a subgroup from a non-randomised phase II study (CaEP-R) at Zealand University Hospital, Denmark, studying response to calcium electroporation in cutaneous metastasis (ClinicalTrials no. NCT04225767). Participants were interviewed at baseline before calcium electroporation treatment and after two months. Data was analysed phenomenologically; (3) Results: Interviews were conducted February 2020-November 2021. Nine patients were included, of which seven participated in both interviews. All seven patients expected treated tumours to disappear, symptom relief and minimal side effects. Most patients requested peer accounts. All patients found the treatment uncomfortable but acceptable; all thought their fears of electric pulses exceeded their experience. All would repeat the treatment if effective. Successful treatment had a positive effect on pain, symptomatic wounds, sleep, vigour and social inclination; (4) Conclusions: Calcium electroporation enhanced health-related quality of life by reducing symptoms and increasing social inclination. Peer accounts provide patients with a shortcut to confidence in treatment on top of doctors' recommendations.

Automated summary

Cutaneous metastases can significantly impact the quality of life of cancer patients, and calcium electroporation treatment can alleviate symptoms and improve health-related quality of life.