2017 Volume 31 Article ID: 31_hirayama_20170927
Abstract
Purpose: To clarify the influence of skin toxicity caused by epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment on the daily lives of non-small cell lung cancer patients. Method: We conducted a semi-structured interview of nine outpatients who experienced skin toxicity caused by gefitinib or erlotinib. The data was analyzed qualitatively using the Funashima method while referring to analysis by Berelson. Result: We extracted the seven following core-categories relating to what the patients experienced as follows: “physical suffering with pain on the skin surface and itching” and “mental anguish and anxiety about their physical appearance.” They experienced “difficulties in daily life” and “difficulties even after symptomatic treatment” due to the modality of further treatments. In order to “get over anxiety related to skin toxicity deterioration,” they practiced “behaviors to control symptoms.” Thereafter, they needed some information about the symptoms of skin toxicity, support from their family, and knowledge about how to “ask for the necessary support relating to skin toxicity.” Conclusions: Patientsʼ physical suffering due to skin toxicity influencd their social lives. They stopped self-care because it did not alleviate their symptoms. Conversely, some patients, who had a better understanding of skin toxicity, continued self-care. These results suggest that the nursing staff should encourage a shift in patientsʼ perspective about skin toxicity to encourage self-care by informing them about the resolution time of symptoms. Further, after treatment initiation, it is necessary to continue daily assessment of the skin.
