Analysis of knowledge gap regarding radiopharmaceuticals in patient communities.

Abstract

e15134 Background: Radiopharmaceuticals are a rapidly evolving diagnostic and treatment field for cancer patients. One Cancer Place, Patient Advocates In Research, and Ancora.ai formed OnePact Alliance to increase patient understanding of newer options. Methods: OnePact Alliance developed a survey to identify radiopharmaceutical awareness among patient communities to learn how to increase understanding, and to develop decision-making tools for patients. The online survey was distributed to patient organizations from December 2024‒February 2025. Data are being collected by Ancora.ai and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Interim survey results as of January 2025 revealed demographics of 53 respondents. Cancer types include: colorectal (36%); breast (32%); neuroendocrine tumor (6%); lung (6%); kidney (4%); myeloma (4%); oral/head/neck (4%); ovarian (4%); sarcoma (4%) and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (2%). Educational levels range from High school (15%); Associate’s (6%); Bachelor’s (26%); Master’s (34%); and Doctoral degrees (19%). Ages range from under 40 (2%); 41-60 (32%); 61-80 (33%); and 80+ (2%). Of the initial 53 respondents, 76% had heard of radiopharmaceuticals (only 20% mentioned hearing it from their healthcare team), and 24% had not. Of the 76% who heard of radiopharmaceuticals, 27% were “fairly” or “very knowledgeable” and 73% were “not very knowledgeable”. Among the “not very knowledgeable” group, 38% had a favorable opinion; the remaining 62% were not sure or had an unfavorable opinion. 91% of the “fairly” and “very knowledgeable” group stated they had a favorable opinion and 9% were unsure. Conclusions: Interim results showed a gap in patient understanding about radiopharmaceutical options, indicating that with objective information, patients can develop knowledge to help them make more informed decisions. A final, in-depth analysis will be conducted after the collection period. While percentages may change, current indications point to actionable results. As radiopharmaceutical research advances into clinical trials and approved therapies, patient participation in trial development, recruitment, summary reporting, and clinical use will be crucial to assist in the progress and acceptance of these treatments. OnePACT Alliance includes health literacy experts who will develop a useful radiopharmaceutical curriculum. A more detailed survey will be conducted to identify key points as materials are developed. This survey shows the importance of informing patients and providers of new treatment advances to help ensure timely recruitment and acceptance of new options.