Patient Survey Reveals Ongoing Challenges in Kidney Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

What is it about?

This study summarizes findings from a decade of annual surveys conducted by Kidney Cancer UK, emphasizing the critical role of patient and public involvement in kidney cancer research and care. Key findings include persistent delays in kidney cancer diagnosis, with wait times significantly increasing after 2020. One in four patients reported being initially misdiagnosed by their general practitioners (GPs), highlighting the need for improved early detection strategies, such as risk prediction models for GPs. The surveys also showed an increase in the availability of robotic surgery and systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT) over the years, but access to clinical trials remains limited, with only 13% of patients offered trial participation in 2023. Additionally, regional disparities in access to treatments, particularly SACT, were noted. The findings stress the importance of focusing research efforts on earlier cancer detection and improved diagnostic pathways to enhance patient outcomes.

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Why is it important?

This research is significant because it provides valuable insights into the patient experience of kidney cancer diagnosis and treatment in the UK over a decade. The longitudinal survey data collected by Kidney Cancer UK offers a unique perspective on the challenges faced by patients and highlights areas for improvement in kidney cancer care. Understanding these trends and patient experiences is crucial for informing healthcare policies, improving diagnostic pathways, and guiding future research priorities. The study's findings contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting the need for patient-centered approaches in kidney cancer management and emphasize the importance of addressing disparities in access to treatment and clinical trials. Key Takeaways: 1. Diagnostic Delays: The survey reveals persistent issues in the kidney cancer diagnostic pathway, with a significant increase in patients waiting over 3 months for a specialist diagnosis since 2020, highlighting the need for improved early detection strategies and more efficient referral processes. 2. Treatment Access: While there has been an increase in the availability of certain treatment options like robotic surgery and systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT), the study identifies regional variations in access to SACT and low participation in clinical trials, emphasizing the need for more equitable access to advanced treatments. 3. Research Priorities: The findings align with previously identified research priorities, particularly the need for earlier cancer detection and improved diagnostic pathways, underscoring the importance of patient involvement in setting research agendas and the continued focus on developing innovative approaches to kidney cancer diagnosis and treatment.