Metastatic Breast Cancer: Towards a Chronic Condition?
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Metastatic Breast Cancer: Towards a Chronic Condition?
IRAS ID
227149
Contact name
Cinzia Greco
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Manchester
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 1 months, 0 days
Research summary
This research explores the history of metastatic breast cancer (MBC) in the last 40 years. It aims in particular to reconstruct the most important innovations in the treatment of MBC and their impact on the activity of cure and on the experience of the patients. To this end, the research will firstly analyse medical literature produced on MBC since the 1970s. Secondly, 35 interviews with medical professionals (mainly oncologists, but also nurses, psychologists, surgeons, etc.) with experience in the treatment of MBC will be collected, in order to understand what treatment innovations have changed their professional experience over the years. Finally, 15 interviews will be collected with MBC patients, in order to include their perception of the illness. The three components to the research will allow to integrate the medical research on MBC with a historical perspective on the changes in the treatments, a systematic qualitative understanding of how they have impacted the medical activities, and a qualitative understanding of the experiences of the patients. Such additions will help to locate historically, and add qualitative data to, the scientific discussion on the treatments of MBC, the debate about its chronicization, and the understanding of the patients’ experience.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/NW/0350
Date of REC Opinion
3 Aug 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion