As we mark Lung Cancer Awareness Month this November, it’san opportunity to reflect on the crucial importance of early detection, treatment advances, and support for patients battling this life-threatening disease. In 2024, lung cancer remains one of the most prevalent and deadly forms of cancer globally, with significant efforts needed to reduce its impact. At ZoomRx, we are committed to helping pharmaceutical companies better understand patient journeys, including how real doctor-patient dialogues can uncover the insights needed to improve treatment outcomes.

With our HCP-Pt Conversation research, ZoomRx provides in-depth analysis of the conversations that happen between healthcare providers and their patients, shedding light on preferences, fears, and dynamics at the point of treatment decisions. As part of our contribution to Lung Cancer Awareness Month, we explore how these insights can revolutionize patient care and make an impact on lung cancer outcomes.

Lung Cancer: A Silent but Prevalent Threat

Lung cancer continues to be one of the leading causes of cancer deaths worldwide. Despite advances in screening and treatment, many patients are still diagnosed at late stages, when treatment options are limited, and survival rates are significantly lower.

As the healthcare community pushes for earlier detection and personalized therapies, the challenge of understanding the patient perspective remains. How do patients discuss their symptoms with their doctors? What concerns do they raise about treatment side effects, and how do these conversations influence their treatment choices? These questions are critical to addressing the lung cancer care gap.

The Power of HCP-Patient Conversations in Understanding Lung Cancer Journeys

At ZoomRx, our HCP-PT product captures real-time doctor-patient conversations, providing a window into the human experience of managing lung cancer. These dialogues reveal valuable insights into the emotional and practical aspects of treatment, from how patients communicate their symptoms to the role doctors play in guiding them toward appropriate therapies.

For example, a recent analysis of lung cancer conversations uncovered patient journey patterns around how patients react to talking about chemotherapy compared to surgery, as well as their preferences for newer, less invasive treatment options. Understanding these patient perspectives allows companies to tailor their educational strategies and offer more relevant support programs for these patients and their support teams.

Audio Link An Oncologist discusses treatment planning with their patient with post-surgical Stage IB metastatic NSCLC
HCP: you are stage IB and what that means, that means that your cancer is slightly bigger than the smallest like, stage one is the smallest kind of size and with that, that increase your chance a little bit of the cancer coming back. So, part of what we do, we offer what you call it, Adjuvant chemotherapy. That will help to kill any seed. Because, you know, the surgeon when they do the surgery, they take all that they can see. So, if there's anything they cannot see like seeds, those stay in your body and they grow back in the future to bring the cancer back. So, what technically speaking we do when we give you the adjuvant therapy, it's a chemo that goes all over your body and hopefully try to eradicate the seeds before they grow back and bring the cancer. Okay?
Patient: Ok.

Understanding Patient Preferences and Prescribing Habits

One of the key insights that emerge from our HCP-PT conversations is how patient preferences are shaped by their interactions with healthcare providers. When it comes to lung cancer, patients are often overwhelmed by the complexity of treatment options—ranging from surgery and radiation to targeted therapies and immunotherapy. What stands out in these conversations is that patients tend to express a desire for clarity and control over their treatment decisions.

On the other side, doctors’ prescribing habits are influenced by the conversations they have with their patients. Physicians weigh patient concerns about side effects, long-term survival, and quality of life when recommending treatment options. By analyzing these prescribing habits, ZoomRx’s HCP-PT product provides actionable insights that can help pharmaceutical companies refine their brand messaging to better resonate with both patients and their healthcare providers.

Audio Link An Oncologist explains potential side effects and insurance coverage to a patient with Stage 2B NSCLC
HCP: Nausea can happen and it may decrease your appetite. So, those are the most common side effects. I mean, there are of course more serious side effects. Have I seen them? I have not seen them so far. It can cause heart problems, it can cause lung infections, it can cause blood clots or you may be allergic to this medication. So, these are possible. But the most common side effect will be rash, mouth lesions, and mouth sores or diarrhea.
Patient: Okay. And would my insurance pay for this?
HCP: They should pay because it's in the NCCN guidelines, the guidelines we have to follow. You know, it's not out of the standard of care, it is the standard of care basically. And if it's FDA approved, it's not an investigational or a study drug, so they have to approve.
Patient: The side effects sound okay. But if I do not feel well, I can stop, right? HCP Yes, of course. I mean if there is any major reason for you to stop, yes. We may decide together to stop but, I would not, I mean, don't stop the medication without talking to me first.
Audio Link An Oncologist introduces Tagrisso with a patient with Stage 3A metastatic NSCLC, following surgery.
HCP: You are kind of lucky you have this marker on your cancer tissue and because of that you'll be eligible to take a pill rather than IV chemo. And in the pill we have...
Patient: That sounds better.
HCP: Yes, much less side effect

Improving Lung Cancer Outcomes Through Better Communication

Effective communication between doctors and patients is vital to improving lung cancer outcomes. Patients who feel heard and understood by their doctors are more likely to adhere to their prescribed treatment plans, which can lead to better overall outcomes.

Through the HCP-Pt platform, ZoomRx has found that conversations marked by empathy and clear communication often result in more positive treatment experiences for lung cancer patients. For example, patients and caregivers who had in-depth discussions with their doctors about potential side effects and treatment expectations seemed more likely to adhere to therapies, despite challenges.

By listening to these doctor-patient conversations, life science companies can learn how to better support both patients and their care teams —whether through patient education materials, digital tools, or targeted outreach programs designed to enhance treatment adherence.

ZoomRx: Empowering Pharma Companies with Actionable Insights

ZoomRx’s HCP-PT product offers a unique opportunity for pharmaceutical companies to gain a deep understanding of the patient journey from diagnosis to treatment. These insights, derived from real conversations between healthcare providers and patients, enable pharma companies to craft more effective marketing strategies and create support resources that align with patient needs.

In the context of lung cancer, this means developing strategies that not only address the clinical aspects of the disease but also resonate with practical challenges faced by patients. Whether it’s launching a new treatment or refining an existing product’s messaging, the actionable insights provided by HCP-PT ensure that pharmaceutical brands remain patient-centered.

Audio Link An Oncologist introduces the survival benefits of Tagrisso
HCP: like 87% risk reduction is, is a huge benefit. And it also, I mean, it prevents the relapse but it also prolongs your survival you know, at the same time.
Patient: So, it makes me live longer?
HCP: Correct! Correct! Yeah, yeah. It also prolongs your survival and in fact, this pill is so effective, that you know, the cancer doctors, oncologists are discussing between them, if the patients are eligible for this pill, if we can omit the chemotherapy because this pill was effective regardless wehether the patient was treated with chemotherapy or not in several clinical trials.

Raising Awareness and Supporting Lung Cancer Patients

As we continue to raise awareness for lung cancer in 2024, it’s crucial for the healthcare industry to place the patient at the center of all efforts. Through our work at ZoomRx, we aim to empower pharmaceutical companies with the insights they need to better serve patients and make a meaningful impact on Lung Cancer outcomes.

If you’re interested in learning more about how ZoomRx can help your brand gain deeper insights into the lung cancer patient journey, contact us today to explore how HCP-PT can transform your approach to patient-centered care.

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