Tools for providing information to patients about high-tech medical resources for treatment of cancer

Abstract

Background and purpose High-tech medical resources play an increasingly important role in cancer diagnosis and treatment. However, accessing information about these technologies remains challenging due to their complexity and a lack of clear information pathways to obtain reliable information. This, in turn, contributes to inequalities in healthcare. Patient/material and methods The Joint Action Network of Expertise on Cancer (JANE-2) is one of the largest networks under Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan. In JANE-2, the work package on High-Tech Medical Resources comprises seven domains of rapidly evolving technologies, namely Nuclear Medicine, Radiomics, Innovative Radiotherapy, Innovative Surgery, Physical Methods of Ablation, Cell Therapies, and Ex-vivo Testing of Agents. Leaders from these domains, together with patient representatives, have authored a review of the challenges of providing patients with information about high-tech medical resources, and have proposed potential solutions. Results This article describes the challenges associated with providing adequate information to patients, the resulting consequences, and potential solutions. The article also specifically describes technologies related to the seven high-tech domains that are central to cancer treatment. Patient information tools related to these technologies are provided as supplementary material to the article. Interpretation Cancer diagnosis and treatment are not only becoming increasingly effective but also more complex with the adoption of novel technologies. This article discusses the challenges and potential solutions related to the availability of patient information and provides examples of patient information tools for seven key and rapidly advancing technologies.