Interpretative Phenomenological Exploration of Cancer Patients’ Emotional Healing Experiences After Stem Cell Therapy

Abstract

Regenerative medicine, particularly stem cell therapy, has shown promise in treating degenerative diseases and injuries, yet the psychosocial experiences of patients undergoing such treatments remain underexplored. Although clinical research has focused on biological outcomes, the emotional and social dimensions of this treatment process are less understood, particularly in how patients perceive and adapt to their treatment journey. This study aims to address this gap by exploring the lived experiences of patients undergoing stem cell therapy, focusing on their emotional, psychological, and social adaptations. We employ a phenomenological approach, specifically Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), to investigate how patients navigate hope, uncertainty, and social pressures throughout their treatment. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 12 patients, revealing that hope and uncertainty coexist, and that patients’ emotional experiences are deeply influenced by both medical expectations and social dynamics. Key findings include that patients experience a delicate balance between hope and uncertainty, and their emotional journeys are shaped by the dynamics of social interactions, which significantly influence their coping mechanisms. Findings suggest that psychosocial adaptation is key to understanding patient experiences, highlighting the need for integrated care that considers both medical and emotional well-being. These insights contribute to the development of more holistic patient-centered care models in regenerative medicine and call for future research into the long-term psychosocial impacts of stem cell therapy.