Embodied Struggles and Meaning-Making: Cancer Patients’ Lived Experiences Undergoing Targeted Therapy
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Abstract
Targeted therapy has transformed cancer treatment through its molecular precision and reduced toxicity, but the lived experiences of patients undergoing such therapy remain insufficiently understood.
This descriptive phenomenological study involved in-depth interviews with 12 cancer patients receiving targeted therapy at a tertiary hospital. Participants were purposively selected, and data were analyzed using thematic analysis to capture the essence of their lived experiences.
Three core themes emerged: (1) the invisible burden of persistent side effects, (2) reconstruction of meaning amidst suffering, and (3) negotiation of agency in healthcare interactions. Participants reported fatigue, nausea, and bodily changes that disrupted identity and autonomy, yet also described resilience and personal growth through spiritual reflection and empathetic communication.
Findings underscore the need for a holistic approach to targeted therapy that integrates patients’ emotional, spiritual, and relational realities into oncology care. Strengthening patient-provider trust and prioritizing quality of life can foster more humanized and patient-centered treatment paradigms.
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