Fear of prognosis? How anxiety, coping, and expected burden impact the decision to have cytogenetic assessment in uveal melanoma patients

Abstract

Background: Cytogenetic testing (CGT) in uveal melanoma patients reveals prognostic information about the individual risk of developing distant metastasis with dismal prognosis. There is currently no medical intervention strategy with proven effect on the prognosis, rendering the result of the cytogenetic testing purely informative. We explored patients' socio-demographic backgrounds, psychological preconditions, coping strategies, external influences, and concerns about "knowing their fate" to study their possible interactions with decision-making for CGT.

Methods: Uveal melanoma patients were asked to complete questionnaires on their interest in undergoing CGT for prognostication and the factors influencing their decision. Data were collected on socio-demographics, baseline anxiety (GAD-7), depression (PHQ-9), coping strategies (Brief COPE), and assumed future concerns regarding the CGT result. Data were analyzed by using multiple ordinal logistic regression and exploring estimated marginal effects.

Results: Questionnaires were returned by 121 of 131 (92.4%) patients. Fifty-two patients (43%) had no interest in CGT, 34 (28.1%) were undecided, and 35 (28.9%) were interested. We observed no significant differences regarding age, sex, partnership, education, occupation, baseline anxiety, or depression. Decision-making favoring CGT was influenced by the treating physicians, internet resources, and level of baseline anxiety. Patients were likely to reject CGT when they worried that "knowing the result will have an unintended influence" on their life.

Conclusion: Decision-making about CGT for prognostication in uveal melanoma is burdensome to many patients and in general not guided by medical advice regarding further treatment and screening procedures. The psychological impact of the decision is therefore unique and requires careful support by psycho-oncologists considering the patient's fears and expectations.