Qualitative Investigation of Experience and Quality of Life in patients treated with Calcium Electroporation for Cutaneous Metastases

Some cancer patients develop cutaneous metastases at late stage of disease, and the tumours may be present for months or years. Some cancers are more prone to disseminating to the skin, such as breast and lung cancer. When cancer manifests on the body’s surface or on the face, symptoms and distress can have a significant impact on the quality of life of patients. Surgical and medical treatment is difficult, and local treatments are important. Calcium electroporation is a novel cancer treatment. It includes injecting calcium-solution and applying electric pulses to tumour tissue. There is a scarcity of literature on patient experience of living with cutaneous metastases. Our study’s objective was to examine the patient’s perspective on CaEP treatment of skin tumours, as well as the treatment’s impact on health-related quality of life (QoL). We evaluated quality of life in patients with skin metastases treated with calcium electroporation using qualitative interviews. Calcium electroporation enhanced health-related quality of life by reducing symptoms and increasing social inclination. Peer accounts are important in preparation for treatment.