Abstract 3288: Ovarian cancer survivors' views of factors that influenced their exceptional survival: A qualitative study
Authors: Alimujiang Aliya , Khoja Lilah , Wiensch Ashley , Pike Malcolm C. , Webb Penelope , Chase Anne , Richardson Jean , Pearce Celeste Leigh 
Published: August 2019

Introduction Although most women with high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC) die within five years, approximately 15% will survive for 10 or more years. The factors contributing to this exceptional survival are currently unknown, but are thought to be a complex interaction between clinical, genetic, immunologic, and lifestyle factors. The purpose of this study is to qualitatively explore factors that may influence exceptional ovarian cancer survival.

Methodological Approach Four focus groups, one each in Los Angeles (California), Ann Arbor (Michigan), New York (New York) and Edmonton (Alberta, Canada), were conducted. Women previously diagnosed with HGSC who have survived 5 or more years were invited to participate. Physical activity, diet, meditation, prayer, treatment, integrative medicine, and side effects were explored in the semi-structured focus group interviews. All four sessions were audiotaped and transcribed. The transcriptions were coded by two individuals using grounded theory. The coded transcripts were analyzed using Dedoose.

Findings Of the 26 women who participated, 24 were diagnosed with HGSC. Two women, one with a stage III, low-grade mucinous tumor and another with a MMMT carcinosarcoma, did not meet our inclusion criteria, but were not asked to leave. Among the 24 women with HGSC, 19 have survived 10 or more years, two 8-9 years and three 5-7 years; all but one woman had stage III or IV disease. Three overarching themes were uncovered: (a) Survivors were highly motivated to improve lifestyle factors, including but not limited to fitness and diet, and had, in fact, done so; (b) Survivors had a strong life purpose, which manifested as positivity, taking charge, and self-advocacy; and (c) Survivors were able to draw on strong support systems, which included family, friends, support groups, faith, and healthcare workers.

Conclusion HGSC long-term survivors have varying experiences with their cancer, but share motivation and persistence, strong life purpose, and strong support systems. This study sheds light on how the specific behaviors and attitudes of patients may contribute to their long-term survival with HGSC. Focus groups are preparatory to further prospective studies that will determine whether short term and long term survivors differ on these characteristics. Our results highlight the need for more research to gain better understanding of the role that life purpose and support systems play in survival with HGSC.

Citation Format: Aliya Alimujiang, Lilah Khoja, Ashley Wiensch, Malcolm C. Pike, Penelope Webb, Anne Chase, Jean Richardson, Celeste Leigh Pearce. Ovarian cancer survivors' views of factors that influenced their exceptional survival: A qualitative study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3288.