Patient Perspectives on Pipeline Trial Design for HNSCC

Andrew Dunning's eligibility for the MICVO trial resulted from treatment resistance after a full year of pembrolizumab immunotherapy with minimal disease response. The decision to pursue experimental therapy reflected both patient and physician recognition that standard treatment options had been exhausted, necessitating the exploration of investigational approaches. The collaborative decision-making process involved Dunning's oncologist researching suitable clinical trials and identifying MICVO as a potentially beneficial option based on its novel mechanism and early promising results.

The targeted mechanism of MICVO appealed to Dunning due to its focused approach compared with systemic chemotherapy's whole-body effects. His experience with traditional treatments included significant daily fatigue that persisted throughout the treatment year, whereas MICVO produced notably reduced fatigue levels despite still causing some daily tiredness. This improvement allowed Dunning to maintain more normal daily activities with minor lifestyle adjustments, primarily earlier bedtimes to accommodate increased sleep needs.

Patient goal-setting emerged as a crucial component of Dunning's treatment approach, with both short-term and long-term objectives providing motivation and structure. His collaboration with a friend facing similar health challenges to return to field hockey by 2027 demonstrates how shared goals can enhance resilience and treatment adherence. The emphasis on community support, including family, friends, and health care providers, reinforces the multidisciplinary nature of cancer care. Dunning's appreciation for health care workers and their daily commitment to patient care highlights the human connections that facilitate successful treatment outcomes and psychological well-being during challenging medical journeys.