Overview 

This study uses an online questionnaire to understand the perceptions of IMCT and the language used for these treatments in people living with cancer.  

Why this study is important  

IMCTs are less well known than other common cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Understanding how people with cancer take on board information about these treatments will help us to design more useful and acceptable information. It can also help inform how healthcare professionals communicate with patients going forward.  

This study aimed to understand the best way of communicating information about IMCTs to people with cancer.   

What the study involves 

This study is conducted entirely online. People who have been diagnosed with any cancer in the past five years are invited to complete questions online about themselves, their experience of cancer and their general views about the healthcare system. They are then asked to read a short paragraph of information about IMCTs. Afterwards, participants are asked to answer questions about the IMCT information.  

How this study fits into our research programme 

This study provides insight into how we can communicate with people with cancer who may be offered IMCTs so that they understand and are satisfied with the decision. This provides evidence for the best techniques to use to promote a better experience for all patients.  

Can I take part? 

We are currently still recruiting for this study.  

If you are aged 18 or over, and have been diagnosed with any type of cancer within the past five years, you are eligible to take part. The study involves completing a questionnaire online, which takes around 15-20 minutes.  

You can read more information and take part by clicking this link.   

Results and publications 

We are currently still recruiting participants for this study. We aim to recruit 590 participants in total, and we have recruited about half of this target so far. We aim to complete recruitment in Summer 2026. 

Overview

This study interviewed healthcare professionals about their experiences with IMCT to help understand current practices and areas where more support would be helpful.  

Why this study is important 

IMCT treatments are relatively new and rapidly evolving. Previous studies by other researchers have shown that some healthcare professionals struggle to explain what IMCT is. Some have different experiences with recognising and managing side-effects, especially if they are not directly involved in cancer care.  

This study aimed to explore the barriers and facilitators healthcare professionals report when discussing IMCT with patients, and how these are shaped by their beliefs, emotions and experiences.  

What the study involves

Eleven healthcare professionals were interviewed one to one by a researcher about their knowledge, experiences and beliefs of IMCT. These interviews were audio recorded and transcribed. The transcriptions were analysed to group together similar experiences to form “themes” in the data.  

How this study fits into our research programme

This study provides insight into the experience of healthcare professionals, the challenges they face when discussing and using IMCTs and any training and communication needs they have. This provides evidence for training and support for healthcare professionals.  

Can I take part?

Data collection for this study has been completed.  

Results and publications

The results found that as IMCTs are new, healthcare professionals saw themselves as “translators” for patients and that they had to balance the information that they gave to patients so that it isn’t overwhelming. Time constraints during the consultation were identified as a significant barrier, and training and teamwork were highlighted as important to improve communication.  

This study is currently being written up for publication.  

Overview 

This study used an online questionnaire to understand the perceptions of IMCT and the language used for these treatments in the general population.  

Why this study is important  

Although people without cancer will not have to take IMCTs themselves, it is important to understand how they understand and perceive these treatments. New treatments are often discussed in the media, people may support loved ones through cancer, or a person may go on to develop cancer themselves in the future. We know from previous research that people form beliefs about illness and treatments from the information that is available to them, even if they do not have direct experience of it themselves. This can then influence their behaviour when they come into contact with this illness or treatment in the future or through others.  

This study aimed to understand what people who have not had cancer think about IMCTs and how best to communicate treatment information.  

What the study involves 

690 adults in the UK were asked to read a short paragraph about IMCTs and complete questions about the treatment afterwards. When analysing the data, we looked to see if there were differences in how people rated the treatments based on the description and their general attitudes towards medications.  

How this study fits into our research programme 

Loved ones are an important resource for people who are facing decisions about cancer treatment. This study helps us to understand how people in the general population perceive IMCTs, and ways to make communication inclusive for the whole family.  

Can I take part? 

Data collection for this study has been completed. 

Results and publications 

The results of this study have been written up and are currently under review for publication at a scientific journal. The results will be presented at the UK Society for Behavioural Medicine (UKSBM) annual scientific meeting in Sheffield in April 2026.