| Sumario: | Simple Summary: Targeted therapy has become the standard treatment for advanced NSCLC patients with specific driver gene mutations, significantly improving survival outcomes. However, the entire cancer treatment journey still faces numerous challenges. This study aims to explore the whole disease experience of patients receiving targeted therapy through a patient journey mapping approach, thereby providing recommendations for clinical care practices. We invited 18 patients with advanced NSCLC receiving targeted therapy to share their experiences and invited clinical experts, oncology nurses, and patients to validate the journey map. Patients reported that their treatment journey was stage-specific, primarily characterized by ongoing financial burdens, dynamic psychological stress, and symptom-related and life challenges during disease progression. Notably, current medical support often fails to address these core needs sufficiently. The study results highlight key features and challenges at each stage of the disease, emphasizing the importance of clinicians providing personalized interventions at critical treatment milestones. Targeted therapies against specific driver gene mutations have become the standard first-line treatment for most patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). While these therapies significantly prolong survival, the entire cancer treatment journey remains challenging and distressing. To better understand these experiences, this study employed a qualitative descriptive approach, conducting semi-structured interviews with 18 advanced NSCLC patients receiving targeted therapy, supplemented by patient journey logs. The resulting journey map delineated five stages: diagnosis, initial treatment, maintenance therapy, disease progression, and end-of-life. The analysis identified four key themes characterizing patient experiences at each stage. These findings enable healthcare professionals to identify risk situations and determine optimal timing for support interventions. Similarly, preparing patients for the processes they must undergo and the side effects of medical treatment helps reduce their uncertainty and anxiety, thereby improving their quality of life.
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