The Association Between Conventional Cancer Treatment History and Dissatisfaction Among Those Seeking Alternative Cancer Therapies: Insights From a Crowdfunding Platform

Purpose/Objective(s) We previously reported on dissatisfaction with conventional cancer treatment as a primary theme among online crowdfunding campaigns created for individuals seeking alternative cancer treatments. Here, we determine the impact of specific conventional cancer treatments, as well as cancer stage and cancer type, on dissatisfaction leading to the selection of alternative cancer treatments. Materials/Methods A cross-sectional mixed methods analysis of 778 online campaigns for people seeking financial assistance for alternative cancer treatments through GoFundMe between 2011 and 2019 were evaluated. Clinical and treatment data were extracted from the campaign descriptions. Motivational themes were identified using a rigorous process of thematic analysis. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify significant associations between cancer type, cancer stage, and prior conventional cancer treatments including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormone and immunotherapy and dissatisfaction, defined by concerns that conventional treatment was ineffective, too expensive, or associated with intolerable side effects. Results Of the 778 campaigns analyzed, 68.3% (531) campaigns contained themes of dissatisfaction. Of those 531, 41.8% (222) reported having had surgery, 49.5% (263) reported having had chemotherapy, 28.6% (152) radiotherapy, 3.0% (16) hormone therapy, and 2.6% (14) immunotherapy. Significant independent predictors of dissatisfaction were prior use of chemotherapy (Odds Ratio [OR]: 1.93, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]:1.34-2.83) and having Stage IV cancer (OR: 2.29, 95% CI:1.65-3.20). No other therapies or cancer types were significantly associated with dissatisfaction. Conclusion Prior use of radiation therapy, surgery, hormone therapy, and immunotherapy were not independent predictors of dissatisfaction, nor were the individuals’ cancer types; however, chemotherapy was an independent predictor of dissatisfaction when controlling for other important factors as reported in crowdsourcing campaigns seeking financial assistance for alternative cancer therapies. This information highlights the importance of doctor-patient communication regarding complications of and expectations for cancer treatment.