Introduction: Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS), also known as giant-cell tumour of the tendon sheath (GCTT), is a rare, benign proliferative tumour affecting the inner lining of synovial joints and tendon sheets. Information on treatment needs of PVNS patients to inform drug development is currently scarce. We conducted an exploratory qualitative study with PVNS patients to generate insights into the objective and emotional aspects related to their medical journey and experiences of living with this disease.
Methods: A 4-day study using an online bulletin board (OBB), an asynchronous, online qualitative research platform, was conducted with patients recruited via physician referral who underwent screening questions to ensure eligibility for the study and willingness to participate. The discussion was moderated, was structured and allowed open answers in response to other participants' posts.
Results: Eleven patients (4 from the USA, 4 from the UK and 3 from Canada; 45% female), aged 28-57 years, suffering from PVNS for 2-27 years participated in the study. Key patient insights from the study were: (1) pain was the topmost, spontaneous thought that the participants associated with PVNS, constituting a significant emotional and psychological burden; (2) surgery (arthroscopy) did not completely ameliorate symptoms associated with PVNS, as the relapse rate was high in these patients; (3) PVNS has a substantial negative financial impact on patients, their families and the healthcare system; (4) orthopaedic specialists/surgeons predominantly managed PVNS, as surgery is currently the only therapeutic option.
Conclusion: PVNS patients expressed an urgent need for a medical drug treatment, which can reduce pain, avoid relapses and provide an alternative to surgery, the current standard of care.
Keywords: GCTT; Giant-cell tumour of the tendon sheath; Online bulletin board; PVNS; Patient perspective; Patient-based evidence; Pigmented villonodular synovitis; Qualitative research; Rare disease; Rheumatology.