Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42571714›Full record

SynthesisPsycho-oncology2026

Determinants of Interest-Holder Perspectives Toward Post-Mortem Tissue Donation in Oncology: A Systematic Review.

Kaatje Goossens, Anaïs Anthierens, Caro Monteny, Catherine Dilewyns, Christine Desmedt, Hans Wildiers, Pascal Borry

Abstract readSystematic Review
In one paragraph

Synthesis in Psycho-oncology, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

7 authors.

Kaatje GoossensCentre for Biomedical Ethics and Law, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.ORCID 0009-0009-0538-1387
Anaïs AnthierensCentre for Biomedical Ethics and Law, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
Caro MontenyCentre for Biomedical Ethics and Law, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
Catherine DilewynsCentre for Biomedical Ethics and Law, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
Christine DesmedtLaboratory for Translational Breast Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
Hans WildiersLaboratory of Experimental Oncology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.ORCID 0000-0001-8990-7837
Pascal BorryCentre for Biomedical Ethics and Law, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.ORCID 0000-0002-4931-9560

Funding

Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek 1103726NKom op tegen Kanker 14247The Breast Cancer Research Foundation
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

objectivePost-mortem tissue donation (PTD) is increasingly recognised as an important resource for advancing cancer research. Developing effective recruitment strategies for PTD programs requires a thorough understanding of interest-holder perspectives, which remain insufficiently explored. This systematic review examined factors influencing patients' willingness to participate in PTD, next-of-kin's willingness to support their relative's participation, and healthcare professionals willingness to recruit for PTD programs.

methodsA systematic literature search was conducted on 19 February 2026 to identify original research studies exploring self-reported factors influencing perspectives toward PTD. Study selection, data extraction, and quality appraisal were performed independently by four reviewers. Identified factors were synthesised and categorised into five domains: ethical/existential, emotional, practical, socio-demographic/socio-economic, and disease-related.

resultsFourteen studies were included from 11,986 records screened. Overall, attitudes toward PTD were generally favourable across interest-holders. Ethical, existential and emotional considerations, particularly altruism, reciprocity and the perceived impact on the patient-clinician relationship were associated with willingness to participate in, (support) consent to, or recruit for PTD. Reported barriers were predominantly practical, including logistical challenges, concerns regarding funeral arrangements, and limited knowledge of PTD procedures. Healthcare professionals additionally identified discomfort with end-of-life discussions and uncertainty about PTD processes as barriers to recruitment. Socio-demographic, socio-economic, and disease-related factors were reported inconsistently, with no clear pattern of association.

conclusionsInterest-holder attitudes toward PTD are primarily shaped by ethical, emotional, and practical considerations. The consistency of findings across interest-holder groups and cancer types supports the development of patient-centred communication strategies to facilitate the implementation of PTD programs.

Indexed as

NeoplasmsTissue and Organ ProcurementTissue DonorsAltruismHumansMedical Oncologyattitudesbreast cancerpost‐mortem tissue donation

Identifiers

PMID42571714
PMCPMC13453286

What OpenQuestion holds

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.