Evaluation of Quality of Life in Patients with Malignant Dysphagia

2000 ◽  
Vol 86 (2) ◽  
pp. 134-138 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cinzia Brunelli ◽  
Paola Mosconi ◽  
Paolo Boeri ◽  
Laura Gangeri ◽  
Paolo Pizzetti ◽  
...  

Background In the last 10 years of clinical research there has been increasing interest in the evaluation of quality of life. Several generic and specific instruments have been developed for this purpose. EORTC QLQ C-30 is a cancer-specific questionnaire translated into various languages and validated in several European countries including Italy, where the impact of malignant disease on different areas of quality of life is poorly documented. Methods The EORTC QLQ C-30 was administered to 109 patients referred to the endoscopy division of the Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan, for endoscopic palliative treatment of malignant dysphagia to test its characteristics in terms of acceptability and clinical validity. Results In this group of patients the impact of advanced esophageal cancer was highly evident for Emotional and Physical Functioning, Fatigue and Global QoL scales. Dysphagia is a serious problem for many patients; there is a correlation between grade of dysphagia and four QoL dimensions. Conclusions QoL assessment is an important tool to evaluate the adequate management of patients with esophageal cancer. The EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire proved to be valid and reliable also in this population.

Author(s):  
Albert Tuca Rodríguez ◽  
Miguel Núñez Viejo ◽  
Pablo Maradey ◽  
Jaume Canal-Sotelo ◽  
Plácido Guardia Mancilla ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose The main aim of the study was to assess the impact of individualized management of breakthrough cancer pain (BTcP) on quality of life (QoL) of patients with advanced cancer in clinical practice. Methods A prospective, observational, multicenter study was conducted in patients with advanced cancer that were assisted by palliative care units. QoL was assessed with the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire at baseline (V0) and after 28 days (V28) of individualized BTcP therapy. Data on background pain, BTcP, comorbidities, and frailty were also recorded. Results Ninety-three patients completed the study. Intensity, duration, and number of BTcP episodes were reduced (p < 0.001) at V28 with individualized therapy. Transmucosal fentanyl was used in 93.8% of patients, mainly by sublingual route. Fentanyl titration was initiated at low doses (78.3% of patients received doses of 67 μg, 100 μg, or 133 μg) according to physician evaluation. At V28, mean perception of global health status had increased from 31.1 to 53.1 (p < 0.001). All scales of EORTC QLQ-C30 significantly improved (p < 0.001) except physical functioning, diarrhea, and financial difficulties. Pain scale improved from 73.6 ± 22.6 to 35.7 ± 22.3 (p < 0.001). Moreover, 85.9% of patients reported pain improvement. Probability of no ≥ 25% improvement in QoL was significantly higher in patients ≥ 65 years old (OR 1.39; 95% CI 1.001–1.079) and patients hospitalized at baseline (OR 4.126; 95% CI 1.227–13.873). Conclusion Individualized BTcP therapy improved QoL of patients with advanced cancer. Transmucosal fentanyl at low doses was the most used drug. Trial registration This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov database (NCT02840500) on July 19, 2016.


2004 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 354-360 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philippe Rauch ◽  
Joelle Miny ◽  
Thierry Conroy ◽  
Lionel Neyton ◽  
Francis Guillemin

Purpose To identify factors affecting the quality of life (QoL) of disease-free survivors of rectal cancer. Patients and Methods One hundred twenty-one patients in complete remission more than 2 years after diagnosis were asked to complete three QoL questionnaires: the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30; its colorectal module, QLQ-CR38; and the Duke generic instrument. Results Patients reported less pain (P = .002) than did controls drawn from the general population. EORTC QLQ-C30 physical scores were also higher among rectal cancer survivors than in the general Norwegian or German population (P = .0005 and P = .002, respectively). Unexpectedly, stoma patients reported better social functioning than did nonstoma patients (P = .005), with less anxiety (P = .008) and higher self-esteem (P = .0002). In the present authors' experience, the QLQ-CR38 does not discriminate between these groups. Residual abdominal or pelvic pain and constipation had the most negative influence on QoL. Conclusion QoL is high among rectal cancer survivors, including stoma patients. Simultaneous use of several QoL questionnaires appears to have value in follow-up and in monitoring the effects of therapy. The impact of residual pain and constipation on long-term QoL should be considered when establishing a treatment regimen.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 133-139
Author(s):  
Kristivani Br Ginting ◽  
Muhammad Rizki Yaznil ◽  
M. Oky Prabudi ◽  
Lili Rahmawati

Latar belakang: Kanker ovarium memiliki angka mortalitas yang cukup tinggi dikarenakan gejalanya yang tidak spesifik, sering ditemukan pada stadium lanjut, dan belum adanya metode deteksi dini yang sudah terbukti. Untuk menilai keberhasilan terapi penyintas kanker ovarium, tidak hanya dinilai dari aspek klinis tetapi juga dinilai dari kualitas hidup penyintas kanker ovarium yang penilaiannya berdasarkan skala fungsional dan skala gejala dalam kuesioner EORTC QLQ C30 dan EORTC QLQ OV28. Metode: Penelitian ini menggunakan desain penelitian cross sectional, menggunakan data primer dari hasil wawancara dengan kuesioner EORTC QLQ C30 dan EORTC QLQ OV28 serta data sekunder yang berasal dari rekam medik di RSUP Haji Adam Malik Medan tahun 2017 - 2018. Sampel penelitian dipilih dengan metode total sampling dari seluruh data rekam medik yang memenuhi kriteria penelitian.   Hasil: Hasil penelitian ini didapatkan kualitas hidup global penyintas kanker ovarium 89.36% adalah baik, dan 10.64% adalah sedang serta tidak ada yang memiliki kualitas hidup buruk. Namun, didapatkan adanya gangguan pada skala fungsional berupa: fungsi emosional, fungsi kognitif, fungsi seksual, dan sikap terhadap penyakit, serta adanya permasalahan pada skala gejala berupa: kelelahan, nyeri, neuropati perifer, dan gejala menopause. Didapatkan juga tidak ada hubungan karakteristik usia, jenis histopatologis, stadium, lama terapi dengan kualitas hidup penyintas kanker ovarium, namun terdapat hubungan antara jenis terapi dengan kualitas hidup penyintas kanker ovarium. Kesimpulan: Kualitas hidup penyintas kanker ovarium secara global adalah baik. Kata Kunci: Kualitas Hidup, Penyintas Kanker Ovarium, EORTC QLQ C-30, EORTC QLQ     OV-28   Abstract Background: Ovarian cancer has a high mortality rate due to nonspecific symptoms, often found at an advanced stage, and also the absence of proven early detection methods. To assess the success of ovarian cancer survivors therapy, it is not only assessed from the clinical aspect but also from the quality of life of ovarian cancer survivors which is based on the functional and symptom scale in the EORTC QLQ C30 and EORTC QLQ OV28 questionnaires.  Methods: This study used a cross-sectional study design, using primary data from interviews with the survivors based on the questionnaire EORTC QLQ C30 and EORTC QLQ OV28 as well as secondary data derived from medical records at Haji Adam Malik General Hospital Medan in 2017 - 2018. The research sample was used with a total sampling method from all medical record data that fulfill the research criteria.  Result: The quality of life of ovarian cancer survivors is generally good (89.36%), meanwhile the rest is moderate (10.64%) without the poor quality of life. However, there are disorders on the functional scale in the form of emotional function, cognitive function, sexual function, and attitude toward disease. Likewise on the scale of symptoms, there are problems including: fatigue, pain, peripheral neuropathy, and menopausal symptoms.  Conclusion: The quality of life of ovarian cancer survivors globally is good. Keywords: Quality of Life, Ovarian Cancer Survivors, EORTC QLQ C-30, EORTC QLQ OV-28  


2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (6_suppl) ◽  
pp. 90-90
Author(s):  
Orazio Caffo ◽  
Teodoro Sava ◽  
Umberto Basso ◽  
Sebastiano Buti ◽  
Giovanni Lo Re ◽  
...  

90 Background: Eight consecutive courses of D are usually considered a standard first line treatment for CRPC pts. The pts quality of life (QL) may be worsened and an I administration could mitigate this effect. We verified if an I therapy may reduce the impact on pts’ QL compared to continuous (C) treatment. Methods: The treatment was D 70 mg/m2IV q 3 wks ± estramustine (E) 280 mg/TID PO for 5 days. Pts were randomized to receive 8 courses D±E continuously (C) or intermittently, with a 3-month rest period after the first 4 courses. QL was evaluated by EORTC QLQ C30 at baseline and every 6 weeks. For the study aim, we considered evaluable for QL pts who received at least 5 D±E courses and filled the QL instruments. Results: 148 CRPC pts were enrolled from 11/06 to 10/10 with 94 pts evaluable for QL (53 and 41 treated with I with C therapy, respectively). No statistically differences were observed between C and I treatments for QL outcomes: the table shows the median value of single EORTC QLQ C30 scales scores at each assessment time-point. Conclusions: The present study failed to demonstrate that I treatment may produce a QL advantage compared to C treatment which remains the reference therapy for first-line of CRPC pts. Clinical trial information: 2006-005728-17. [Table: see text]


2017 ◽  
Vol 51 (3) ◽  
pp. 342-350 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vaneja Velenik ◽  
Ajra Secerov-Ermenc ◽  
Jasna But-Hadzic ◽  
Vesna Zadnik

Abstract Background The aim of our study was to obtain reference data of the EORTC QLQ-C30 quality of life dimensions for the general Slovenian population. We intend to provide the researchers and clinicians in our country with the expected mean health-related quality of life (HRQL) scores for distinctive socio-demographic population groups. Methods The EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire supplemented by a socio-demographic inquiry was mailed or distributed to 1,685 randomly selected individuals in the Slovenian population aged 18 – 90. Answers from 1,231 subjects representing socio-demographic diversity of the Slovenian population were collected and transformed into EORTC dimensions and symptoms. The impact of socio-demographic features on HRQL scores was assessed by multiple linear regression models. Results Gender, age and self-rated social class are the important confounders in the quality of life scores in our population. Men reported better quality of life on the majority of the specific scales and, at the same time, reported fewer symptoms. There was no gender-specific difference in cognitive functioning. The mean scores were consistently lower with age in both sexes. Conclusions This is the first study to report the normative EORTC QLQ-C30 scores for one of the south-eastern European populations. The reported expected mean scores allow Slovenian oncologists to estimate what the quality of life in cancer patients would be, had they not been ill. As they are derived by common methodology, our results can easily be included in any further international comparisons or in the calculation of European summarized HRQL scores.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeong Hye Kim ◽  
Ju Ri Jung

Abstract Background Esophageal cancer patients experience physical and psychological difficulties after surgery. This study aimed to identify the changes in psychological distress and quality of life in patients with esophageal cancer before surgery to three months after surgery. Methods We enrolled 49 patients who were scheduled to undergo esophageal surgery at a tertiary hospital in Seoul, South Korea in this prospective study. Patients’ psychological distress and quality of life were assessed with the Korean scales HADS, EORTC QLQ-C30, and QLQ-OES18 at the pre-surgery, one-month post-surgery, and three months post-surgery. Results Moderate-to-severe depression was reported in 12.2% of patients at the pre-surgery evaluation, in 57.1% of patients one-month post-surgery, and 8.2% of patients three-months post-surgery. Moderate-to-severe depression was reported in 12.2% of patients at the pre-surgery evaluation, in 63.3% of patients one-month post-surgery, and 16.3% of patients three months post-surgery. Clinically significant, moderate changes (10–20 points) in physical functioning, insomnia, nausea and vomiting, and dyspnea, and significant, large changes (> 20) in role functioning, fatigue, pain, and appetite loss (per EORTC QLQ-C30) were reported from pre-surgery to one-month post-surgery. Clinically significant, moderate changes (10–20 points) in dysphagia and taste problems and a significant, large change (> 20) in eating difficulties (per QLQ-OES18) were reported from pre-surgery to one-month post-surgery. Conclusion One month after esophageal cancer surgery, patients demonstrated severe psychological distress and worsening quality of life.


2019 ◽  
Vol 53 (3) ◽  
pp. 337-347 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanja Ledinski Ficko ◽  
Vlatko Pejsa ◽  
Vesna Zadnik

Abstract Background The impact of disease and treatment on the patient’s overall well-being and functioning is a topic of growing interest in clinical research and practice. The aim of this study is to obtain reference data on quality of life of Croatian general population. Further, we aim to assess the impact of the disease and its primary systemic treatment on their health related quality of life (HrQoL) in multiple myeloma (MM) patients. Patients and methods Participants for the first part of the study were randomly selected from adult Croatian population. In the clinical part of the study MM patients were included as prospectively diagnosed within two years in two major Croatian haematological centres. The EORTC QLQ-C30 in both trials and QLQ-MY20 in MM patients only were applied for HrQoL assessment. Results Gender, age and place of residence have great impact on quality of life scores in Croatian population. The MM patients at the time of diagnosis have lower QLQ-C30 scores for global quality of life, functional and symptom scale scores, as well as single items. The type of disease followed by the choice of therapy options are important HrQoL determinants. Conclusions The norm values available now for Croatian population will help to interpret HrQoL for clinicians and aid in planning cancer care interventions. This study identified treatment effect consistent with those from other observational studies and provided new data on HrQoL across two different treatment choices for MM patients.


2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 9580-9580
Author(s):  
Bjoern Loeppenberg ◽  
Christian von Bodman ◽  
Marko Brock ◽  
Joachim Noldus ◽  
Jueri Palisaar

9580 Background: Patients who underwent open retropubic radical prostatectomy (ORRP) for prostate-cancer (PCA) have excellent long-term survival. Besides oncologic safety, recovery of continence and erectile function are highly important, as adverse functional outcomes may have a detrimental effect on health-related quality of life (HRQOL). We report the long-term HRQOL of PCA survivors after ORRP using standardized tools. Methods: Men treated between August 2003 and December 2007 with ORRP for localized PCA at a single academic hospital received validated questionnaires (International consultation on incontinence questionnaire (ICIQ), International index of erectile function (IIEF-5), Erection hardness score (EHS), EORTC QLQ-C30) to assess functional outcomes and HRQOL. Results were correlated with the global-health score (GHS) of the EORTC QLQ-C30 to assess the impact of ORRP on HRQOL. Results: In the study period 1936 men underwent ORRP of whom 1156 (59.7%) received a nerve-sparing (NS) procedure. Questionnaire return-rate was 59% (n=1141) comprising the final study cohort. Median follow-up (FU) was 62 months. Mean age at surgery and FU was 63.7±6.2 and 69.2±6.2 years, respectively. Biochemical recurrence (BCR) occurred in 17.5% (n=200/1141) and 2% (n=40/1936) deceased. Mean GHS in the study population was 71.5±20.8. In the ICIQ 28% (n=320) scored 0 indicating complete continence and 9.9% (n=113) scored ≥11 indicating severe incontinence. The corresponding GHS was 78.1±19.5 and 55.4±21.8, respectively. 68.5% (n=782) of patients used no pads and 17.9% (n=204) ≥2 pads. Corresponding GHS scores were 74.9±19.8 and 58.9±20.7. Using the IIEF-5 in men who received NS, 24.1% (n=154) had no erectile dysfunction versus 50% (n=318) using the EHS. Corresponding GHS scores were 82.2±16.3 and 74.7±19.8, respectively. Patients with BCR had a GHS of 66.8±21.8 versus 72.5±20.5 for patients without. Men who achieved the Trifecta and Pentafecta criteria had a GHS of 83.1±15.1 and 83.3±15, respectively. Conclusions: Incontinence severely impacts the HRQOL of long-term survivors after ORRP while erectile dysfunction and BCR have a lesser effect. Every effort should be undertaken to maintain functional integrity.


2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (Supplement_6) ◽  
pp. vi190-vi190
Author(s):  
Eduardo Rodriguez Almaraz ◽  
Susan Chang ◽  
Nancy Ann Oberheim-Bush ◽  
Jennifer Clarke ◽  
Jennie Taylor ◽  
...  

Abstract BACKGROUND Gliomas are devastating primary tumors of the central nervous system that often present with difficult to manage symptoms in addition to the antineoplastic tumor itself. Due to recent increase in popularity and societal acceptance of cannabis products, their use by glioma patients has increased. METHODS We conducted a single center, prospective study: patients with glioma answered a locally validated survey to inquire about their cannabis use at baseline and every three months. Quality of Life was measured using the EORTC QLQ-C30, its complementary module BN-20 and the EQ-5D-5L instrument. Eligible participants were classified as cannabis users or non-users. We performed linear regression clustered by subjects to see differences by user group and trends overtime. RESULTS To date, 89 patients agreed to participate, enrolled, and answered the baseline questionnaires, and 64 have answered the 3 month follow up survey. The mean age was 49.7(SD 13.74), 55 were male, 55 were cannabis users at baseline (61.8%) and 34 at 3 months (53.13%). Patients who were cannabis users scored 11.73 lower points at baseline when compared to non-users (79.65 [SD 18.93] vs 67.92 [SD 19.22]) in the QLQ-C30 instrument. Similarly, cannabis users recorded 9.624 lower points at 3 months compared to non-users (70.1 [SD 21.33] vs 79.72 [SD13.95]). The difference-in-difference estimator was 2.108 (p&lt; 0.7). CONCLUSION Although we observed cannabis users scoring lower QoL measurements (p&lt; 0.05) at baseline and 3 months, we observed a slight improvement in QoL of cannabis users while observing no change or decline (in some measures) among non-users. Our findings provide insight to the impact that cannabis has in QoL over time. While not conclusive, these preliminary results need to be studied on a longer-term basis with a larger sample size in order to detect trends on quality of life among patients with different tumor types.


2007 ◽  
Vol 122 (9) ◽  
pp. 967-971
Author(s):  
F C Van Wyk ◽  
F Vaz ◽  
M Harries ◽  
J Weighill

AbstractIntroduction:Several studies have implied that patients' quality of life stabilises six months after undergoing total laryngectomy. However, these studies may well have overlooked persistent short term variations in patients' quality of life. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of seasonal change (i.e. summervswinter) on the quality of life of patients following total laryngectomy.Methods:A prospective, cross-sectional study of recurrence-free laryngectomy patients was performed, using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (version three) QLQ-C30 questionnaires (EORTC QLQ-C30), during January 2004 (i.e. winter), August 2004 (summer) and January 2005 (winter).Results:Thirty-six patients were entered into the study. The response rate was 70.3 per cent. Patient's time elapsed since surgery varied from six months to 12 years. In all questionnaire domains, responses seemed remarkably consistent over time.Conclusion:No statistically significant differences were found between summer and winter scores in all the domains analysed by the EORTC QLQ-C30.


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