L'Impatto Della Patologia Neoplastica Sullo Stato di Benessere Del Paziente

1998 ◽  
Vol 84 (1_suppl1) ◽  
pp. S20-S23
Author(s):  
Enrico Cortesi ◽  
E. Ballatori ◽  
P. Casali ◽  
E. Cortesi ◽  
M. Costantini ◽  
...  

The peculiar characteristics of the italian neoplastic patients, as far as their knowledge concerning the disease (information, prognosis, therapeutic options, etc) and the different cultural, environmental and health realities, place different problems on the routine application of the quality of life questionnaires wich were constructed and edited in North European or North American Countries, even if correctly translated and validated in Italy. The QVonc (Quality of Life in Oncology) Project started five years ago from the common interest of medical oncologists who felt the need to make a careful study on some aspects regarding the evaluation of italian patient's quality of life. A multidisciplinary working group, comprehensive of statisticians, epidemiologists, psychologists, nurses and methodologists, was then put together. During the last three years the Group produced a deep analysis of the different aspects and determinants of the italian patient's quality of life, mainly about their disease and medical environment perception. A prospective research was started in 1995 with the aims of identifying the contents of quality of life, using a sample of cancer patients as “experts” and of measuring the relevance of selected contents in different subgroups of patients. In the first study the quality of life dimensions were analysed as perceived from 248 neoplastic patients, uniformely and randomly distributed for pathology and place of residence in Italy, through an open questionnaire and interviews conducted by our psychologists. Some peculiar aspects of the quality of life perception in italian patients were evidenced: relationship with the family, with the medical team and health facilities, economic problems and occupational difficulties. The study confirmed that the information on the contents of quality of life can be derived only studying people suffering the specific disease and cast a doubt on the available QL instruments currently used. The second study evaluated the quality of life perception in 6939 consecutive cancer patients referred in the second week of July 1996 to 79 Italian medical oncology/radiotherapy Institutions. Patients were asked to fill out a questionnaire concerning the importance of 46 domains of QL, each one scored on 4 levels (not at all, a little, much and very much). Domains were derived from a previous content analysis of 268 pts answers to 4 questions related to their own QL: “in your experience, what is QL?”, “what is a bad QL?”, “what is a good QL?”, “Did the diagnosis and treatment received modify your QL?”. 6939 patients entered the study; of these, 820 (11.8%) did not fill out the questionnaire due to various reasons. Among the 6,119 evaluable pts, the most frequent cancers were: breast (2,328), colo-rectal (968), lung (517), lymphoma (351), gastric (225). The most frequently chosen domains (much or very much) were related to health facilities or communication between patient-physician/nurse. Family relationship and general well being were also found important, while from the negative perspective the presence of the disease and the related anxiety were the most relevant problems. In conclusion, when choosing or constructing QL instruments, at least for Italian cancer pts, factors such as health facilities and pt ‘- physician/nurse relationship should be more adequately considered. Most currently used QL questionnaires are probably lacking in this regard.

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 1495-1506
Author(s):  
Brent Burbridge ◽  
Hyun Lim ◽  
Lynn Dwernychuk ◽  
Ha Le ◽  
Tehmina Asif ◽  
...  

Introduction: Venous access is a crucial element in chemotherapy delivery. It remains unclear whether cancer patients prefer a port to a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC). Our study aimed to assess cancer patients’ satisfaction with their venous access device and to compare the quality of life (QoL) of subjects with a PICC to those with a port. Methods: In this prospective cohort study, EORTC QLQ-C30, and a locally developed quality of life survey (QLAVD), designed to assess satisfaction with venous access devices, were administered to breast or colorectal cancer patients over a one-year period following the device insertion. Mixed effects models were used to assess changes on mean scores at different time points. Results: A total of 101 patients were recruited over a three-year period, (PICC group, n = 50; port group, n = 51). Survey response rates for months one and three were 72% and 48%, respectively. Overall, no significant differences were noted between the two groups in relation to EORTC QOL. At three months, the mean pain scores were 3.5 ± 2.3 for the port and 1.3 ± 0.75 for PICC (<0.001). The mean score for a negative effect of the venous access device on psychosocial well-being was 6.0 ± 4.1 for PICC and 3.0 ± 2.7 for the port (p = 0.005). Complications related to PICCs occurred in 38% patients versus 41% with a port (p > 0.24). Conclusions: Although subjects with a port experienced more pain during the device insertion or access for chemotherapy, it had a smaller negative impact on psychosocial scores than the PICC. No significant differences in complications rates were observed between the two devices.


2012 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agnese Dzērvīte ◽  
Maruta Pranka ◽  
Tana Lace ◽  
Ritma Rungule ◽  
Edvins Miklasevics ◽  
...  

Summary Introduction. Health related quality of life is a much debated topic in medicine with much quantitative and qualitative research contributing to the understanding of how to improve the lives of patients, yet little has been published in relation to the quality of life of Latvian breast cancer patients. Aim of the Study. To gather base measurements of subjective and objective quality of life factors for breast cancer patients in Latvia and discover which key factors contribute most to quality of life of Latvian breast cancer patients at the start of treatment. Materials and Methods. This paper presents data collected from April 2010 to June 2011 at the Pauls Stradins Clinical University hospital on key factors influencing quality of life for breast cancer patients: health and physical well-being; state of surroundings and environment; social support and functionality; financial state, employment and leisure. Quantitative survey material has been supplemented with insight from qualitative in-depth interviews to better explain the objective and subjective implications for breast cancer patients’ quality of life. Results. Interviewed breast cancer patients rated their quality of life as being average or good at the beginning of treatment. Negative factors contributing to lowered quality of life were mainly linked to patient financial, social and emotional state at the first weeks of treatment and correspond to previous research done in Latvia on quality of life issues. Conclusions. Further follow-up surveys will contribute to the evaluation of breast cancer patients’ needs while undergoing treatment to further improve treatment strategies, especially if validated quality of life measurement surveys were to be implemented in Latvian hospitals.


Author(s):  
Melisa Anderson ◽  
Dwayne Tucker ◽  
Fabian G. Miller ◽  
Kurt Vaz ◽  
Lennox Anderson-Jackson ◽  
...  

Breast cancer is a disease in which there is increased proliferation of malignant breast cells. This disease is more likely to begin in the ducts or lobules rather than the connective tissue. Globally, breast cancer is the most regularly diagnosed cancer. It is also a leading cause of cancer-related mortality in females. While cancer of the breast affects the physical aspect of patients, it can also negatively impact the quality of life (QoL) of survivors. There is a dearth of information, especially in the last decade, on the negative impact of breast cancer and treatment modalities on the QoL of patients. This review of the literature will examine the QoL and well-being of breast cancer patients to present a current perspective on the topic. Major findings of past and present articles that have contributed to improving the care of breast cancer patients will be summarized and included.


2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (8) ◽  
pp. 2633-2640 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Vespa ◽  
Roberta Spatuzzi ◽  
Fabiana Merico ◽  
Marica Ottaviani ◽  
Paolo Fabbietti ◽  
...  

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 ◽  
pp. 153473541988059
Author(s):  
Tetiana Odynets ◽  
Yuriy Briskin ◽  
Valentina Todorova

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of different exercise interventions on quality of life parameters in breast cancer patients during 1 year of outpatient rehabilitation. Material and Methods: A total of 115 breast cancer patients met the eligibility criteria and completed the study. Participants were randomly allocated for the water exercise interventions (group A, n = 45), for the Pilates exercise interventions (group B, n = 40), and yoga exercise interventions (group C, n = 30). The 3 groups attended relevant programs for 1 year and received 144 rehabilitation sessions. Quality of life parameters were assessed using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy questionnaire with a specific module for breast cancer patients (FACT-B). Quality of life data were recorded at baseline and after 6 and 12 months of exercise interventions. Results: A significant increase in quality of life indicators was observed in participants of all groups. Based on the results of the 12-month monitoring, patients of group A scored significantly more points for emotional well-being compared with group B and group C by 1.40 points ( P < .05) and 1.69 points ( P < .01), respectively, as well as by breast cancer subscale by 2.15 points ( P < .05) compared with group B. Patients in group C scored significantly better compared with group A in social/family well-being by 2.80 points ( P < .01). Conclusions: It was found that using water exercise intervention is more effective for improving emotional well-being and decreasing negative symptoms associated with breast cancer treatment compared with Pilates and yoga interventions, while yoga was more effective in improving social/family well-being. Further research on water interventions for different populations is warranted.


2009 ◽  
Vol 27 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e20715-e20715
Author(s):  
P. C. Feyer ◽  
U. Steiner ◽  
N. Bangemann ◽  
S. Kurz ◽  
C. Rudolph ◽  
...  

e20715 Background: The therapeutic options in tumour treatment protocols include a maximum of tumour cell reduction and at the same time a minimum of side effects in order to secure a good quality of life for the cancer patient. Temporary side effects have been accepted in relation to the benefit risk calculation. A questionnaire for cancer patients was developed to improve the management of side effects of the cancer treatment, to optimize the patient-doctor communication and to register individual problems of the patient. Methods: Cancer patients received a questionnaire with 25 items and were asked for their problems during or after the last tumour specific treatment before having the consultation with the doctor. Gender, age, Karnofsky-index and treatment protocol were additional registered. During September 2007 until December 2007 a total of 272 questionnaires could be collected. The qualitative items have been evaluated with the contigens table method and the parameter free x2 test (Chi-Square-Test). Results: More than 50% of the patients documented additional important points influencing their well being. Nearly all of the evaluated patients had some tumour therapy specific side effects. The most pronounced problem was the physical exhaustion in 71% of the evaluated patients. More than 50% were influenced in their quality of life by more than normal fatigue since the start of their tumour specific therapy. Significant differences could be evaluated in relation to the age, diagnosis and tumour therapy with respect to the symptoms. Conclusions: The questionnaire was be found to be a good method to improve the communication between the patient and the doctor. It was easier to point out individual problems for the patient. The care givers can focus more precisely on important side effects of the tumour specific therapy in order to improve the quality of life of the treated patient. No significant financial relationships to disclose.


2011 ◽  
Vol 29 (7_suppl) ◽  
pp. 328-328 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Noal ◽  
M. Lange ◽  
B. J. Escudier ◽  
E. Sevin ◽  
S. Dauchy ◽  
...  

328 Background: Fatigue is commonly reported by patients under anti-angiogenic therapies, with sometimes cognitive complains. However, few studies have explored these problems. A longitudinal multicentric prospective study is ongoing in France on fatigue, cognitive functions, quality of life (QoL), anxiety and depression among metastatic kidney cancer patients receiving anti-angiogenic therapies. Objectives: The main objective is to assess fatigue. Secondary objectives are to assess cognitive functions, QoL, anxiety, and depression. Methods: Assessments are made at baseline, at 3 and 6 months. Evaluations were made by: autoquestionnaire MFI-20 to assess fatigue, FACT-G and FKSI to assess QoL, Spielberger's and Beck's questionnaires to assess respectively anxiety and depression. Cognitive functions were assessed by a neuropsychologist with the Working Memory Index (WAIS-III), Grober and Buschke test, Rey Complexe Figure test, verbal fluency and Trail Making test, exploring respectively working memory, episodic memory and executive functions. Preliminary results are presented. Results: 35 patients were enrolled, and 20 of them had the second assessment at 3 months. Most of patients received sunitinib (51%), others received bevacizumab and interferon, or sorafenib. At baseline, 45% of patients expressed general fatigue and 50% at 3 months (p=0.04). Other domains of fatigue (physical, mental, reduced activity and motivation) did not change over time. At baseline, few patients had cognitive disorders (working memory 6%; executive functions 0%; episodic memory 11%), with no decline at 3 months. However, there was an impairment of QoL in FKSI score (p=0.01) and of FACT-G physical well-being (p=0.01). No differences were found in social, emotional or functional well-being. There was no difference on depression nor on anxiety over time. Conclusions: Fatigue significantly increased during the first 3 months of anti-angiogenic treatment, with no impact on cognitive functions but a decline of QoL. These preliminary findings need to be confirmed by further follow-up and more patients. Final results will be provided with 120 patients. No significant financial relationships to disclose.


2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (3_suppl) ◽  
pp. 249-249 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melanie Keats ◽  
Hillary Woodside ◽  
S. Nicole Culos-Reed

249 Background: A growing body of evidence is emerging to suggest that the practice of yoga can improve disease and treatment-related side effects in the non-curative cancer patient by addressing their physical, psychological, and spiritual needs. Regrettably, the literature regarding the positive benefits of yoga for the young adult (YA) non-curative cancer patient is limited. Accordingly, the purpose of this ongoing exploratory study is to examine the feasibility and safety of a 7-week home/hospice based instructive Hatha yoga intervention (Yoga Thrive - available on DVD) in non-curative, YA cancer patients. Secondary outcomes include the examination of the efficacy of yoga in mitigating cancer and treatment-related side effects through ratings of self-reported quality of life (QOL). Methods: A single-arm, non-randomized, pre and post-test, pilot investigation of a 7-week instructive home/hospice-based Hatha yoga program is currently ongoing. Pre/post program data include measures of QOL, specific to palliative disease and spiritual domains as well as open-ended measures of perceived program value. Feasibility data (e.g., recruitment, adherence, safety) are also collected. Results: To date, four YA non-curative cancer patients have participated in the 7-week yoga program. Preliminary data show a significant difference in both functional well-being (p= .047, ηp2= 0.78) and spirituality (FACIT-Sp) scores (p= 0.04, ηp2= 0.77). Although not statistically significant, a large effect in physical well-being (ηp2= 0.38); general cancer outcomes (FACT-G) (ηp2= 0.42); and palliative specific scores (ηp2= 0.62) have also emerged. Early responses to the post-program exit questions suggest that participants find the program as an opportunity for self-care, separate from traditional cancer therapies. Subjective improvements in flexibility and mindfulness (e.g., body awareness, relaxation, and calmness) have also been reported. Additionally, participants have complemented the program for its ease and flexibility of use. Conclusions: Early findings of this study provide support for the feasibility and efficacy of a home/hospice-based yoga program for YA non-curative cancer patients.


2007 ◽  
Vol 25 (28) ◽  
pp. 4387-4395 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alyson B. Moadel ◽  
Chirag Shah ◽  
Judith Wylie-Rosett ◽  
Melanie S. Harris ◽  
Sapana R. Patel ◽  
...  

Purpose This study examines the impact of yoga, including physical poses, breathing, and meditation exercises, on quality of life (QOL), fatigue, distressed mood, and spiritual well-being among a multiethnic sample of breast cancer patients. Patients and Methods One hundred twenty-eight patients (42% African American, 31% Hispanic) recruited from an urban cancer center were randomly assigned (2:1 ratio) to a 12-week yoga intervention (n = 84) or a 12-week waitlist control group (n = 44). Changes in QOL (eg, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy) from before random assignment (T1) to the 3-month follow-up (T3) were examined; predictors of adherence were also assessed. Nearly half of all patients were receiving medical treatment. Results Regression analyses indicated that the control group had a greater decrease in social well-being compared with the intervention group after controlling for baseline social well-being and covariates (P < .0001). Secondary analyses of 71 patients not receiving chemotherapy during the intervention period indicated favorable outcomes for the intervention group compared with the control group in overall QOL (P < .008), emotional well-being (P < .015), social well-being (P < .004), spiritual well-being (P < .009), and distressed mood (P < .031). Sixty-nine percent of intervention participants attended classes (mean number of classes attended by active class participants = 7.00 ± 3.80), with lower adherence associated with increased fatigue (P < .001), radiotherapy (P < .0001), younger age (P < .008), and no antiestrogen therapy (P < .02). Conclusion Despite limited adherence, this intent-to-treat analysis suggests that yoga is associated with beneficial effects on social functioning among a medically diverse sample of breast cancer survivors. Among patients not receiving chemotherapy, yoga appears to enhance emotional well-being and mood and may serve to buffer deterioration in both overall and specific domains of QOL.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document