Side Effects and Cancer-Related Stress Determine Quality of Life in Long-Term Survivors of Testicular Cancer

2005 ◽  
Vol 23 (13) ◽  
pp. 3061-3068 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arnstein Mykletun ◽  
Alv A. Dahl ◽  
Carl Fredrik Haaland ◽  
Roy Bremnes ◽  
Olav Dahl ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Testicular Cancer ◽  
Treatment Modality ◽  
Treatment Modalities ◽  
Sf 36 ◽  
Related Stress ◽  
Long Term Survivors

Purpose The prevalence of long-term survivors after treatment for testicular cancer (TC) is increasing, and most studies display normal or only slightly reduced quality of life (QOL) in TC survivors (TCSs). Impaired QOL is claimed to be associated with treatment modality and its side effects, although most studies in this field can be criticized for various methodologic shortcomings. We wanted to examine variation in long-term QOL in TCSs in relation to TC treatment modality, side effects, and TC-related stress in a large population. Patients and Methods QOL, side effects, and TC-related stress were self-rated by a questionnaire at a mean of 11 years of follow-up in 1,409 TCSs treated from 1980 to 1994. Norm data was obtained from 2,678 males who were representative of the general population. QOL was measured with the Short Form-36 (SF-36), and TC-related stress was measured with the Impact of Event Scale. Results There were no clinically relevant differences in QOL between TCSs and age-adjusted norm data, although there was a slightly lowered SF-36 Physical Component Summary Score in TCSs. Variation of QOL in TCSs was related to self-reported side effects and TC-related stress but not to TC treatment modality. A significant association was found between side effects and TC-related stress. Conclusion TCSs do not suffer long term from reduced QOL, and only minor differences in QOL were found between different treatment modalities. TCSs who report more side effects or TC-related stress have increased risk for reduced QOL, but these associations are not explained by TC treatment modalities. Further QOL research in this area should explore vulnerability factors for side effects and TC-related stress.

Quality of Life in Survivors of Childhood and Adolescent Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) Does Not Differ by Treatment (Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) vs. Chemotherapy). A Report from the Children’s Oncology Group (COG).

Blood ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 106 (11) ◽  
pp. 701-701
Author(s):  
H. Stacy Nicholson ◽  
Tianni Zhou ◽  
Zhengjia Chen ◽  
Kellie Moran ◽  
Charles Sklar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Summary Score ◽  
Myelogenous Leukemia ◽  
Age At Diagnosis ◽  
P Value ◽  
Sf 36 ◽  
Long Term Survivors

Abstract Childhood and adolescent AML requires intensive therapy. Beginning in 1979, the Childrens Cancer Group (CCG) randomized patients with newly-diagnosed AML to allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (alloBMT) based solely on the availability of an HLA-identical sibling donor. Two decades of successive CCG trials using a similar design have shown a significant survival advantage for alloBMT. To determine whether BMT was associated with a diminished quality of life (QOL) in long-term survivors compared to those who had been treated with chemotherapy alone (chemo), we conducted a cross-sectional telephone survey study of AML survivors. To be eligible, survivors must have been enrolled on a CCG AML study (beginning in 1979), have survived at least five years, and reside in the US or Canada. QOL was measured using the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 (SF-36) and the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ). 206 survivors completed the study, including 124 treated with chemo, 54 treated with alloBMT and 28 treated with autologous BMT (autoBMT). Median age at diagnosis was 3 years (range, 0–20), median age at survey was 19 years (range 8–39) and median time from diagnosis was 13.4 years. 48% were male, and 87% were white. QOL summary scores for the 82 survivors treated with BMT did not differ from those of the 124 treated with chemo (see table). Also, the adjusted summary scores did not differ by treatment after adjustment for other factors, such as age at diagnosis, race, gender, relapse, etc. None of the physical or mental SF-36 or CHQ subscale domains significantly differed by treatment, although physical subscale domains trended to be better in the chemo group. Multivariate analyses found that females had significantly lower physical and mental scores, that relapse significantly diminished the physical summary score, and that age at diagnosis was positively and significantly associated with higher mental summary score. Our data suggest that survivors of childhood and adolescent AML have similar overall QOL scores, regardless of whether they were treated with BMT or chemo. In addition, the QOL scores in most physical and mental health domains were high, suggesting that AML survivors as a group enjoyed good QOL. These data suggest that QOL in long-term survivors is not diminished by BMT and that the primary concern in assigning treatment remains survival. QOL Summary Scores Treatment Physical Score Mental Score Mean 95% CI p-value Mean 95% CI p-value All 49.3 (48.0,50,7) 49.9 (48.4,51.3) BMT (n=82) 49.0 (46.8,51.1) 0.68 51.3 (49.0,53.6) 0.11 Chemo (n=124) 49.6 (47.8,51.3) 48.9 (47.0,50.8)

Health-Related Quality of Life in Long-Term Survivors of Testicular Cancer

2009 ◽  
Vol 27 (35) ◽  
pp. 5993-5999 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip Blach Rossen ◽  
Anette Fischer Pedersen ◽  
Robert Zachariae ◽  
Hans von der Maase
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Testicular Cancer ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Life Questionnaire ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Long Term Survivors

Purpose A growing number of patients with testicular cancer (TC) become long-term survivors. As a consequence, quality-of-life (QOL) issues become increasingly important. The objective of this study was to investigate QOL among Danish TC survivors. Methods A long-term follow-up assessment of all patients with TC treated at Aarhus University Hospital in Denmark between 1990 and 2000 was conducted. A total of 401 survivors (response rate, 66%) completed questionnaires concerning QOL (European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire C30), depression (Beck Depression Inventory-II), fatigue (Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory-20), and health-related issues such as neurotoxic symptoms and Raynaud-like phenomena. On the basis of their treatment, participants were categorized as having received surveillance, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy. Results QOL among patients with TC was equal to that of men from the general population. Although patients who received chemotherapy reported higher levels of peripheral sensory neuropathy, ototoxicity, and Raynaud-like phenomena, treatment strategies were generally unrelated to QOL and depressive symptoms. Conclusion Overall, the patients in this study reported high levels of QOL. The results suggest that patients treated for TC should be informed about the anticipated good post-therapeutic QOL and the low risk of psychosocial and physical long-term effects.

Quality of Life in Long-Term Survivors of Testicular Cancer: A Population-Based Case-Control Study

2002 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 73-80 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Joly ◽  
J. F. Héron ◽  
L. Kalusinski ◽  
P. Bottet ◽  
D. Brune ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Testicular Cancer ◽  
Sexual Life ◽  
Health Related Quality ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Long Term Survivors ◽  
Control Study

PURPOSE: To evaluate quality of life and social problems in long-term survivors of testicular cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In 1998, 71 testicular cancer survivors (cases) identified from the Calvados General Tumor Registry were enrolled onto a case-control study. One hundred nineteen healthy control subjects (controls), matched by age and location of residence, were selected at random from electoral rolls. Three self-administered questionnaires were used: two health-related quality-of-life questionnaires (Short Form-36 and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-C30 core questionnaires) and one life situation questionnaire. Specific questions concerning sexuality were also added. RESULTS: With a mean follow-up of 11 years, health-related quality-of-life scores did not differ significantly between cases and controls, nor did general symptom scores. Psychosocial problems were reported equally by cases and controls. Cases reported more modification of sexual life (P = .04) with decreased sexual enjoyment (P < .01), decreased desire (P = .02), and infertility (P < .01). Cases did not report more divorce than controls; they reported fewer changes in relationships with friends (P = .03). Although a similar proportion of cases and controls were at work, cases expressed less ambitious professional plans (P = .002). Cases had greater difficulty in borrowing from banks (P < .001). CONCLUSION: French long-term survivors of testicular cancer do not express more impairment of health-related quality of life or familial or professional life in comparison with healthy men. They did have more sexual life problems and found difficulty in borrowing from banks. This information should be used by practitioners to help their patients cope with their disease and return to normal life.

scholarly journals Addressing Quality of Life Issues in Long Term Survivors of Head & Neck Cancer treated with Radiation Therapy

2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-25
Author(s):  
Bishan Basu
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Radiation Therapy ◽  
Neck Cancer ◽  
Treatment Modalities ◽  
Head Neck Cancer ◽  
Life Issues ◽  
Long Term Survivors ◽  
Head Neck

The rapid advancement of curative treatment modalities has resulted in improvement of cure rates of head neck cancer leaving us with a larger number of long term survivors from the disease. Unfortunately, long term complications of therapy continue to hurt patients even after cure, compromising their quality of life. This is particularly true for the patients treated with primary radiation/chemo-radiation therapy, where so called organ preservation does not necessarily translate into preservation of organ function. Long term sequelae of treatment, particularly xerostomia and swallowing difficulties compromise the survivors’ quality of life. More studies, particularly suited to our clinical scenario, are warranted to address the quality of life issues in these patients, so that better evidence-based guidelines may be developed for their benefit.

Quality of Life of Long-Term Survivors of Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer

2002 ◽  
Vol 20 (13) ◽  
pp. 2920-2929 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda Sarna ◽  
Geraldine Padilla ◽  
Carmack Holmes ◽  
Donald Tashkin ◽  
Mary Lynn Brecht ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Lung Cancer ◽  
Pulmonary Function ◽  
Small Cell ◽  
Living Alone ◽  
Small Cell Lung ◽  
Sf 36 ◽  
Long Term Survivors

PURPOSE: To describe the quality of life (QOL) among survivors of non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred forty-two 5-year minimum self-reported disease-free survivors of NSCLC completed QOL instruments (QOL-Survivor and Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form [SF-36]) and assessments of emotional distress (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale [CES-D]), comorbid disease, and tobacco use. Pulmonary function was assessed with a hand-held spirometer. Multivariate regression methods were used on total QOL-Survivor scores and physical (PC) and mental (MC) component scores of the SF-36.RESULTS: The majority (71%) of survivors described themselves as hopeful, and 50% viewed the cancer experience as contributing to positive life changes (QOL-Survivor). Comorbidity was common (60% ≥ one condition); 22% had distressed mood (CES-D ≥ 16). Most were former smokers (76%); 13% continued to smoke. Half had moderate/severe pulmonary distress (forced expired volume in 1 second [FEV1] < 70% of predicted). Regression models including the set of variables (age, sex, living alone, education, smoking status, pulmonary function category, distressed mood, time since diagnosis, and comorbidity) accounted for 37%, 48%, and 29% in the QOL-total, MC, and PC scores, respectively. Primary predictors of lower QOL scores were white ethnicity and distressed mood (CES-D ≥ 16) (34% of the variance explained). The primary predictor of lower MC scores was distressed mood (R2= 0.45). Lower PC scores were associated with older age, living alone, FEV1less than 70% of predicted, distressed mood, time since diagnosis, and more comorbid diseases (R2= 0.28).CONCLUSION: These findings provide the first description of the QOL of long-term survivors of lung cancer. Risk factors for poorer QOL are strongly linked to distressed mood, which is a potential target for intervention.

Quality of Life in Breast and Colon Cancer Long-term Survivors: An Assessment with the Eortc Qlq-c30 and Sf-36 Questionnaires

2002 ◽  
Vol 88 (2) ◽  
pp. 110-116 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paola Mosconi ◽  
Giovanni Apolone ◽  
Sandro Barni ◽  
Simona Secondino ◽  
Alberto Sbanotto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Colon Cancer ◽  
Sf 36 ◽  
Eortc Qlq C30 ◽  
Eortc Qlq ◽  
Long Term Survivors

Quality of life among breast cancer survivors treated with breast-conserving therapy in Hawaii.

2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (31_suppl) ◽  
pp. 154-154
Author(s):  
Francisco A. Conde ◽  
Andrea R. Wilburn
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Breast Conserving Therapy ◽  
Long Term Survivors

154 Background: Aim of this study was to compare quality of life (QOL), treatment-related side effects, and needs of recent and long-term breast cancer survivors following breast-conserving therapy. Methods: Surveys were sent to 750 women with Tis, T1 – T4 breast tumors without lymph node involvement who received lumpectomy followed by radiotherapy at a large, tertiary care facility in Hawai‘i from January 2001 to December 2010. To assure adequate representation across years, 75 women were randomly selected from each year. Surveys included demographic items, City of Hope Quality of Life – Breast Cancer Instrument, and Breast Cancer Prevention Trial Symptom Scales. Completed surveys were received from 265 (35.3%) women, and findings were analyzed for long-term survivors (diagnosed from 2001-2003, n=76), mid-range survivors (diagnosed from 2004-2007, n=95), and recent survivors (diagnosed from 2008-2010, n=94). Results: Overall, respondents reported high QOL. Similarly to recent breast cancer survivors, long-term survivors reported slight to moderate side effects, including hot flashes, vaginal problems, musculoskeletal pain, and cognitive dysfunction. After controlling for age, ethnicity, and cancer stage, there was no significant differences in QOL physical, psychological, and social well-being subscale scores across time periods. Long-term survivors were more likely than shorter-term survivors to want information regarding nutrition (p<.01), physical activity (p=.018), and ways to restore strength, mobility, and cognition (p<.01). Conclusions: Breast cancer survivors treated with breast conserving therapy report relatively good QOL between 2 and 12 years post-treatment, although they continued to experience physiological issues (which could be exacerbated by age), and anxieties about their cancer. Healthcare professionals should continually assess for ongoing cancer-related side effects even years after completing treatment. Funding: This research was supported by ‘Imi Hale Native Hawaian Cancer Network (U54 CA153459).

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document