scholarly journals Changes in psychological distress and quality of life after esophageal cancer surgery: A prospective study

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.

2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e14573-e14573
Author(s):  
Alice Chia-chi Wei ◽  
Pablo Emilio Serrano Aybar ◽  
Sean P. Cleary ◽  
Natalie G. Coburn ◽  
Paul David Greig ◽  
...  

e14573 Background: The combination of intra- and extra-hepatic metastases (IHM and EHM) from colorectal cancer (CRC) has traditionally been considered a contraindication for surgery. Currently there is a growing interest in resecting IHM and EHM. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the health related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with IHM and EHM from CRC undergoing complete metastasectomy. Methods: Participants with any number of CRC IHM and up to 3 foci of EHM, resectable with RO intent were eligible for the HRQoL component of a Phase-II multi-institutional trial. The effects of therapy on HRQoL were evaluated using: EORTC-QLQ C30, EORTC-LMC21 and FACT-HEP at baseline, prior to surgery and at 4, 8 and 12 months following complete metastasectomy. Results were compared to baseline. >10% mean score change was considered a minimally important clinical difference (MICD). Results: Twenty-five participants were enrolled with a median age: 57 (range: 32-84) years. Protocol surgery was completed in 18/25 (72%) including 11/25 (44%) staged resections. Perioperative morbidity and mortality was 11/25 (44%) and 1/25 (4%), respectively. Median disease-free survival was 6 (range: 0-17) months. 22/25, 88% participants underwent perioperative chemotherapy. EORTC-QLQ C30 Global-HRQoL remained statistically and clinically unchanged compared to baseline at 4 and 8 months but had a MCID decrease at 12 months (mean score change: 15.3) that was not statistically significant. This was associated with a significant decrease in social and role functioning and an increase in fatigue, pain and dyspnea. FACT-Hep score was statistically lower at 4 months post surgery, without reaching a MICD. There was no difference in any of the subscales analyzed in regards to sex, age or the presence of peri-operative complications. Conclusions: Aggressive metastasectomy of multi-site CRC is feasible and safe. Despite disease recurrence in the majority of patients there was no significant deterioration of Global HRQoL as a result of treatment. There was a transient effect on symptoms including fatigue, pain dyspnea and role functioning, which improved by 12 months. Clinical trial information: NCT00606398.


1997 ◽  
Vol 116 (6) ◽  
pp. 666-673 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva Hammerlid ◽  
Kristin Bjordal ◽  
Marianne Ahlner-ELMQVIST ◽  
Magnus Jannert ◽  
Stein Kaasa ◽  
...  

Despite modern advances in the treatment of head and neck cancer, the survival rate fails to improve. Considering the different treatment modalities involved, quality of life has been thought of as an additional end point criterion for use in clinical trials. A Nordic protocol to measure the quality of life of head and neck cancer patients before, during, and after treatment was established. Before the study, a pilot study was done with this protocol. The main purpose of this pilot study was to find out whether this cancer population would answer quality-pf-life questionnaires repeatedly (six times) over a 1-year period and whether the chosen questionnaires—a core questionnaire (European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30)), a tumor-specific questionnaire, and a psychological distress measure (Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (HAD))—were sensitive for changes to functions and symptoms during the study year. The results presented in this article all refer to the pilot study. Forty-eight consecutive patients agreed to participate in the study. The most common tumor locations were the oral cavity (17) and the larynx (12). Almost all patients received combined treatment: 45 of 48 radiation therapy, 18 of 48 chemotherapy, and 17 of 48 surgery. After the primary treatment, 40 patients had complete tumor remission. Four of the 48 patients did not answer any questionnaires and were therefore excluded from the study. Of the remaining 44 patients, 3 died during the study year, and another 6 withdrew for various reasons. Thirty-five (85%) of the 41 patients alive at the 1-year follow-up answered all six questionnaires and thus completed the study. Mailed questionnaires were used throughout the study. All questionnaires were well accepted and found to be sensitive to changes during the study year. The greatest variability was found for symptoms and functions related specifically to head and neck cancer. The symptoms were swallowing difficulties, hoarse voice, sore mouth, dry mouth, and problems with taste. They all showed the same pattern, with an increase of symptoms during and just after finishing the treatment. The HAD scale revealed a high level of psychological distress, with 21% probable cases of psychiatric morbidity at diagnosis. In conclusion, it was shown that the study design and questionnaires were feasible for the forthcoming prospective quality-of-life assessment of Swedish and Norwegian head and neck cancer patients.


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.


Blood ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 110 (11) ◽  
pp. 2062-2062
Author(s):  
Monica Else ◽  
Alastair G. Smith ◽  
Sue M. Richards ◽  
Kim Cocks ◽  
Shirley Crofts ◽  
...  

Abstract There is little systematic information about the experience of patients with active untreated CLL and its impact on their health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Using the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire we measured HRQoL in patients requiring first-line treatment for CLL, at the time of randomisation into the LRF CLL4 trial. Patients were scored 0–100 within each of 15 different domains. Tests of significance used were Mann-Whitney U-test (comparing 2 categories) or Kruskall-Wallis test (3 or more categories). Only p-values ≤0.01 are reported here. A difference between groups of ≥10 points was deemed clinically significant and is indicated below by an asterisk. 431 patients completed a baseline questionnaire before the start, or on the first day, of therapy. Of these 131 had Binet stage C disease, 186 stage B and 114 stage A-progressive. Stage A-progressive was defined by at least one of the following: persistent rise in lymphocyte count with doubling time <12 months; a downward trend in hemoglobin and/or platelets; >50% increase in the size of liver and/or spleen and/or lymph nodes, or appearance of these signs if not previously present; constitutional symptoms attributable to the disease. Hemoglobin <11g/dl and Binet stage C were each associated with lower (poorer) HRQoL scores in physical (p<0.001, p=0.001) and role (p<0.001*, p=0.003*) functioning and global QoL (p=0.001, p=0.01) and with greater dyspnoea (p=0.001, p=0.001*). Hemoglobin <11g/dl was also associated with poorer social functioning (p=0.01). Mean scores for Stage A-progressive were higher than for stage C but lower than stage B in all these domains and not significantly different from either, possibly due to the constitutional symptoms experienced by some patients in this group. Fatigue was reported by 81% of patients, compared to the next most common symptoms: insomnia (56%) and dyspnoea (49%). Hemoglobin <11g/dl was associated with further increased fatigue (p=0.004), in addition to the effect of the disease itself. Women reported more insomnia than men (p=0.005*). Older age (≥70 years) was associated with lower physical functioning scores (p<0.001) and fewer financial difficulties (p<0.001*). Thrombocytopenia (platelets <100×109/l) was only associated with dyspnoea (p=0.01*). There was no association between spleen, liver or lymph node enlargement, or lymphocytosis, and HRQoL. No other significant differences between groups were found in any HRQoL domain, including emotional and cognitive functioning, nausea and vomiting, pain, appetite loss, constipation and diarrhea. Patients classified as stage C because of thrombocytopenia alone did not have different scores in any domain compared to stage A-progressive and B patients. On the other hand, stage C patients with hemoglobin <10g/dl had significantly lower scores than stage A-progressive and B patients in physical (p<0.001*), role (p=0.001*) and social (p=0.01) functioning and global QoL (p=0.001*) and more dyspnoea (p=0.003*). The highest mean HRQoL scores, and the least fatigue and dyspnoea, were seen in stage B patients with hemoglobin ≥12g/dl. These findings confirm the need to begin treatment for CLL when haemoglobin levels fall in order to improve quality of life for patients.


BJS Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Y J Liu ◽  
A Schandl ◽  
S Markar ◽  
A Johar ◽  
P Lagergren

Abstract Background Patients are at higher risk of suffering from psychological distress and reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after oesophageal cancer surgery. This Swedish nationwide population-based longitudinal study aimed to evaluate the association between psychological distress and HRQoL up to 2 years after oesophageal cancer surgery. Methods The study included patients with oesophageal cancer who had survived for 1 year after oesophageal cancer surgery. The exposure was psychological distress measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Patients scoring at least 8 on either the anxiety or the depression subscale were classified as having psychological distress. The outcome was HRQoL assessed by the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire generic and disease-specific questionnaires (EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-OG25). Exposure and outcome were measured at 1, 1.5, and 2 years after operation. Fixed-effects models with adjustment for all time-invariant confounding and potential time-varying confounders were used to examine the mean score difference in HRQoL between patients with and without psychological distress. Results In total, 180 patients were analysed. Clinically relevant, statistically significant and time-constant mean score differences were found in emotional function, social function, dyspnoea, anxiety, eating difficulty, eating in front of others, and weight loss (mean score difference range 10–29). Mean score differences for global quality of life, cognitive function, appetite loss, EORTC QLQ-C30 summary score, and trouble with taste increased over time, and reached clinical and statistical significance at 1.5 and/or 2 years after surgery. For body image, there was a clinically relevant decrease in mean score difference over time. Conclusion Psychological distress was associated with several aspects of poor HRQoL up to 2 years after surgery for oesophageal cancer.


Blood ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 108 (11) ◽  
pp. 5540-5540
Author(s):  
Francesca Sampogna ◽  
Marina Frontani ◽  
Giannandrea Baliva ◽  
Giuseppe Lombardo ◽  
Cristina Di Pietro D Stat ◽  
...  

Abstract Cutaneous lymphoma is a visible cutaneous malignancy, which especially in the more severe forms may have a profound effect on patients lives. The aim of this study was to evaluate quality of life (QoL), psychological distress, and alexithymia in patients with cutaneous lymphoma referring to a dermatological hospital, and to correlate these results with clinical parameters. QoL was evaluated with the Skindex-29, that measures QoL in skin conditions on three scale (symptoms, emotions, and functioning), and the EORTC QLQ-C30, that assesses the QoL of cancer patients. Presence of minor non-psychotic psychiatric disorders was assessed using the GHQ-12, defining as case patients scoring 4 or more; alexithymia was evaluated using the TAS-20 questionnaire. In our ongoing study, we analysed data from the first 66 patients. Of them, 67% were men, the mean age was 58 years (range: 26–85y), and there were 15 patients (23%) with cutaneous B-cell lymphoma (CTBL), and 51 with T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), 6 of them with Sézary Syndrome. In our population, 31.3% of patients were GHQ-cases, 18.6% had alexithymia, and another 22% possible alexithymia. Dermatology-specific QoL was particularly impaired in the symptoms and the emotions scales. QoL was always significantly more impaired in patients with CTCL than in those with CBCL. Also, the prevalence of GHQ-cases was higher (35% in CTCL vs 13% in CBCL), as well as the prevalence of people with alexithymia (48% vs 20%). Skindex-29 and TAS-20 scores significantly correlated with the T stage of lymphoma (i.e., the higher the stage, the lower the QoL and the higher the prevalence of alexithymia). The evaluation of quality of life and psychological problems in patients with cutaneous lymphomas may help clinicians to better manage the disease and its burden on patients life. Also, the relation between quality of life impairment and clinical variables may give important information on the course of the disease as well as the possible effect of treatment.


Interação ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 181-197
Author(s):  
Valeriana de Castro Guimarães ◽  
Luciana Marya Gusmão Tartuce ◽  
Sebastião Benício Costa Neto

O câncer é um problema de saúde pública com estimativa de morbi-mortalidade crescente o que leva o(a)s pesquisadore(a)s, particularmente, a buscar conhecimento sobre o seu impacto na qualidade de vida (QV) do enfermo. Essa revisão da literatura objetiva verificar como é abordada a relação entre QV e pacientes operados por câncer gastrointestinal. Assim, usando descritores como “quality of life”, “gastric cancer, esophageal cancer, colorectal cancer, bowel cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer” e “surgery”, em inglês, português e espanhol, nas bases Lilacs, PEPsic, Medline, Pubmed e CAPES, chegou-se a 37 artigos. Os estudos, majoritariamente, eram longitudinais e prospectivos, utilizando o EORTC QLQ-C30, e indicaram que a cirurgia tem impacto negativo temporário na QV dos enfermos de câncer. Conclui-se pela necessidade de ampliação de publicações sobre o tema na realidade brasileira (dada às diferenças culturais expressivas) que subsidiem a proposição, implantação e desenvolvimento de serviços de atenção integral aos pacientes e suas famílias.


BMC Cancer ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yacir El Alami ◽  
Hajar Essangri ◽  
Mohammed Anass Majbar ◽  
Saber Boutayeb ◽  
Said Benamr ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Health-related quality of life is mainly impacted by colorectal cancer which justified the major importance addressed to the development and validation of assessment questionnaires. We aimed to assess the validity and reliability of the Moroccan Arabic Dialectal version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Core Questionnaire (QLQ-C30) in patients with colorectal cancer. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study using the Moroccan version of the EORTC QLQ-C30 on colorectal cancer patients from the National Oncology Institute of Rabat, in the period from February 2015 to June 2017. The QLQ-C30 was administered to 120 patients. Statistical analysis included reliability, convergent, and discriminant validity as well as known-groups comparisons. Results In total, 120 patients with colorectal cancer were included in the study with 38 (32%) patients diagnosed with colon cancers. Eighty-two patients (68%) had rectal cancer, among which 29 (24%) patients with a stoma. The mean age of diagnosis was 54 years (+/− 13.3). The reliability and validity of the Arabic dialectal Moroccan version of the EORTC QLQ-C30 were satisfactory. [Cronbach’s alpha (α =0.74)]. All items accomplished the criteria for convergent and discriminant validity except for question number 5, which did not complete the minimum required correlation with its own scale (physical functioning). Patients with rectal cancer presented with bad Global health status and quality of life (GHS/QOL), emotional functioning as well as higher fatigue symptoms compared to patients with colon cancer. The difference between patients with and without stoma was significant for diarrhea and financial difficulty. Conclusions The Moroccan Arabic Dialectal version of the QLQ-C30 is a valid and reliable measure of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with colorectal cancer.


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.


2021 ◽  
pp. 0272989X2110035
Author(s):  
Dennis A. Revicki ◽  
Madeleine T. King ◽  
Rosalie Viney ◽  
A. Simon Pickard ◽  
Rebecca Mercieca-Bebber ◽  
...  

Background The EORTC QLU-C10D is a multiattribute utility measure derived from the cancer-specific quality-of-life questionnaire, the EORTC QLQ-C30. The QLU-C10D contains 10 dimensions (physical, role, social and emotional functioning, pain, fatigue, sleep, appetite, nausea, bowel problems). The objective of this study was to develop a United States value set for the QLU-C10D. Methods A US online panel was quota recruited to achieve a representative sample for sex, age (≥18 y), race, and ethnicity. Respondents undertook a discrete choice experiment, each completing 16 choice-pairs, randomly assigned from a total of 960 choice-pairs. Each pair included 2 QLU-C10D health states and duration. Data were analyzed using conditional logistic regression, parameterized to fit the quality-adjusted life-year framework. Utility weights were calculated as the ratio of each dimension-level coefficient to the coefficient for life expectancy. Results A total of 2480 panel members opted in, 2333 (94%) completed at least 1 choice-pair, and 2273 (92%) completed all choice-pairs. Within dimensions, weights were generally monotonic. Physical functioning, role functioning, and pain were associated with the largest utility weights. Cancer-specific dimensions, such as nausea and bowel problems, were associated with moderate utility decrements, as were general issues such as problems with emotional functioning and social functioning. Sleep problems and fatigue were associated with smaller utility decrements. The value of the worst health state was 0.032, which was slightly greater than 0 (equivalent to being dead). Conclusions This study provides the US-specific value set for the QLU-C10D. These estimated health state scores, based on responses to the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire, can be used to evaluate the cost-utility of oncology treatments.


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