scholarly journals A prospective study of demographic features and quality of life in HIV-positive women with cervical cancer treated at Tygerberg Hospital

Author(s):  
George Du Toit ◽  
Martin Kidd

Background: Cervical cancer and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) both have a high incidence in South Africa. Cervical cancer treatment of HIV-positive women poses challenges. Treatment-related changes in quality of life (QOL) of such women are important to future treatment protocols.Aim: To examine demographic data of HIV-negative and HIV-positive women at diagnosis of cervical cancer and describe their changes in QOL as a result of treatment.Methods and materials: All newly diagnosed patients with cervical cancer at Tygerberg Hospital were approached to participate in the study. The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Core Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) and the Cervix Cancer Module (QLQ-CX24) were used. General QOL was measured with the EORTC QLQ-C30 and cervical-specific QOL with the QLQ-CX24 questionnaire. The patients completed the questionnaire at diagnosis, on completion of treatment and at 3 months’ follow-up.Results: The study included a total of 221 women of whom 22% were HIV-positive; the latter were younger and of higher educational level than the rest. Mean monthly income and stage distribution was similar between the two groups. HIV-positive patients underwent radiation therapy more commonly than chemoradiation. HIV-positive women showed statistically significantly higher loss to follow-up during the study. HIV-positive women experienced no improvement in insomnia, appetite loss, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, social role or any of the sexual domains. In contrast, HIV-negative women experienced statistically significant improvement in all sexual domains other than sexual/vaginal functioning. The QOL improvement of HIV-negative women was statistically significantly greater than their HIV-positive counterparts in the majority of QOL domains. Global health improved in both groups, with HIV-negative women experiencing greater improvement. HIV-positive women experienced an initial decline of peripheral neuropathy (PN) symptoms post treatment with a return to pretreatment values at 3 months’ follow-up. The change in PN was statistically significant between the HIV-negative and HIV-positive women.Conclusion: Demographic differences exist between the HIV-negative and HIV-positive groups. The differential outcome in the QOL of HIV-positive and HIV-negative women treated for cervical cancer might be related to persistence of AIDS-related symptoms on completion of cervical cancer treatment.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
GanBin Li ◽  
Tao Yu ◽  
Hao-Yu Zhang ◽  
Zhen-Jun Wang ◽  
Guang-Hui Wei ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Emergence surgery (ES) and self-expanding metallic stents (SEMS) are traditional approaches for complete obstructing left-sided colon cancer. A strategy of “stents-chemotherapy-surgery” was applied in our center recently. Studies assessing the anal function and quality of life of patients with complete obstructing left-sided colon cancer are still lacking.Methods: Patients with complete obstructing left-sided colon cancer were included, and three treatment strategies were used, including ES, SEMS, and SEMS followed by neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) for patients with complete obstructing left-sided colon cancer. The Wexner, Vaizey, and low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) scores were used to assess anal function and the EORTC QLQ C30 score was used to assess quality of life. Logistic regression analysis was used to detect risk factors affecting short-term anal function of patients.RESULTS: The Wexner scores were similar among the groups during the follow-up period. The Vaizey (H=18.415, P=0.001) and LARS scores (H=3.660, P=0.04) both revealed that anal function among patients receiving SEMS and NACwas significantly better than patients who underwent ES at the 1-month post-operative follow-up evaluation; no significant difference existed at the 6- and 12-month follow-up evaluations. The EORTC QLQ C30 score revealed that social function of patients receiving SEMS and NAC was also significantly better than patients undergoing ES (H=7.035, P=0.03). Logistic regression analysis suggested that a one-stage stoma in an emergent setting is an independent risk factor for short-term reduction of anal function among patients with complete obstructing left-sided colon cancer (OR=5.238, 95% CI: 1.569~17.484, P=0.007).Conclusion: Compared to ES, SEMS might be able to improve the quality of life and short-term anal function in patients with complete obstructing left-sided colon cancer.


2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e12083-e12083 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christiane Matuschek ◽  
Carolin Nestle-Kraemling ◽  
Sylvia Wollandt ◽  
Vanessa Speer ◽  
Edwin Boelke ◽  
...  

e12083 Background: Preoperative radiotherapy and chemoradiotherapy (PRT/PCRT) represents an increasingly used clinical strategy in different tumor sites. However, concerns regarding a possible unfavorable influence on the clinical outcome still exist. The aim of the current study was to examine the long-term global health status in our series of LABC patients treated with PRT/PCRT followed by breast-conserving surgery (BCS) or mastectomy (ME). Methods: Of the 315 patients treated with PRT/PCRT in the years 1991 and 1999, 203 patients were still alive at long-term follow up of mean 17.7 years (range 14-21). Thirty-seven patients were lost to follow up and 58 patients refused to be contacted, which resulted in 107 patients (64 patients after BCS and 43 after mastectomy) being available and willing to undergo further clinical assessment. PRT/PCRT consisted of external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) with 50 Gy (5 × 2 Gy/week) to the breast and the supra-/ infraclavicular lymph nodes combined with a consecutive electron boost or (in case of BCS) a 10-Gy interstitial brachytherapy boost with Ir-192 prior to EBRT. Overall, chemotherapy was administered either prior to RT or concomitantly in the majority of patients. Quality of life (QoL) was assessed by EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaires for overall QoL and EORTC QLQ-BR23 for breast-specific QoL. Results are reported using functional scales (body image, sexual functioning, sexual enjoyment, and future perspective) and symptom-related items (systemic therapy side effects, breast symptoms, arm symptoms, and upset by hair loss). The results were compared to a published reference cohort of n=2028 healthy adults (16-92 years), including n=1139 women (age 16-92 years). EORTC QLQ-C30 functional scales were also analyzed between different subgroups including an age-matched analysis with a two sided paired t-test. Results: In comparison with this healthy control group of 1139 women, we did not detect any significant differences for the functional scales measured by physical function, emotional well-being, cognitive, and social function as well as the symptom scales: fatigue, nausea, vomiting, pain, diarrhea and financial difficulties for both groups. However, significant inferior scores were found in the present study group regarding obstipation (p=0.013), loss of appetite (0.038), sleeping disorder (p=0.01) and dyspnoe (p=0.01). Conclusions: Taken together, retrospective as well as prospective data underline the feasibility of preoperative radiotherapy in breast cancer.


2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 9546-9546
Author(s):  
Åse Bratland ◽  
Eva Muñoz-Couselo ◽  
Laurent Mortier ◽  
Osama Roshdy ◽  
Rene Gonzalez ◽  
...  

9546 Background: KEYNOTE-629 is a single-arm phase 2 study of pembro for cSCC. At second interim analysis (IA), pembro had robust and durable antitumor activity and manageable safety in LA and R/M cohorts. At first IA, pembro maintained HRQoL in the R/M cohort; LA was not analyzed because of ongoing accrual. HRQoL of pts with LA or R/M cSCC at second IA (database cutoff July 29, 2020; additional 15-mo follow-up since IA1 for the R/M cohort) is shown. Methods: Pts with LA or R/M cSCC received pembro 200 mg IV Q3W for ≤35 cycles. HRQoL was a prespecified exploratory end point assessed using EORTC QLQ-30 and EuroQol EQ-5D-5L instruments administered at baseline, wk 3, and wk 6; then Q6W through y 1; then Q9W until treatment end/discontinuation; and at the 30-day safety follow-up. HRQoL was analyzed in pts who received ≥1 pembro dose and completed baseline and ≥1 postbaseline HRQoL assessments. Mean change from baseline in EORTC QLQ-C30 global health status (GHS)/quality of life (QoL), physical functioning (PF), and EQ-5D-5L visual analog scale (VAS) scores were evaluated at wk 12 to ensure adequate completion rate and through last pt visit at wk 75 for EORTC QLQ-C30 GHS/QoL and PF scores. HRQoL was categorized as improved or deteriorated based on ≥10-point change in EORTC QLQ-C30 scores (considered clinically meaningful). Results: The HRQoL analysis population for LA had 47 pts for EORTC QLQ-C30 and EQ-5D-5L; the R/M cohort had 99 pts for EORTC QLQ-C30 and 100 for EQ-5D-5L. At wk 12, compliance rates were >75% for LA and >80% for R/M cohorts for EORTC QLQ-C30 and EQ-5D-5L. Mean change from baseline to wk 12 was minimal for EORTC QLQ-C30 GHS/QoL, PF, and EQ-5D-5L VAS scores for both cohorts (Table). Mean change from baseline in EORTC QLQ-C30 GHS/QoL and PF scores remained stable over 48 wk in the LA cohort (75-wk data unavailable) and over 75 wk in the R/M cohort. Most pts had improved or stable EORTC QLQ-C30 GHS/QoL and PF scores relative to baseline during follow-up. Conclusions: HRQoL was generally maintained with pembro in LA and R/M cSCC cohorts and was not negatively impacted by tumor progression or AEs. Clinical trial information: NCT03284424. [Table: see text]


2012 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 1303-1314 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Pereira ◽  
Maria Cristina Canavarro

The purpose of this preliminary study was to describe the quality of life (QOL) and emotional distress during pregnancy and early postpartum, and to examine the ability of psychopathological symptoms to predict QOL at early postpartum.Asample of 75 pregnant women (31 HIV-positive and 44 HIV-negative) was assessed during the second trimester of pregnancy and two to four days postpartum. QOL was assessed with the WHOQOL-Bref. The emotional distress was assessed with the Brief Symptom Inventory, and with the Emotional Assessment Scale. Seropositive women reported increased negative emotional reactivity and lower scores in social relationships and overall QOL during pregnancy than HIV-negative women. Both HIV-positive and HIV-negative women reported better QOL after the birth of their child, when compared with the pregnancy period. Among HIV-positive women, lower anxiety and depressive symptoms during pregnancy were, respectively, significant predictors of better psychological QOL and overall QOL at early postpartum. Less intense somatic symptoms predicted better physical QOL. Longitudinal assessment of QOL and emotional status may provide potentially useful information for tailoring psychological interventions in the maternity care of HIV-infected women, during their transition to motherhood.


2021 ◽  
pp. 47-49
Author(s):  
Abhishek Basu

Introduction: Cervical Cancer is the second most common cancer among women in India. Assessment of Quality of Life (QoL) of these patients is vitally important. The EORTC QLQ C30 core domain for all cancers and the Cervix Cancer specic CX24 domains are amongst the most common instruments available for assessment of QoL. However, as these are developed in English, and the QoL instruments need to be self answered, there is an unmet need to have vernacular (regional) language versions. We thus aimed to translate the EORTC CX24 into Bengali. Materials And Methods: After necessary permissions, the CX24 English questionnaire was rst forward translated into an intermediary Bengali version, which was then back translated into English and this was compared to the original English version. The Bengali version was then pilot tested and modications incorporated to arrive at the nal Bengali translation. Results: A total of four ladies whose mother tongue was Bengali but who were uent in English translated the questionnaire – two each for the Forward and Back translations. Discrepancies in the translation process were mainly linguistic and were solved by mutual discussion to arrive at a culturally adapted socially acceptable literatim translation. Pilot testing was done on 15 women with breast cancer. The entire process was explicitly documented and took about nine weeks. Conclusion: The Bengali translation of the EORTC CX24 domain was done as per stipulated rules and ratied by the EORTC. It is available for download, free of cost, from the EORTC QoL website for academic researchers across the globe. It will be of immense help to assess the QoL of Bengali speaking cervical cancer patients and formulate better care for them.


2019 ◽  
pp. bmjspcare-2018-001542 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eduardo Guilherme D’Alessandro ◽  
Daniela Ribeiro Nebuloni Nagy ◽  
Christina May Moran de Brito ◽  
Elisangela Pinto Marinho Almeida ◽  
Linamara Rizzo Battistella ◽  
...  

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) can cause loss of independence and poor quality of life (QoL) due to severe disabilities, but in spite of its importance there is still a lack of data for the management of CIPN. Acupuncture has showed promising results and may be a cost-effective option for the treatment.ObjectivesTo evaluate the effect of acupuncture treatment on neurological symptoms of CIPN and QoL of oncological patients.MethodsWe performed a clinical, single-centre, randomised and controlled pilot study that involved 33 adult patients with cancer and CIPN randomised into two groups (control and acupuncture treated with 10 sessions, two times per week). Both groups were subjected to a complete physical examination and clinical assessment with National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (NCI CTCAE) Scale V.2.0, FIM Scale, European Organisation for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core (EORTC QLQ-C30) Scale and Visual Analogue Scale for pain before and 5 weeks after treatment.ResultsThere were no adverse events, and we found statistical differences in groups in physical (p=0.03) and function (p=0.04) domains of EORTC QLQ-C30 when comparing control and acupuncture groups. About NCI CTCAE Scale and neuropathy sensory symptoms, we found better results in acupuncture group, comparing pretreatment and post-treatment analyses (p=0.01). In control group, we have no differences after 5 weeks (p=0.11).ConclusionAlthough these results suggest an interesting effect of acupuncture on this patient population, the clinical significance has remained unclear. Given the tendency towards benefit and the lack of adverse effects, the authors recommend a follow-up acupuncture trial using higher follow-up time and better sample size.Trial registration numberNCT02309164.


2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (31) ◽  
pp. 3980-3986 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hany Soliman ◽  
Jolie Ringash ◽  
Haiyan Jiang ◽  
Kawalpreet Singh ◽  
John Kim ◽  
...  

Purpose To evaluate the feasibility and response of liver radiotherapy (RT) in improving symptoms and quality of life in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or liver metastases (LM). Patients and Methods Eligible patients had HCC or LM, unsuitable for or refractory to standard therapies, with an index symptom of pain, abdominal discomfort, nausea, or fatigue. The Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Hepatobiliary (FACT-Hep), and European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire C30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) were completed by patients at baseline and each follow-up. The primary outcome was the percentage of patients with a clinically significant change at 1 month in the BPI subscale of symptom on average in the past 24 hours. Secondary outcomes were improvement in other BPI subscales and at other time points, FACT-Hep and EORTC QLQ-C30 at each follow-up, and toxicity at 1 week. Results Forty-one patients (30 men and 11 women) with HCC (n = 21) or LM (n = 20) were accrued. At 1 month, 48% had an improvement in symptom on average in the past 24 hours. Fifty-two percent of patients had improvement in symptom at its worst, 37% at its least, and 33% now. Improvements in the FACT-G and hepatobiliary subscale were seen in 23% and 29% of patients, respectively, at 1 month. There were also improvements in EORTC QLQ-C30 functional (range, 11% to 21%) and symptom (range, 11% to 50%) domains. One patient developed grade 3 nausea at 1 week. Conclusion Improvements in symptoms were observed at 1 month in a substantial proportion of patients. A phase III study of palliative liver RT is planned.


2012 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 1096-1101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guler Yavas ◽  
Nasuh Utku Dogan ◽  
Cagdas Yavas ◽  
Nilgun Benzer ◽  
Deniz Yuce ◽  
...  

ObjectiveOur aim was to evaluate the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and psychological distress in patients treated with radiotherapy (RT) for gynecologic malignancy.MethodsFifty-seven women with either cervical or endometrial cancer were prospectively enrolled. We assessed HRQoL at baseline (after surgery before RT), at the end of RT, and during follow-up (every 3 months thereafter) using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30), European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cervical Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire 24 (EORTC QLQ-CX24), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.ResultsWe demonstrated changes in appetite loss (P= 0.03), nausea and vomiting (P= 0.02), and role function score (P= 0.003) domains of EORTC QLQ-C30. Only the mean body image score of EORTC QLQ-CX24 was significantly different during follow-up (P= 0.02). Type of surgery, histopathological diagnosis, and the menopausal and marital status of the patients affected baseline body image scores (P= 0.032, 0.004, and 0.019 and 0.005, respectively). Patients who underwent chemotherapy had higher baseline body image scores when compared with patients without any chemotherapy before RT (P= 0.028). All the complaints of patients except body image scores improved during the follow-up period. The baseline and follow-up anxiety and depression scores did not differ significantly.ConclusionsAlthough pelvic RT deteriorated HRQoL in gynecologic cancer, patients’ improvement in HRQoL during follow-up was observed. Patients receiving RT could be reassured about the improvement of acute adverse effects in the course of treatment.


2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abbey Elsbernd ◽  
Maiken Hjerming ◽  
Camilla Visler ◽  
Lisa Lyngsie Hjalgrim ◽  
Carsten Utoft Niemann ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Adolescents and young adults with cancer face significant challenges during the course of their medical treatment and recovery from illness. Many adolescents and young adults struggle with long-term complications in the physical, psychosocial, economic, and academic domains. Mobile health (mHealth) interventions provide an innovative platform for delivering supportive care, particularly through the utilization of apps on smartphones and tablets. To create a successful mHealth intervention for adolescents and young adults, youth input and feedback is essential. The process of cocreation, in which the target app user has a direct role in dictating design and function, was utilized to create the prototype smartphone app for adolescents and young adults with cancer, “Kræftværket.” OBJECTIVE The objective of this paper is to describe the protocol for the evaluation of the Kræftværket app, a prototype app designed via cocreation, to support and improve health-related quality of life for adolescents and young adults with cancer. METHODS The Kræftværket app has three primary features, (1) a symptom and activity diary, (2) a supportive communication network between app users, and (3) a “one-stop shop” information bank with practical information as well as links to patient organizations and other resources. The app will be evaluated in two phases, a pilot test and an implementation test. In the pilot test, the app will be launched to a test group of 20 adolescents and young adults aged 15 to 29 years, selected for equal representation amongst age group and treatment status. Patients will be allowed to utilize the app over the course of six weeks and will complete a baseline and follow-up European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) health-related quality of life inventory. In addition, participant focus group interviews will be conducted according to a semistructured interview guide. Resulting data will be analyzed using thematic analysis. Results and appropriate analysis from both the qualitative and quantitative branches of the pilot test will be discussed amongst the research group, and appropriate changes based on user feedback will be made to the app before the final project phase. In the implementation test, the app will be provided and utilized by a sample of 50 adolescents and young adults aged 15-29 years selected for equal representation amongst gender, age group, diagnosis, and treatment status over the course of 3 months. Participants will be asked to complete a baseline and follow-up EORTC QLQ-C30 HRQoL inventory. RESULTS Pilot testing is expected to take place in February 2018, and implementation testing is expected to begin May 2018. CONCLUSIONS It is the hope that Kræftværket app will serve as a beneficial and easily utilized product. The process of evaluating the app and its effect on quality of life will address the absence of evidence-based mHealth interventions, and attempt to validate new approaches to benefitting adolescents and young adult oncology patients in the digital world. REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER RR1-10.2196/10098


Blood ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 128 (22) ◽  
pp. 2268-2268
Author(s):  
Sylvia Faict ◽  
Nathan De Beule ◽  
Ann De Becker ◽  
Karel Fostier ◽  
Fabienne Trullemans ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is a frequent treatment option for various types of lymphoma. Few studies have addressed the occurrence of long-term morbidity and the quality of life (QoL) after ASCT. We analysed the overall survival (OS), the QoL and the impact of comorbidities before and after transplant in a consecutive cohort of lymphoma patients. Methods Patients transplanted in our center between 2003 and 2013 and with a minimum follow-up of 1 year were included. Survival was analysed by Kaplan-Meier methodology and the impact of prognostic factors was examined by standard multivariate analysis. Patients were inquired to complete the Self-reported Comorbidity Questionnaire (SCQ) as well as the EORTC QLQ-C30. Results of questionnaires were compared to a healthy reference population. Results A total of 85 lymphoma patients were identified with a median follow-up period of 76 months. The estimated OS probability was 62,7% (S.E. 5,5%) at 5 years and 60,8% (S.E. 5,6%) at 10,9 years. Indicators of a poor prognosis at time of transplantation were: age ≥ 60 years, high-intermediate to high-risk IPI for NHL and HCT-comorbidity index ≥ 3. Of long-term (> 1 year) survivors 40 completed the EORTC QLQ-C30. They experienced lower cognitive and social functioning and reported more fatigue, dyspnea and financial difficulties, when compared to the reference population. A small proportion of patients reported significant complaints related to pain (22,5%) and fatigue (10%). Very long-term survivors (over 5 years post ASCT) had a better physical and role functioning, with less fatigue, dyspnea, insomnia and loss of appetite as compared to patients who were transplanted more recently. Patients with more self-reported comorbidities post-ASCT did significantly worse in terms of QoL after transplantation. They experienced worse physical, role, cognitive and social functioning, and had more complaints about fatigue, pain, dyspnea, diarrhea and insomnia. Conclusion The presence of comorbidities pre-ASCT, as determined by HCT-CI >3, was associated with a worse OS. Surprisingly, the overall long-term impact of ASCT on the QOL was limited with adverse effects only related to cognitive and social functions. These negative consequences also decreased over time. Finally, the occurrence of comorbidities after transplantation was associated with worse QoL. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


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