The adverse effects of radiotherapy on health states among cancer patients are well documented. Little is known, however, about the symptom experience and its impact on quality of life (QOL) before, during, and after radiation. We report the results of a longitudinal study designed to determine the patterns of symptoms and its adverse impact on QOL among patients receiving radiotherapy. Patients rated their symptoms prior to, during, and after the course of radiotherapy using the interactive voice response version of the M.D. Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI). The Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 (MOS-SF-36) was used to assess patients' QOL. Results showed that among the 57 patients (21 lung; 11 colorectal; 19 pancreas; 6 esophageal/gastric), the symptoms (measured on a 0-10 scale) most frequently reported as severe (score > 7) before radiotherapy were fatigue (17%), pain (15%) and lack of appetite (15%). During radiotherapy, fatigue (32%), pain (24%) and sleep disturbance (24%) were most frequently reported as severe. The impact of symptom severity on function was significantly worst during radiotherapy (p<.002). Specifically, general activity and work were reported to be most impaired prior to and during radiotherapy. Statistically significant reduction (p<.05) in the physical and mental components of QOL were also observed. Prior to radiotherapy, symptom interference was significantly associated with poor QOL whereas during radiotherapy, symptom severity was significantly related with poor QOL. These preliminary findings provide guidance on better symptom management during the course of radiotherapy, thereby improving patients' QOL.
Learning Objectives: The participants will be able to: identify the prevalence of symptoms among cancer patients receiving radiotherapy; identify the negative impact of symptoms on quality of life and function; identify ways to improve symptom management during radiotherapy; and learn application of repeated measure analyses.
Keywords: Epidemiology, Cancer
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.