Determinants of Quality of Life in Ovarian Cancer Survivors: A Pilot Study

Abstract

ObjectiveOvarian cancer treatments and outcomes vary substantially, yielding a diverse group of survivors. Few data exist on quality of life (QoL) concerns and the foremost needs of these patients. Our goal was to conduct a pilot study to determine the QoL needs of ovarian cancer survivors to establish priorities for future interventions. MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaires (EORTC QLQ-C30 and OV28) QoL questionnaires and one investigator-derived questionnaire were administered in an outpatient setting. Clinical parameters were abstracted and tested for associations with QoL measures. ResultsA total of 102 women consented to participate and completed all components. Their mean age was 58years (range 29 to 85), with 80% having epithelial ovarian carcinoma and 66% high-grade serous carcinoma. Women with stage I (28%), II (15%), III (47%), and IV (10%) lesions were represented in the primary treatment (25%), surveillance (46%), recurrent (23%), and palliative (7%) phases of the survivorship continuum. Fifty-one percent characterized their disease burden as “quite a bit” or ”very much,” and this did not vary by histology or diagnoses. Global QoL did not vary by clinico-pathologic parameters. Cardiovascular and respiratory comorbidities were associated with EORTC scores in physical functioning (P=0.027 for cardiovascular and P=0.041 for respiratory), global QoL (P=0.03 for cardiovascular and P=0.039 for respiratory), and sexual health (P=0.025 for cardiovascular). Task completion/memory/concentration, anxiety, and fatigue were the distress categories given highest priority by respondents. ConclusionIn women with ovarian cancer, clinical factors such as age, stage, and histology did not have a significant impact on QoL. Psychosocial factors have a larger impact on global QoL than physical symptoms.