Long-Term Patient-Reported Quality of Life and Functional Outcomes After Chemoradiation Using Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy for Anal Cancer

Abstract

Few studies have long-term follow-up assessing patient-reported outcomes (PROs) after intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)-based chemoradiation (CRT) for squamous cell carcinoma of the anus (SCCA). There is poor agreement between physician-graded toxicity and PROs regarding quality of life (QOL) in patients with SCCA. Therefore, we surveyed SCCA survivors ≥ 2 years out from CRT with validated PRO instruments assessing bowel, bladder, and sexual function.We identified 248 patients with SCCA treated with definitive IMRT-based CRT at a large tertiary cancer center from 2010-2018, who were alive and without recurrence. Patients were asked to complete five PRO instruments: Fecal Incontinence QOL Scale (FIQOL), Low Anterior Resection Syndrome Score (LARS), International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ), male and female lower urinary tract symptoms (MLUTS and FLUTS, respectively), International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). FIQOL, LARS, IIEF, and FSFI scores were dichotomized and logistic regression used to identify predictors of QOL scores.One hundred eight (44%) patients completed the PROs. Respondents' median [interquartile range, (IQR)] age was 66 [59-72] years, 80% were female, and 95% were white. Median [IQR] gross tumor volume (GTV) was 45 [27-71] cc; dose to GTV was 50 Gray (Gy), 54 Gy and 58 Gy in 25%, 53%, and 22%, respectively. Median [IQR] time from CRT was 51 [37-84] months. Median [IQR] FIQOL score was 14.3/20 [11.2-16.1]; higher is better. Larger GTV size (OR 0.99; P = 0.03) was associated with lower FIQOL score. Sixty-one (56%) patients met major LARS criteria. There was a trend towards a higher incidence of major LARS with GTV dose ≥ 54 Gy (OR 2.39; P = 0.08). Men had median [IQR] ICIQ MLUTS voiding and incontinence scores of 5/20 [2-6] and 1/24 [1-3], respectively. Women had median [IQR] ICIQ FLUTS voiding and incontinence scores of 1/12 [1-3] and 5/20 [3-8], respectively; higher is worse. Fifty-nine (55%) patients reported being sexually active in the last month. Men had a median [IQR] IIEF score of 14/25 [6-19]; higher is better. Only age (OR 1.17; P = 0.04) was significantly associated with IIEF ≤ 11 (moderate or severe ED). Women had a median [IQR] FSFI score of 20.2/26 [13.6-24.9]; higher is better. Age < 65 was associated with sexual dysfunction, defined as FSFI < 26.55 (OR, 5.5; P = 0.04). Forty (37%) patients disagreed or strongly disagreed that they were prepared for long-term side effects. Seventy (65%) patients agreed or strongly agreed that educational materials would have been helpful.SCCA survivors experience significant long-term bowel and sexual toxicities from modern CRT. Larger tumors and higher RT doses may be associated with worse function. Interventions to reduce toxicities and improve patient education are needed.