P15.02 * HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE IN STABLE, LONG-TERM LOW-GRADE GLIOMA SURVIVORS

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Low-grade glioma (LGG; WHO grade I or II) patients often experience long periods of stable disease, emphasizing the importance of maintaining an optimal health-related quality of life (HRQOL). In this study we assessed the changes in HRQOL in long-term LGG survivors with stable disease. METHODS: Patients completed self-report measures of generic HRQOL (SF-36) and disease-specific HRQOL (EORTC QLQ-BN20). Assessments took place at mid-term and long-term follow-up, on average 6 and 12 years following histological diagnosis and initial treatment, respectively. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used for group-level analysis and meaningful intra-individual changes (i.e. a 95% confidence interval around the standard error of measurement of a scale) were calculated where applicable. RESULTS: Stable LGG patients (N = 65) reported poorer physical health at long-term than at mid-term follow-up, as well as more uncertainty about the future and more weakness in the legs. Meaningful decline in physical health was found in 29% and 26% of patients on the SF-36 PCS and physical functioning scale, respectively. Moreover, 28% of patients experienced more feelings of uncertainty concerning the future (BN20) at long-term follow-up. CONCLUSION: Despite long-term stable disease, subtle impairment in HRQOL can be observed in LGG patients. While in the majority of LGG patients, HRQOL remains mostly preserved, over 26% of patients experience meaningful decline in physical functioning or more feelings of uncertainty concerning the future. For this subgroup, further research into associations between HRQOL and patient-, disease- or treatment-related variables is recommended to better aid them in dealing with the mental and physical consequences of a LGG.