PCSM-07SYMPTOM BURDEN OF PATIENTS IN FOLLOW-UP FOR PRIMARY BRAIN TUMOR

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Primary Brain Tumor (PBT) patients present with symptoms unique from other solid tumor patients because of the location in the central nervous system. After completing therapy they are considered to be in follow-up but are never considered to be in remission because of the high rate of recurrence. The purpose of this study is to compare the symptom experience of patients in follow-up (FU) for PBT with those of patients undergoing active treatment (OT). METHODS: Cross-sectional patient-reported outcome (PRO) symptom data was obtained on outpatients at MD Anderson Cancer Center. The survey tool used was the M.D.Anderson Symptom Inventory-Brain Tumor which measures both core oncology and PBT-specific symptoms. OT and FU groups were compared for each of the 22 symptom items. Symptom item scores were also categorized as low or moderate/severe. Aggregate scores were also obtained for six functional symptom groupings. Group comparisons by symptom item were conducted with the chi-square test, while the t test for independent samples was used to compare aggregate scores. FINDINGS: 446 patients (216 OT and 230 FU) were included in the sample. No significant demographic differences were found between treatment and follow-up groups. The sample was primarily white (82.9%) and male (58.5%). Mean symptom severity was not significantly different between groups [OT 1.52 (0-7.35), FU 1.75 (0-6.82), p = 0.09]. No significant difference between groups was found in frequency of moderate/severe symptoms for 20 of 22 items. It was found that follow up patients reported more moderate/severe difficulty with remembering (p = 0.0087) and drowsiness (p = 0.0157). CONCLUSION: This preliminary analysis shows that patients in follow-up for PBT have a symptom burden that is as significant as patients who are receiving treatment for active disease. Additional research is needed to determine factors that explain symptom pattern or severity over time.