Abstract
SummaryBackgroundPatients diagnosed with low-grade glioma (LGG) must live with constant knowledge of an upcoming malignant tumor transformation which may lead to increased anxiety and reduced quality of life. Here, we (1) analyzed the prevalence and risk factors for distress in LGG patients using (2) different screening tools to subsequently (3) evaluate their need for psychological support.MethodPatients with LGG-suspicious findings in MRI studies as well as patients with histopathological confirmed LGG were screened using three established self-assessment instruments (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Distress Thermometer, EORTC-QLQ-C30-BN20). Screening results were correlated with sociodemographic factors.ResultsOne hundred forty-nine patients (74 men and 75 women) were prospectively included. Patients were further divided into different subgroups regarding the time of screening and diagnosis. An increased level of distress was observed in 20.8% (mean score 1.21, 95% CI 1.15–1.28) of all patients screened by HADS. Significant associated factors were pre-existing psychiatric disorders (p = 0.003) and psychotropic medication (p = 0.029). HRQoL (p = 0.022) and global health item (p = 0.015), as well as future uncertainty (p = 0.047), assessed by the EORTC-QLQ-C30-BN20 were significantly higher in those patients without histopathological diagnosis. Increased distress was significantly correlated with results in chosen sub-items of the HRQoL questionnaire (p < 0.001).ConclusionsOur results demonstrate the need for frequent distress screening. If specific tools are not available, HRQoL questionnaires can also be used. Patients with pre-existing psychological stress should be offered additional psychooncological support, irrespectively of the time of screening or tumor diagnosis.Clinical trial registration number: 4087
Highlights
Brain tumor patients are at high risk of suffering from psychooncological distress [5], which may cause deterioration of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) [21] and even lead to decreased overall survival [23]
In 24 (16.1%, mean score 4.67, 95% CI = 3.85–7.4) patients, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) depression score (HADS-D) was increased
Regarding the HADS anxiety score (HADS-A), increased scores were observed in 24 patients (16.1%, mean score 5.73, 95% CI = 4.98–6.48)
Summary
Brain tumor patients are at high risk of suffering from psychooncological distress [5], which may cause deterioration of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) [21] and even lead to decreased overall survival [23]. Clinical symptoms (i.e., epileptic seizures) can lead to dramatic obligatory changes in lifestyle and daily routines. The diagnosis of LGG is generally associated with favorable survival time [16]. This means that the knowledge of a certain malignant tumor transformation [16] and the incurability of this disease with only contemporary medical treatment options [11] are a constant companion
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