The impact of symptom interference using the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory‐Brain Tumor Module (MDASI‐BT) on prediction of recurrence in primary brain tumor patients

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Tumor grade, age, extent of resection, and performance status are established prognostic factors for survival in primary brain tumor (PBT) patients. Development of disease-related symptoms is predictive of tumor recurrence in other cancers but has not been reported in the PBT population. A cross-sectional sample of 294 PBT patients participated. Progression was based on the radiologist report of the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The relation of clinical variables (age, extent of resection, tumor grade, and Karnofsky performance status [KPS]) and MD Anderson Symptom Inventory-Brain Tumor Module (MDASI-BT) mean symptom and interference subscales with progression was examined using logistic regression. The study enrolled more men (60%, n = 175); median age was 46 years. The majority had less than a gross total resection (n = 186, 64%), and a good KPS (KPS ≥ 90) (N = 208). The majority had a grade 3 or 4 tumor (n = 199) and 24% of patients had recurrence. Tumor grade and activity-related interference were significantly related to progression. Patients with tumor grade 4 were 2.4 times more likely to have recurrence (95% CI, 1.2-5.; P < .015). Patients with significant (ratings of ≥ 5) activity-related interference were 3.8 times more likely to have recurrence (95% CI, 2.14-6.80; P < .001). Mean activity-related score was 4.8 for those with progression on MRI and 2.2 for those with stable disease. Significant activity-related interference and tumor grade were associated with recurrence but not KPS, age, or extent of resection. These results provide preliminary support for the use of symptom interference in assessment of disease status. Because the authors used a cross-sectional sample, future studies evaluating change over time are needed.