Long-term Patient-reported Quality Of Life Research Articles

Long-Term Patient-Reported Quality of Life of Anal Cancer Survivors Treated With Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy and Concurrent Chemotherapy: Results From a Prospective Phase II Trial

Intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) has confirmed its superiority in improving acute treatment-related toxicities in anal cancer, without compromising tumor control. However, the effect of IMRT on long-term quality of life (QOL) is poorly documented. The study prospectively evaluated the long-term patient-reported QOL after IMRT-based chemoradiation in anal cancer. Fifty-eight patients treated with IMRT and concurrent 5 fluorouracil/mitomycin-C were enrolled in the study. A prespecified secondary endpoint was prospective evaluation of long-term QOL. Fifty-four patients underwent QOL evaluation at baseline, after treatment, and during follow-up until 60 months, with European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-C30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) scales and the Colorectal Cancer-Specific Quality Of Life Questionnaire (QLQ-CR29) scales. The QOL scores at baseline and posttreatment periods were compared. For QLQ-C30, at 60 months, the mean scores of global health status, all functional scales, and all symptoms except diarrhea had improved, indicating normalization of QOL. Clinically and statistically significant improvements in the global health status (15.4; P=.003), role functioning (19.3; P=.0017), emotional functioning (18.9; P=.008), and social functioning (29.8; P ≤ .001) were observed. Diarrhea persisted as a concern over the years (P=.172). For European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-CR29, rectal pain (-38.6; P=.001), mucous or blood discharge per rectum (-22.8; P=.005), and perianal soreness (-37.3; P ≤ .001) were improved both clinically and statistically. Clinically significant fecal leakage was reported by 16% of patients (5.6; P=.421). Volumes receiving 45 and 54 Gy were independent predictors for fecal incontinence. Clinically and statistically significant urinary incontinence occurred in 21% of patients (17.5; P=.014). Deterioration of dyspareunia was clinically significant (26.7; P=.099) at 60 months. Compared with historical data, IMRT is associated with reduced long-term effects on QOL. The majority of patients treated with IMRT experienced clinically significant recovery of function and improvement in QOL over 5 years after completion of treatment. Specific toxicities such as chronic diarrhea, fecal incontinence, and urinary and sexual dysfunction were primarily responsible for deterioration of the long-term QOL. Future research aimed at reducing such toxicities is needed to further improve long-term QOL in anal cancer.

Dynamics of Long-Term Patient-Reported Quality of Life and Health Behaviors After Adjuvant Breast Cancer Chemotherapy.

PURPOSEWe aimed to characterize long-term quality of life (QOL) trajectories among patients with breast cancer treated with adjuvant chemotherapy and to identify related patterns of health behaviors.METHODSFemale stage I-III breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy in CANTO (CANcer TOxicity; ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01993498) were included. Trajectories of QOL (European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire–C30 Summary Score) and associations with trajectory group membership were identified by iterative estimations of group-based trajectory models and multivariable multinomial logistic regression, respectively.RESULTSFour trajectory groups were identified (N = 4,131): excellent (51.7%), very good (31.7%), deteriorating (10.0%), and poor (6.6%) QOL. The deteriorating trajectory group reported fairly good baseline QOL (mean [95% CI], 78.3/100 [76.2 to 80.5]), which significantly worsened at year-1 (58.1/100 [56.4 to 59.9]) and never recovered to pretreatment values through year-4 (61.1/100 [59.0 to 63.3]) postdiagnosis. Healthy behaviors were associated with better performing trajectory groups. Obesity (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] v lean, 1.51 [95% CI, 1.28 to 1.79]; P < .0001) and current smoking (aOR v never, 1.52 [95% CI, 1.27 to 1.82]; P < .0001) at diagnosis were associated with membership to the deteriorating group, which was also characterized by a higher prevalence of patients with excess body weight and insufficient physical activity through year-4 and by frequent exposure to tobacco smoking during chemotherapy. Additional factors associated with membership to the deteriorating group included younger age (aOR, 1-year decrement 1.01 [95% CI, 1.01 to 1.02]; P = .043), comorbidities (aOR v no, 1.22 [95% CI, 1.06 to 1.40]; P = .005), lower income (aOR v wealthier households, 1.21 [95% CI, 1.07 to 1.37]; P = .002), and endocrine therapy (aOR v no, 1.14 [95% CI, 1.01 to 1.30]; P = .047).CONCLUSIONThis latent-class analysis identified some patients with upfront poor QOL and a high-risk cluster with severe, persistent postchemotherapy QOL deterioration. Screening relevant patient-level characteristics may inform tailored interventions to mitigate the detrimental impact of chemotherapy and preserve QOL, including early addressal of behavioral concerns and provision of healthy lifestyle support programs.

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

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.

Effect of Cardiac Surgery on One-Year Patient-Reported Outcomes: A Prospective Cohort Study

Current cardiac surgery risk algorithms and quality measures focus on perioperative outcomes. However, delivering high-value, patient-centered cardiac care will require a better understanding of long-term patient-reported quality of life after surgery. Our objective was to prospectively assess the effect of cardiac surgery on long-term patient-reported outcomes. Patients undergoing cardiac surgery at an academic medical center (2016 to 2017) were eligible for enrollment. Patient-reported outcomes were measured using the National Institutes of Health Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively across five domains: mental health, physical health, physical functioning, social satisfaction, and applied cognition. Baseline data and perioperative outcomes were obtained from The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Database. The effect of cardiac surgery on long-term patient-reported quality of life was assessed. Ninety-eight patients were enrolled and underwent cardiac surgery, with 92.9% (91 of 98) successful follow-up. The most common operation was coronary artery bypass graft surgery at 63.3% (62 of 98), with 60.2% (59 of 98) undergoing an elective operation. One-year all-cause mortality was 5.1% (5 of 98). Rate of major morbidity was 11.2% (11 of 98). Cardiac surgery significantly improved patient-reported outcomes at 1 year across four domains: mental health (preoperative 47.3 ± 7.7 vs postoperative 51.1 ± 8.9, P< .001), physical health (41.2 ± 8.2 vs 46.3 ± 9.3, P< .001), physical functioning (39.8 ± 8.6 vs 44.8 ± 8.5, P < .001), and social satisfaction (46.8 ± 10.9 vs 50.7 ± 10.8, P= .023). Hospital discharge to a facility did not affect 1-year patient-reported outcomes. Cardiac surgery improves long-term patient-reported quality of life. Mental, physical, and social well-being scores were significantly higher 1 year postoperatively. Data collection with the National Institutes of Health Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System provides meaningful, quantifiable results that may improve delivery of patient-centered care.

Long-Term Patient-Reported Quality of Life After Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for Recurrent, Previously-Irradiated Head and Neck Cancer.

Objectives: Long-term quality-of-life data following stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for recurrent head and neck cancer (rHNC) is underreported. We report patient-reported quality-of-life (PR-QOL) after at least 1 year post-treatment.Methods and Materials: A retrospective review was performed on 64 patients receiving SBRT for previously-irradiated rHNC. PR-QOL was prospectively evaluated using the University of Washington Quality of Life Questionnaire. The mixed effects proportional odds model was used to assess post-treatment overall PR-QOL changes, as well as the effects of late toxicities, tumor volume > 25 cc, local failure, nodal recurrence, distant failure, prior neck dissection, performance status other than ECOG 0 or Karnofsky 100, sex, age >65, squamous vs. non-squamous primary histology, and specific organ recurrence.Results: SBRT had no significant effect on overall PR-QOL at days 1-90 post-treatment (SBRT effect 0.035, p = 0.93) and days 91–365 (SBRT effect −0.30, p = 0.45). Beyond day 365, overall PR-QOL was significantly worse than baseline (SBRT effect −0.77, p =.03). Grade ≥3 late toxicities (p = 0.0072) and tumor volume > 25 cc (p = 0.032) predicted significantly worse overall PR-QOL. Oral cavity recurrence predicted significant decrements in chewing (p = 0.0006), swallowing (p = 0.0301), and taste PR-QOL (p = 0.02). Nasal recurrence predicted significant decrements in taste PR-QOL (p = 0.030). Grade ≥3 late dysphagia predicted significant decline in chewing (p = 0.039) and swallowing (p = 0.0004). Grade ≥3 late osteonecrosis predicted significant differences in pain PR-QOL (p = 0.0026).Conclusion: PR-QOL across several domains declines immediately after SBRT for previously-irradiated rHNC before returning to baseline levels at 1 year. Long-term PR-QOL declines thereafter. Patients with grade ≥3 late toxicities or tumor volume >25 cc report reduced long-term overall PR-QOL, likely representing late disease progression. Specific organ recurrence and grade ≥3 late toxicities predict decrements in specific PR-QOL domains.

Long-Term Quality of Life after Free Flap Upper Extremity Reconstruction for Traumatic Injuries.

Microsurgical reconstruction of upper extremity injuries is often challenging, and the resulting impact on the quality of life (QoL) may be significant. However, there is a lack of knowledge on long-term patient-reported QoL. In a retrospective long-term follow-up study, all consecutive patients with an upper extremity injury who had undergone a free flap reconstruction were identified and categorized into three groups based on the type of injury. Patient-reported upper extremity function and QoL were assessed using three validated questionnaires: the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, and the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ). A total of 61 patients were identified, of whom 10% had undergone a free flap reconstruction for soft tissue loss only, 62% for an injury accompanied by a fracture, and 28% for a (sub) total amputation. Twenty-one (44%) patients responded to the questionnaires, with a mean follow-up time of 9.7 ± 6.2 years. Patients, on average, reported poorer SF-36 "physical component score" and "role limitations due to physical health" scores compared with Dutch norms. Also, they reported poorer mean DASH scores compared with the general population, indicating worse upper extremity function. Mean MQH scores were lower for the injured side compared with the noninjured side. Pain correlated negatively with the total scores of DASH, MHQ, and SF-36. Free flap upper extremity reconstruction is challenging. At 10 years of follow-up, the injury and its treatment continued to have a significant impact on the upper extremity function and daily QoL, with chronic pain being an important factor negatively affecting these outcomes.

Long-term Patient-reported Quality of Life and Pain After a Multidisciplinary Clinical Pathway for Elderly Patients With Hip Fracture: A Retrospective Comparative Cohort Study.

Introduction:There is an increase in incidence of hip fractures in the ageing population. The implementation of multidisciplinary clinical pathways (MCP) has proven to be effective in improving the care for these frail patients, and MCP tends to be more effective than usual care (UC). The aim of this study was to analyze potential differences in patient-reported outcome among elderly patients with hip fractures who followed MCP versus those who followed UC.Materials and Methods:This retrospective cohort study included patients aged 65 years or older with a low-energy hip fracture, who underwent surgery in the Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands. Two cohorts were analyzed; the first one had patients who underwent UC in 2012 and the second one contained patients who followed MCP in 2015. Collected data regarded demographics, patient-reported outcomes (Short Form 12 [SF-12] and the Numeric Rating Scale [NRS] to measure pain), and patient outcome.Results:This cohort study included 398 patients, 182 of them were included in the MCP group and 216 were in the UC group. No differences in gender, age, or American Society of Anesthesiologists classification were found between the groups. No significant differences were found in SF-12 and the NRS data between the MCP group and UC group. In the MCP group, significantly lower rates of postoperative complications were found than in the UC group, but mortality within 30 days and one year after the hip fracture was similar in both groups.Discussion:Although the effects of hip fractures in the elderly on patient-reported outcome, pain and quality of life have been addressed in several recent studies, the effects of MCP on long-term outcome was unclear.Conclusion:A multidisciplinary clinical pathway approach for elderly patients with a hip fracture is associated with a reduced time to surgery and reduced postoperative complications, while no differences were found in quality of life, pain, or mortality.

Long-Term Patient-Reported Quality of Life After SBRT for Recurrent, Previously-Irradiated Head and Neck Cancer

Long-Term Patient-Reported Quality of Life After SBRT for Recurrent, Previously-Irradiated Head and Neck Cancer

Long-Term Quality of Life in Prostate Cancer Patients Treated With Cesium-131

Toevaluate long-term patient-reported quality of life (QOL) scores in men with prostate cancer treated at our institution with 131Cs prostate brachytherapy. Patients treated more than 4years ago with 131Cs (n=290) were asked to fill out an Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC) QOL questionnaire and American Urological Association Symptom Score (AUASS) survey, before treatment and at each follow-up appointment. We compared patients' EPIC and AUA scores at baseline with scores at a last follow-up of at least 4years after treatment using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. At a median last follow-up of 5.5years after treatment with 131Cs prostate brachytherapy there were no clinically significant changes in the EPIC or AUA scores from baseline. There was statistical worsening in the EPIC urinary incontinence subscore. Subset analyses revealed improved QOL outcomes in patients who received external beam radiation therapy or α-blocker therapy, whereas androgen deprivation therapy was not associated with differences in QOL change. Our results demonstrate minimal long-term changes in urinary or bowel patient-reported QOL with 131Cs prostate brachytherapy. These findings suggest that patients treated with this isotope are able to recover and then maintain their baseline QOL in the long term.

Long-Term Quality of Life (QOL) After Chemo-IMRT for Locally Advanced Oropharyngeal Cancer (OPC): A Prospective Longitudinal Study

Long-Term Quality of Life (QOL) After Chemo-IMRT for Locally Advanced Oropharyngeal Cancer (OPC): A Prospective Longitudinal Study

Prospective Long-term Patient-Reported Quality of Life After Proton Therapy for Prostate Cancer

Prospective Long-term Patient-Reported Quality of Life After Proton Therapy for Prostate Cancer