Long-term Quality Of Life Outcomes Research Articles

Quality of Life and Nutritional Outcomes of Stomach-Preserving Surgery for Early Gastric Cancer: A Secondary Analysis of the SENORITA Randomized Clinical Trial.

The Sentinel Node Oriented Tailored Approach (SENORITA) randomized clinical trial evaluated quality of life (QoL) and nutritional outcomes between the laparoscopic sentinel node navigation surgery (LSNNS) and laparoscopic standard gastrectomy (LSG). However, there has been no report on the QoL and nutritional outcomes of patients who underwent stomach-preserving surgery among the LSNNS group. To compare long-term QoL and nutritional outcomes between patients who underwent stomach-preserving surgery and those who underwent standard gastrectomy and to identify factors associated with poor QoL outcomes in patients who underwent stomach-preserving surgery. This study is a secondary analysis of the SENORITA trial, a randomized clinical trial comparing LSNNS with LSG. Patients from 7 tertiary or general hospitals across the Republic of Korea were enrolled from March 2013 to December 2016, with follow-up through 5 years. Data were analyzed between August and September 2022. Among trial participants, patients who underwent actual laparoscopic standard gastrectomy in the LSG group and those who underwent stomach-preserving surgery in the LSNNS group were included. Patients who did not complete the baseline or any follow-up questionnaire were excluded. Stomach-preserving surgery vs standard gastrectomy. Overall European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QoL Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) and stomach module (STO22) scores, body mass index, hemoglobin, protein, and albumin levels. A total of 194 and 257 patients who underwent stomach-preserving surgery and standard gastrectomy, respectively, were included in this study (mean [SD] age, 55.6 [10.6] years; 249 [55.2%] male). The stomach-preserving group had better QoL scores at 3 months postoperatively in terms of physical function (87.2 vs 83.9), dyspnea (5.9 vs 11.2), appetite loss (13.1 vs 19.4), dysphagia (8.0 vs 12.7), eating restriction (10.9 vs 18.2), anxiety (29.0 vs 35.2), taste change (7.4 vs 13.0), and body image (19.5 vs 27.2). At 1 year postoperatively, the stomach-preserving group had significantly higher body mass index (23.9 vs 22.1, calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared) and hemoglobin (14.3 vs 13.3 g/dL), albumin (4.3 vs 4.25 g/dL), and protein (7.3 vs 7.1 g/dL) levels compared to the standard group. Multivariable analyses showed that tumor location (greater curvature, lower third) was favorably associated with global health status (β, 10.5; 95% CI, 3.2 to 17.8), reflux (β, -8.4; 95% CI, -14.7 to -2.1), and eating restriction (β, -5.7; 95% CI, -10.3 to -1.0) at 3 months postoperatively in the stomach-preserving group. Segmental resection was associated with risk of diarrhea (β, 40.6; 95% CI, 3.1 to 78.1) and eating restriction (β, 15.1; 95% CI, 1.1 to 29.1) at 3 years postoperatively. Stomach-preserving surgery after sentinel node evaluation was associated with better long-term QoL and nutritional outcomes than standard gastrectomy. These findings may help facilitate decision-making regarding treatment for patients with early-stage gastric cancer. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01804998.

Sternal fixation for traumatic sternal fractures demonstrates better long-term quality of life outcomes than nonoperative management: A survey analysis.

Sternal fractures are rare, causing significant pain, respiratory compromise, and decreased upper extremity range of motion. Sternal fixation (SF) is a viable treatment option; however, there remains a paucity of literature demonstrating long-term benefits. This study examined long-term outcomes of SF, hypothesizing they have better long-term quality of life (QoL) than patients managed nonoperatively (NOM). This was a survey study at our level 1 academic hospital. All patients diagnosed with a sternal fracture were included from January 2016 to July 2021. Patients were grouped whether they received SF or NOM. Basic demographics were obtained. Three survey phone call attempts were conducted. The time from injury to survey was recorded. Outcomes included responses to the QoL survey, which included mobility, self-care, usual activities, chest pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression. The survey scale is 1-5 (1=worst condition possible; 5=best possible condition). Patients were asked to rate their current health on a scale of 0-100 (100 being the best possible health imaginable). Chi square and t-tests were used. Significance was set at p<0.05. Three hundred eighty four patients were surveyed. Sixty nine underwent SF and 315 were NOM. Thirty-eight (55.1%) SF patients and 126 (40%) NOM patients participated in the survey. Basic demographics were similar. Average days from sternal fracture to survey was 1198 (±492) for the SF group and 1454 (±567) for the NOM group. The SF cohort demonstrated statistically significant better QoL than the NOM cohort for all categories except anxiety/depression. SF provides better long-term QoL and better overall health scores compared to NOM.

Do Complications After Pancreatoduodenectomy Have an Impact on Long-Term Quality of Life and Functional Outcomes?

Objective: Our aim was to assess whether complications after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) impact long-term quality of life (QoL) and functional outcomes. Background: There is an increasing number of long-term post-PD survivors, but few studies have evaluated long-term QoL outcomes. Methods: The EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-PAN26 questionnaires were administered to patients who survived &gt;5 years post-PD. Clinical relevance (CR) was scored as small (5–10), moderate (10–20), or large (&gt;20). Patients were stratified based on whether they experienced a complication during the index hospitalization. Results: Of 305 patients &gt;5 years post-PD survivors, with valid contact information, 248 completed the questionnaires, and 231 had complication data available. Twenty-nine percent of patients experienced a complication, of which 17 (7.4%) were grade 1, 27 (11.7%) were grade 2, and 25 (10.8%) were grade 3. Global health status and functional domain scores were similar between both groups. Patients experiencing complications reported lower fatigue (21.4 vs 28.1, P &lt; 0.05, CR small) and diarrhea (15.9 vs 23.1, P &lt; 0.05, CR small) symptom scores when compared to patients without complications. Patients experiencing complications also reported lower pancreatic pain (38.2 vs 43.4, P &lt; 0.05, CR small) and altered bowel habits (30.1 vs 40.7, P &lt; 0.01, CR moderate) symptom scores. There was a lower prevalence of worrying (36.2% vs 60.5%, P &lt; 0.05) and bloating (42.0% vs 56.2%, P &lt; 0.05) among PD survivors with complications. Conclusions: Post-PD complication rates were not associated with long-term global QoL or functionality, and may be associated with less severe pancreas-specific symptoms.

Long-term quality of life outcomes in patients undergoing microsurgical resection of vestibular schwannoma

BackgroundWhile previous studies have assessed patient reported quality of life (QOL) of various vestibular schwannoma (VS) treatment modalities, few studies have assessed QOL as related to the amount of residual tumor and need for retreatment in a large series of patients. Objective: To assess patient reported QOL outcomes following VS resection with a focus on extent of resection and retreatment. MethodsA retrospective chart review was performed using single-center institutional data of adult patients who underwent VS resection by the senior authors between 1989-2018 at Loyola University Medical Center. The Penn Acoustic Neuroma Quality of Life (PANQOL) survey was sent to all patients via postal mail. ResultsFifty-five percent of 367 total patients were female with a mean age of 61.6 years (SD 12.63). The mean period between surgery and PANQOL response was 11.4 years (IQR: 4.74-7.37). The median tumor size was 2 cm (IQR: 1.5-2.8). The mean total PANQOL score was 70 (SD 19). Patients who required retreatment reported lower overall scores (μdiff = -10.11, 95% CI: -19.48 to -0.74; p = 0.03) and face domain scores (μdiff = -20.34, 95% CI: -29.78 to -10.91; p < .001). There was no association between extent of resection and PANQOL scores in any domain. ConclusionIn an analysis of 367 patients who underwent microsurgical resection of VS, extent of resection did not affect PANQOL scores in contrast to previous reports in the literature, while the need for retreatment and facial function had a significant impact on patient-reported outcomes.

Long-term mental and physical quality of life outcomes following ileal pouch anal anastomosis surgery.

This study presents the authors' experience over 14 years of performing restorative procto-colectomy with ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA). The aim was to study the long-term quality of life outcomes and analyse the predictors of pouch function as well as physical and mental wellbeing. This is a single-centre retrospective study conducted in a specialised colorectal surgery unit in the UK. The study included patients who underwent two- or three-staged panproctocolectomy with defunctioning ileostomy for ulcerative colitis (UC) or familial adenomatous polyposis between 2004 and 2018. Data were collected from a prospectively, surgeon-maintained database. Pouch function and quality of life scores were obtained via validated questionnaires. A multivariate analysis was utilised to explore predictors of quality of life and pouch function. The study reports 105 patients who underwent IPAA with a covering ileostomy. The majority of operations were performed for UC (97, 92.4%). The median age of patients was 36 years and the male to female ratio was 1:1. Thirty patients (28.5%) suffered early post-IPAA complications, while pouch failure rate was 11.4% (12/105). Late complications were reported at a rate of 45%. On long-term follow-up, the median Pouch Function Score was 7 (IQR 3-14). Both the physical and mental sections of the quality of life score were at a median indistinguishable from the normal population but had different predictors associated with them. Our findings recognise the complex interplay between physical and psychological wellbeing after pouch surgery and advise psychological counselling where appropriate.

The influence of postoperative morbidity on medium to long-term quality of life trajectories following cytoreductive surgery for peritoneal malignancy – A prospective cohort study

PurposeCytoreductive surgery (CRS) improves survival of selected patients with peritoneal malignancy. However, postoperative morbidity rates remain high. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of postoperative morbidity on the quality of life (QOL) trajectories of patients undergoing CRS. MethodsThis prospective cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing CRS for peritoneal malignancy between April 2017 and March 2023. QOL measures were collected at baseline, pre-discharge, 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months postoperatively using the short-form 36 (SF-36v2) survey. Postoperative in-hospital complications were defined according to the Clavien-Dindo Classification. Differences in QOL trajectories for patients with, and without, postoperative complications, length of stay (short versus long) were determined using mixed effects analyses. ResultsA total of 368 patients were included. Mean age was 55 years and 56.2% were female. The main indications for CRS were colorectal peritoneal metastases (46.9%) and appendix adenocarcinoma (23.9%). Overall, QOL decreased sharply from baseline to pre-hospital discharge, returning to baseline 6 to 12 months post-surgery. Severity of postoperative complication and longer length of stay were the main factors negatively impacting physical component trajectories. Postoperative complication, severity of complication and longer length of stay negatively influenced mental component scores, mostly at pre-discharge. ConclusionsQOL following CRS returns to baseline levels within 6 to 12 months. Postoperative morbidity was associated with poorer health related QOL trajectories. Interventions aimed at reducing postoperative morbidity and targeted support may enhance long-term QOL outcomes.

Brain connectomics improve prediction of 1-year decreased quality of life in breast cancer: A multi-voxel pattern analysis

PurposeWhether brain connectomics can predict 1-year decreased Quality of Life (QoL) in patients with breast cancer are unclear. A longitudinal study was utilized to explore their prediction abilities with a multi-center sample. Methods232 breast cancer patients were consecutively enrolled and 214 completed the 1-year QoL assessment (92.2%). Resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging was collected before the treatment and a multivoxel pattern analysis (MVPA) was performed to differentiate whole-brain resting-state connectivity patterns. Net Reclassification Improvement (NRI) as well as Integrated Discrimination Improvement (IDI) were calculated to estimate the incremental value of brain connectomics over conventional risk factors. ResultsParacingulate Gyrus, Superior Frontal Gyrus and Frontal Pole were three significant brain areas. Brain connectomics yielded 7.8–17.2% of AUC improvement in predicting 1-year decreased QoL. The NRI and IDI ranged from 20.27 to 54.05%, 13.21–33.34% respectively. ConclusionBrain connectomics contribute to a more accurate prediction of 1-year decreased QoL in breast cancer. Significant brain areas in the prefrontal lobe could be used as potential intervention targets (i.e., Cognitive Behavioral Group Therapy) to improve long-term QoL outcomes in breast cancer.

Long-Term Quality-of-Life Outcomes After Prostate Radiation Therapy With or Without High-Dose-Rate Brachytherapy Boost: Post Hoc Analysis of TROG 03.04 RADAR

Adding high-dose-rate brachytherapy (BT) boost to external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) improves biochemical control but may affect patient-reported quality of life (QOL). We sought to determine long-term QOL outcomes for EBRT+BT versus EBRT alone. This was a post hoc analysis of the Trans-Tasman Radiation Oncology Group 03.04 Randomized Androgen Deprivation and Radiotherapy (TROG 03.04 RADAR) trial. Only patients who received 74 Gy conventionally fractionated EBRT (n=260) or 46 Gy conventionally fractionated EBRT plus 19.5 Gy in 3 fractions high-dose-rate BT boost (n=237) were included in this analysis. The primary endpoint was patient-reported QOL measured using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer QOL (EORTC QLQ-C30) and prostate-specific QOL module (EORTC QLQ-PR25) questionnaires. We evaluated temporal changes in QOL scores, rates of symptom resolution, and the proportion of men who had decrements from baseline of >2×the threshold for minimal clinically important change (2×MCIC) for each domain. At 5, 17, and 29 months after radiation therapy, the EBRT+BT group had 2.5 times (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4-4.2; P < .001), 2.9 times (95% CI, 1.7-4.9; P < .001), and 2.6 times (95% CI, 1.4-4.6; P=.002) greater odds of reporting 2×MCIC in urinary QOL score compared with EBRT. There were no differences beyond 29 months. EBRT+BT led to a slower rate of urinary QOL symptom score resolution up to 17 months after radiation therapy compared with EBRT (P < .001) but not at later intervals. In contrast, at the end of the radiation therapy period and at 53 months after radiation therapy, the EBRT+BT group had 0.65 times (95% CI, 0.44-0.96; P=.03) and 0.51 times (95% CI, 0.32-0.79; P=.003) the odds of reporting 2×MCIC in bowel QOL symptom scores compared with EBRT. There were no significant differences in the rate of bowel QOL score resolution. There were no significant differences in global health status or sexual activity scores between the 2 groups. There were no persistent differences in patient-reported QOL measures between EBRT alone and EBRT+BT. BT boost does not appear to negatively affect long-term, patient-reported QOL.

Racial and Ethnic Differences in Long-Term Adverse Radiation Therapy Effects Among Breast Cancer Survivors

Breast and skin changes are underrecognized side effects of radiation therapy for breast cancer, which may have long-term implications for quality of life (QOL). Racial and ethnic disparities in breast cancer outcomes, including long-term QOL differences after breast radiation therapy, are poorly understood. We conducted a cross-sectional survey study of patients from the Texas Cancer Registry who received diagnoses of stage 0-II breast cancer from 2009 to 2014 and treated with lumpectomy and radiation therapy; 2770 patients were sampled and 631 responded (23%). The BREAST-Q Adverse Effects of Radiation overall score and subindices measured the effect of radiation therapy on breast tissue. Multivariable logistic regression evaluated associations of demographic and treatment characteristics with outcomes. The median age was 57 years (IQR, 48-65), median time from diagnosis to survey response 9 years (IQR, 7-10), and the cohort included 62 Asian American or Pacific Islander (9.8%), 11 American Indian or Alaskan Native (AIAN) (1.7%), 161 Black (25.5%), 144 Hispanic (22.8%), and 253 White (40.1%) patients. Mean BREAST-Q Adverse Effects of Radiation score was worse for AIAN patients (-22.2; 95% CI, -39.9 to -4.6; P=.01), Black patients (-10.8; 95% CI, -16.1 to -5.5; P < .001), and Hispanic patients (-7.8; 95% CI, -13.0 to -2.5; P=.004) compared with White patients, age <50 compared with ≥65 (effect size -8.6; 95% CI, -14.0 to -3.2; P=.002), less than a college education (-5.8; 95% CI, -10.0 to -1.6; P=.01), bra cup size of D/E versus A/B (-5.3; 95% CI, -9.9 to -0.65; P=.03), and current smokers (-11.3; 95% CI, -18.3 to -4.2; P=.002). AIAN, Black, and Hispanic patients reported worse changes in skin pigmentation, telangiectasias, dryness, soreness, and/or irritation compared with White patients. AIAN, Black, and Hispanic patients reported substantially worse long-term breast and skin QOL outcomes after radiation therapy. Additional work is needed to understand these differences and how to alleviate them.

Surgical Repair of Large Hiatal Hernias: Insight from a High-Volume Center

BackgroundLaparoscopic-assisted hiatal hernia (HH) repair is safe and effective; however, it is unclear whether hernia size affects perioperative outcomes and whether a watch-and-wait strategy is appropriate for patients with asymptomatic large HHs. We aimed to investigate these issues. MethodsAfter IRB approval, we queried our prospectively maintained database for patients who underwent primary laparoscopic HH repair at our center between August 2016 and December 2019. All procedures were performed by a single surgeon (SKM). According to the intraoperative findings, HHs were divided into four groups: small (S-HH), medium (M-HH), large (L-HH), or giant (G-HH) when the percentage of herniated stomach was 0% (sliding), < 50%, 50–75%, or > 75%, respectively. Perioperative and mid-term outcomes were analyzed. ResultsA total of 170 patients were grouped: S-HH (n = 46), M-HH (n = 69), L-HH (n = 20), and G-HH (n = 35) with mean age of 58.5.6 ± 11.0, 61.9 ± 11.3, 70.7 ± 10.3, and 72.6±9.7 years (p < 0.001), respectively. Compared to M-HH patients, L-HH patients had significantly longer hospital stays (mean 2.8±3.2 vs 1.4±0.91 days; p = 0.001) and more postoperative complications (6/20 [30.0%] vs 3/69 [4.3%]; OR 6.9, 95% CI 5.4–8.4, p < 0.001). At a mean follow-up time of 43.1±25.0 and 43.5±21.6 months for the combined S/M-HH and L/G-HH groups, GERD-Health-Related Quality of Life scores were comparable (S/M-HH: 6.5±10.9 vs L/G-HH: 7.1 ± 11.3; p = 0.63). There was no perioperative mortality. ConclusionsHHs likely grow with age, reflecting their progressive nature. Laparoscopic L-HH repair was associated with higher morbidity than M-HH repair. Thus, patients with M-HH, even if less symptomatic, should be evaluated by a foregut surgeon. Regardless of HH size, good mid- and long-term quality of life outcomes can be achieved.

Comparison of long-term quality of life outcomes between endoscopic vacuum therapy and other treatments for upper gastrointestinal leaks.

While endoscopic vacuum assisted closure (EVAC) therapy is a validated treatment for gastrointestinal leaks, its impact on long-term quality of life (QoL) is uncertain. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of successful EVAC management on long-term QoL outcomes. An institutional review board approved prospectively maintained database was retrospectively reviewed to identify patients undergoing treatment for gastrointestinal leaks between June 2012 and July 2022. The Short-Form 36 (SF-36) survey was used to assess QoL. Patients were contacted by telephone and sent the survey electronically. QoL outcomes between patients who underwent successful EVAC therapy and those who required conventional treatment (CT) were analyzed and compared. A total of 44 patients (17 EVAC; 27 CT) completed the survey and were included in our analysis. All included patients had foregut leaks with sleeve gastrectomy being the most common sentinel operation (n = 20). The mean time from the sentinel operation was 3.8years and 4.8years for the EVAC and CT groups, respectively. When evaluating long-term QoL, the EVAC group scored higher in all QoL domains when compared to the CT group with physical functioning (87.3 vs 69.3, p = 0.04), role limitations due to physical health (84.1 vs 45.7, p = 0.02), energy/fatigue (60.0 vs 40.9, p = 0.04), and social functioning (86.2 vs 64.1, p = 0.04) reaching statistical significance. Overall, patients who achieved organ preservation via successful EVAC therapy scored higher in all domains with role limitations due to physical health (p = 0.04) being statistically significant. In a multivariable regression analysis, increased age and a history of prior abdominal surgery at the time of the sentinel operation were patient characteristics that negatively impacted QoL outcomes. Patients with gastrointestinal leaks successfully managed by EVAC therapy have better long-term QoL outcomes when compared to patients undergoing other treatments.

Multi-modality treatment approach for paediatric AVMs with quality-of-life outcome measures.

Despite the potentially devastating and permanently disabling effects of paediatric arteriovenous malformations (pAVMs), there is a paucity of studies reporting long-term quality-of-life (QoL) outcomes in AVM patients. We aim to evaluate the management strategies for paediatric intracranial pAVMs in the UK and long-term QoL outcomes using a validated paediatric quality-of-life outcome measure. In this single-centre case-series, we retrospectively reviewed a prospectively maintained database of all paediatric patients (i.e. 0-18years old) with intracranial AVMs, who were managed at Alder Hey Children's Hospital from July 2007 to December 2021. We also collected the PedsQL 4.0 score for these patients as a measure of QoL. Fifty-two AVMs were included in our analysis. Forty (80%) were ruptured, 8 (16%) required emergency intervention, 17 (35%) required elective surgery, 15 (30%) underwent endovascular embolisation, and 15 (30%) patients underwent stereotactic radiosurgery. There was an 88% overall obliteration rate. Two (4%) pAVMs rebled, and there were no mortalities. Overall, the mean time from diagnosis to definitive treatment was 144days (median 119; range 0-586). QoL outcomes were collected for 26 (51%) patients. Ruptured pAVM presentation was associated with worse QoL (p = 0.0008). Location impacted psychosocial scores significantly (71.4, 56.9, and 46.6 for right supratentorial, left supratentorial, and infratentorial, respectively; p = 0.04). This study shows a staged multi-modality treatment approach to pAVMs is safe and effective, with superior obliteration rates with surgery alone. QoL scores are impacted by AVM presentation and location regardless of treatment modality.

The impact of cerebrospinal fluid shunting on quality of life in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus: a long-term analysis

Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) represents an insidious type of dementia considered reversible after shunt placement. Although the clinical outcome has been widely studied, few studies have reported on quality of life (QOL) after surgery. This study evaluated the long-term clinical and QOL outcomes of iNPH patients after ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) implantation. Factors influencing QOL in iNPH were also investigated. From 2009 to 2020, a single-institution retrospective study was conducted to compare shunted iNPH patients with a homogeneous control group. QOL was analyzed using the SF-36 questionnaire with yearly follow-up for as long as 11 years. Severity of symptoms, comorbidities, and clinical data were also recorded. Among 187 treated patients, 15 had died at the time of the authors' evaluation, and 45 did not match the inclusion criteria. The mean ± SD (range) follow-up was 118.5 ± 4.2 (18-132) months. QOL improved in 103/130 (79%) patients through 5 years after shunt surgery, although it remained lower than that of the control group (p < 0.0001). The SF-36 score reduced progressively, reaching baseline at 5-7 years of follow-up and decreased to below baseline at 7-11 years of follow-up (p < 0.0001). Predictors of improved QOL were younger age (p < 0.001), lower body mass index (BMI) (p < 0.001), and better Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) performance (p < 0.001) before surgery. Decreased postoperative QOL was associated with cerebrovascular disease, diabetes, and severity of symptoms (gait and cognition) at presentation (p < 0.001). VPS implantation, along with a strict and comprehensive follow-up, has been shown to improve QOL in iNPH patients for as long as 5 years after surgery. Younger age, lower BMI, and better MMSE score are positive predictors of improved QOL after shunt placement.

DEFINING LONG-TERM QUALITY OF LIFE AND FUNCTIONAL OUTCOMES AFTER REDO ILEAL POUCH ANAL ANASTOMOSIS: WHAT SHOULD PATIENTS AND PROVIDERS EXPECT?

Pouch failure after restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) occurs in up to 15% of cases. A redo pouch procedure can be offered to maintain intestinal continuity after pouch failure, but little is known on quality of life (QoL) after redo pouch. We aimed to describe long-term QoL and functional outcomes after redo pouch.

Patients and Families' Participation in Multidisciplinary Tumor Conferences Improves Patient and Family-Focused Cancer Care: Lessons Learned From a Debate on the Role of Radiation Therapy in Primary Mediastinal Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.

Incorporation of patients' preferences often leads to improved outcomes when included in the multidisciplinary tumor conference/board (MTC). However, patients' wishes are not included or considered in the MTC decision-making. We need better strategies and approaches for patient-inclusive, shared decision-making. When finding ourselves at a crossroads regarding the next step in a patient's treatment, we saw a unique opportunity for an MTC with the patient and her husband in attendance. The results of a full literature review regarding the role of consolidative radiation therapy (RT) in a patient with primary (thymic) B-cell lymphoma after completion of chemotherapy and fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) scan with a Deauville score of 4 were presented in a creative, engaging debate-style forum with visual aids. The patient and her husband were able to follow the discussion and, in the end, a consensus recommendation, heavily focused on the patient's preferences, was offered and adopted, which ultimately resulted in the avoidance of excess treatment and likely improved her long-term quality of life outcome. These collaborative and innovative interactions benefit not only our patients but enrich our lives too as healthcare providers and strengthen us as a cancer care team in terms of understanding diversity in decision-making processes.

Review: Improving quality of life in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer.

Well differentiated thyroid cancer is a common malignancy diagnosed in young patients. The prognosis tends to be excellent, so years of survivorship is expected with low risk disease. When making treatment decisions, physicians should consider long-term quality of life outcomes when guiding patients. The implications for treating indolent, slow growing tumors are immense and warrant careful consideration for the functioning years ahead. Surgery is the standard of care for most patients, however for a subset of patients, active surveillance is appropriate. For those wishing to treat their cancer in a more active way, novel remote access approaches have emerged to avoid a cervical incision. In the era of "doing less", options have further expanded to include minimally invasive approaches, such as radiofrequency ablation that avoids an incision, time off work, a general anesthetic, and the possibility of post-treatment hypothyroidism. In this narrative review, we examine the health related quality of life effects that surgery has on patients with thyroid cancer, including some of the newer innovations that have been developed to address patient concerns. We also review the impact that less aggressive treatment has on patient care and overall wellbeing in terms of active surveillance, reduced doses of radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment, or minimally invasive techniques such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for low risk thyroid disease.

DEFINING LONG-TERM QUALITY OF LIFE AND FUNCTIONAL OUTCOMES AFTER REDO ILEAL POUCH ANAL ANASTOMOSIS: WHAT SHOULD PATIENTS AND PROVIDERS EXPECT?

Abstract BACKGROUND Pouch failure after restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) occurs in up to 15% of cases. A redo pouch procedure can be offered to maintain intestinal continuity after pouch failure, but little is known on quality of life (QoL) after redo pouch. We aimed to describe long-term QoL and functional outcomes after redo pouch. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed our prospectively collected redo pouch registry, and identified patients who had completed at least one Cleveland Global Quality of Life (CGQL) questionnaire after redo pouch. Figures are number (proportion) or median (interquartile range). RESULTS Out of 532 patients, CGQL were available for 375 (70%): 212 (57%) females, median age at redo pouch 40 (28 – 48) years. Diagnosis at index pouch was ulcerative colitis in 325 (87%) cases, indeterminate colitis in 13 (3%), Crohn’s disease in 15 (4%), familial adenomatous polyposis in 21 (6%). The median interval between index and redo pouch was 4 (2 – 6) years. The indication for redo pouch was sepsis in 230 (61%) cases, mechanical in 114 (31%), functional in 19 (5%), and dysplasia or cancer in 11 (3%). The anastomosis was handsewn in 72% cases. After redo pouch, 351 (95%) had their stoma closed, while 18 (5%) never had stoma closure due to complications, and 5 (1%) due to patient preference. The median interval between redo pouch and latest CGQL was 4 (1 – 9) years. The overall CGQL score (0 – 1) was 0.7 (0.5 – 0.8), with median quality of life 7 (5 – 9), quality of health 7 (5 – 8) and quality of energy 6.5 (5 – 8). There were no differences in CGQL scores in patients who had a redo pouch due to septic complications versus other indications. The median number of bowel movements was 6 (5 – 8) during the daytime, 2 (1 – 3) during the nighttime, for a total of 8 (6 – 10) bowel movements per 24 hours. Dietary restrictions were reported by 50% patients, social restrictions by 34%, work restrictions by 38%, and sexual restrictions by 37% (Figure 1). Urgency occurring daily or most days was reported by 24% patients, incontinence by 10%. Consistency of stool was reported as liquid by 76% of patients. Seepage during the day was experience by 52% of patients, nocturnally in 68%, with 53% of patients reporting daytime pad use, and 61% at night. Median happiness with surgery was 8 (5 – 10): 80% patients would undergo surgery again, and 84% patients would recommend it to other people. During follow-up, 84 (22.5%) pouch failures occurred. CONCLUSION A redo pouch procedure allows a majority of patients to maintain intestinal continuity with good quality of life. Most patients would undergo redo pouch again and recommend it to others. Before redo pouch, patients need to be counselled regarding function expectations in regards to stool frequency and consistency, urgency, incontinence, seepage, and overall success rates.

Long-term neurological cognitive, behavioral, functional, and quality of life outcomes after fetal myelomeningocele closure: a systematic review.

Myelomeningocele is a lifelong condition that features several comorbidities, such as hydrocephalus, scoliosis, club foot, and lower limb sensory and motor disabilities. Its management has progressed over time, ranging from supportive care to early postnatal closure to prenatal closure of the defect. Recent research discovered that fetal myelomeningocele closure (fMMC) provided superior neurological outcomes to those of postnatal closure. When performed at 12 months of age, fMMC can avert or delay the need for a ventriculoperitoneal shunt and reversed the hindbrain herniation. Moreover, fMMC reportedly enhanced motor function and mental development at 30 months of age. However, its long-term outcomes remain dubious. This systematic review aimed to determine the long-term neurological cognitive, behavioral, functional, and quality of life (QoL) outcomes after fMMC. The PubMed, Directory of Open Access Journals, EBSCO, and Cochrane databases were extensively searched for articles published in 2007-2022. Meta-analyses, clinical trials, and randomized controlled trials with at least 5 years of follow-up were given priority. A total of 11 studies were included. Most studies revealed enhanced long-term cognitive, behavioral, functional, and QoL outcomes after fMMC. Our results suggest that fMMC substantially enhanced patients' long-term neurological cognitive, behavioral, functional, and QoL outcomes.

Does the toxicity of endocrine therapy persist into long-term survivorship?: Patient-reported outcome results from a follow-up study beyond a 10-year-survival

BackgroundEndocrine treatment (ET) is a highly effective breast cancer treatment but can distinctly impair breast cancer patients’ quality of life (QOL). In a patient-reported outcome (PROs) study conducted by the authors in 2011, patients reported higher ET-induced symptom levels than known from the registration trials, and was underestimated. Based on these study results, we investigated the long-term sequelae of ET reported by breast cancer survivors (BCS) in a follow-up study conducted 5–10 years after an earlier assessment.MethodsBCS who had participated in the earlier study (n = 436) were approached for study participation either at one of their routine follow-up appointments or via mail; consenting patients were asked to completed the same PRO assessment used in the original study (FACT-B + ES). BCS with relapse/ progressive disease were excluded from the analysis. We compared long-term endocrine symptomatology and overall QOL outcome (i.e. FACT-G and -ES sum score).ResultsA final sample of 268 BCS was included in the analysis. BCS reported a significant improvement of the overall endocrine symptomatology (baseline mean = 59 vs. follow-up mean = 62, p < 0.001), physical (baseline = 23.9 mean vs. follow-up mean = 24.8, p < 0.01) and functional well-being (baseline mean = 21.7 vs. follow-up mean = 22.7, p = 0.013) and overall QOL (mean baseline = 88.3 vs. mean follow-up = 90.9, p = 0.011). However, the prevalence of particular symptoms, well-known to be ET induced, did not change over time such as joint pain (baseline = 45.5% vs. 44.2%, n.s. difference), lack of energy (36.4% vs 33.8%, n.s. difference), weight gain (36.8% vs. 33.9%, n.s. difference) or vaginal dryness (30.2% vs. 33%, n.s. difference) and the proportion reporting lack of interest in sex increased (40.4% vs. 48.7%, p < 0.05).ConclusionPresented results indicate that BCS recover well in terms of overall endocrine symptomatology and quality of life but experience some clinically relevant and unfavorable ET-related long-term effects.

Quality of life of long-term childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia survivors: Comparison with healthy controls.

Improved treatment landscape has led to better outcomes for paediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) survivors. As the number of survivors increase, we need to elucidate the long-term quality of life (QoL) and domains of complaints in these patients. Furthermore, the main priorities of these patients need to be clarified. We assessed long-term QoL outcomes of survivors of childhood ALL compared to matched population controls. QoL data were collected from survivors recruited in France and Belgium between 2012 and 2017, including the Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) and the Quality of Life Systemic Inventory (QLSI). The Wilcoxon test was used to compare SF-12 scale scores between survivors and matched population controls. For the QLSI, comparisons were mainly descriptive. One hundred and eighty-six survivors (mean age: 27.6years; range: 18.1-52.8) at follow-up completed QoL measures, amongst whom 180 were matched to controls. Overall, survivors had higher QoL on all SF12 scale scores, indicating that they had better functioning compared to controls. Statistically significant differences on the SF12 were observed for Vitality, Social Functioning, Role Limitations due to Emotional Problems and Mental Health scales. QLSI outcomes suggested that survivors were happier than controls with Couple and Social Relations. Controls were unhappiest compared to survivors with Money, Love life, Self-esteem, Nutrition and Paid Work. Our findings suggest that survivors of childhood ALL have better QoL outcomes on some domains compared to the general population, specifically around social and emotional functioning, and that they tend to prioritize their relationships more. Interventions for improving QoL outcomes, might build on existing positive experiences with family, friends and partners.