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Treatment of extremital sarcoma patients may be associated with significant functional disabilities and psychosocial distress affecting return to work (RtW) and quality of life (QoL). In this exploratory study we prospectively investigated the RtW rate, explored biomedical and psychosocial predictors of RtW, and compared generic QoL with Swiss population norms. Forty people (89 %) returned to work. Full-time employment before sarcoma diagnosis, high educational level, and low tumor grade showed an increased probability of RtW. The median age was lower in patients who returned to work, and they reported less fear of progression. Generic QoL (SF-36) was reduced in almost all dimensions when compared to a normative Swiss population. Physical functioning and fear of progression have to be addressed in the rehabilitation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whether patients return to work after a successful lung transplant depends on various factors. The best predictive factor for employment after transplantation is the employment status before transplantation. Currently, there is no internationally standardized procedure regarding the questions of when and according to what criteria patients should be reintegrated into the working environment after lung transplantation. The risk of infection at the workplace/during the work activity should definitely be assessed before resuming work: a detailed work history is mandatory, an additional workplace inspection a further option. Advice should be based on the medical literature and general recommendations, and psychosocial factors must also be taken into account. In case of ambiguities, an interdisciplinary discussion is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]