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Symptoms predicting health-related quality of life in prostate cancer patients treated with localized radiation therapy.

Authors :
Hsiao CP
Chen MK
Meyers KJ
Saligan LN
Source :
Family medicine and community health [Fam Med Community Health] 2017 Jul 01; Vol. 5 (2), pp. 119-128.
Publication Year :
2017

Abstract

Objective: Patient-reported health-related quality-of-life (HRQOL) measures can provide guidance for treatment decision making, symptom management, and discharge planning. HRQOL is often influenced by the distress experienced by patients from disease or treatment-related symptoms. This study aimed to identify symptoms that can predict changes in HRQOL in men undergoing external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) for nonmetastatic prostate cancer (NMPC).<br />Methods: Fifty-one men with NMPC scheduled for EBRT were assessed at the baseline, at the midpoint of EBRT, and at the end of EBRT. All participants received 38-42 daily doses of EBRT (five times a week), depending on the stage of their disease. Validated questionnaires were administered to evaluate depressive symptoms, urinary and sexual functions, bowel issues, symptom-related distress, fatigue, and HRQOL. Pearson correlations, repeated-measures ANOVA, and multiple regressions examined the relationships among variables.<br />Results: Intensification of symptoms and increased symptom-related distress, with a corresponding decline in HRQOL, were observed during EBRT in men with NMPC. Changes in symptoms and symptom distress were associated with changes in HRQOL at the midpoint of EBRT ( r =-0.37 to -0.6, P =0.05) and at the end of EBRT ( r =-0.3 to -0.47, P =0.01) compared with the baseline. The regression model comprising age, body mass index, Gleason score, T category, androgen-deprivation therapy use, radiation dose received, symptoms (urinary/sexual/bowel problems, fatigue), and overall symptom distress explained 70% of the variance in predicting HRQOL. Urinary problems and fatigue significantly predicted the decline in HRQOL during EBRT.<br />Conclusion: Identifying specific symptoms that can influence HRQOL during EBRT for NMPC can provide feasible interventional targets to improve treatment outcomes.<br />Competing Interests: Conflict of interest The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
2305-6983
Volume :
5
Issue :
2
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Family medicine and community health
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
30263893
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.15212/FMCH.2017.0133