Assess and Evaluation the Quality Of Life (Qol) Among Cancer Patients Undergoing Treatment by Using EORTC QLQ-30 Scale

Background: Cancer is a challenge for majority of population抯 health-related quality of life (HRQoL), compromising their physical health and emotional well-being. QoL is equally distributed among different social groups. The aim of this study to analyze the impact of clinical characteristics and social determinants of health on the QoL of a cohort of persons diagnosed and/or treated for cancer. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study in a cohort of 155 with various stages of cancer at different stages of their disease. Data were obtained using questionnaires QLQ-C30 from the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC), which include a set of functional and symptomatic scales. We conducted descriptive and bivariate analysis using the Chi-Square test, Anova Test and adjusted for relevant variables using logistic regression. The dependent variables were the functional scales of QoL and the independent variables were socio-demographic and clinical variables. Results: Among the participants, 80(51.6%) were male and 75(48.4%) were female and majority 66(42.6%) in between the age of 40-60 years. Large proportion of patients were diagnosed with Oral cancer 67(43.2%), and Breast cancer 23(14.8%), and the clinical stages during the beginning of therapy were maximum at stage II a 104(67.1%). The mean of global health status/QoL was 52.34 (SD= 23.34). Quality of life was found to be significantly associated with some functional scales as role functioning (P?0.001), social function, (P=0.00), and symptom scales as pain (P=0.00), loss of appetite (P=0.004) and financial impact (P=0.02) as well as associations were noted in relation to socio demographic characteristics. Women from the most disadvantaged class, and showed the poorest results for most of the function scales. In contrast, age, education, occupation and social status had differential effects depending on the function studied. The highest functional status was cognitive functioning (54.58�.68). Conclusions: The cancer diagnosis has become more prevalent and carries significant changes to the method of living with physical and emotional changes in term of quality of life (QoL) because of inconvenience, torment, disfigurement, reliance and loss of confidence. In addition, addressing the unmet needs of these patients and ensuring higher satisfaction rate are recommended to maintain adequate HRQoL.

Effect of treatment on the quality of life of cervical cancer patients: a prospective study from a tertiary care centre of West Bengal

Background: Cervical cancer is one of many health care ironies. Better survival rates demand better quality of life (QoL). The aim of present study was to determine the change in QoL of cervical cancer patients due to treatment.Methods: An observational prospective study was conducted from July 2017 to June 2018 among 80 new cervical cancer patients without any prior history of treatment for cervical cancer, attending radiotherapy department of a tertiary care centre of West Bengal using a semi-structured schedule and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) quality of life questionnaire (QLQ). Information was collected on socio-demographic and clinical aspects and QoL domains. Those with history of surgery for cervical cancer, advanced stage of disease were excluded. EORTC QLQ was administered at baseline and one month after completion of treatment. Data was analysed by percentage, means±standard deviation, range and Wilcoxon signed rank test etc. using SPSS-16.Results: Only 60 patients could be analysed as 10 patients died and 10 lost to follow-up. After treatment there was a significant improvement in global health, physical, emotional and cognitive functioning as well as decrease in symptoms like fatigue, pain, insomnia, appetite loss and constipation along with worsening of financial difficulties. There was significant improvement in body image, decrease in problems of symptom experience, peripheral neuropathy and menopausal symptoms after treatment.Conclusions: The cervical cancer patients show an overall improvement in their QoL in most of the domains after one month of treatment except worsening of financial difficulties.

Internal Consistency Study of EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-PR25 Questionnaires for Quality of Life Assessment among Prostate Cancer Patients in a University Hospital, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

@#Prostate cancer is forth most common diagnosed tumors in Malaysian male. The use of a self-reported, quality of life assessment is important for clinical practice, care taker and researcher to evaluate the level of quality of life. The aim of this study was to measure the internal consistency of the translated Malay Language EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC PR-25 questionnaires among prostate cancer patient at National University of Malaysia hospital in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Methods This was a cross sectional study conducted between July 2017 and Dec 2017. The respondent comprised of 110 Malaysian prostate cancer patients who were under follow up at Urology and Oncology Clinic. Sets of translated Malay language EORTC QLQ C30 and EORTC PR-25 consisted of functional, symptom and global health status domains were administered to assess their quality of life. Results The translated questionnaires were acceptable by 110 respondents. Cronbach`s α coefficient result were 0.913 (EORTC QLQ-C30) and 0.829 (EORTC PR25) respectively suggested that this instrument had good internal consistency. Conclusions Our study confirmed that translated Malay language EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-PR25 questionnaires are acceptable, reliable and valid instrument to be used among Malaysian prostate cancer patients.

Psychometric Validation Of The Bahasa Malaysia Version Of The Eortc QLQ-C30 In Malaysian Colorectal Cancer Patients

@#This study aimed to assess the validity and reliability of the Bahasa Malaysia (BM) version of European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire core (QLQ-C30) (version 3.0) in Malaysian patients with colorectal cancer. A cross sectional study design was used to obtain data from patients receiving treatment at two teaching hospitals in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Self-administered method was used. Statistical analysis included reliability, convergent and discriminant validity and known-groups comparisons. Statistical significance was based on p value ≤ 0.05. The internal consistency Cronbach’s alpha coefficient (α) was acceptable (> 0.70) in all scales but cognitive (α = 0.56) and pain in patients with stoma bag (α = 0.35). Test-retest coefficients were high (r = 0.93 to 1.00). All items showed adequate convergent validity (r > 0.40) except for questionnaire item 5 “needs help in eating/dressing/washing”. Similarly, criteria for discriminant validity were achieved in all but item 10 “need rest”. Patients with high Karnofsky Performance Scores (KPS) scores reported significantly less dyspnoea (p = 0.021) and appetite loss (p = 0.047) compared to patients with low KPS scores. There was no significant difference between patients with and without stomas. The psychometric properties of the BM version of the QLQ-C30 were comparable to previous studies in other settings. Therefore, the questionnaire could be used to measure quality of life in Malaysian patients with colorectal cancer.

Quality of life and health of breast cancer woman survivors in Popayan-Colombia / Calidad de vida y salud en mujeres sobrevivientes al cáncer de mama en Popayán- Colombia / Qualidade de vida e saúde em mulheres sobreviventes ao câncer de mama em Popayán, Colômbia

Objective: Identify the quality of life and its association with health parameters for breast cancer women survivors in Popayan, Colombia. Methods: Analytic crosssectional descriptive correlated study, with nonprobability sampling, according to the inclusion criteria of 39 women who survived breast cancer, who received a survey made by the authors which included sociodemographic aspects, evaluation of the quality of life through the questionnaire EORTC QLQ ­ BR23 and measurements such as the Body Mass Index (BMI), blood pressure and blood sugar levels, according to international standards. Results: The health indicators (blood pressure and blood sugar) are found under the normal ranges, while the BMI has a tendency for overweight. Regarding quality of life, high measurements for body image and sexual function were evidenced, while the dimensions of sexual pleasure and future perception showed intermediate measures. Regarding association, moderate correlations were observed between blood pressure and blood sugar levels, with body image and the sexual aspect. Conclusions: An association between the health indicators and the quality of life was observed, demonstrating the need to formulate prevention and intervention actions from an interdisciplinary vision. Also, it was observed that the quality of life requires a review toward self-confidence and relationship with oneself, through workshops or talks that allow to overcome limitations proper of the disease and to move on.

Objetivo: Identificar la calidad de vida y su asociación con parámetros de salud en mujeres sobrevivientes al cáncer de mama en Popayán, Colombia. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo-correlacional de corte transversal analítico, con una muestra no probabilística, de acuerdo con criterios de inclusión de 39 mujeres sobrevivientes al cáncer, a quienes se les aplicó una encuesta de elaboración propia con aspectos socio-demográficos, valoración de la calidad de vida mediante el cuestionario EORTC QLQ - BR23 y mediciones como el Índice de Masa corporal (IMC), presión arterial y niveles de glucemia, según estándares internacionales. Resultados: Los índices de salud (presión arterial y glucemia) se encontraron bajo los rangos de normalidad, mientras que para IMC hay tendencia de sobrepeso. Respecto a la calidad de vida, se evidenciaron mediciones elevadas para la imagen corporal y la función sexual, mientras que las dimensiones de disfrute sexual y percepción a futuro presentaron mediciones intermedias. Respecto a la asociación, se observaron correlaciones moderadas entre la presión arterial y los niveles de glucemia, con la imagen corporal y la parte sexual. Conclusiones: Se evidenció una asociación entre los indicadores de salud y calidad de vida, demostrando la necesidad de plantear acciones de prevención e intervención desde una visión interdisciplinaria. De la misma manera, se observó que la calidad de vida requiere una revisión hacia la autoconfianza y relación consigo misma, a través de talleres o charlas que permitan superar las limitaciones propias de la enfermedad y salir adelante.

Objetivo: Identificar a qualidade de vida e a sua associação com parâmetro de saúde em mulheres sobreviventes ao câncer de mama em Popayán, Colômbia. Métodos: Estudo descritivo-correlacional de corte transversal analítico, estudando uma a mostra probabilística de 39 mulheres sobreviventes ao câncer de mama, que responderam um instrumento de formulação própria com aspectos sociais e demográficos, avaliação da qualidade de vida empregando o questionário EORTC QLQ - BR23 e foram estabelecidos o índice de massa corporal (IMC), a pressão arterial e níveis de glicemia segundo padrões internacionais. Resultados: Os níveis de pressão arterial e glicemia encontraram-se nos rangos de normalidade, entretanto, o IMC mostrou a tendência ao sobrepeso. Na aferição da qualidade de vida, observaram-se medições elevadas na imagem corporal e função sexual, enquanto que as dimensões desfrute sexual e percepção do futuro presentaram aferições intermediarias. Na associação de variáveis houve uma moderada relação entre a pressão arterial e os níveis de glicemia com a imagem corporal e a parte sexual. Conclusões: Evidenciou-se a associação entre os indicadores de saúde e a qualidade de vida, demostrando a necessidade de formular ações de prevenção e intervenção desde uma perspectiva interdisciplinar. Do mesmo modo, observou-se que a qualidade de vida requer uma revisão dirigida à autoconfiança e relação com se mesma, através de oficinas ou conferencias que permitam superar as limitações próprias da doença e seguir em frente.

A descriptive study to understand how severity of symptoms after completion of treatment impact on the life of oral cancer patients

Background: Oral cancer is a commonly occurring cancer among Indians, who are mostly habituated to chewing tobacco. It accounts for around 30–40% of all malignant tumors in India and has one of the lowest five years survival rates, as most of them are diagnosed in advanced stages. More so, after the treatment is completed, the patients’ still suffers from a number of symptoms, which are often not taken seriously. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of severity of symptomatology of oral cancer after completion of cancer treatment.Methods: EORTC (European organization for research and treatment of cancer) H and N 35 questionnaire (Marathi version) was used to assess the severity of clinical symptoms. 100 consecutive patients of oral cancer who had completed their treatment and came for follow up after 1 to 3 months of treatment completion were enrolled for the study after taking informed written consent. The study was initiated after obtaining ethical approval from the institutional ethics committee. Statistical analysis was done using R software.Results: Age of the patient, status of insurance, time gap between symptom onset and diagnosis, socio-economic status and stage of oral cancer were included in the final model of multivariate analysis. Time gap between symptom onset and diagnosis (in months) was also found to be associated significantly to head and neck symptoms. Participants from higher socio-economic status were found to have fewer head and neck symptoms and this association was found statistically significant.Conclusions: Assessment of severity of symptomatology should be routinely practiced among patients who had completed their treatment and come for follow up. This needs to be followed by guidance and individualized interventions for improving the quality of life of the treated patients.

Evaluation Of Quality Of Life In Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Based On Eortc Qlq-H And N35 And Karnofsky Scale In Adam Malik General Hospital Medan

Introduction: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignant epithelial cell that lines the nasopharyngeal surface and is aneck head malignancy that has received much attention due to the relatively high mortality rate. Evaluating the quality of lifefor patients with malignancies is important as an “end-point” for treatment and an indicator of patient monitors.Method: This study is an analytical study with cross-sectional research design by analyzing the EORTC QLQ-H and N35 andKarnofsky Scale on 60 NPC patients.Results: Most NPC patients were male, most in Stages III and IV. The most histopathological type is non crystallizing SCC.Based on EORTC QLQ-H and N35, the most complaints of patients with NPC were found to be weight loss and the use ofpainkillers Karnofsky scores of NPC patients who were assessed as having a mean of 70.33.Conclusion: There is a significant correlation between EORTC QLQ - H and N35 with Karnofsky scores (r = −0.612; P = 0.000).The greater the Karnofsky value, the smaller the value of EORTC QLQ - H and N35 means that the quality of life of the patientis getting better, and vice versa

Validity and reliability of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 – Tagalog among adult Filipinos with differentiated Thyroid Cancer / Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies

Objective@#This study aims to determine the convergent and discriminant validity and internal consistent reliability of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) Tagalog among adult Filipinos with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC).@*Methodology@#104 adult Filipinos with DTC at various disease stages self-administered the EORTC QLQ-C30 version 3 Tagalog and Short Form-36 (SF-36) version 2 Tagalog. Concurrent validity between conceptually-related scales from both tools was determined. Convergent and discriminant validity of multi-item scales of the EORTC QLQ-C30 Tagalog were assessed by Spearman’s correlation. Cronbach's α was computed.@*Results@#The EORTC QLQ-C30 Tagalog showed moderate correlation with similar scales in the SF-36 Tagalog particulary for physical, role and social functioning, pain, and global health (r=0.42-0.48, p<0.001). It showed satisfactory item-domain convergent and discriminant validity for all scales except pain, fatigue, physical and cognitive functioning. Internal consistent reliability was good with cronbachs α ranging from 0.77 to 0.88 for global health, emotional and role functioning and symptom scale of nausea/vomiting.@*Conclusion@#The EORTC QLQ-C30 Tagalog had acceptable convergent and discriminant validity and internal consistent reliability for the scales of global health, role, social and emotional functioning and nausea/vomiting when applied among adult Filipinos with DTC.

Evaluating the Nutritional Status of Oncology Patients and Its Association with Quality of Life / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>The primary aim of the study was to compare two nutritional status evaluation tools: the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) and Nutritional Risk Screening (NRS-2002). Using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Core Questionnaire 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30), the second aim was to provide constructive advice regarding the quality of life of patients with malignancy.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>This study enrolled 312 oncology patients and assessed their nutritional status and quality of life using the PG-SGA, NRS-2002, and EORTC QLQ-C30.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The data indicate that 6% of the cancer patients were well nourished. The SGA-A had a higher sensitivity (93.73%) but a poorer specificity (2.30%) than the NRS-2002 (69.30% and 25.00%, respectively) after comparison with albumin. There was a low negative correlation and a high similarity between the PG-SGA and NRS-2002 for evaluating nutritional status, and there was a significant difference in the median PG-SGA scores for each of the SGA classifications (P < 0.001). The SGA-C group showed the highest PG-SGA scores and lowest body mass index. The majority of the target population received 2 points for each item in our 11-item questionnaire from the EORTC QLQ-C30.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The data indicate that the PG-SGA is more useful and suitable for evaluating nutritional status than the NRS-2002. Additionally, early nutrition monitoring can prevent malnutrition and improve the quality of life of cancer patients.</p>

Nutritional Status and Quality of Life of Oncology Patients Prior to Pelvic Radiotherapy

Introduction: Malnutrition among cancer patients is associated with a higher risk of gastrointestinal toxicity which develops during treatment and may affect quality of life (QOL). Thus, this cross-sectional study aimed to determine the nutritional status and QOL of 30 oncology patients (mean age 50.0+10.7 years) prior to pelvic radiotherapy at Hospital Sultan Ismail, Johor Bahru. Methods: Patients were assessed for anthropometry measurements, 24-h diet recall and nutritional status using Scored Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) questionnaire while the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Care Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) was used to assess QOL two weeks prior to the initiation of pelvic radiotherapy. Results: Mean Body Mass Index (BMI) of patients was 23.3+3.3kg/m2 and 33% of patients experienced weight loss prior to pelvic radiotherapy. The PG-SGA rating indicated that 63% of patients were at Stage A (well-nourished) and 37% were in Stage B (moderate malnutrition). The PG-SGA numerical score was a significant predictor of QOL, after adjusting for socio-demographic factors (R2=0.861, p<0.05). Conclusion: In general, the low nutritional status of the patients indicates the need for early nutritional assessment, education and intervention in ensuring optimal nutritional status throughout the pelvic radiotherapy treatment.

The validation of EORTC QLQ-STO22 scale in patients with gastric cancer in China / 肿瘤研究与临床

Objective To test the effectiveness, reliability and acceptability of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-STO22 scale in gastric cancer patients in China. Methods One hundred and twenty-eight cases were collected in the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine of Central South University from September 2014 to April 2015. All the patients completed the EORTC QLQ-STO22 and EORTC QLQ-C30 scales and given the Zubrod-ECOG-WHO (ZPS) score. Karen Bach coefficient and Pearson correlation test were used for statistical analysis while using ZPS score to detect EORTC QLQ-STO22 in validity. After score was standardized, P<0.05 represented the difference had statistical significance. Results The Karen Bach coefficient was 0.607-0.830, confirming that the EORTC QLQ-STO22 scale had good reliability. A number of enhanced analysis showed that the scale had good convergent validity and divergent validity. In the same or similar dimension, EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-STO22 scales had good correlation and the correlation scores were higher than 0.400. The patients were divided into four groups according to ZPS score, with ZPS score increase, the overall quality of life scores were decreasing and entries associated with symptoms were increasing, showing difference between different groups(P<0.05). Conclusion The EORTC QLQ-STO22 scale shows high reliability and validity that can be used for assessing the quality of life of patients with advanced gastric cancer in China.

Quality of Life among Female Breast Cancer Patients in a University Hospital in Malaysia.

Aims: To assess the Quality of Life (QOL) among female breast cancer patients in a university hospital in Malaysia. Study Design: The study was designed as a cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Surgery and Oncology Clinic in University Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC) between 22nd May 2014 and 27th June 2014. Methodology: A total of 133 female breast cancer patients were selected by universal sampling, out of which 117 patients responded. The QOL was measured both by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire C30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) and breast cancer specific supplementary module (QLQ-BR23). Results: The global health status/QOL mean score was 67.81 (SD±18.92). Mean age of the respondent was 54 years (SD±18.39). Nearly half of the Malay breast cancer patients (45.6%) diagnosed at the stage of III & IV. In the functional scales, the highest mean score was observed for cognitive functioning 83.19 (SD±22.26); whereas emotional functioning had the lowest mean score 62.96 (SD±26.39). The respondents were satisfied with their body image with a mean score of 81.34 (SD±24.26) but greatly affected by sexual functioning with a mean score of 31.48 (SD±26.96). Most prevalent general symptoms reported in this study were fatigue, insomnia, pain, appetite loss and financial difficulties; and most prevalent breast cancer specific symptom was found upset by hair loss. Conclusion: Specific measures should be taken for the routine breast cancer screening, awareness and education programmes to promote early detection and diagnosis of the breast cancer. The planned rehabilitation protocol should be addressed by health care professionals to further improve the QOL among breast cancer patients.

A Comparative Study on the Assessment of the Quality of Life by Older Cancer Patients and Caregivers and Assessment of Performance Status by Medical Staff

BACKGROUND: The study examined the correlations among the results of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC)-Quality of Life Questionnaire, Core 30 (QLQ-C30) completed by elderly cancer patients and their family caregivers and the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG)-performance status (PS) evaluated by medical doctors. METHODS: The study sample included 269 persons with cancer aged 55 years or older and their family caregivers recruited from hospitals located in Seoul and Gyeonggi-do. The results of the ECOG-PS evaluated by medical doctors were obtained from medical records. Intra-class correlation analysis was used to assess rater reliability between the elderly cancer patients and their family caregivers. Correlations among the EORTC QLQ-C30 and the ECOG-PS were tested using the Kruskal-Wallis test and Spearmen's correlation. RESULTS: The results showed that four subscales of quality of life (physical functioning, emotional functioning, social functioning, and global health status) and three items under symptoms (fatigue, pain, and financial difficulties) in the EORTC QLQ-C30 were highly consistent between patients and their family caregivers. From the EORTC QLQ-C30 results, social functioning, role functioning, health status, fatigue, pain, and appetite loss (patients results) and physical functioning (family caregivers results) were highly consistent with the results of the ECOG-PS by the physicians. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that when the older persons with cancer have difficulty expressing their own thoughts or feelings, the EORTC QLQ-C30 completed by their family caregivers and the results of the ECOG-PS completed by the physicians could be used as substitutes.

Evaluation of QOL in cancer patients under intervention by a palliative care team

<b>Purpose</b>: We assessed the efficacy of a palliative care team (PCT) in improving quality of life (QOL) among Japanese cancer patients. <b>Patients and methods</b>: This prospective study involved adult patients treated in the Division of Respiratory Medicine and Medical Oncology/Hematology at Kobe University Hospital between November 1, 2009 and March 30, 2010. Every patient had requested intervention by the PCT. Patients were asked to complete the EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL questionnaire at baseline and 1 and 4 weeks after initiation of the PCT intervention. <b>Result</b>: Of the 35 patients enrolled, 26 patients and 15 patients completed the assessments at 1 and 4 weeks after starting the intervention, respectively. Pain subscale (PA) was improved at 1 week after starting the intervention (p<0.05). Dyspnea subscale (DY) and PA were improved at 4 weeks after starting the intervention (p<0.05). <b>Conclusion</b>: We prospectively showed that QOL of cancer patients was improved with the intervention of the PCT, using the Japanese version of the EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL. Even if the PCT can only provide short-term care for cancer patients, this intervention appears worthwhile to improve QOL of cancer patients.

The effect on short-term quality of life in patients with esophageal carcinoma received concurrent chemoradiotherapy / 中国癌症杂志

Background and purpose: Most of the patients with esophageal cancers were late stage cases when diagnosed clinically. Since the prognosis is very poor, it is extremely important to improve the quality of life (QOL) of these patients. Concurrent chemoradiotherapy is an effective modality for esophageal cancer. However, effects on quality of life of chemoradiotherapy are rarely reported domestically. Our purpose was to assess the immediate effect on the quality of life in patients with primary esophageal carcinoma. Methods: QOL was assessed by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) Chinese edition. Fifty-two patients were randomized to receive either concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) or late course accelerated hyperfractionated radiotherapy (LAHF). QOL questionnaires were given before therapy and at the 4th week during radiotherapy, the completion of radiotherapy, and then after 1 and 3 months after the completion of radiotherapy, respectively. Results: It has been observed that the scores of global health status, physical functioning,role functioning and social functioning during the radiotherapy and from completion of radiotherapy to 1 month post radiotherapy in CRT and LAHF groups, deteriorated temporarily, but it were not significant when compared with those before radiotherapy (P>0.05). However, global health status scores, physical functioning scores, role functioning scores were significantly improved in patients who received CRT at 3 months post radiotherapy. Mean scores were improved by 12.0±3.7 (P=0.012),8.1±2.9 (P=0.023) and 14.8±5.2 (P=0.015), respectively. Nausea and vomiting, pain and appetite loss scales scores rapidly recovered to the baseline level after therapy, although they were worsened during therapy.Conclusion: Global health status scores, physical functioning scores and role functioning scores were significantly improved at 3 months after radiotherapy in patients treated by CRT. In terms of QOL, CRT is a feasible modality for esophageal cancer.

The comparision between two international QOL questionnaire of lung cancer:EORTC QLQ-LC43 and FACT-L / 中国癌症杂志

Background and purpose:Quality of life (QOL) questionnaires are tools to assess the quality of life of patients. How to choose a proper questionnaire is the fi rst problem of QOL assessment in clinic research. However, there is few report on it. Our current research compares the data obtained from two world-wide used QOL questionnaire of lung cancer patients EORTC QLQ-LC43 (European Organisation for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Lung Cancer43) and FACT-L (Functional Assessment of Cancer Treatment-Lung) by various statistic methods in order to show differences between the two questionnaires and to provide some suggestions for choosing questionnaires to assess patients’ QOL in clinic research. Methods:The clinic data were obtained from 125 lung cancer patients by two different international QOL questionnaires of lung cancer patients EORTC QLQ-LC43 and FACT-L, and analyzed by various statistic methods such as Pearson correlation analysis, canonical correlation analysis and multiple regression. In addition, we also compare the general modality such as the frame, item numbers and the contents of the subscales, etc. Results:Of the two QOL there are some parts similar in length, ranking type and time construction, even in items. They all contain items in measuring the physical domain, emotion domain, function domain, society domain and lung domain. Correlations between corresponding subscales of the FACT-L and the EORTC QLQ-LC43 are all signifi cant ranging from r=0.331 for the social domain to r=0.664 for the emotional domain. Canonical correlation analysis for the two sets of subscales revealed there are four signifi cant canonical variables (canonical correlation coeffi cient r=0.87 to 0.26 and overall redundancy about 41% ). The eight EORTC QLQ-LC43 subscales are well represented by the fi ve FACT-L subscales (multiple linear regression, R 2=0.531 to 0.766) and the fi ve FACT-L subscales (except relationship with doctors) are also well represented by EORTC QLQ- LC43 subscales (R 2=0.537 to 0.823). The proportion of the corresponding subscale in the total explanation is 50% to 90%. Conclusion:These two questionnaires cover some common parts, but they measure different contents of QOL. Though have the same name, some domains cann’t be compared directly. The two questionnaires cann’t be alternative and the results of them shouldn’t be compaired directly. Both questionnaires are suited for clinic study (e.g compare the effect of two different theropies). But each has its own characters and should be chosen according to reseach goals.

A Study of the Quality of Life Following after Curative Surgery for Gastric Cancer

PURPOSE: The quality of life of patients who have undergone surgery for carcinoma of the esophagus, breast, or lung has been discussed, however, little is known of the results following radical surgery for gastric cancer. We evaluated the quality of life of patients who had undergone radical surgery for gastric cancer and clarified the factors that influenced the quality of life for patients with gastric cancer. METHODS: We surveyed one hundred and thirty seven patients without recurrence of disease or chronic diseases following gastrectomy for gastric cancer. A questionnaire based on the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30 was used to analyse the correlations between six functional scales and nine symptom scales and stage, surgical methods, chemotherapy, and performance status by scoring system. RESULTS: The quality of life following gastrectomy was determined by the stage of the disease at surgery, the surgical method, the application of anticancer chemotherapy, and the patient's own performance status. Patients with more advanced stages had a lower quality of life, and those who underwent total gastrectomy were expected to have a lower quality of life than patients who received subtotal gastrectomy. However there were no differences in the quality of life between patients with gastrojejunostomy and gastroduodenostomy following subtotal gastrectomy. The severity of postoperative weight loss had no influence on the quality of life. Patients undergoing chemotherapy showed higher points in the symptom scale rather than the functional scale. The functional scale and the symptom scale both showed asignificant difference according to the patient's performance status as assessed by the surgeon after a survey of the patient. CONCLUSION: We consider the periodic evaluation of the quality of life following gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer to be useful in obtaining information concerning the patient's postoperative course and in assessing the therapeutic efficiency of the patient.