Urinary catheterization may not adversely impact quality of life in multiple sclerosis patients.

Background. Multiple sclerosis (MS) healthcare providers (HCP) have undergone considerable educational efforts regarding the importance of evaluating and treating pelvic floor disorders, specifically, urinary dysfunction. However, limited data are available to determine the impact of catheterization on patient quality of life (QoL). Objectives. To describe the use of urinary catheterization among MS patients and determine the differences between those who report positive versus negative impact of this treatment on QoL. Methods. Patients were queried as part of the 2010 North American Research Committee On Multiple Sclerosis survey; topics included 1) urinary/bladder, bowel, or sexual problems; 2) current urine leakage; 3) current catheter use; 4) catheterizing and QoL. Results. Respondents with current urine leakage were 5143 (54.7%), of which 1201 reported current catheter use (12.8%). The types of catheters (intermittent self-catheterization and Foley catheter (indwelling and suprapubic)) did not differ significantly. Of the current catheter users, 304 (25.35%) respondents reported catheterization negatively impacting QoL, 629 (52.4%) reported a positive impact on QoL, and 223 (18.6%) reported neutral QoL. Conclusions. A large proportion of catheterized MS patients report negative or positive changes in QoL associated with urinary catheterization. Urinary catheterization does not appear to have a universally negative impact on patient QoL.

The prevalence of urinary catheterization in women and men with multiple sclerosis.

CONTEXT/OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of urinary catheterization in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). DESIGN/INTERVENTION: After obtaining Institutional Review Board exemption, results from the Fall 2005 North American Research Committee on Multiple Sclerosis (NARCOMS) survey were reviewed. PARTICIPANTS: Respondents to the fall 2005 NARCOMS survey. OUTCOME MEASURES: Responses to the Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6), the Short Form-12 (SF-12), the Patient Determined Disease Steps measure of physical disability, and urologic history were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the χ(2) and Student's t-tests, and multivariable logistic and linear regression. RESULTS: Of 9702 (58%) responses were returned, excluding respondents with prior bladder surgery, 9676 participants were reviewed: primarily white (92.9%), women (75.3%), with average age of diagnosis of 30.2 (SD 10.0) years. Urinary catheterization was reported by 2514 (26%) respondents, with 1091 (11%) reporting current and 1423 (15%) past catheter use. Among all catheter types (possibly ≥ 1), intermittent self-catheterization was most common (81%), followed by transurethral Foley catheterization (43%) and suprapubic catheterization (8%). Males were more likely to catheterize than females (32 versus 24%, P < 0.001) and use indwelling methods (P < 0.001). Catheterizing patients reported longer disease duration, greater physical disability, increased overactive bladder symptoms, and reduced quality of life (QoL) scores (all P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to demonstrate significant rates (1 in 4) of urinary catheterization in patients with MS. Although thought to be common, the true rates of catheter use among MS patient were previously unknown. Urinary catheterization appears to be associated with reduced QoL, increased physical disability and longer disease duration as well.

Minimally invasive surgery versus laparotomy in women with high grade endometrial cancer: a multi-site study performed at high volume cancer centers.

OBJECTIVE: The study aim was to compare outcomes in women with high-grade endometrial cancer (EC) who underwent surgical staging via minimally invasive surgery (MIS) versus laparotomy. METHODS: This is a retrospective, multi-institutional cohort study of patients with high-grade EC who were comprehensively surgically staged by either MIS or laparotomy. Demographic, surgical variables, complications, and survival were analyzed. RESULTS: Three hundred and eighty-three patients met criteria: 191 underwent laparotomy and 192 MIS (65% robotic, 35% laparoscopy). Subgroups were well matched by age (mean 66 years), stage, body mass index, histology and adjuvant therapies. Median operative time was longer in the MIS group (191 vs. 135 min; p<.001). However, the MIS cohort had a higher mean lymph node count (39.0 vs. 34.0; p=.03), shorter hospital stay (1 vs. 4 days) and significantly fewer complications (8.4% vs. 31.3%; p<.001). There was no significant difference in lymph node count with laparoscopic versus robotic staging. With a median follow-up time of 44 months, progression-free (PFS) and overall survival were not significantly different between the surgical cohorts. On multivariable analysis, stage, treatment were associated with PFS. CONCLUSIONS: Women with high grade endometrial cancers staged by minimally invasive techniques experienced fewer complications and similar survival outcomes compared to those staged by laparotomy. As this population is elderly and most will receive adjuvant therapies, minimization of surgical morbidity is of interest. When managed by expert laparoscopists or robotic surgeons, a high-risk histologic subtype is not a contraindication to minimally invasive surgery in women with apparent early-stage disease.

Toxicity of weekly oral topotecan in relation to dosage for gynecologic malignancies: a phase I study.

The aim of this study was to determine the dose of weekly oral topotecan that allows safe administration and to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of this dose in patients with recurrent gynecologic malignancies. The first cohort of patients received oral topotecan 6 mg/week administered orally on days 1, 8, and 15 of a 28-day regimen. A standard 3+3 dose-escalating phase design was used for dose levels II-V (8, 10, 12 and 14 mg/week). Toxicity was scored according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events. Cumulative toxicity was summarized in the 6-12 mg/week combined cohort and 14 mg/week cohort separately. Pharmacokinetic samples were obtained for day 1, cycle 1 only in the expansion cohort (dose level V). Twenty-five patients received a total of 88 cycles of therapy. Hematologic toxicities of grade 3 (6-12 mg dose) were neutropenia (25%) and anemia (8.3%). Gastrointestinal toxicities of grade 3 were diarrhea (16.7%) and obstruction (8.3%, disease-related). Grade 3 or 4 (14 mg/week) hematologic toxicities consisted of neutropenia (38.5%), platelets (15.4%), anemia (15.4%), infection with neutropenia (7.7%), and thrombosis (7.7%). Gastrointestinal toxicities of grade 3 were diarrhea (7.7%), obstruction (7.7%), and vomiting (7.7%). One patient died secondary to neutropenic sepsis. One patient (4%; 95% confidence interval: 2.1, 22.3) showed a partial response and five patients (20%; 95% confidence interval: 7.6, 41.3) had stable disease. An oral topotecan dose of 14 mg/week for 3 consecutive weeks out of 4 is mostly associated with acceptable toxicities and may be considered for use in future single-agent phase II trials.

Comparison of single-port laparoscopy, standard laparoscopy, and robotic surgery in patients with endometrial cancer.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate single-port laparoscopy (SPL) for the surgical treatment of presumed early-stage endometrial cancer and to compare surgical outcomes to laparoscopy and robotics. METHODS: A multi-institutional, matched retrospective cohort study was performed. All patients with clinical stage I or occult stage II endometrial cancer who underwent SPL hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy +/- lymphadenectomy from April 2009 to September 2010 were identified. Outcomes were compared with patients matched by age, body mass index (BMI), tumor histology, and grade, who underwent laparoscopy or robotic surgery. Data was analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis 1-way analysis of variance and chi-square test for frequency data. A P value of <.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: A total of 90 matched patients (30 SPL, 30 LSC, and 30 robotic) were included in the study. There were no significant differences in median operating time or estimated blood loss between the 3 groups. The median number of pelvic lymph nodes obtained was significantly higher in the robotic (17.0 [8-36] and SPL group (16.0 [11-21]) compared with the laparoscopy group (13.0 [3-18]) P = .04. However, there was no significant difference in the median number of para-aortic nodes obtained between the 3 groups. There was no significant difference between the groups in length of hospital stay, comorbid conditions, complication rates, or operative times. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest SPL surgery for endometrial carcinoma is feasible with similar operating times, hospital length of stay, complication rates, and estimated blood loss when compared with laparoscopy and robotics.

The association between quality of life domains and overall survival in ovarian cancer patients during adjuvant chemotherapy: a Gynecologic Oncology Group Study.

PURPOSE: To explore the association between baseline quality of life (QOL) scores and overall survival (OS) in ovarian cancer patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy. METHODS: Patients with stage III ovarian cancer on Gynecologic Oncology Group protocol #172 completed the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G) and were then randomly assigned to either intravenous (IV) or intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy. The FACT scale includes physical, functional, social, and emotional well-being domains (PWB, FWB, SWB, EWB). The PWB item, lack of energy, was used to assess the presence of fatigue. RESULTS: After adjusting for patient age, treatment assignment, and the presence of gross disease, PWB was associated with OS. Patients who reported baseline PWB scores in the lowest 25% (PWB score<15 points) relative to those who scored in the highest 25% (PWB score>24 points) had decreased OS (HR: 1.81; 95% CI: 1.2-2.72; p=0.005). Patients experienced death rates 20% lower for every mean item point increase in PWB (Hazard Ratio [HR]: 0.80; 95% CI: 0.68-0.93; p=0.005). Patients complaining of fatigue did not have an increased risk of death compared with those not feeling fatigued (HR: 1.21; 95% CI: 0.91-1.61; p=0.19). CONCLUSIONS: Poor physical well-being reported at baseline is associated with risk of death in patients undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy for advanced ovarian cancer. Identifying modifiable characteristics that are associated with survival offers the potential for providing support that may improve outcomes.

Quality of life in endometrial cancer survivors: what does obesity have to do with it?

Objective. Most women with type I endometrial cancer (EC) are obese, increasing the risk of morbidity and mortality in this population. The study objective was to evaluate the impact of obesity on quality of life (QOL) and general health status in EC survivors with early-stage disease. Methods. A prospective ancillary analysis of stage I/II EC survivors. The association of BMI with QOL questionnaire variables measured with the functional assessment of cancer therapy (subscales: physical (PWB), functional (FWB), social, and emotional well-being) and the physical (PCS) and mental component summary subscales of the short-form medical outcomes survey was determined. Results. 152 women completed both questionnaires; 81% were obese. After multiple linear regression, BMI was inversely associated with PWB (P = .001), FWB (P = 0.048), and PCS (P = .001). Conclusions. Despite the good prognosis associated with early-stage EC, QOL, and physical health are not optimized in obese survivors. This paper highlights the importance of incorporating health-related QOL assessments and obesity interventions during the survivorship period.

The effect of sleep disturbance on quality of life in women with ovarian cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of sleep disturbances, and to determine if there is an association between sleep disturbances with quality of life (QOL), depression or clinical demographic variables. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer during the last 5years completed questionnaires regarding sleep patterns and disturbances [Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)], depression [Beck Depression inventory (BDI)], and QOL [The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Ovarian (FACT-O), fatigue module (-F)]. Data were analyzed by Student's t-test or Pearson correlation coefficient to determine if there were differences between PSQI score with QOL, depression or clinical demographic variables. RESULTS: 86/275 (31% response) of patients returned the surveys. Mean age was 58.1 (SD=14.6) years and 70% had advanced disease at diagnosis. Thirty-six percent had current disease of which 81% were receiving chemotherapy. Sixty-seven percent of patients had a PSQI score≥5 corresponding to overall poor sleep quality and 46% of patients reported using sleep medication at least once during the prior month. PSQI score was significantly inversely correlated with all QOL domains (physical: r=-.599, p<.001, functional: r=-.692, p<.001, social: r=-.212, p<.001, emotional: r=-.379, p<.001, fatigue; r=-.655 p<.001) and with depression (r=.539, p<.001). PSQI was not correlated with age, time since diagnosis, number of previous chemotherapy regimens. PSQI score did not differ by current disease or chemotherapy status. CONCLUSIONS: Sleep disturbances reduce QOL, a prognostic indicator for survival, in ovarian cancer patients. These patients should undergo routine screening and would benefit from interventions that aim to promote restful sleep.

Feasibility of a lifestyle intervention for ovarian cancer patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the feasibility of a lifestyle intervention for promoting physical activity (PA) and diet quality during adjuvant chemotherapy for ovarian cancer. METHODS: Patients were enrolled post-operatively and received PA and nutrition counseling, at every chemotherapy visit for six cycles. Quality of life (QoL) was measured with the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT-G), PA with the Leisure Score Index (LSI), dietary intake with 3-day food records, and symptom severity/distress by the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale (MSAS). Pedometer step count was collected during chemotherapy cycles. RESULTS: Recruitment was 73% with 27 patients enrolled. Mean [95% confidence interval] change in minutes of PA from cycle #3 to following cycle #6 was 61 min [-3, 120] p=0.063, and from baseline to after cycle #6 was 73 min [-10, 15]; p=0.082. Mean change in total fruit and vegetable consumption between baseline and during chemotherapy was 0.56 [-0.09, 0.64]; p=0.090. FACT-G increased from 75.4 at baseline to 77.6 during chemotherapy and 83.9 following chemotherapy (p=0.001 for change from baseline to post-chemotherapy). Mean total MSAS score was 20.6 at baseline, 26.6 at cycle #3 and decreased to 17.0 following chemotherapy (p=0.01 comparison of cycle #3 and following chemotherapy). Increased moderate to strenuous PA was correlated with higher physical well-being during chemotherapy (r=0.48, p=0.037). CONCLUSIONS: Lifestyle counseling during adjuvant chemotherapy for ovarian cancer is feasible and may improve PA and diet quality. Randomized controlled trials examining the effects of lifestyle counseling on quality of life and treatment outcomes in ovarian cancer patients are warranted.

Abnormal cervical cytology in the diagnosis of uterine papillary serous carcinoma: earlier detection of a poor prognostic cancer subtype?

OBJECTIVE: Early detection of uterine papillary serous (UPSC), clear cell (CCC), and grade 3 endometrioid carcinomas (G3EC) - all poor prognostic variants of endometrial carcinoma (EC) - is of particular clinical relevance. The study objective was to assess the utility of liquid-based cytology (Pap) in the detection of high-grade EC. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective, two-institution analysis of patients diagnosed with UPSC, CCC, or G3EC with a preoperative Pap from 1999 to 2010 was conducted. RESULTS: One hundred and one patients were evaluated; 51.5% had UPSC, 27.7% had CCC, and 20.8% had G3EC. Stage I/II disease was found in 69.3% of patients, and 46/101 patients (45.5%) had abnormal Paps. Significantly more patients with UPSC had abnormal Paps (65.7%) than those with CCC (25%) or G3EC (23.8%; p < 0.001). An abnormal Pap was the only presenting clinical finding in a significant number of asymptomatic UPSC patients (26.9%) compared with 4% of patients with CCC and G3EC (p = 0.005). On multivariate analysis, UPSC histology was the only variable associated with an abnormal Pap. CONCLUSIONS: A high incidence of abnormal cervical cytology was observed in women with high-grade EC, particularly in UPSC patients. Although hypothesis generating, a proportion of asymptomatic UPSC patients had abnormal cytology, signifying that Pap smear screening may help detect the disease before the patient develops symptoms.

Lifestyle challenges in endometrial cancer survivorship.

OBJECTIVE: To examine lifestyle behaviors that may contribute to endometrial cancer survivor morbidity and to identify associations with quality of life. METHODS: Patients with early-stage (I or II) endometrial cancer with a body mass index of at least 25 kg/m2 completed questionnaires on smoking, physical activity, fruit and vegetable intake, and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT) and Short-Form medical outcomes (SF-36) quality-of-life surveys. Behaviors were compared with American Cancer Society 2006 guidelines for cancer survivors (150 min/wk of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity; five servings fruit and vegetables per day; no smoking). Effect size (d) was calculated for the difference in means between meeting and not meeting guidelines (d=0.5 moderate effect). RESULTS: A total of 120 participants were enrolled. Of those, 43% had hypertension, 35% osteoarthritis, 33% metabolic syndrome, 21% type 2 diabetes mellitus, and 93% abdominal obesity. Only 12% of participants were meeting physical activity guidelines. Fifteen percent reported five or more servings of fruit and vegetables per day; mean intake was 2.6 servings per day. Seventy-four percent of participants were nonsmokers. Only 1% of participants met all three American Cancer Society guidelines; 22% met none of the recommendations. The emotional well-being (mean 17.4 [±4.1] compared with 20.1 [±4.1]; d=0.66) and fatigue scores (mean 34.6 [±9.5] compared with 40.5 [±9.6]; d=0.62) indicate that those who do not meet the guidelines had lower emotional well-being and increased fatigue. CONCLUSION: Endometrial cancer survivors have unhealthy lifestyles that put them at risk for morbidity. This survivor group should be offered multi-behavioral lifestyle interventions after diagnosis. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT 00420979 and NCT00732173. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

A review of issues surrounding quality of life among women with ovarian cancer.

OBJECTIVES: Progress has been made towards prolonging survival of ovarian cancer patients. This trend has placed increasing attention upon the quality of life (QoL). The aim of this study was to review the existing literature on QoL, including measurement tools, and to explore opportunities to optimize well-being. METHODS: A comprehensive computer literature search of English language studies was performed in MEDLINE databases up to February 2010. RESULTS: Validated tools have been used in multiple studies to provide a mechanism to asses information about QoL in ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer and its treatment have significant effects on QoL including fatigue and the physical and functional domains. Studies indicate that ovarian cancer patients needs and QoL change during the trajectory of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: As new treatment strategies for ovarian cancer are developed, research efforts should identify how therapeutics will affect QoL and include interventions to prevent or minimize the detrimental effects.

An updated clinicopathologic study of early-stage uterine papillary serous carcinoma (UPSC).

OBJECTIVES: Stage I-II uterine papillary serous carcinoma (UPSC) patients have a significant risk for extrapelvic recurrence. However, clinicopathologic risk factors for recurrence are not well understood. This study was undertaken to define the prognostic factors for recurrence and survival in patients with early-stage UPSC. METHODS: A retrospective, multi-institution analysis of surgically staged I-II UPSC patients was performed. Patients were treated by various adjuvant modalities. Age, race, sub-stage, percentage UPSC histology, lymphvascular space invasion (LVSI), tumor size and adjuvant treatment modality were evaluated for their effect on recurrence and survival outcomes. RESULTS: We identified 206 patients. Forty patients (19.4%) had 5-49% UPSC, 55 (26.7%) had 50-99% and 111 patients (53.9%) had 100% UPSC in their respective uterine specimens. Twenty one percent of patients experienced a primary recurrence. On univariate analysis, age, increasing %UPSC, LVSI, and tumor size were not significantly associated with recurrence or progression-free survival (PFS). However, substage (p=0.005) and treatment with platinum/taxane-based chemotherapy (p=0.001) were associated with recurrence/PFS. On multivariate analysis, only chemotherapy (p=0.01) was a significant factor affecting PFS, whereas age (p=0.05), substage (p=0.05), and chemotherapy (p=0.02) were associated with overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: Traditional risk factors for recurrence and survival in patients with early-stage endometrial cancer may not be relevant in patients with UPSC. Patients with any percentage UPSC in their uterine specimens are at a significant risk for recurrence and poor survival outcomes. Given that current clinicopathologic data does not accurately identify women most likely to benefit from adjuvant therapy, alternative prognostic markers based on novel techniques should be explored.

Endometrial cancer and obesity: epidemiology, biomarkers, prevention and survivorship.

Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecologic malignancy in the Western world and is strongly associated with obesity. Despite the fact that most cases are diagnosed in early, more favorable stages, endometrial cancer incidence and mortality rates are on the rise. Morbidly obese women with endometrial cancer are more likely to die of their co-morbidities and also of their cancers when compared to their leaner cohorts. Given the increasing rates of morbid obesity in the United States, it is essential to develop appropriate screening tools and guidelines to reduce cancer morbidity and death amongst this group. Through an analysis of the existing literature, we present a review of the epidemiologic trends in obesity and endometrial cancer, discuss the promising role of screening biomarker studies, review prevention efforts and modifiable risk factors, and ways in which health outcomes and quality of life for endometrial cancer survivors may be optimized.

Body weight and composition changes in ovarian cancer patients during adjuvant chemotherapy.

OBJECTIVE: To prospectively examine body weight changes in women with newly diagnosed ovarian cancer receiving surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy. Body composition was examined in a subset of these women. METHODS: Body weight (BW) and body composition, using bioelectrical impedance (RJL Systems Inc.), were prospectively measured pre- and post-operatively, and at 3, 6, and 12 months. RESULTS: Mean age of 42 women was 59 years and did not differ by stage of disease. Nine women with early stage disease did not receive adjuvant chemotherapy. Mean BW of 33 patients receiving chemotherapy decreased from the pre- to post-operative visit and then returned to baseline levels by 12 months (F = 8.70, P = 0.003). Nine patients who did not receive chemotherapy demonstrated a similar pattern (F = 7.0, P = 0.002). Women receiving chemotherapy with stage I/II cancer had a 2.8 +/- 2.0 kg weight gain over the year, and women with stage III/IV cancer had a 1.5 +/- 1.5 kg weight loss (t = 1.72, P = 0.096). A subset of women with stage I/II (n = 6) and stage III/IV (n = 6) ovarian cancer receiving chemotherapy had body composition measured at three time points. Absolute body fat changes paralleled changes in BW (F = 9.95, P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Our study is the first prospective evaluation of body weight and composition in women undergoing surgery and chemotherapy for ovarian cancer. These results demonstrate that women undergoing surgery for ovarian cancer lost weight following surgery and regained it slowly over the following year. Further investigations of weight changes during adjuvant chemotherapy are indicated to assess potential changes in different stages of disease.

Longitudinal assessment of quality of life and lifestyle in newly diagnosed ovarian cancer patients: the roles of surgery and chemotherapy.

OBJECTIVES: To prospectively evaluate quality of life (QoL), use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), and diet/exercise changes in ovarian cancer patients during the first 6 months following diagnosis. METHODS: Patients with newly diagnosed ovarian cancer were enrolled pre- or post-operatively and surveyed at 3 and 6 months. The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT-G), Medical Outcomes Survey (SF-36), and CAM/diet/exercise questionnaires were used. Independent samples t test and repeated measures ANOVA were used. RESULTS: Forty-two patients underwent surgical debulking and staging prior to chemotherapy. Patients completing the initial surveys post-operatively had significantly lower physical FACT-G and SF-36 physical scores compared to patients completing the surveys pre-operatively. In patients completing the baseline survey pre-operatively, there was a decrease in physical scores at 3 months (after surgery and during chemotherapy). There was no change observed at 3 months relative to baseline when patients completed the baseline survey post-operatively. Increases in physical and functional well-being were seen at 6 months relative to 3 months. There were no changes in emotional or social scores over time. CAM use increased over time; main reasons were to improve QoL and relieve symptoms. Alterations in diet and exercise were not seen. CONCLUSIONS: These data highlight the need to conduct assessments before and after surgery to identify effects due to surgery and/or chemotherapy. Patients may be using CAM during chemotherapy to deal with symptoms and compensate for decreased QoL. Intervention trials should be implemented to increase QoL following surgery and during adjuvant chemotherapy.

The impact of obesity and age on quality of life in gynecologic surgery.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to prospectively evaluate the effect of early stage endometrial cancer, age, and obesity on quality of life (QOL). STUDY DESIGN: Women undergoing surgery for endometrial cancer or an adnexal mass determined at surgery to be benign (controls) were enrolled preoperatively and followed for 6 months. RESULTS: Seventy-nine women completed the study. Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT-G) scores increased significantly in all women; however, significant differences by patient weight and age were obtained. Obesity was associated with decreased physical FACT-G and SF-36 scores. Older women had lower SF-36 physical scores, higher emotional scores, and less change over time. CONCLUSION: Women with early endometrial cancer had similar changes in QOL as those who received surgery for benign disease. Obese and elderly women had domain alterations. Given the aging population and rising incidence of obesity, these results emphasize the need for QOL interventions in postoperative gynecologic care of these patients.

Treatment patterns by decade of life in elderly women (> or =70 years of age) with ovarian cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Elderly patients are less likely to receive surgery and platinum-based combination chemotherapy than younger patients. We evaluated multi-institutional management of ovarian cancer in the elderly. METHODS: Charts of women with ovarian, primary peritoneal or fallopian tube cancer from 1/1996-6/2004, age > or =70 years were reviewed. Age, stage, medical co-morbidities, surgery, chemotherapy, treatment modification, toxicity and survival were analyzed. Chi-square, logistic regression and survival analysis were used. RESULTS: Of 131 patients, 90 were ages 70-79 (group 1 = G1) and 41 were >80 years of age (group 2 = G2). Surgery was performed in 80 patients in G1; 25 patients in G2 (P = 0.001). Among patients who underwent surgery, optimal debulking and post-operative complications did not differ between groups. Ninety-five percent of patients received platinum-based therapy and 83% received combination platinum/paclitaxel in G1, compared to 90% and 41%, respectively, in G2 (P < 0.001). Of those receiving platinum therapy, 36% in G1 and 41% in G2 required dose reductions or termination of therapy. Forty percent of G1 and 50% of G2 required a delay of therapy; the majority occurring in patients receiving combination therapy. Hematological toxicity increased with use of combination therapy, but not with advancing age or Charlson score. Successful debulking surgery significantly impacted survival, and when controlling for this factor, age was not a significant variable. CONCLUSION: The extreme elderly had a decreased likelihood of receiving surgery and combination chemotherapy despite equivalent co-morbidities. In this analysis, optimal surgical cytoreduction had the greatest impact on survival.

Effect of method of administration on longitudinal assessment of quality of life in gynecologic cancer: an exploratory study.

BACKGROUND: Longitudinal assessments of quality of life are needed to measure changes over the course of a disease and treatment. Computer versions of quality of life instruments have increased the feasibility of obtaining longitudinal measurements. However, there remain occasions when patients are not able to complete these questionnaires. This study examined whether changes measured using a computer version of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - General (FACT-G) on two occasions would be obtained if patients completed a paper version on one of the two occasions. METHODS: Gynecologic oncology patients completed a computer version of the FACT-G pre-operatively and at six months. Patients were given the option of using the paper version instead of the computer at either time point. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used. RESULTS: One hundred nineteen patients completed the FACT-G at both time points. Seventy-one (60%) patients used the computer at both visits, 26 (21.8%) used the computer followed by the paper version, 17 (14.3%) used the paper version followed by the computer version, and five patients (4.2%) used the paper version at both visits. Significant effects over time were obtained in the physical, functional, and emotional well-being domains, and in total scores, but there were no effects of method of administration of the questionnaires and no interaction between method of administration and changes over time. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that women are responding to the content of the questionnaire and not method of data collection. Although using the same method of administration of instruments over time is desirable, using alternate methods is preferable to forgoing data collection entirely. Large scale studies should be conducted to determine if the multiple methods of data collection that are becoming increasingly available are producing interchangeable information.

Clinical disease course during the last year in ovarian cancer.

OBJECTIVE(S): The objective was to determine whether there were changes in the pattern and nature of hospitalizations during the last year that could be used in the assessment of whether chemotherapy should be continued. METHODS: Retrospective data were collected from patients who died from ovarian cancer between 1/2000 and 12/2001. Charts from four hospitals were reviewed to abstract chemotherapy, reason for hospitalization, and the incidence of three significant clinical events (bowel obstruction, pleural effusion requiring thoracentesis, and abdominal ascites requiring paracentesis). Data were analyzed in 3-month intervals. RESULTS: Sixty-two patient charts were reviewed. Quarterly admissions increased linearly over the year (7, 18, 27, and 47, P < 0.0001). Hospitalizations for ascites, bowel obstruction, and pleural effusion began increasing around 6 months preceding death. Twenty-two patients did not receive chemotherapy during the last 3 months. Of the 40 patients receiving chemotherapy in the last 3 months, over half were not hospitalized during the period 4-6 months before death, and a further 20% were hospitalized for nonsignificant clinical events. Approximately one-quarter of the patients, however, continued to receive chemotherapy following hospitalization for a significant clinical event. CONCLUSION(S): There were significant changes in the pattern and nature of hospitalization during the last 6 months that included hospitalizations for bowel obstruction, pleural effusion, or ascites. The occurrence of these events suggests that further chemotherapy should be realistically evaluated with the patient, which may reduce the number of patients who receive chemotherapy during their last few months of life.