Quality of Life in Anal Carcinoma Patients After Treatment
Author Information
Author(s): Allal A S, Sprangers M A G, Laurencet F, Reymond M A, Kurtz J M
Primary Institution: University Hospital of Geneva
Hypothesis
The study aims to assess long-term quality of life in patients treated for anal carcinomas with radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy.
Conclusion
Long-term quality of life for patients treated with sphincter conservation for anal carcinomas is generally acceptable, though issues with diarrhea and sexual function persist.
Supporting Evidence
- 41 out of 52 identified patients were evaluable for the study.
- The median follow-up interval was 116 months.
- Quality of life was measured using the EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-CR38 questionnaires.
- Functional scale scores ranged from 71 to 85, while symptom scale scores ranged from 6 to 28 for the QLQ-C30.
- For the QLQ-CR38, functional scale scores ranged from 13 to 74, and symptom scale scores ranged from 5 to 66.
Takeaway
This study looked at how happy and healthy people felt after treatment for anal cancer, and most felt okay, but some had problems with diarrhea and sexual function.
Methodology
Quality of life was assessed using two self-rating questionnaires developed by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer.
Limitations
The study only included patients who were alive at least 3 years post-treatment and had a functioning anal sphincter.
Participant Demographics
The study included 41 evaluable patients, 35 females and 6 males, with a median age of 71 years.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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