Evaluating health related quality of life in outpatients receiving anti-cancer treatment: results from an observational, cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: The aim of the study was to assess health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in outpatients receiving anti-cancer treatment.

Methods: Observational, cross-sectional, single-center study that assessed HRQOL in cancer patients receiving antineoplastic treatment.

Results: A total of 184 patients were included in the study; the median total FACT-G score was 66 ± 12.9; the scores for the physical well-being, social/family well-being, emotional well-being and functional well-being domains were 17.8 + 4.8, 19.1 ± 4.4, 14.8 ± 3.8 and 14.3 ± 4.7 respectively. Patients with adverse events had poorer HRQOL compared to those without them (FACT-G score 62.2 vs. 67.3; p < 0.05). In the multivariate analysis the variables associated with poorer HRQOL in the form of a gradient were tumor stage and performance status (ECOG); female sex was also associated with poorer HRQOL.

Conclusion: In our study, the neoplastic disease and anti-cancer treatment toxicities had an impact on HRQOL. Patients had poorer scores in the functional well-being domain and higher ones in the social/family well-being domain. Variables associated with worse HRQOL were tumor stage, performance status (ECOG) and female sex.

Keywords: Cancer; Cutaneous adverse events; FACT-G; Patient-reported outcomes; Quality of life; Targeted therapies.