Effects of radiation and surgery on function and quality of life (QOL) in rectal cancer patients

Abstract

Pre-operative radiotherapy (PRT) and total mesorectal excision surgery (TME) for rectal cancer yield the lowest risk for local recurrence. However, both treatments negatively impact quality of life (QOL). To understand individual treatment effects, we ask whether PRT affects function and quality of life before TME. Function and QOL were prospectively assessed in 26 patients using EORTC QLQ-C30/-CR38, and Wexner scale at three time points: before PRT, 6 weeks after PRT and before TME, and one year after stoma closure. Wexner score did not change post-PRT but did increase post-TME (p < .01). Micturition score did not change with PRT or TME (p = .29). Sexual function score improved post-PRT (p = .03) but did not change post-TME. Global health status did not change post-treatments (p = .45). Future perspective improved post-surgery (p = .04). PRT did not affect micturition, bowel function, or QOL. Future perspective improved despite increased bowel problems and fecal incontinence. QOL was maintained after curative rectal cancer treatments, radiation and TME surgery. This information may help patients and physicians better understand effects of PRT and TME treatments for rectal cancer.