PURPOSE: Adjuvant pelvic radiotherapy after radical surgery for rectal cancer may produce several side-effects (mainly gastrointestinal) capable of affecting patient lifestyle. This prospective study evaluated by means of a diary card the toxicity and daily changes in the quality of life of patients with rectal cancer treated with postoperative pelvic radiotherapy. METHODS: We used a diary card listing ten items about lifestyle changes and side-effects compiled by patients themselves. The patients were stratified by age (< or = 65 vs. > 65 years), the presence or not of a stoma, and the administration or not of concurrent chemotherapy. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients were evaluable. The mean number of bowel movements increased across time, without statistically significant differences. Nausea and appetite did not significantly change during the treatment period. There was a statistically significant, progressive increase in the perception of pain (P < 0.03). Although not significantly, the anxiety scores were lower during radiotherapy than at baseline. Daily activities and compliance with therapy did not significantly change during the treatment. There was a significant worsening in overall well-being (P < 0.04) and quality of life evaluation (P < 0.03). The patients who received chemoradiotherapy experienced a worsened lifestyle and greater side-effects. Older patients experienced less pain but had statistically significant higher levels of anxiety. Patients with a stoma reported a better quality of life score than those without. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a diary card may be an adequate means of detecting the extent of treatment-related changes in the lifestyle of patients with rectal cancer treated by postoperative radiotherapy.
PURPOSE: Adjuvant pelvic radiotherapy after radical surgery for rectal cancer may produce several side-effects (mainly gastrointestinal) capable of affecting patient lifestyle. This prospective study evaluated by means of a diary card the toxicity and daily changes in the quality of life of patients with rectal cancer treated with postoperative pelvic radiotherapy. METHODS: We used a diary card listing ten items about lifestyle changes and side-effects compiled by patients themselves. The patients were stratified by age (< or = 65 vs. > 65 years), the presence or not of a stoma, and the administration or not of concurrent chemotherapy. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients were evaluable. The mean number of bowel movements increased across time, without statistically significant differences. Nausea and appetite did not significantly change during the treatment period. There was a statistically significant, progressive increase in the perception of pain (P < 0.03). Although not significantly, the anxiety scores were lower during radiotherapy than at baseline. Daily activities and compliance with therapy did not significantly change during the treatment. There was a significant worsening in overall well-being (P < 0.04) and quality of life evaluation (P < 0.03). The patients who received chemoradiotherapy experienced a worsened lifestyle and greater side-effects. Older patients experienced less pain but had statistically significant higher levels of anxiety. Patients with a stoma reported a better quality of life score than those without. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a diary card may be an adequate means of detecting the extent of treatment-related changes in the lifestyle of patients with rectal cancer treated by postoperative radiotherapy.
Authors: Julie Smith-Gagen; Rosemary D Cress; Christiana M Drake; Patrick S Romano; Kathleen J Yost; John Z Ayanian Journal: Psychooncology Date: 2010-08 Impact factor: 3.894
Authors: Christina E Bailey; Hop S Tran Cao; Chung-Yuan Hu; George J Chang; Barry W Feig; Miguel A Rodriguez-Bigas; Sa T Nguyen; John M Skibber; Y Nancy You Journal: J Gastrointest Surg Date: 2014-09-12 Impact factor: 3.452
Authors: A G K McNair; R N Whistance; R O Forsythe; J Rees; J E Jones; A M Pullyblank; K N L Avery; S T Brookes; M G Thomas; P A Sylvester; A Russell; A Oliver; D Morton; R Kennedy; D G Jayne; R Huxtable; R Hackett; S J Dutton; M G Coleman; M Card; J Brown; J M Blazeby Journal: Colorectal Dis Date: 2015-11 Impact factor: 3.788