BACKGROUND: Liver metastasis from colorectal cancer remains an oncological challenge. Hepatic chemotherapy has been used; however, rigorous quality of life (QOL) measurements are lacking. The aim of this study was to describe unique QOL issues to formulate a specific tool for this population. METHODS: A purposive sample was identified of patients treated with intrahepatic chemotherapy. Consenting patients completed a demographic tool and the City of Hope QOL Scale/Cancer Patient survey. An in-depth interview on QOL concerns was conducted, taped, and transcribed verbatim. The data from the interviews were coded to identify recurrent themes. RESULTS: Sixteen patients participated. Physical well-being was maintained. Significantly lower subscale scores were noted for psychological, social, and spiritual domains compared with nonpatient norms (City of Hope volunteers; n = 169). Patients found intrahepatic chemotherapy convenient but were unable to pursue vigorous activity, and their sleep habits changed. Psychologically, patients felt reassured to receive specific therapy to their liver. CONCLUSIONS: Pilot evaluation of QOL in this population revealed changes in physical, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions. Both disease- and treatment-specific concerns were identified, and the results provide evidence for items to include in a QOL questionnaire specific to this population.
BACKGROUND: Liver metastasis from colorectal cancer remains an oncological challenge. Hepatic chemotherapy has been used; however, rigorous quality of life (QOL) measurements are lacking. The aim of this study was to describe unique QOL issues to formulate a specific tool for this population. METHODS: A purposive sample was identified of patients treated with intrahepatic chemotherapy. Consenting patients completed a demographic tool and the City of Hope QOL Scale/CancerPatient survey. An in-depth interview on QOL concerns was conducted, taped, and transcribed verbatim. The data from the interviews were coded to identify recurrent themes. RESULTS: Sixteen patients participated. Physical well-being was maintained. Significantly lower subscale scores were noted for psychological, social, and spiritual domains compared with nonpatient norms (City of Hope volunteers; n = 169). Patients found intrahepatic chemotherapy convenient but were unable to pursue vigorous activity, and their sleep habits changed. Psychologically, patients felt reassured to receive specific therapy to their liver. CONCLUSIONS: Pilot evaluation of QOL in this population revealed changes in physical, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions. Both disease- and treatment-specific concerns were identified, and the results provide evidence for items to include in a QOL questionnaire specific to this population.
Authors: Joanna Bulkley; Carmit K McMullen; Mark C Hornbrook; Marcia Grant; Andrea Altschuler; Christopher S Wendel; Robert S Krouse Journal: Psychooncology Date: 2013-06-07 Impact factor: 3.894