PURPOSE: To assess the quality of life (QoL) and difficulties of patients encountered after (at least day 100+) autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). METHODS: Patients from 4 bone marrow transplantation (BMT) centers in Ankara formed the study group. Data were collected via a socio-demographic form, the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (QLQ-C30), the Long-term BMT recovery questionnaire and a specific questionnaire adapted from Bush BMT Symptom Inventory for measuring symptom severity and symptom distress related to ASCT. Out of 114 eligible patients 67 (58.8%) responded the questionnaires and were included in the study. RESULTS: The mean time elapsed since transplantation was 16.1 months (range 4-43). Sixteen (23.9%) patients returned to work after transplantation; the mean time from transplantation to active work was 8 months. The symptoms experienced most, interfering with the patients' daily activities related to ASCT were fatigue, dental problems, hair loss, tingling sensation /numbness in hands and feet, mouth/throat problems, taste alterations, cough and skin problems. The majority of them reported fear of infection and disease relapse. Sexual dysfunctions, difficulty of concentration and difficulties of maintaining religious activities were also reported. 76% of patients reported their current QoL was the same or better than before transplantation and rated their current health-related QoL as good to excellent (mean 64.5). Financial difficulties, fatigue, sleeping problems, and pain were the factors most rated affecting QoL. CONCLUSION: Fear of disease relapse, economical problems and difficulties with physical activities were reported as the most difficult factors to deal with after transplantation, showing the importance of creating multidisciplinary teamwork for these groups of patients.
PURPOSE: To assess the quality of life (QoL) and difficulties of patients encountered after (at least day 100+) autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). METHODS:Patients from 4 bone marrow transplantation (BMT) centers in Ankara formed the study group. Data were collected via a socio-demographic form, the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (QLQ-C30), the Long-term BMT recovery questionnaire and a specific questionnaire adapted from Bush BMT Symptom Inventory for measuring symptom severity and symptom distress related to ASCT. Out of 114 eligible patients 67 (58.8%) responded the questionnaires and were included in the study. RESULTS: The mean time elapsed since transplantation was 16.1 months (range 4-43). Sixteen (23.9%) patients returned to work after transplantation; the mean time from transplantation to active work was 8 months. The symptoms experienced most, interfering with the patients' daily activities related to ASCT were fatigue, dental problems, hair loss, tingling sensation /numbness in hands and feet, mouth/throat problems, taste alterations, cough and skin problems. The majority of them reported fear of infection and disease relapse. Sexual dysfunctions, difficulty of concentration and difficulties of maintaining religious activities were also reported. 76% of patients reported their current QoL was the same or better than before transplantation and rated their current health-related QoL as good to excellent (mean 64.5). Financial difficulties, fatigue, sleeping problems, and pain were the factors most rated affecting QoL. CONCLUSION: Fear of disease relapse, economical problems and difficulties with physical activities were reported as the most difficult factors to deal with after transplantation, showing the importance of creating multidisciplinary teamwork for these groups of patients.
Authors: Rachel Cusatis; Joanna Balza; Zachary Uttke; Vishwajit Kode; Elizabeth Suelzer; Bronwen E Shaw; Kathryn E Flynn Journal: Qual Life Res Date: 2022-10-06 Impact factor: 3.440
Authors: Kelly Kenzik; I-Chan Huang; J Douglas Rizzo; Elizabeth Shenkman; John Wingard Journal: Support Care Cancer Date: 2014-09-06 Impact factor: 3.603
Authors: Yun-Chi Hung; Judith Bauer; Pamela Horsley; Mary Waterhouse; John Bashford; Elisabeth Isenring Journal: Support Care Cancer Date: 2013-01-10 Impact factor: 3.603
Authors: Chelsea G Ratcliff; Sarah Prinsloo; Michael Richardson; Laura Baynham-Fletcher; Richard Lee; Alejandro Chaoul; Marlene Z Cohen; Marcos de Lima; Lorenzo Cohen Journal: Evid Based Complement Alternat Med Date: 2014-01-09 Impact factor: 2.629