Miscorrelation of Functional Outcome and Sociooccupational Status of Childhood, Adolescent, and Young Adult Generation With Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcoma Patients.

Few studies have examined the relationship between functional outcome and sociooccupational or psychological status in adolescent and young adults (AYA) generation and childhood sarcoma patients. We retrospectively analyzed clinical (prognostic and functional) and sociooccupational outcomes in 50 patients; 22 children aged under 14 years and 28 AYAs generation (15 to 29 y). There were 35 cases of bone sarcomas and 15 of soft tissue sarcomas. Limb-sparing surgery was performed in 30 of 37 extremity cases. The most prevalent problems among patients were as follows: limited activities; drop-out or delayed studies among high school and college students; limitation in job searching; and changes in social relationships. These problems were unaffected by limb-sparing. Regression analysis between functional and sociooccupational disability showed that the correlation coefficient was significant (P=0.005) in all limb-salvaged patients, but there was no significant correlation among osteosarcoma patients (P=0.07). These findings suggest that quality of life is a multidimensional measure: it depends on physical status, spiritual health, and social well-being of both patients and family members. To overcome the disadvantages of this type of disease, it is essential to provide comprehensive care at the earliest convenience using multidimensional approaches.