Abstract

ARRARAS URDANIZ, J. I. et al. Quality of life assessment in Spanish lung cancer patients by the EORTC questionnaires. Oncología (Barc.) [online]. 2005, vol.28, n.4, pp.12-20. ISSN 0378-4835.

PURPOSE: To assess the quality of life of a sample of lung cancer patients during their treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 170 patients with limited and advanced small-cell lung cancer (SCLC), and with stages III and IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were considered. Patients filled the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire, and the EORTC-LC13 lung module at three different times during the treatment and follow-up. Demographic and clinical data were also recorded. We compared the groups according to the stage and treatment modality, and studied the changes of the quality of life throughout time. RESULTS: The quality of life scores of the patients under the given protocols: were acceptable in the three considered measurements, as were also the toxicity scores. At the base line there are limitations in the areas of symptoms of disease and quality of life. Few differences were observed between the groups at different stages and under the different treatment modalities. The quality of life scores were similar according to the three measurements. Treatment modality showed a specific effect in the second measurement, while in the third one it improved in some toxicity areas and persisted in others. CONCLUSIONS: The quality of life of the patients receiving the complete protocols was acceptable. The patients under treatment stood it adequately.

Keywords : Lung cancer; Chemotherapy; Radiotherapy; Quality of life valuation.

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