Symptom Experience and Self-rated Physical Functioning in Patients With Ovarian Cancer Receiving Chemotherapy

Abstract

A high symptom burden was reported in this cohort of patients with ovarian cancer mainly treated with palliative intent. Low self-rated physical functioning was strongly associated with high symptom burden for the 6-month period. When chemotherapy is discussed with patients with ovarian cancer with low physical functioning, possible palliation benefits must be weighed against the added risk of long-term distressful symptoms that chemotherapy implies.

High symptom burden is associated with impaired quality of life in colorectal cancer patients during chemotherapy:A prospective longitudinal study

“…A higher total score indicates a more severe comorbidity profile. The SCQ is used in Norwegian cancer patients [106,112,127,128] and has well-established validity and reliability in patients with cancer and other chronic conditions. [126,129]…”

Patient perspectives and experiences of the rapid implementation of digital consultations during COVID-19 — a qualitative study among women with gynecological cancer

“…A primary concern of women with gynecological cancer during COVID-19 is that their disease will progress because of treatment disruption [5]. These women experience a high level of symptom distress and have psychological concerns and unmet information needs [6][7][8][9]. It is known that appropriate information enables patients to identify and use self-management strategies to improve their well-being [9].…”

Changes in Depression and Sleep Quality and Associated Factors in Women Receiving Chemotherapy for Ovarian Cancer

“…[4][5][6] In addition to severe myelosuppression and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, this chemotherapy regimen is associated with adverse effects such as insomnia, fatigue, peripheral neuropathy, hair loss, and anorexia. [7][8][9] Women with ovarian cancer experience uncomfortable physical symptoms and psychological distress, especially depression, [10][11][12][13][14][15] which may cause difficulty in falling asleep, early awakening, a worsened sleep quality, 9,16,17 and a poor quality of life. 7,13,18 n Background According to a systematic review and meta-analysis, 25.34%, 22.99%, and 12.71% of women with ovarian cancer experienced depression before, during, and after treatment, respectively.…”

“…The gold standard of treatment for ovarian cancer is cytoreduction surgery with adjuvant chemotherapy, which typically comprises a platinum-paclitaxel regimen delivered every 3 weeks for 4 to 6 cycles over a period of 3 to 6 months 4–6 . In addition to severe myelosuppression and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, this chemotherapy regimen is associated with adverse effects such as insomnia, fatigue, peripheral neuropathy, hair loss, and anorexia 7–9 . Women with ovarian cancer experience uncomfortable physical symptoms and psychological distress, especially depression, 10–15 which may cause difficulty in falling asleep, early awakening, a worsened sleep quality, 9,16,17 and a poor quality of life 7,13,18 …”

“…In addition to severe myelosuppression and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, this chemotherapy regimen is associated with adverse effects such as insomnia, fatigue, peripheral neuropathy, hair loss, and anorexia 7–9 . Women with ovarian cancer experience uncomfortable physical symptoms and psychological distress, especially depression, 10–15 which may cause difficulty in falling asleep, early awakening, a worsened sleep quality, 9,16,17 and a poor quality of life 7,13,18 …”