The Impact of Chemotherapy on the EORTC QLQ-C30 and LC-13 Quality of Life Scales in Patients with Lung Cancer

Abstract

Objective: The concept of quality of life (QoL) in lung cancer includes many physical, psychological and social components. We aimed to assess the effect of chemotherapy (CT) on QoL of lung cancer patients using QoL scales. Methods: Fifty inoperable lung cancer patients who were newly diagnosed and taken into a CT plan were included. Patients were followed in terms of responsiveness and toxicity. Turkish versions of the EORTC QLQ-C30 and LC13 scales were used before every cycles. Results: The average age was 60.1 years. There was no difference between QoL and age/income levels. The assessment of physical, social and occupational functions and overall health status of the male patients was better than female. Overall health status without comorbidity was better in the first cycle CT. Chemotherapy led to deterioration in social functions and economic status together with increase in neuropathy, constipation and hair loss. Patients with complete or partial response to treatment were observed to have better physical, occupational, emotional, cognitive and social functions, economic status and overall health; less fatigue, pain, shortness of breath, neuropathy and better appetite. Toxicities were found to affect the QLQ C30 and LC13 scales adversely. Conclusion: Presence of comorbidity, low education levels, socioeconomic status and CT induced hematologic/gastrointestinal toxicities are the major parameters affect QOL in lung cancer. Chemotherapy leads to deterioration in social functions, increase in adverse events as well as worsening in economic status. Radiologic complete or partial response and small cell carcinoma are states in which parameters of QoL are affected positively by chemotherapy.

Factors Associated with Poor Quality of Life in Lung Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy in Erbil City

“…In current study, the highest percentage of samples were illiterate and had a significant association with quality of life this agrees with the study shows that education is one factor that positively affects QoL. Moreover, patients who completed primary or further education were observed to have better social and physical functions [16,17]. In this study, most of the participants were living in rural areas, which was supported by a study that reported lung cancer more frequently caused death in rural areas [18].…”