Toxicities and Quality of Life during Cancer Treatment in Advanced Solid Tumors

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to identify subgroups of advanced cancer patients who experienced grade 3–4 toxicities as reported by their oncologists as well as identify the demographic, clinical, and treatment symptom characteristics as well as QoL outcomes associated with distinct profiles of each patient. A prospective, multicenter, observational study was conducted with advanced cancer patients of 15 different hospitals across Spain. After three months of systemic cancer treatment, participants completed questionnaires that evaluated psychological distress (BSI-18), quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30) and fatigue (FAS). The most common tumor sites for the 557 cancer patients with a mean age of 65 years were bronchopulmonary, digestive, and pancreas. Overall, 19% of patients experienced high-grade toxicities (grade 3–4) during treatment. Patients with recurrent advanced cancer, with non-adenocarcinoma cancer, undergoing chemotherapy, and a showing deteriorated baseline status (ECOG > 1) were more likely to experience higher toxicity. Patients who experienced grade 3–4 toxicities during cancer treatment had their treatment suspended in 59% of the cases. Additionally, 87% of the patients had a dose adjustment or a cycle delayed in their treatment due to a high risk of dying during treatment. Future research should focus on identifying interventions to reduce high-grade toxicities and improve quality of life in cancer patients.

Return to Work in Breast Cancer Patients following an Interdisciplinary Rehabilitation Program in a Community-Based Cancer Rehabilitation Center: A Pilot Study

“…Additionally, the nature of treatments required for advanced stages, such as intensified or multiple cycles of chemotherapy regimens and invasive surgeries, further extends recovery times, contributing to a prolonged period of functional impairment. Cumulative toxicities from aggressive treatments contribute to a higher prevalence of long-term side effects, ranging from chronic pain and neuropathy to cardiovascular and pulmonary complications [43]. Hence, these patients face a prolonged and challenging recovery period marked by persistent physical and cognitive impairment, which can hinder successful RTW.…”