Experience of newly diagnosed patients with sarcoma receiving chemotherapy.
Ključne besede
Povzetek
OBJECTIVE
To examine symptom distress and quality of life (QOL) in newly diagnosed patients with sarcoma receiving chemotherapy.
METHODS
Pilot study; descriptive, quantitative.
METHODS
Urban community cancer center in the northeastern United States.
METHODS
11 newly diagnosed patients with sarcoma.
METHODS
Participants completed the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General at baseline and on days 1, 15, and 21 of their chemotherapy treatment.
METHODS
Symptom distress and QOL.
RESULTS
Fatigue was the most prevalent and pervasive symptom. Anxiety, well-being, lack of appetite, drowsiness, and depression were the most commonly reported symptoms during chemotherapy. QOL was negatively affected. The lowest mean score reported was for functional well-being. Outcome profiles for symptom distress increased over time, whereas QOL profiles decreased over time. Exploratory analyses of age, race, sex, and diagnosis group suggested differences that warrant further study.
CONCLUSIONS
Overall, increasing symptom distress and reduced QOL over time were reported by patients with sarcoma during chemotherapy. Exploratory analysis by demographic variables and treatment group suggested the need for further research of predictors for symptom distress and QOL.
CONCLUSIONS
Clinical and research implications included the need for better understanding about symptom distress and QOL predictors in patients with sarcoma, as well as the evaluation of interventions directed to address this population's specific needs.
