Change in symptom clusters perioperatively in patients with lung cancer

To describe the trajectory, number, and types of symptom clusters at three time points (i.e., day of admission [T1], 2-4 days postoperatively [T2], and 1 month postoperatively [T3]) using ratings of symptom occurrence and severity and to identify the changes in these symptom clusters over time in patients with lung cancer.

We analysed the data of 217 lung cancer patients who received surgical treatment at a tertiary hospital affiliated to Anhui Medical University, in Hefei City, China. The occurrence and severity of 19 symptoms at all points of measurement were measured using the general and lung cancer modules of the M.D. Anderson Symptom Inventory. Exploratory factor analysis was performed to extract the symptom clusters.

Seven symptom clusters were identified across symptom dimensions. However, only three of them (i.e., lung cancer specific, sleep disturbance, and nervous system) were relatively stable across dimensions and time. Two symptom clusters varied over time but not with dimensions (nutritional and gastrointestinal). The other two symptom clusters (psychological and respiratory) differed in terms of time and dimensions.

Findings may provide insights into the seven identified clusters and overall stability of three symptom clusters in lung cancer patients perioperatively.