Health-Related Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Patients during Chemotherapy: A Cross-Sectional Study Using the EORTC...

To assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire for Breast Cancer (EORTC QLQ-BR45) in conjunction with the Core questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.

This prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted in the oncology department of a tertiary care hospital for six months. Patients aged ≥18 years, diagnosed with breast cancer, and who had received at least three chemotherapy cycles were included in the study. The EORTC (QLQ-BR45 and QLQ-C30) questionnaires were used to assess HRQoL at chemotherapy cycle 3 (C3) and at C6 and C9. Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U and Friedman tests for significance (p<0.05).

The study showed improved global health status (C3:37.29%, C6:42.37%, C9:50%), high cognitive functioning (C3:89.83%, C6:91.53%, C9:96.55%), but decreasing emotional functioning (C3:66.10%, C6:49.15%, C9:36.21%). Symptom burden peaked in the sixth cycle but diminished over time with a trend towards fatigue (C3:64.41%, C6:67.80%, C9:37.93%), dyspnea (C3:54.24%, C6:55.93%, C9:32.76%), and pain (C3:42.37%, C6:52.54%, C9:34.48%). The study indicated satisfaction with body image (C3:61.02%, C6:67.80%, C9:67.24%) but decreased sexual functioning (C3:40.68%, C6:44.07%, C9:46.55%). Distress related to hair loss (p = 0.0001) increased over time.

There was increased symptom burden at C6, underscoring the need for early interventions. We observed severe symptoms in elderly. However, lack of comorbidities and metastasis improved the emotional wellbeing in patients. These findings accentuate the importance of personalized and holistic care approaches in oncology.