Longitudinal Trends in Health-related Quality of Life among Radiotherapy Patients: A Short-term Result of Prospective...

The purpose of the study was to evaluate longitudinal changes in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among patients undergoing radiotherapy for solid tumors, using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) questionnaire and to identify symptom and function trajectories over time in relation to clinical and demographic parameters.

In this prospective observational study, 211 adult patients with histologically confirmed solid malignancies (excluding breast cancer) were enrolled at a tertiary oncology center. HRQoL was assessed at four time points: Baseline (T1), end of radiotherapy (T2), 1-month post-treatment (T3), and 6 months' post-treatment (T4), using the validated EORTC QLQ-C30 tool. Statistical analysis included repeated measures analysis of variance and Bonferroni-adjusted post hoc tests.

Global health status improved significantly from T1 (67.0) to T4 (76.0) (P < 0.001). Functional domains, physical, emotional, cognitive, and social functioning, also showed significant improvement (all P < 0.001), whereas role functioning improved modestly (P = 0.009). Symptom scores such as fatigue, pain, nausea/vomiting, and insomnia declined significantly (P < 0.001), whereas dyspnea showed no significant change (P = 0.573). Financial difficulties decreased over time (P < 0.001). Subgroup analyses revealed sex-based variations in symptom burden, with females reporting higher pain and financial strain early post-treatment, and males experiencing greater appetite loss and delayed economic burden.

This study represents preliminary 6-month follow-up data; ongoing surveillance will provide insights into late toxicity and long-term survivorship. Persistent symptoms such as dyspnea highlight the need for targeted supportive interventions. Longitudinal HRQoL monitoring can guide personalized care and survivorship planning.