Impact of the diagnosis of a musculoskeletal sarcoma and its treatment outcomes on patients' mood, anxiety, quality...

Cancer negatively impacts the physical, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions of individuals. In musculoskeletal sarcomas, medical care prioritizes somatic aspects. The primary objective was to assess the impact of a musculoskeletal sarcoma diagnosis on anxiety, depression, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Secondary objectives included analyzing the one-year evolution of these variables and the predominant coping profile.

A prospective multicenter study with a concurrent control group (116 cases with musculoskeletal sarcomas and 67 controls with benign tumors) was conducted. The HADS and GAD-7 scales were administered to assess depression and anxiety, the QLQ-C30 to evaluate HRQoL, and the CERQ to assess coping strategies, with reassessment in the cases group one year after diagnosis. Outcomes were compared between groups, along with their evolution and the influence of epidemiological, demographic, sociolabor, oncological, functional (MSTS), and health-related variables.

At diagnosis, cases showed higher prevalence of anxiety (64.7% vs. 40.3%; p=0.005) and poorer HRQoL (62.1±21.0 vs. 69.4±22.8; p=0.019) than controls, with no differences in depression. Anxiety and depression were associated with tumor stage (p=0.01), increasing in advanced stages. In the cases group, anxiety significantly decreased after one year (β=-1.51; 95% CI: -2.38 to -0.63; p=0.001). Oncological and functional outcomes were negatively associated with emotional evolution and QoL. An adaptive coping style predominated in 71% of patients.

Most patients with musculoskeletal sarcomas develop adaptive coping styles. However, emotional disturbances and their association with oncological and functional outcomes justify comprehensive interventions that include psychological care.