Health-related quality of life and late morbidity in concurrent chemoradiation and radiotherapy alone in patients with locally advanced cervical carcinoma.
10.3802/jgo.2011.22.3.152
- Author:
Maaike J BERVELING
1
;
Johannes A LANGENDIJK
;
Jannet C BEUKEMA
;
Marian J MOURITS
;
Anna K REYNERS
;
Elisabeth PRAS
Author Information
1. Department of Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Groningen/University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands. m.j.berveling@rt.umcg.nl
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Cervical carcinoma;
Concurrent radiochemotherapy;
Late treatment-related morbidity;
Radiotherapy
- MeSH:
Checklist;
Chemoradiotherapy;
Follow-Up Studies;
Humans;
Incidence;
Quality of Life;
Retrospective Studies;
Urinary Bladder
- From:Journal of Gynecologic Oncology
2011;22(3):152-160
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVE: Concurrent chemoradiation has improved survival of patients with cervical carcinoma. However, follow-up of randomized studies is relatively short and data on long term toxicity are scarce, as is information on their health-related quality of life. This study assesses and compares incidences of late side-effects among patients treated with radiotherapy or chemoradiation using two toxicity scoring systems, and investigates impact on health-related quality of life. METHODS: Between 1985 and 1993, 114 patients underwent radiotherapy (n=39) or chemoradiation (n=75) for stage IIA-IVB cervical carcinoma. Late side-effects were scored retrospectively by reviewing medical charts using standardised checklists, focusing on bladder- and intestinal side effects. Health-related quality of life was assessed once using the EORTC QLQ-C30. RESULTS: No significant differences in late treatment-related side-effects between radiotherapy and chemoradiation groups were found. Grade > or = 2 toxicity was found in 33% (bladder), and in 6% (bowel). Only 1.8% had both grade 3-4 toxicity. Bladder syndrome with high urinary frequency, urine incontinence and small bowel toxicity had a significant impact on health-related quality of life. CONCLUSION: Grade 2 are relatively frequent late side effects in curatively treated patients, but are not enhanced by the addition of chemotherapy. Their negative impact on health-related quality of life stresses the importance of new radiation techniques, aiming at reduction of these side effects.
