Quality of life in breast cancer patients before and after autologous bone marrow transplantation.
The purpose of this study was to compare pre- and posttreatment quality of life (QOL) in breast cancer patients undergoing high-dose chemotherapy with autologous bone marrow transplantation (ABMT). Fifty-two female breast cancer patients were assessed on overall QOL, mood status, and social support before transplantation. After ABMT, 24 patients were assessed on the same measures as well as a measure of depressive symptoms and specific concerns identified in a structured interview. Mean pre- and post-transplant scores on the quality of life measure, mood scores and social support were not significantly different. Eight patients (33%) reported depressive symptoms post-transplantation. In the structured interview, a percentage of patients reported concerns in the following areas: job or work situation (25%); finances (42%); general physical health (50%); general frame of mind (25%); appearance (33%); health or life insurance (37%); personal or intimate physical relations (33%); planning for the future (38%). QOL and mood following ABMT improved slightly and compares favorably with breast cancer patients treated with conventional treatment. However, approximately 30% of patients had problems with sexuality, fatigue and depressive symptoms and may need follow-up psychosocial care in these areas. ABMT may pose no more threat to quality of life than conventional chemotherapy.
McQuellon
R P
RP
Comprehensive Cancer Center of Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
Craven
B
B
Russell
G B
GB
Hoffman
S
S
Cruz
J M
JM
Perry
J J
JJ
Hurd
D D
DD
D000328:Adult; D016026:Bone Marrow Transplantation; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D012944:Social Support; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous