Relationship between fatigue and quality of life in patients with glioblastoma multiformae.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate changes in fatigue at the time of diagnosis (Time 1) and two weeks after the completion of radiation therapy (Time 2) and to determine the relationship between fatigue and quality of life (QOL) at each time interval in patients with glioblastoma multiformae (GBM).


METHODS
Descriptive study to evaluate fatigue and QOL.


METHODS
Neuro-oncology clinic for accrual. Clinic, home, or office for patients interviews.


METHODS
60 adult patients diagnosed with GBM who received radiation therapy.


METHODS
Participants completed a demographic data sheet, the Profile of Mood States, and the Multidimensional Quality of Life Scale-Cancer Version 2 at both time points.


METHODS
Fatigue and QOL.


RESULTS
Fatigue significantly increased from Time 1 to Time 2 (t = -2.69, p = 0.009). Increases in fatigue were associated with significant decreases in QOL at Time 1 (r = -0.57) and Time 2 (r = -0.60).


CONCLUSIONS
Patients with GBM experience increases in fatigue after radiation therapy. Increases in fatigue are associated with decreases in almost all aspects of patients' QOL.


CONCLUSIONS
Nurses must provide patients with information about the occurrence of fatigue during radiation therapy and recommend interventions to deal with this devastating symptom.
Lovely
M P
MP
Center for Symptom Management, University of California at San Francisco, USA.
Miaskowski
C
C
Dodd
M
M
D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology* / Q000532:radiotherapy; D005221:Fatigue; D005260:Female; D005909:Glioblastoma / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology* / Q000532:radiotherapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009859:Oncology Nursing; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011581:Psychological Tests; D011788:Quality of Life