Cognitive function and quality of life in interferon therapy for melanoma.
The purpose of this pilot study was to describe short- and long-term changes in cognitive function and quality of life in patients with melanoma receiving interferon (IFN) alpha-2b. This study used a three-group, repeated measures design in which cognitive function and quality of life were evaluated prior to initiation of treatment at 3-month intervals during treatment and 3 months following the completion of treatment. The sample consisted of 16 adults with Stage II or III melanoma, randomized to one of three treatment groups. Participants in Arm A received high-dose IFN alpha-2b, those in Arm B received low-dose IFN alpha-2b, and those in Arm C received no therapy (control). No significant changes in cognitive function were detected. In participants in Arm A, there was a significant deterioration in the physical well-being dimension of quality of life from baseline to 3 months after beginning therapy.
University of Pittsburgh, USA.
C M
CM
Bender
J M
JM
Yasko
J M
JM
Kirkwood
C
C
Ryan
J
J
Dunbar-Jacob
T
T
Zullo
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015400:Clinical Nursing Research; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008545:Melanoma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology*; D011788:Quality of Life; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology*
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins