Quality of life in patients with colorectal metastasis and intrahepatic chemotherapy.
BACKGROUND
Liver metastasis from colorectal cancer remains an oncological challenge. Hepatic chemotherapy has been used; however, rigorous quality of life (QOL) measurements are lacking. The aim of this study was to describe unique QOL issues to formulate a specific tool for this population.


METHODS
A purposive sample was identified of patients treated with intrahepatic chemotherapy. Consenting patients completed a demographic tool and the City of Hope QOL Scale/Cancer Patient survey. An in-depth interview on QOL concerns was conducted, taped, and transcribed verbatim. The data from the interviews were coded to identify recurrent themes.


RESULTS
Sixteen patients participated. Physical well-being was maintained. Significantly lower subscale scores were noted for psychological, social, and spiritual domains compared with nonpatient norms (City of Hope volunteers; n = 169). Patients found intrahepatic chemotherapy convenient but were unable to pursue vigorous activity, and their sleep habits changed. Psychologically, patients felt reassured to receive specific therapy to their liver.


CONCLUSIONS
Pilot evaluation of QOL in this population revealed changes in physical, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions. Both disease- and treatment-specific concerns were identified, and the results provide evidence for items to include in a QOL questionnaire specific to this population.
Blair
Sarah L
SL
University of California at San Diego Department of Surgery, UCSD Cancer Center, La Jolla, California 92093, USA. slblair@ucsd.edu
Grant
Marcia
M
Chu
David Z J
DZ
Cullinane
Carey
C
Dean
Grace
G
Schwarz
Roderich E
RE
Wagman
Lawrence
L
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006499:Hepatic Artery; D006801:Humans; D002955:Leucovorin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology* / Q000556:secondary*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011169:Portal Vein; D011788:Quality of Life
D002955:Leucovorin; D005472:Fluorouracil