title: Validation of the FACT-BRM with interferon-alpha treated melanoma patients.
abstract: The somatic, neurocognitive, and psychiatric side effects of biological response modifiers (BRMs) have been documented in specific patient samples. Although these side effects likely have a predictable impact on patients quality of life (QOL), no instrument currently measures the cumulative effect of the various complaints patients' report. The current study investigated the reliability and validity of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Treatment-Biological Response Modifier (FACT-BRM) scale for measuring QOL in a sample of melanoma patients receiving interferon. Measures of distress, depression, and fatigue were also obtained using standardized, well-validated instruments. Results indicate increased symptom burden, depression, and fatigue, and decreased quality of life over 4 months of IFN therapy. The FACT-BRM demonstrated good psychometrics and sensitivity to change, and thus appears to be a good instrument for measuring QOL in patients receiving BRMs.
authors.affiliation: Kaplan & Kaplan Psychologists, Canada. amber@kaplanpsychologists.com
authors.forename: Amber G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Paterson
authors.forename: Peter C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Trask
authors.forename: Lynne I
authors.initials: LI
authors.lastname: Wagner
authors.forename: Peg
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Esper
authors.forename: Bruce
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Redman
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008824:Michigan; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D016898:Interferon-alpha