Longitudinal assessment of quality of life and lifestyle in newly diagnosed ovarian cancer patients: the roles of surgery and chemotherapy.
OBJECTIVE
To prospectively evaluate quality of life (QoL), use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), and diet/exercise changes in ovarian cancer patients during the first 6 months following diagnosis.


METHODS
Patients with newly diagnosed ovarian cancer were enrolled pre- or post-operatively and surveyed at 3 and 6 months. The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT-G), Medical Outcomes Survey (SF-36), and CAM/diet/exercise questionnaires were used. Independent samples t test and repeated measures ANOVA were used.


RESULTS
Forty-two patients underwent surgical debulking and staging prior to chemotherapy. Patients completing the initial surveys post-operatively had significantly lower physical FACT-G and SF-36 physical scores compared to patients completing the surveys pre-operatively. In patients completing the baseline survey pre-operatively, there was a decrease in physical scores at 3 months (after surgery and during chemotherapy). There was no change observed at 3 months relative to baseline when patients completed the baseline survey post-operatively. Increases in physical and functional well-being were seen at 6 months relative to 3 months. There were no changes in emotional or social scores over time. CAM use increased over time; main reasons were to improve QoL and relieve symptoms. Alterations in diet and exercise were not seen.


CONCLUSIONS
These data highlight the need to conduct assessments before and after surgery to identify effects due to surgery and/or chemotherapy. Patients may be using CAM during chemotherapy to deal with symptoms and compensate for decreased QoL. Intervention trials should be implemented to increase QoL following surgery and during adjuvant chemotherapy.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University Hospitals of Cleveland, OH 44106, USA. vivian.vongruenigen@uhhs.com
Vivian E
VE
von Gruenigen
Heidi E
HE
Frasure
Eric L
EL
Jenison
Michael P
MP
Hopkins
Karen M
KM
Gil
D015331:Cohort Studies; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D000529:Complementary Therapies; D004032:Diet; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008875:Middle Aged; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology* / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life