Influence of neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy combined with hyperthermia on the quality of life in rectum cancer patients.
OBJECTIVE
The present study compares quality of life (QoL) after neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy with or without hyperthermia in patients with advanced rectal cancer.


METHODS
Between April 1994 and May 1999, 137 patients were treated by neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy with (69 patients (50.4%)) or without (68 patients (49.6%)) hyperthermia. Forty-six patients (33.6%) filled-out a 'Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index' (GIQLI) questionnaire at four time points (before and after neoadjuvant therapy, early after surgery and after long-term follow-up) and were included in the present study.


RESULTS
There were no statistically significant differences in the global GIQLI index between patients treated with neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy with and without hyperthermia at any time point. The longitudinal analysis of GIQLI values in both treatment groups showed specific profiles that were identical in both treatment groups. Occurrence of severe toxicity during the neoadjuvant therapy in both arms lead to a significant temporary reduction of QoL scores at TP2 without any detrimental long-term effects. Patients with sphincter preservation and patients with sphincter resection reported similar QoL scores during long-term follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
Neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy with and without hyperthermia has similar effects on the QoL of patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. The addition of hyperthermia during the neoadjuvant therapy with the potentially associated inconveniences has no negative effects on QoL.
Schulze
T
T
Department of Surgery and Surgical Oncology, Robert-Rössle-Klinik, Charité, Campus Buch, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
Wust
P
P
Gellermann
J
J
Hildebrandt
B
B
Riess
H
H
Felix
R
R
Rau
B
B
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced / Q000009:adverse effects; D002955:Leucovorin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020360:Neoadjuvant Therapy; D011788:Quality of Life; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D012007:Rectum / Q000601:surgery; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D002955:Leucovorin; D005472:Fluorouracil