title: Quality of life considerations in gynecologic cancer. FIGO 26th Annual Report on the Results of Treatment in Gynecological Cancer.
abstract: Quality of life (QOL) is a fundamental consideration for patients with life threatening diseases. Major evolving paradigms are discussed: improved QOL with laparoscopic surgery, the impact on QOL of intraperitoneal chemotherapy for optimally cytoreduced ovarian cancer, combination therapy, sexuality, and survivorship. The goals of treatment for many patients with gynecologic tumors remain largely palliative, and patient reported QOL is the primary outcome determining the utility of treatment. Particularly in this area, QOL endpoints are increasingly important in clinical trials. The QOL issues facing gynecologic cancer patients, the use of validated QOL instruments, recent advances in the evaluation of interventions, and changes in concepts related to QOL are reviewed.
authors.affiliation: Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
authors.forename: Richard T
authors.initials: RT
authors.lastname: Penson
authors.forename: Lari B
authors.initials: LB
authors.lastname: Wenzel
authors.forename: Ignace
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Vergote
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Cella
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D005260:Female; D005833:Genital Neoplasms, Female / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000379:methods; D011594:Psychometrics; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D018434:Sickness Impact Profile; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016387:Women's Health