title: Evaluation of quality of life in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer treated with capecitabine.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study evaluated the effects of oral capecitabine on the quality of life (QOL) of Brazilian patients with metastatic colorectal cancer who received capecitabine (1000 or 1250 mg/m2 twice a day on days 1-14, every 3 weeks) in a prospective, multicenter, open-label, noncomparative study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients completed the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30 and QLQ-CR38 questionnaires before cycle 1, at weeks 7 and 13, and at the end of treatment. In total, 1437 patients (mean age, 59.6 years [+/- 13.5 years]) were enrolled.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In women, statistically significant improvements were observed in 6 QLQ-C30 and 6 QLQ-CR38 domains (QLQ-C30: emotional function, nausea/ vomiting, pain, constipation, financial problems, and body image; QLQ-CR38: future perspective, micturition problems, defecation problems, stoma-related problems, weight loss and global health status). In men, statistically significant improvements were observed in 8 QLQ-C30 and 5 QLQ-CR38 domains (QLQ-C30: emotional function, social function, pain, insomnia, appetite loss, constipation, financial problems, and future perspective; QLQ-CR38: micturition problems, defecation problems, stoma-related problems, weight loss, and global health status). Statistically significant worsening of sexual function/enjoyment occurred in both sexes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Overall, 59%-86% of patients maintained or improved QOL during capecitabine therapy.
authors.affiliation: Hospital Amaral Carvalho, Jaú, São Paulo, Brazil. segalla@amaralcarvalho.org.br
authors.forename: José G M
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Segalla
authors.forename: Brigitte
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Van Eyll
authors.forename: Mirian Hatsue Honda
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Federico
authors.forename: Nills G
authors.initials: NG
authors.lastname: Skare
authors.forename: Fábio A
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Franke
authors.forename: Martha R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Perdicaris
authors.forename: Urias de Paula
authors.initials: Ude P
authors.lastname: Filho
authors.forename: Otávio
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Gampel
authors.forename: Sebastião
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Cabral
authors.forename: Ronaldo de Albuquerque
authors.initials: Rde A
authors.lastname: Ribeiro
mesh_terms: D000964:Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001938:Brazil; D000069287:Capecitabine; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D003841:Deoxycytidine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006304:Health Status; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D016018:Least-Squares Analysis; D002955:Leucovorin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011581:Psychological Tests; D011788:Quality of Life; D012737:Sex Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014803:Vitamin B Complex / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000964:Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic; D003841:Deoxycytidine; D014803:Vitamin B Complex; D000069287:Capecitabine; D002955:Leucovorin; D005472:Fluorouracil