Evaluation of quality of life in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer treated with capecitabine.
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.
Segalla
José G M
JG
Hospital Amaral Carvalho, Jaú, São Paulo, Brazil. segalla@amaralcarvalho.org.br
Van Eyll
Brigitte
B
Federico
Mirian Hatsue Honda
MH
Skare
Nills G
NG
Franke
Fábio A
FA
Perdicaris
Martha R
MR
Filho
Urias de Paula
Ude P
Gampel
Otávio
O
Cabral
Sebastião
S
Ribeiro
Ronaldo de Albuquerque
Rde A
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
D000964:Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic; D003841:Deoxycytidine; D014803:Vitamin B Complex; D000069287:Capecitabine; D002955:Leucovorin; D005472:Fluorouracil