Health-related quality of life in children with cancer undergoing treatment: a first look at the Singapore experience.
BACKGROUND
With intensive chemotherapy and increased survival, quality of life in our paediatric population is of increasing concern. The aim of this study was to assess the children's quality of life during the treatment process.


METHODS
Patients between the ages of 7 and 18 years old who are undergoing cancer treatment in the Division of Paediatric Haematology-Oncology, Department of Paediatrics, National University Health System, were identified. The child self-reported his/her health-related quality of life (HRQOL) using the PedsQL Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory and Cancer module as a validated assessment tool.


RESULTS
Thirty-two patients were enrolled over a 3-week period in November 2007. The median age was 11 years (range, 7 to 17). There was 1 non-responder (3%). Fourteen (45%) boys and 17 (55%) girls were interviewed. There were 8 (26%) and 23 (74%) patients with solid and haematologic malignancies, respectively. For the Cognitive Problem Dimension score, 86% of patients with haematologic malignancy and 50% of those with solid malignancy scored below the 75th percentile (82), [OR 0.72 (0.01-0.8), P = 0.03]. For the Physical Health Summary score, patients with solid malignancy scored worse, 25% below the 10th percentile, as compared to 4.3% of patients with haematologic malignancy. This is reflected by a worse Pain and Hurt Dimension score for patients with solid malignancy. For the Perceived Appearance Dimension score, patients with solid malignancy (75%) scored lower than the median score (67) compared to those with haematologic malignancy (44%).


CONCLUSIONS
The domains of HRQOL are affected to different extents for the patients with solid and those with haematologic malignancy. This is most likely to be due to the differences in treatment strategies and clinical course. Healthcare professionals should be aware of the effects of treatment on HRQOL and take practical steps to address these issues.
Pek
Jen Heng
JH
Department of Paediatrics, National University Health System, Singapore.
Chan
Yiong Huak
YH
Yeoh
Allen Ej
AE
Quah
Thuan Chong
TC
Tan
Poh Lin
PL
Aung
Lele
L
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D011788:Quality of Life; D012846:Singapore