Prospective longitudinal study of quality of life following cytoreductive surgery and intraperitoneal chemotherapy for pseudomyxoma peritonei.
BACKGROUND
Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is characterized by mucinous ascites, predominantly arising form a perforated tumour of the appendix. This study aimed to assess Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQL) in patients following cytoreductive surgery and intraperitoneal chemotherapy for PMP.


METHODS
Over a one year period, 49 consecutive patients (13 male, 36 females) with a median age of 55 (range 37-81 years) were enrolled. Patients were asked to complete the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30 questionnaire prior to surgery and at one, three, six and twelve months post-operatively.


RESULTS
26 patients (53%) underwent complete cytoreduction and 20 (42%) patients had major tumour debulking. One patient died from progressive disease three months from surgery and two patients withdrew from the study within 6 months of surgery. Baseline questionnaire compliance was 100 per cent and remained high (overall 98% of eligible patients) during follow up. Grade III/IV morbidity occurred in 4 patients (9%). Patients undergoing both complete cytoreduction and major tumour debulking reported a clinically significant improvement in emotional well-being, appetite and global HRQL at 1 year following surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite the high morbidity associated with cytoreductive surgery and intraperitoneal chemotherapy, an improvement in quality of life at 1 year following the procedure was seen following both complete cytoreduction and major tumour debulking. Longer term assessment is required to demonstrate the durability of this enhancement.
Alves
S
S
Pseudomyxoma Peritonei Centre, Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital Foundation Trust, Aldermaston Road, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG24 9NA, UK.
Mohamed
F
F
Yadegarfar
G
G
Youssef
H
H
Moran
B J
BJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced; D007263:Infusions, Parenteral / Q000379:methods; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011553:Pseudomyxoma Peritonei / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000601:surgery*; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome