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Supportive Care in Cancer
Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer 9/2016

01-09-2016 | Original Article

Quality of life and symptom burden in patients with metastatic breast cancer

Authors: Christine Ecclestone, Ronald Chow, Natalie Pulenzas, Liying Zhang, Angela Leahey, Julia Hamer, Carlo DeAngelis, Gillian Bedard, Rachel McDonald, Anchal Bhatia, Janet Ellis, Eileen Rakovitch, Sherlyn Vuong, Edward Chow, Sunil Verma

Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Issue 9/2016

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Abstract

Purpose

The goal of this study was to examine the symptom burden (SB) and quality of life (QOL) in patients with metastatic breast cancer.

Methods

Breast cancer patients with metastases were asked to complete the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) and FACT-B questionnaires. Statistical analysis was performed to identify (1) any differences in SB and QOL between patients with bone metastases only and patients with visceral +/− bone metastases and (2) any associations between SB and/or QOL and various clinical factors, including treatment with bisphosphonates, participation in a clinical trial and presence of brain metastases.

Results

A total of 174 patients were enrolled. Treatment with bisphosphonates was significantly associated with lower ESAS well-being scores (less symptoms) in patients with bone metastases only. In this same group, receiving treatment prior to diagnosis of metastases was significantly associated with increased fatigue, anxiety and dyspnoea. The presence of brain metastases was associated with higher physical well-being scores (increased QOL). Participation in clinical trials was associated with better QOL.

Conclusion

Breast cancer patients with metastases have different SB and QOL in relation to the type of the metastases, treatment interventions and participation in clinical trials.
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Metadata
Title
Quality of life and symptom burden in patients with metastatic breast cancer
Authors
Christine Ecclestone
Ronald Chow
Natalie Pulenzas
Liying Zhang
Angela Leahey
Julia Hamer
Carlo DeAngelis
Gillian Bedard
Rachel McDonald
Anchal Bhatia
Janet Ellis
Eileen Rakovitch
Sherlyn Vuong
Edward Chow
Sunil Verma
Publication date
01-09-2016
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Supportive Care in Cancer / Issue 9/2016
Print ISSN: 0941-4355
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7339
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-016-3217-z

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