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01-06-2013 | Healthcare Policy and Outcomes

Longitudinal Changes in Function, Symptom Burden, and Quality of Life in Patients with Early-Stage Lung Cancer

Authors: Marianna Koczywas, MD, Anna Cathy Williams, RN, BSN, PHN, Mihaela Cristea, MD, Karen Reckamp, MD, Frederic W. Grannis Jr., MD, Brian L. Tiep, MD, Gwen Uman, PhD, Betty Ferrell, PhD, FAAN, FPCN

Published in: Annals of Surgical Oncology | Issue 6/2013

Abstract

Background

Emerging evidence supports the integration of palliative care concurrently with disease-focused care in patients with serious illnesses, such as lung cancer. This paper describes how longitudinal changes in physical function, symptom burden, and QOL of patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) informed the development of an interdisciplinary, tailored palliative care intervention.

Methods

Patients with early stage (I-IIIB) NSCLC were accrued into the usual care phase (Phase 1) of an NCI-funded Program Project Grant. Baseline and longitudinal (up to 52 weeks post-accrual) physical function, symptoms, and QOL were assessed in the thoracic ambulatory clinics of one NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. Outcome measures included geriatric assessments, psychological distress, symptoms, and QOL. The association between disease stage (I–II vs. III) and longitudinal changes in these domains was evaluated.

Results

A total of 103 patients were accrued. Stage I–II patients were significantly more likely to complete the study (p = 0.005). The stages (I–II vs. III) were equivalent at baseline on all demographic variables, clinical, and functional status. Physical function fluctuated longitudinally and was higher at 6 and 24 weeks than at baseline and 12 weeks. There was a longitudinal decrease in total number of symptoms (p < 0.001). Physical and social/family QOL fluctuated longitudinally (p < 0.001 and p = 0.016, respectively).

Conclusions

Patients with early-stage NSCLC report a significant longitudinal decrease in physical QOL, and fluctuations in objective and subjective measures of physical function over time were observed regardless of disease stage category. An interdisciplinary palliative care intervention is currently being tested to decrease symptom burden and improve QOL.

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Title: Longitudinal Changes in Function, Symptom Burden, and Quality of Life in Patients with Early-Stage Lung Cancer
Authors: Marianna Koczywas, MD
Anna Cathy Williams, RN, BSN, PHN
Mihaela Cristea, MD
Karen Reckamp, MD
Frederic W. Grannis Jr., MD
Brian L. Tiep, MD
Gwen Uman, PhD
Betty Ferrell, PhD, FAAN, FPCN
Publication date: 01-06-2013
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Annals of Surgical Oncology / Issue 6/2013
Print ISSN: 1068-9265
Electronic ISSN: 1534-4681
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-012-2741-4

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Springer Medicine

Longitudinal Changes in Function, Symptom Burden, and Quality of Life in Patients with Early-Stage Lung Cancer

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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