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Annals of Surgical Oncology
Published in: Annals of Surgical Oncology 7/2008

01-07-2008 | Healthcare Policy and Outcomes

Health-Related Quality of Life Outcomes in Disease-Free Survivors of Mid-Low Rectal Cancer After Curative Surgery

Authors: Salvatore Pucciarelli, MD, Paola Del Bianco, MSc, Paola Toppan, MD, Samantha Serpentini, MSc, Fabio Efficace, MSc, Lara Maria Pasetto, MD, Maria Luisa Friso, MD, Gian Luca De Salvo, MD, Donato Nitti, MD

Published in: Annals of Surgical Oncology | Issue 7/2008

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Abstract

Background

The main objective of this study was to investigate health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in terms of symptoms and functional outcomes in disease-free survivors of rectal cancer.

Methods

Consecutive patients (n = 117) who underwent curative surgery for rectal cancer with a minimum of 2 years’ follow-up and whose disease had not recurred were asked to complete the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30 and its colorectal cancer module (QLQ-CR38). Long-term HRQOL outcomes were compared with reference data from the general population. Relevant clinical data including type of surgery, stage of disease, type of treatment, and early and late complications were collected. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to investigate associations among covariates.

Results

HRQOL functional aspects were similar with that of an age- and sex-matched general population. Although clinically meaningful better outcomes favoring our patients were found for the global health status/HRQOL and the pain scales, constipation was worse in rectal cancer survivors than the general population. Multivariate analysis found that worse physical functioning was associated with increasing age (P < .001), female sex (P < .01), presence of stoma (P < .05), and occurrence of late major complications (P < .05). Worse body image was associated with the presence of stoma (P < .001) and chemoradiotherapy (P < .05).

Conclusion

Overall, patients with rectal cancer recover well in the long run, with HRQOL levels comparable to that of the general population. HRQOL outcomes provide valuable data that may be used to improve information disclosure to patients.
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Metadata
Title
Health-Related Quality of Life Outcomes in Disease-Free Survivors of Mid-Low Rectal Cancer After Curative Surgery
Authors
Salvatore Pucciarelli, MD
Paola Del Bianco, MSc
Paola Toppan, MD
Samantha Serpentini, MSc
Fabio Efficace, MSc
Lara Maria Pasetto, MD
Maria Luisa Friso, MD
Gian Luca De Salvo, MD
Donato Nitti, MD
Publication date
01-07-2008
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
Annals of Surgical Oncology / Issue 7/2008
Print ISSN: 1068-9265
Electronic ISSN: 1534-4681
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-008-9923-0

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