Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the health-related quality of life in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.
Methods
181 patients attending a tertiary center outpatient clinic were interviewed and completed the short form 36 (SF36) questionnaire. The SF36 was used to assess health-related QoL. Cross-sectional analyses by group (age, gender, clinical scores, systemic, and local interventions) as well sequel questionnaires were conducted.
Results
Participants included were 79% (143/181) men [mean age at first SF36: 63.8 (± 12.3; 18.4–85.8) years]. Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stadium C was associated with significantly lower SF36 total scores, and elevated initial alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) concentrations were associated with lower SF36 functional and mental health sum scores throughout the course of the third questionnaire. Patients treated with sorafenib had within the sub-dimension scores a significantly lower result for role limitations due to physical health compared to patients without sorafenib treatment. Patients who underwent a transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) had within the sub-dimension scores a significantly higher result for control of pain compared to patients without TACE. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed significant survival benefits for patients who underwent any intervention at the first SF36 (mean survival in years 4.3 vs. 1.6; P < 0.01) as well as for patients who underwent hepatic resection (mean survival in years 6.3 vs. 2.7; P < 0.0001).
Conclusion
Advanced tumor stages marked by BCLC stadium C and elevated initial AFP concentrations were associated with lower SF36 total scores and functional sum scores, respectively. During the course of sorafenib treatment, the sub-dimensional score for role limitations due to physical health decreased significantly, whereas TACE performance was associated with a significant improvement of the control of body pain.
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We thank the patients for their participation in the study and we thank Christopher Warren Gauss for proof reading the manuscript.
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Wehling, C., Hornuss, D., Schneider, P. et al. Impact of interventions and tumor stage on health-related quality of life in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 145, 2761–2769 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00432-019-03005-y
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00432-019-03005-y