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Quality of Life in Patients With Colorectal Metastasis and Intrahepatic Chemotherapy

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Abstract

Background:Liver metastasis from colorectal cancer remains an oncological challenge. Hepatic chemotherapy has been used; however, rigorous quality of life (QOL) measurements are lacking. The aim of this study was to describe unique QOL issues to formulate a specific tool for this population.

Methods:A purposive sample was identified of patients treated with intrahepatic chemotherapy. Consenting patients completed a demographic tool and the City of Hope QOL Scale/Cancer Patient survey. An in-depth interview on QOL concerns was conducted, taped, and transcribed verbatim. The data from the interviews were coded to identify recurrent themes.

Results:Sixteen patients participated. Physical well-being was maintained. Significantly lower subscale scores were noted for psychological, social, and spiritual domains compared with nonpatient norms (City of Hope volunteers; n = 169). Patients found intrahepatic chemotherapy convenient but were unable to pursue vigorous activity, and their sleep habits changed. Psychologically, patients felt reassured to receive specific therapy to their liver.

Conclusions:Pilot evaluation of QOL in this population revealed changes in physical, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions. Both disease- and treatment-specific concerns were identified, and the results provide evidence for items to include in a QOL questionnaire specific to this population.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of California at San Diego Department of Surgery, UCSD Cancer Center, La Jolla, California

    Sarah L. Blair MD

  2. Department of Nursing Research, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California

    Marcia Grant RNDNSc & Grace Dean RN, TPDc

  3. Department of General Oncologic Surgery, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California

    Sarah L. Blair MD, David Z. J. Chu MD, Carey Cullinane MD, Roderich E. Schwarz MD, PhD & Lawrence Wagman MD

  4. University of California at San Diego Department of Surgery, UCSD Cancer Center, 9500 Gilman Dr., #0987, La Jolla, CA 92093

    Sarah L. Blair MD

Authors
  1. Sarah L. Blair MD
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  2. Marcia Grant RNDNSc
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  3. David Z. J. Chu MD
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  4. Carey Cullinane MD
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  5. Grace Dean RN, TPDc
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  6. Roderich E. Schwarz MD, PhD
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  7. Lawrence Wagman MD
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Correspondence to Sarah L. Blair MD.

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Blair, S.L., Grant, M., Chu, D.Z.J. et al. Quality of Life in Patients With Colorectal Metastasis and Intrahepatic Chemotherapy. Ann Surg Oncol 10, 144–149 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1245/ASO.2003.03.060

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1245/ASO.2003.03.060

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