In this cross-sectional study, 100 consecutive biopsy-proven adult brain tumour patients were included. Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-Being Scale (FACIT-SP) and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-Being, Expanded (FACIT-SP-Ex) questionnaire were used to collect data on patients' spiritual well being and QOL respectively. Pearson correlation analysis was performed and the Pearson correlation coefficient was estimated between the SpWB score and various domains of QOL (FACT-G scores). Multiple regression analysis was performed to identify the factors affecting various SpWB and FACT-G scores.Results: The median FACT e G score was 82.58 (IQR; 72 e 89.83). The median peace score was 19 (IQR; 16 e 21), while the median faith score was 13 (IQR; 11.25 e 15). The median Sp12 and FACIT-SP-Ex scores were 32 (IQR; 28 e 35) and 64 (IQR; 54 e 70) respectively. The median FACIT-SP total score was 85 (IQR; 76 e 93.25). There was significant correlation between FACT-G score and peace (p-value ¼ 0.000), faith (pvalue ¼ 0.000) or Sp12 score (p-value ¼ 0.000). The factors such as age, sex, education, monthly income and religion were not significantly associated with various SpWB scores and QOL (Table ).Conclusions: SpWB score was on a higher side in our patients and strong association was found in existence between it and various domains of QOL. None of the factors was seen impacting spirituality and QOL. A longitudinal study starting from the stage of diagnosis would give a clearer picture.
Background:
Head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one of the most aggressive malignant tumors and is commonly diagnosed at an advanced stage. In the palliative setting, there are very limited options available for patients unfit to receive immunotherapy. Bendamustine has shown promising results in solid tumors, both alone and in combination with other treatment modalities.
Objectives:
We aimed to explore the role of bendamustine as palliative chemotherapy in patients with metastatic, recurrent, or relapsed HNSCC.
Materials and Methods:
We included patients with advanced HNSCC that was refractory to multiple lines of palliative intent therapy, and who were treated with bendamustine between October 2020 and January 2021 in the Department of Medical Oncology at the Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, India. We evaluated the efficacy and safety parameters of the drug.
Results:
The study cohort included a total of 25 patients with a median age of 47 (range, 29-58) years; 21 (84%) were men. The primary tumor sites were buccal mucosa and oral tongue in 12 (48%) and 6 (24%) patients, respectively. The patients had received a median of 2 (range, 2-5) prior lines of treatment including platinum-taxane combination in 19 (76%), oral metronomic chemotherapy in 8 (32%), and immunotherapy in 4 (16%). Bendamustine resulted in a median progression-free survival of 1.3 months (95% CI, 0.9-2.0) and a median overall survival of 2.2 months (95% CI, 1.6-3.6). The common toxicities reported were constipation (7, 28%), neuropathy (5, 20%), and fatigue in 4 (16%) patients.
Conclusion:
Bendamustine is a promising and well-tolerated alternative drug for patients with metastatic, recurrent, or relapsed refractory HNSCC.
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