Evaluation of the functional capacity and quality of life of children and adolescents during and after cancer treatment

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the functional capacity and quality of life of children and adolescents during cancer treatment and post-treatment. Methods: Cross-sectional study of patients during cancer treatment and post-treatment, assessed by the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and the Pediatric Quality of Life ™ questionnaire (cancer module). Results: Sixty-five patients, aged 11.2±3.5 years, mostly males (50.8%) and white (90.8%), with high incidence of hematological cancers (81.5%) participated in the study. The performance in the 6MWT was 23.1% inferior comparing the mean predicted and achieved (584.3±5 and 447.7±78.6 m, respectively). The percentage difference between the predicted and achieved 6MWT, and the different phases of cancer treatment were significantly different between patients in treatment (73.7±12.8) and post-treatment (84.5±9.1). When grouped by the different diagnoses, it was possible to observe that the distance covered by the patients with leukemia showed results closer to that predicted (80.7±11.7). Regarding the health-related quality of life questionnaire (HRQL), the child’s perception (78.0±14.56) was better than that reported by their parents (72.4±17.74). However, when we compared HRQL with the 6MWT, there was no association between them (p=0.597). Conclusions: Children and adolescents undergoing cancer treatment or post-treatment showed a 23% deficit in functional capacity. In relation to HRQL results, children’s perception was higher than that of their parents.

Repercusiones emocionales y psicosociales en pacientes oncológicos en etapa infanto-juvenil

“…Por otra parte, se menciona, además, que la capacidad funcional en el paciente oncológico se ha visto también afectada. Kuhn et al (17), en su estudio realizado en 65 pacientes con cáncer hematológico en edades comprendidas entre 8 y 14 años, confirma de acuerdo a pruebas y cuestionarios que la capacidad funcional en estos pacientes disminuyó en al menos un 23% en el trascurso de la enfermedad. En el 2005 Barrera et al (18), analizan en sobrevivientes de cáncer los problemas escolares y la relación con el entorno social, los resultados obtenidos fueron que un gran porcentaje necesitó repetir el año escolar, otros necesitaron acudir a una escuela para discapacidades de aprendizaje, programas de educación especial u otros problemas escolares, de la misma manera, la mayoría de estos niños tenían dificultad para hacer amigos y no tenían la capacidad de relacionarse con niños de su edad.…”

Fatores associados ao tempo entre o diagnóstico e o início do tratamento do câncer infantojuvenil

“…Em relação ao tratamento instituído, a quimioterapia foi a modalidade terapêutica mais utilizada em pacientes oncológicos pediátricos, assim como observado em outros estudos 12,25…”

Cannabinoids for symptom management in children with cancer: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…Also, as a cure is not possible for every child with cancer, many children still suffer from symptoms related to advanced cancer, such as pain, anorexia, anxiety, and weight loss. Multiple studies have shown the association of uncontrolled cancer or cancer treatment–related symptoms with inferior quality of life 3 . Hence, in the last 2 decades, greater efforts have been directed toward providing enhanced supportive care to these children 4 .…”

“…Multiple studies have shown the association of uncontrolled cancer or cancer treatment-related symptoms with inferior quality of life. 3 Hence, in the last 2 decades, greater efforts have been directed toward providing enhanced supportive care to these children. 4 However, despite advancements in supportive care, many children with advanced cancer continue to report uncontrolled cancer-or treatment-related symptoms and reduced quality of life.…”