Contemporary Quality of Life Issues Affecting Gynecologic Cancer Survivors

Abstract

Gynecologic cancers account for approximately 11% of the newly diagnosed cancers in women in the United States and 18% in the world.1 The most common gynecologic malignancies occur in the uterus and endometrium (53%), ovary (25%), and cervix (14%).2 Cervical cancer is most prevalent in premenopausal women, during their childbearing years, whereas uterine and ovarian cancers tend to present in the perimenopausal or menopausal period. Vaginal and vulvar cancers and malignancies arising from gestation, or gestational trophoblastic neoplasms, occur to a lesser extent. Regardless of cancer origin or age of onset, the disease and its treatment can produce short- and long-term sequelae (ie, sexual dysfunction, infertility, or lymphedema) that adversely affect quality of life (QOL). This article outlines the primary contemporary issues or concerns that may affect QOL and offers strategies to offset or mitigate QOL disruption. These contemporary issues are identified within the domains of sexual functioning, reproductive issues, lymphedema, and the contribution of health-related QOL (HRQOL) in influential gynecologic cancer clinical trials.

The correlations of sexual activity, sleep problems, emotional distress, attachment styles with quality of life: comparison between gynaecological cancer survivors and noncancer women

“…, Carter et al . ). Moreover, their associations with quality of life (QOL) in gynaecological cancer survivors have been confirmed.…”

“…, Skjeldestad & Rannestad , Carter et al . , ). Moreover, emotional distress such as anxiety and depression is the common factor correlated with QOL among cancer survivors (Yarbro et al .…”

Needs and priorities of women with endometrial and cervical cancer

“…Survivors may experience physical problems (lymphedema, peripheral neuropathia and fatigue) [4,5] sexual challenges (dyspareunia, lack of desire, vaginal dryness and short and tight vagina) [6], menopausal symptoms [4], gastrointestinal (diarrhea, bowel obstruction and nausea) [7] and urological (frequent urination, dysuria and bladder emptying) complications [7] as well as psychological symptoms (anxiety and depression) [5].…”

Efficacy and Safety of Oral NEPA (Netupitant/Palonosetron), the First Fixed-Combination Antiemetic, in Patients With Gynecological Cancers Receiving Platinum-Based Chemotherapy

“…Peritoneal carcinosis and ascites, the most common clinical presentations of advanced ovarian cancer (with a consequential risk for impaired bowel movements and renal function), as well as enlarged retroperitoneal lymph nodes in advanced uterine and, particularly, cervical cancers (with a risk for impaired renal function), may add to the emetogenicity of chemotherapy. 25,26 This post hoc analysis shows that dosing with oral NEPA and DEX results in high CR and NSN rates across all phases of CINV in patients with gynecological cancers receiving cisplatin-or carboplatin-based chemotherapy. During the first chemotherapy cycle, in the acute phase, CR rates of more than 90% were observed for both platinum-based regimens.…”