Experiencing brain cancer: what physicians should know about patients

Abstract

During the last 20 years, numerous studies have highlighted the need to consider Quality of Life (QoL) issues in the treatment of brain cancer. However, gaps in scientific knowledge are still present as we have poor data surrounding the whole experience in patients and regarding their needs.The present study was aimed at evaluating QoL in brain cancer patients and correlated aspects. In particular, we aimed to assess QoL, mood state, and emotional issues in order to describe the patients’ experience to find out the critical aspects involved.MethodsWe obtained data from 85 patients during chemotherapy treatment at the National Neurological Institute ‘C. Besta’ of Milan, Italy. We used standardised questionnaires to assess different aspects of patients’ QoL. In particular, the functional assessment of cancer therapy-brain (FACT-Br) and the Hamilton scale were used. We also performed a semi-structured ad hoc interview in order to collect ­narrative data about patients’ experience.ResultsOur data depict a difficult adjustment process to the illness, even though positive elements emerged. Indeed, patients reported a satisfying self-perceived QoL, although specific concerns are still present. Further, even if many patients report depressive symptoms, only a minority have a severe condition.ConclusionBrain cancer may heavily affect patients’ QoL and well being. However, some element of the context may improve the ­adjustment to the disease. In particular, we found that most patients found psychosocial resources to cope with cancer and that spiritual well being also seems to play a key role. These issues deserve further studies in order to obtain significant clinical recommendations.

Validation of the Standardized Needs Evaluation Questionnaire in Polish Cancer Patients

“…The NEQ was originally designed and validated by Tamburini et al at the Psychology Unit of Instituto Nazionale Tumori in Italy [8,30,31]. In the PUBMED database, there were 14 studies conducted using the NEQ [8,15,[30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41]. Validation of the NEQ as a clinical tool for identifying the needs of hospitalized cancer patients was performed [8,30,31,35], and the contributions concluded that using the NEQ is functional, of value, and to be recommended.…”