Quality of Life after Autologous Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation and High-Dose Chemotherapy in High-Risk Breast Cancer Patients

Abstract

Background: As long-term survivors of breast cancer after autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (ASCT) are becoming more numerous, studies addressing the issue of long-term follow-up are necessary. In this study, we report on the quality of life (QOL) after ASCT and high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT). Patients and Methods: The QOL questionnaire version 3.0 by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC QLQ-C30 version 3.0) was filled in by patients and healthy controls at 5 time points. After ob-taining the results, we analyzed the correlation between QOL and the effect factors. Results: Some functions got significantly worse, and some symptoms got more serious after ASCT and HDCT. However, most of them improved with time and were comparable to the healthy controls after 5 years. QOL was in part related to age, tumor characteristics, educational level, marriage status, and income. Conclusions: Evaluating QOL allows medical workers to fully understand a patient’s state of health, and aid the estimation and selection of clinical treatment methods as well as improve recovery.

Long‐term effect of the self‐management comprehensive coping strategy program on quality of life in patients with breast cancer treated with high‐dose chemotherapy

“…High‐dose chemotherapy (HDC) may extend progression‐free survival , but this treatment has a substantial amount of acute and late symptoms that negatively affects QOL . Intercorrelated pain, anxiety, and depression have been reported by patients undergoing HDC, with associated symptoms of fatigue, nausea, and psychological distress .…”

“…Intercorrelated pain, anxiety, and depression have been reported by patients undergoing HDC, with associated symptoms of fatigue, nausea, and psychological distress . Long‐term effects of HDC include depression, pain, fatigue, arm symptoms, and decreased physical functioning . In addition, breast cancer survivors have an increased risk for distressful symptoms related to fear of recurrence, death, and disability .…”