Quality of life and symptom intensity over time in people with cancer receiving palliative care: Results from the international European Palliative Care Cancer Symptom study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

People with advanced cancer experience multiple symptoms during their illness trajectory, which can fluctuate in intensity.

Aim

To describe the course of self-reported quality of life, emotional functioning, physical functioning and symptom intensity over time in cancer patients receiving palliative care.

Design

Longitudinal study with monthly assessments, using the EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL. Data were analysed (1) prospectively, from baseline to ≥8-month follow-up; and (2) retrospectively, by taking death as index date and comparing results from three cross-sectional subsamples at different stages of illness (time to death ≥6, 5-3 and 2-0 months). Linear mixed models were calculated.

Setting/participants

A total of 1739 patients (mean age 66, 50% male) from

SUBMITTER: Verkissen MN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6784977 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature