Health-related quality of life during the last three months of life in patients with advanced cancer

作者：Elmqvist Marianne Ahlner^*; Jordhoy Marit S; Bjordal Kristin; Kaasa Stein; Jannert Magnus

来源：Supportive Care in Cancer, 2009, 17(2): 191-198.

DOI：10.1007/s00520-008-0477-2

• EORTC QLQ-C30
• Palliative care
• Cancer
• Self-assessment questionnaires
• Health-related quality of life
• End of life

The aim of the study was to explore the development of functioning impairments and symptom occurrence during the last months of life of advanced cancer patients.
Self-reported data from 116 patients who all completed the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) at 3, 2 and 1 month before death were analysed.
All functioning aspects deteriorated. For physical, cognitive and social function, the most marked changes occurred between 2 and 1 month before death. The proportion reporting serious difficulties with self-care activities increased from 14% to 43%. The most seriously affected activity could not be distinguished from the EORTC QLQ-C30 scores. Levels of fatigue, dyspnoea and appetite loss increased significantly. More than 50% of the patients had severe pain at all assessments, and only a minor number (8%) reported any improvement.
The findings have implications for the planning of care and indicate that further research is required to improve assessment, treatment and follow-up procedures. Adequate pain treatment seems still to be a challenge. Anorexia, fatigue as well as dyspnoea are all symptoms that need further focus.

• 出版日期2009-2