Quality of Life in Low-Grade Glioma Patients Receiving Temozolomide

¹ Fellow Hematology/Oncology/Neuro-oncology, University of California San Francisco, 400 Parnassus Avenue, Room A-808, San Francisco, CA 94143-2167, USA
² Medical Student, University of California San Francisco
³ Assistant Adjunct Professor of Neurologic Surgery, University of California San Francisco
⁴ Adjunct Professor, Neurologic Surgery, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco
⁵ Clinical Nurse Specialist, University of California San Francisco Neuro-Oncology
⁶ Clinical Research Nurse, University of California San Francisco Neuro-Oncology
⁷ Assistant Professor of Neurologic Surgery, Principal Investigator, Brain Tumor Research Center, University of California San Francisco
⁸ Professor in Residence of Neurological Surgery, Charles B. Wilson MD Endowed Chair, Director, Division of Translational Research in Neuro-Oncology, University of California San Francisco
⁹ Professor in Residence of Neurological Surgery, Lai Wan Kan Endowed Chair, Director, Division of Neuro-Oncology, University of California San Francisco

^* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: Raymond.Liu{at}ucsf.edu.

	Abstract

Purpose: To describe the quality of life (QOL) of low-grade glioma (LGG) patients at baseline prior to chemotherapy and through 12 cycles of Temozolomide (TMZ) chemotherapy.

Methods: Patients with histologically-confirmed LGG with only prior surgery were given TMZ for 12 cycles. QOL assessments by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Brain (FACT-Br) were obtained at baseline prior to chemotherapy and at 2 month intervals while receiving TMZ.

Results: Patients with LGG at baseline prior to chemotherapy have higher reported social well-being scores (mean difference = 5.0; p < 0.01), but have lower reported emotional well-being scores (mean difference = 2.2; p < 0.01) compared to a normal population. Compared to left hemisphere tumors, patients with right hemisphere tumors reported higher physical (p = 0.01) well being scores. 44% of patients could not drive, 26% of patients did not feel independent, and 26% of patients were afraid of having a seizure. Difficulty with work was noted in 24% of patients. Mean change scores at each chemotherapy cycle compared to baseline for all QOL subscales showed either no significant change or were significantly positive (p < 0.01).

Conclusion: Patients with LGG on TMZ at baseline prior to chemotherapy have reported QOL comparable to a normal population with the exception of social and emotional well-being, and those with right hemisphere tumors report higher physical well-being scores compared to those with left hemisphere tumors. While remaining on therapy, LGG patients are able to maintain their QOL in all realms. LGG patients' QOL may be further improved by addressing their emotional well-being and their loss of independence in terms of driving or working.

Key Words: Low grade glioma, Brain Tumor, Temozolomide, Chemotherapy, Quality of Life

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