Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to compare self-reported quality of life (QOL) scores in old and young patients with metastatic cancer using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C15-PAL questionnaire.
Materials and methods
Patients receiving palliative radiotherapy (RT) for bone metastases and brain metastases completed the QLQ-C15-PAL questionnaire prior to treatment. Using multiple linear regression analysis, a parametric test, the QLQ-C15-PAL scores were compared using 65 and 70 years as cutoff ages.
Results
A total of 340 patients were referred for palliative RT for bone metastases (n = 190) or brain metastases (n = 150). Physical functioning and appetite were worse in the older group using either 65 or 70 years as the cutoff age. Age-related differences in the QLQ-C15-PAL scores varied as a function of age cutoff used and location of metastatic site irradiated.
Conclusion
Based on the (EORTC) QLQ-C15-PAL, elderly advanced cancer patients have a different QOL profile. Similar observations have been reported with the (EORTC) QLQ-C30 questionnaire.
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This study was supported by the Michael and Karyn Goldstein Cancer Research Fund.
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Koo, K., Zeng, L., Chen, E. et al. Do elderly patients with metastatic cancer have worse quality of life scores?. Support Care Cancer 20, 2121–2127 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-011-1322-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-011-1322-6