2069P - QoL changes of caregivers during first-line palliative chemotherapy for patients with incurable cancer

Background

We previously reported the impairment of quality of life (QOL) of caregivers of patients with cancer (ann. oncol. 2019, vol.30 supple 9, IX142). A multifaceted longitudinal survey is warranted to establish a valid support system.

Methods

This single-institution prospective cohort study was conducted with the approval of the ethical committee of Ina Central Hospital. 48 pairs of patients with incurable cancer and their caregivers filled out questionnaires according to the Japanese version of EORTC QLQ C-30 before the initial session of the first and the second-line treatment. Patients: 31 men and 17 women with an average age of 68.3±10.6 years. Caregivers: 17 men and 31 women with an average age of 63.5±11.6 years. Primary sites of cancer: gastrointestinal system in 41 patients, lung in 4, head and soft tissue in 2 and neck in 1. Average duration of treatment: 228 ± 171 days, median 161 days. The influence of the treatment outcome (“responder with RECIST PR and CR” or “non-responder with SD and PD”) and duration (“shorter than 161 days” or “longer”) on the scales were investigated statistically.

Results

All the nine symptomatic scales of EORTC QLQ-C30 were positive in around 20% in caregivers before treatment. After treatment, fatigue (88%), pain (42%), and financial concerns (43%) scales changed more frequently. The emotional function (EF) and cognitive function (CF) scales showed no significant differences in patients and caregivers before and after treatment, unlike other comprehensive scales. The scale declined in 38% of caregivers in physical function, 15% in role function, 33% in emotional function, 28% in cognitive function, 33% in social function, 29% in global health, and 42% in summary score. EF and CF decreased by almost the same proportion in patients and caregivers. The duration and outcome of treatment did not have a correlation with changes in the scales of caregivers.

Conclusions

Consistent insufficiency of emotional and cognitive function in caregivers, similar to that in patients, was revealed throughout the treatment. The outcome and duration of treatment did not affect the caregivers’ mental condition. Caregivers of patients with cancer require emotional and cognitive function support throughout the patients’ treatment.

Clinical trial identification

Editorial acknowledgement

Vikas Narang.

Legal entity responsible for the study

N. Takeuchi.

Funding

Has not received any funding.

Disclosure

All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.