2131P - Real-life experiences from a late effects clinic: An investigation of health-related quality of life in Danish cancer survivors

Background

Three out of four cancer survivors experience one or more late effects; many report unmet needs. Consequently, the Region of Southern Denmark has established late effects clinics (LEC) for patients with complex late effects to help cancer survivors regain their physical and mental functioning and improve their Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL). By the use of the newly developed EORTC QLQ-SURV100 questionnaire, this study elucidates the most predominant late effects occurring in Danish cancer survivors referred to a LEC and compares the patients’ HRQoL to that of newly diagnosed cancer patients and the general Danish population.

Methods

Primo 2022 , a LEC opened at Odense University Hospital. Prior to the first consultation, patients complete the EORTC QLQ-SURV100 questionnaire to capture the full range of physical, mental, and social HRQoL issues relevant to cancer survivors. Moreover, we collect data on demography, disease, treatment, and type of intervention following the first consultation in the LEC.

Results

One hundred and forty-nine patients have been included in the clinic´s first year. Inclusion is ongoing. Age; median 58 [26-82] years. Women 75%. The most common diagnosis is breast cancer. 50% are referred by general practitioner. Over 90% report multiple late effects. Fatigue, sleep disturbance, pain, cognitive impairment and fear of recurrence are most commonly reported. QLQ-SURV100 mean scores on Global Health 51.4, Role functioning 51.4, Emotional functioning 60.0, Cognitive functioning 49.4, and Physical functioning 52.3. Compared to the HRQoL of patients at the time of diagnosis and the general population, these numbers are significantly lower. The number of recruited patients will reach app. 220 in October 2023. However, this is not expected to influence the mean scores as they have been constant throughout the clinic´s lifetime.

Conclusions

Cancer survivors referred to the LEC suffer from multiple and complex late effects after cancer and its cancer treatment and report a significantly lower HRQoL compared to patients at the time of diagnosis and the general Danish population.

Clinical trial identification

Legal entity responsible for the study

The authors.

Funding

Has not received any funding.

Disclosure

All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.