Assessment of quality of life in resectable gastric cancer patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy as adjuvant treatment

INTRODUCTION: Quality of life (QOL) is increasingly recognized as an important endpoint in cancer therapies. However, few data are available on QOL in patients who have received radiotherapy as adjuvant treatment for cancer stomach. METHODS: Thirty patients who underwent curative resection were enrolled and received chemoradiotherapy (45 Gy in 25 fractions using three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy technique), together with 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QOL questionnaire C30 and STO Q22 was assessed at four time points: pre- and postchemoradiotherapy and at 1-month and 6-month follow-up. RESULTS: Mean age of the patients was 54 years. Male:female ratio was 4:1. Stage II and Stage III disease was present in 60% and 30% of patients, respectively. All patients were able to complete the chemoradiotherapy protocol. Our study found out significant impairment in QOL for emotional functioning, fatigue, nausea and vomiting and dyspnea. Results showed that QOL levels decrease postchemoradiotherapy; however, QOL levels returned to baseline at 1-month and 6-month follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Chemoradiotherapy as adjuvant treatment for cancer stomach patients who have undergone resection with curative intent is a safe and well-tolerated regimen with respect to QOL.