Assessment of Functional Status and Quality of Life of Elderly Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy and Radiotherapy Combined with Chemotherapy – A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND: Aging is associated with various diseases, a plethora of which are oncological. Selected treatment methods influence the performance status and the adaptability to changing circumstances. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to assess the functional status, quality of life, and adaptation to disease of elderly patients who underwent only radiotherapy or chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted in a sample of 76 patients diagnosed with cancer, over 60 years of age (mean 69.3/SD 6.8) who were hospitalized in the Radiotherapy Department at the Ludwik Rydygier Hospital in Krakow. Standardized research tools were: Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT-F), Mental Adjustment to Cancer Scale (Mini-MAC), Lawton Instrumental Activity of Daily Living (IADL), Yesavage Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), an assessment scale of the post radiation reaction devised by Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG). RESULTS: Most (n=37) patients were treated with a combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy (48.6%), whereas 21 patients underwent only radiotherapy (27.6%). More than half of the respondents were male (68.4%, n = 52), whereas 24 (31.6%) were female. The assessment of the participants’ performance status yielded results indicating an average level of all domains. Men performed better in terms of physical condition compared to a group of women (p=0.010). Women experienced fatigue more frequently than men (p=0.012). Patients who had received radiation therapy combined with chemotherapy achieved on average better results in functional well-being (FWB) than the patients who had undergone radiotherapy only (p=0.046). Depression had a significant impact on all spheres of functioning (p<0.001) except social/family well-being. CONCLUSION: The results pointed to the essential elements that should be taken into consideration in relation to treatment planning and providing care. Particular attention should be paid to women who suffered from depression and negative adaptation strategies that directly affect their functioning.