Psychooncological distress in low-grade glioma patients—a monocentric study

BACKGROUND: Patients diagnosed with low-grade glioma (LGG) must live with constant knowledge of an upcoming malignant tumor transformation which may lead to increased anxiety and reduced quality of life. Here, we (1) analyzed the prevalence and risk factors for distress in LGG patients using (2) different screening tools to subsequently (3) evaluate their need for psychological support. METHOD: Patients with LGG-suspicious findings in MRI studies as well as patients with histopathological confirmed LGG were screened using three established self-assessment instruments (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Distress Thermometer, EORTC-QLQ-C30-BN20). Screening results were correlated with sociodemographic factors. RESULTS: One hundred forty-nine patients (74 men and 75 women) were prospectively included. Patients were further divided into different subgroups regarding the time of screening and diagnosis. An increased level of distress was observed in 20.8% (mean score 1.21, 95% CI 1.15–1.28) of all patients screened by HADS. Significant associated factors were pre-existing psychiatric disorders (p = 0.003) and psychotropic medication (p = 0.029). HRQoL (p = 0.022) and global health item (p = 0.015), as well as future uncertainty (p = 0.047), assessed by the EORTC-QLQ-C30-BN20 were significantly higher in those patients without histopathological diagnosis. Increased distress was significantly correlated with results in chosen sub-items of the HRQoL questionnaire (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate the need for frequent distress screening. If specific tools are not available, HRQoL questionnaires can also be used. Patients with pre-existing psychological stress should be offered additional psychooncological support, irrespectively of the time of screening or tumor diagnosis. Clinical trial registration number: 4087