The Impact of Radiotherapy on Symptoms, Anxiety and QoL in Patients with Cancer

Aim: To evaluate prospectively disease- and treatment-related symptoms, anxiety and quality of life (QoL), in patients with different types of cancer undergoing external-beam radiotherapy (RT) and examine the relationship among them, at baseline and at the end of the treatment. Patients and Methods: This study included 90 patients with cancer. Patients' QoL was evaluated using the Linear Analog Scale Assessment (LASAs) questionnaire, anxiety was measured with the Spielberger state and trait inventory (STAI), while symptoms were assessed using the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI). The assessments were carried-out at baseline and at the end of RT. Results: At baseline, the QoL scores were reduced (7.5 +/- 6.5) and MDASI elevated (2.35 +/- 1.7). Patients' QoL was correlated with symptoms (r=-0.684, p=0.0005). A correlation was found between STAI-trait with MDASI scores (r=0.214, p=0.046). At the second assessment, there were significant correlations between MDASI and QoL (r=-0.68, p=0.0005). The STAI-trait had a moderate correlation with MDASI score (r=0.43, p=0.0005) and with QoL (r=-0.253, p=0.0017). Conclusion: The present study showed a significant impact of symptoms and high levels of anxiety following RT, which correlated with a compromised QoL. The worsening in patients' perception of their QoL did not seem to lead to a significant reduction in daily activities or treatment tolerance.