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Sub-category:
Quality of Life Management
Category:
Symptom Management
Meeting:
2001 ASCO Annual Meeting
Abstract No:
2984
Citation:
Proc Am Soc Clin Oncol 20: 2001 (abstr 2984)
Author(s):
Robin C. Flam, Debbie Frederick, Diana Donovan, Linda Vahdat, Kyriakos Papadopoulos, David Savage, Amy Tierston, Gwen Nichols, Ilona Wiener, Charles Hesdorffer, The Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center of Columbia University, New York, NY.
Abstract:
A major argument against using high dose chemotherapy with ABMT in treating advanced BC is the presumed adverse effect of this process on both short and long term QOL. We report early results of a prospective study of QOL recovery in women participating in three ABMT protocols (stage 2-4 BC). All new enrollees were invited to complete pre-validated questionnaires (FAC-Br), measuring physical, social, emotional, functional, general, and BC specific well-being, at intake, discharge, and multiple points post-discharge. To date (1.5 years of accrual), 25 women were eligible, 1 refused, 7 expired on-study, and 1 withdrew. Nineteen had data for 3 months; 8 for one year. The mean age was 48, 62% were married, and 67% worked outside the home. For physical, functional, and general well-being, patients showed a nadir at discharge, with QOL beginning to recover by 30 days and returning to baseline by 90 days (p=.05). For social and emotional well-being, no change was observed over time. Comparison of general well-being by survival showed a lower baseline QOL for women who died, with a discharge nadir proportionate to survivors but a swifter, more dramatic recovery (NS). Survival did not affect the lack of trend observed in social/emotional domains. Conclusions: The observed nadir in QOL at discharge is consistent with published reports; however, the subsequent rapid recovery indicates that ABMT may not lead to significant debilitation as has recently been suggested. The observed lack of trend in social/emotional domains also deviates from previous reports, and may be attributable to the intense social/medical support characteristic of our patient group. Poorer baseline QOL and amplified rate of recovery in patients who died within one year might suggest that these patients are not only sicker at the outset, but may be resistant to, or fast metabolizers of chemotherapy, explaining both diminished toxicity and decreased efficacy. Overall these data imply that if ABMT can be demonstrated to have efficacy in patients with BC, the actual process need not limit its potential utility.
 Associated Presentation(s):
Other Abstracts in this Sub-Category:
Abstracts by Robin C. Flam:
Presentations by Robin C. Flam:
Educational Book Manuscripts by Robin C. Flam:
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