Evaluation of Quality of Life in Patients With Gastric Adenocarcinoma Receiving Chemoradiotherapy: a Cross-sectional Study

Abstract Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate quality of life in patients with gastric adenocarcinoma receiving adjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Methods: The records of 156 patients who presented to the Cumhuriyet University Oncology Center between 2010 and 2015, underwent surgery for gastric cancer, and received adjuvant CRT were evaluated retrospectively. The European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (QLQ-C30) and site-specific module for gastric cancer (QLQ-STO22) were administered at four time points. Results: The patient group comprised 76% men and 24% women with a median age of 61 years (range, 18-88). The most common side effects associated with CRT were Grade 1-2 upper GI symptoms (62%) and grade 1-2 leukopenia (44%). During CRT, 12 patients (8%) discontinued treatment, 25 (16%) lost weight, and 42 (27%) had reduced performance. There was significant worsening in QLQ-C30 global health status and all functional and symptom scale scores at CRT completion. In the QLQ-STO22, all symptoms except dry mouth and hair loss were negatively affected at CRT completion. In general, scores were improved at 1 month after CRT and almost all scores reached baseline level by 6 months. Certain scores were more adversely affected in women (global health status, physical functioning, role functioning, fatigue, pain, and insomnia) and those who lost weight during CRT (emotional functioning). Conclusion: Although CRT reduces QoL in gastric cancer patients, the effects tend to resolve within 6 months after completing treatment. Female gender and weight loss negatively affected QoL.