What is quality of life in children with bone sarcoma?

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of a self-reporting tool to assess health-related quality of life for Egyptians with extremity bone sarcomas in childhood or adolescence

BACKGROUND

Validated self-reporting tools are required to evaluate the functional outcome and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) for those who had extremity bone sarcomas in their childhood or adolescence. Our study pursued cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the pediatric Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (pTESS) and Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS) to assess the functional outcome for Egyptian children and adult survivors following surgeries of extremity bone sarcomas. In the modified versions of pTESS and TESS, mental domains were added to allow the evaluation of HRQOL using a specific instrument for childhood bone cancer.

METHODS

The internal consistency and test-retest reliability of the studied forms were assessed with Cronbach's alpha and Intra-class coefficients (ICC), respectively. For convergent validity, correlations between scores of the generic Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL 4.0) and pTESS /TESS scores were reported. Factor Analysis was feasible for pTESS-leg; due to the insufficient samples, only the average inter-item correlation coefficients were reported for the remaining versions.

RESULTS

Out of 233 participants, 134 responded to pTESS-leg, 53 to TESS-leg, 36 to pTESS-arm, and only 10 to TESS-arm. All versions showed excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha >0.9), good test-retest reliability (ICC >0.8), moderate to strong correlations with PedsQL, and acceptable average inter-item correlation coefficients (≥0.3). Three factors were extracted for the pTESS-leg, in which all mental items were loaded on one separate factor with factor loadings exceeding 0.4. Active chemotherapy, less than one year from primary surgery, or tibial tumors were associated with significantly inferior pTESS/TESS scores in the lower extremity group.

CONCLUSION

The Egyptian pTESS and TESS are valid and reliable self-reporting tools for assessing the functional outcome following surgeries for extremity bone sarcomas. The modified pTESS and TESS versions, which include additional mental domains, enabled the assessment of the overall health status of our population. Future studies should include a larger sample size and evaluate the ability of pTESS/TESS to track progress over time.

Return to sports following lower limb musculoskeletal tumor surgery-A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Survivors of primary malignant musculoskeletal tumors often face long-term disability. Clinicians at present are unable to provide evidence-based advice about returning to sports, which is important for active patients.

PURPOSES

Identify patients returning to sports. Describe the sporting activities in which patients participate. Identify the outcome measures used to assess return to sport. Identify barriers preventing return to sports.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review.

METHODS

A comprehensive search strategy was used to identify relevant studies combining the following concepts: (1) Bone/Soft tissue tumor, (2) Lower limb, (3) Surgical interventions, and (4) Sports. Studies were selected according to eligibility criteria with the consensus of three authors (MTB, FS, and CG).

RESULTS

Twenty-two studies were selected, published between 1985 and 2020, including 1005 patients. Fifteen of the 22 studies had valid data on return to sports, with 705 participants, of which 412 (58.4%) returned to some form of sport such as swimming and cycling, at a mean follow-up period of 7.6 years. Four studies directly compared limb sparing surgery and amputation; none of these were able to identify a difference in sports participation or ability.

CONCLUSION

There is insufficient published research to provide guidance for patients with respect to return to sports following musculoskeletal tumors. Future prospective studies are needed to collect better pre- and post-treatment data at multiple time intervals. Validated clinical and patient sports participation outcomes such as type of sports, level, frequency, and validated sports-specific outcome scores should be recorded. In particular, more comparison between limb sparing surgery and amputation would be welcome.

Investigating readmission rates for patients undergoing oncologic resection and endoprosthetic reconstruction for primary sarcomas and tumors involving bone

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the drivers of readmission in patients undergoing Orthopaedic oncologic resection. The goal of this study was to identify factors independently associated with 90-day readmission for patients undergoing oncologic resection and subsequent prosthetic reconstruction for primary tumors involving bone.

METHODS

This was a retrospective comparative cohort study of patients treated from 2008 to 2019 who underwent endoprosthetic reconstruction for a primary bone tumor or soft tissue tumor involving bone, as well as those who underwent a revision endoprosthetic reconstruction if the primary endoprosthetic reconstruction was performed for an oncologic resection. The primary outcome measure was unplanned 90-day readmission.

RESULTS

A total of 149 patients were identified who underwent 191 surgeries were for a primary bone or soft tissue tumor. The 90-day readmission rate was 28.3%. Female gender, depression, higher tumor grade, vascular reconstruction, longer procedure duration, longer length of stay (LOS), multiple surgeries during an admission and disposition to a Skilled Nursing Facility were associated with readmission (p < 0.05). In a multivariate analysis, female sex, higher tumor grade and longer procedure duration were independently associated with risk of readmission (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Readmission rates are high following endoprosthetic reconstruction for Orthopaedic oncologic resections. Further work is necessary to help minimize unplanned readmissions.

Cross-Cultural Validation of the Italian Version of the Bt-DUX: A Subjective Measure of Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients Who Underwent Surgery for Lower Extremity Malignant Bone Tumour

The purpose of this study was to translate the English bone tumour DUX (Bt-DUX-Eng) questionnaire for lower extremity bone tumour patients, a disease-specific quality of life (QoL) instrument, into Italian and then examine the validity of the Italian version of Bt-DUX (Bt-DUX-It). The adaptation and translation process included forward translation, back-translation, and a review of the back-translation by an expert committee. The Bt-DUX-It was validated in a sample of adolescents treated for lower extremity osteosarcoma in Italy. Assessments included the Bt-DUX, the Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS), and the European Organization for Research and Treatment Core Quality of Life Questionnaire of Cancer Patients (EORTC QLQ-C30). Fifty-one patients with a median age of 20 years (range: 15-25) completed the questionnaires. The mean Bt-DUX score was 70 (range: 16.30-100). The internal consistency of the overall score and that of the Bt-DUX-It was good: Cronbach's α was 0.95. Spearman's correlation coefficient between the Bt-DUX (total and domain scores) and EORTC QLQ C30 and TESS were overall moderate to good, reaching a p-value <0.01 in all cases. The Bt-DUX-It version is a useful tool for measuring QoL in patients with bone tumour and has similar internal consistency, construct validity, and discrimination as those of the Dutch and English versions.

The Pediatric Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (pTESS): Validation of a Self-reported Functional Outcomes Tool for Children with Extremity Tumors

BACKGROUND

The physical function of children with sarcoma after surgery has not been studied explicitly. This paucity of research is partly because of the lack of a sufficiently sensitive pediatric functional measure. The goal of this study was to establish and validate a standardized measure of physical function in pediatric patients with extremity tumors.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

(1) What is the best format and content for new upper- and lower-extremity measures of physical function in the pediatric population? (2) Do the new measures exhibit floor and/or ceiling effects, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability? (3) Are the new measures valid?

METHODS

In Phase 1, interviews with 17 consecutive children and adolescents with bone tumors were conducted to modify the format and content of draft versions of the pediatric Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (pTESS). In Phase 2, the pTESS was formally translated into French. In Phase 3, 122 participants between 7 and 17.9 years old with malignant or benign-aggressive bone tumors completed the limb-specific measure on two occasions. Older adolescents also completed the adult TESS. Floor and ceiling effects, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and validity were evaluated.

RESULTS

Feedback from interviews resulted in the removal, addition, and modification of draft items, and the pTESS-Leg and pTESS-Arm questionnaires were finalized. Both versions exhibited no floor or ceiling effects and high internal consistency (α > 0.92). The test-retest reliability was excellent for the pTESS-Leg (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.94; 95% CI, 0.90-0.97) and good for the pTESS-Arm (ICC = 0.86; 95% CI, 0.61-0.96). Known-group validity (ability to discriminate between groups) was demonstrated by lower mean pTESS-Leg scores for participants using gait aids or braces (mean = 68; SD = 21) than for those who did not (mean = 87; SD = 11; p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between pTESS arm scores among respondents using a brace (n = 5; mean = 73; SD = 11) and those without (n = 22; mean = 83; SD = 19; p = 0.13). To evaluate construct validity, we tested a priori hypotheses. The duration since chemotherapy correlated moderately with higher pTESS-Leg scores (r = 0.4; p < 0.001) but not with pTESS-Arm scores (r = 0.1; p = 0.80), and the duration since tumor resection correlated moderately with higher pTESS-Leg scores (r = 0.4; p < 0.001) but not pTESS-Arm scores (r = 0.2; p = 0.4). Higher VAS scores (that is, it was harder to do things) antecorrelated with both pTESS versions (pTESS-Leg: r = -0.7; p < 0.001; pTESS-Arm: r = -0.8; p < 0.001). To assess criterion validity, we compared the pTESS with the current "gold standard" (adult TESS). Among adolescents, strong correlations were observed between the TESS and pTESS-Leg (r = 0.97, p < 0.001) and pTESS-Arm (r = 0.9, p = 0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

Both pTESS versions exhibited no floor or ceiling effects and had high internal consistency. The pTESS-Leg demonstrated excellent reliability and validity, and the pTESS-Arm demonstrated good reliability and reasonable validity. The pTESS is recommended for cross-sectional evaluation of self-reported physical function in pediatric patients with bone tumors.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II, outcome measurement development.

Clinical, functional and radiological outcomes of extracorporeal irradiation in limb salvage surgery for bone tumours

AIMS

We present a retrospective review of patients treated with extracorporeally irradiated allografts for primary and secondary bone tumours with the mid- and long-term survivorship and the functional and radiographic outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 113 of 116 (97.4%) patients who were treated with extracorporeally irradiated allografts between 1996 and 2014 were followed up. Forms of treatment included reconstructions, prostheses and composite reconstructions, both with and without vascularised grafts. Survivorship was determined by the Kaplan-Meier method. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) scoring system, the Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS) and Quality of Life-C30 (QLQ-30) measures. Radiographic outcomes were assessed using the International Society of Limb Salvage (ISOLS) radiographic scoring system.

RESULTS

There were 61 (54%) men with a mean age of 22 years (6 to 70) and 52 (46%) women with a mean age of 26 years (3 to 85). There were 23 deaths. The five-year patient survivorship was 82.3% and the ten-year patient survivorship was 79.6%. The mean follow-up of the 90 surviving patients was 80.3 months (2 to 207). At the last follow-up, 105 allografts (92.9%) were still in place or had been at the time of death; eight (7%) had failed due to infection, local recurrence or fracture. Outcome scores were comparable with or superior to those in previous studies. The mean outcome scores were: MSTS 79% (sd 8); TESS 83% (sd 19); QLQ 82% (sd 16); ISOLS 80.5% (sd 19). Pearson correlation analysis showed a strong relationship between the MSTS and ISOLS scores (r = 0.71, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

This study shows that extracorporeal irradiation is a versatile reconstructive technique for dealing with large defects after the resection of bone tumours with good functional and radiographic outcomes. Functional outcomes as measured by MSTS, TESS and QLQ-30 were strongly correlated to radiographic outcomes. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:1681-8.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of objective and subjective quality of life among pediatric, adolescent, and young adult bone tumor survivors

BACKGROUND

Pediatric, adolescent, and young adult survivors of bone sarcomas are at risk for poor quality of life (QOL). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize the literature describing QOL in this population and differences in QOL based on local control procedures.

PROCEDURE

Included studies described ≥5 patients <25 years old who had completed local control treatment for bone sarcoma, defined QOL as a main outcome, and measured it with a validated instrument. Data extraction and quality assessments were conducted with standardized tools. Meta-analyses compared QOL based on surgical procedure (limb-sparing vs. amputation) and were stratified by assessment type (objective physical function, clinician-assessed disability, patient-reported disability, and patient-reported QOL). Effect sizes were reported as the standard mean difference when multiple instruments were used within a comparison and weighted mean difference otherwise. All were weighted by inverse variance and modeled with random effects.

RESULTS

Twenty-two of 452 unique manuscripts were included in qualitative syntheses, eight of which were included in meta-analyses. Manuscripts were heterogeneous with respect to included patient populations (age, tumor type, time since treatment) and QOL instruments. Prospective studies suggested that QOL improves over time, and that female sex and older age at diagnosis are associated with poor QOL. Meta-analyses showed no differences in outcomes between patients who underwent limb-sparing versus amputation for local control.

CONCLUSION

QOL studies among children and AYAs with bone sarcoma are remarkably diverse, making it difficult to detect trends in patient outcomes. Future research should focus on standardized QOL instruments and interpretations.

Quality of Life, Physical and Mental Status and Contentment of Patients with Localized Soft Tissue or Bone Sarcoma: A Questionnaire Analysis

Extremity soft tissue and bone sarcomas represent a rare group of bone and connective tissue cancers. In literature, there is little information about psycho-emotional status and impact on quality of life after the diagnosis and treatment of this kind of tumors. The aim of this survey was to define the profile of the patients at risk and their need for psychooncological care. Our self-created questionnaire consists of 71 items related to the individual emotional, mental and physical situation after the diagnosis of soft tissue and bone sarcoma. Sixty-six patients, surgically treated at our department, were included. Only 37.5% of the patients considered themselves to be completely emotional stable. Psychooncological treatment was accepted mostly by female patients, by patients with higher education level and by married patients. Emotional stability and confidence in future were associated with a strong familiar background, with numerous consultations of psychooncological service and also to gender and physical condition. Current quality of life was strongly correlated to physical condition. Thanks to our questionnaire, we disclosed few risk factors for negative emotional outcome after therapy, such as higher age, social isolation, female gender and poor physical status.

What sports activity levels are achieved in patients with modular tumor endoprostheses of osteosarcoma about the knee?

BACKGROUND

Advances in multimodal treatment have improved survival of patients with nonmetastatic osteosarcoma. At the same time, implant design has improved the outcomes of limb salvage with modular endoprostheses. However, little is known about sports activity in long-term survivors with osteosarcoma.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

We wanted to evaluate (1) sports activity levels in long-term survivors of osteosarcoma about the knee who received a modular tumor endoprosthesis; (2) to determine if activity level changed over time from initial reconstruction or (3) was predicted from sports activity level before diagnosis; and (4) if complications that occurred affected sports or contributed to prosthetic failures.

METHODS

Between 1995 and 2005, we treated 120 patients for osteosarcoma about the knee with resection and modular endoprosthetic reconstruction; of those, 25 (21%) have died, six (5%) had an amputation, 39 (32%) did not speak German and so were ineligible, and 14 (12%) were either lost to followup or refused to participate, leaving 27 patients (14 females, 13 males; median age 19 years [range, 12-60 years); average followup 11 ± 4 years) (54% of the living, German-speaking cohort) for this analysis. Tumors were located in the distal femur (n = 16) and the proximal tibia (n = 11). Sports participation as well as the UCLA Activity Score and the modified Weighted Activity Score were assessed retrospectively. Moreover, postoperative complications were evaluated.

RESULTS

Before the diagnosis of osteosarcoma and 1, 3, and 5 years and at the latest followup, respectively, after their reconstructions, 24 (89%), nine (33%), 20 (74%), and 24 patients (89%) were able to perform sports activities. There was a reduction in high-impact activities. Those patients with followup longer than 5 years had no changes in sports activity at their latest followup. Patients who had higher levels of sports activity levels before surgery generally had higher levels of activity at last followup (UCLA Activity Score: r = 0.62, p < 0.0005; modified Weighted Activity Score r = 0.49, p < 0.01). Fourteen patients (51%) underwent revision surgery. With the numbers available, complications had no effect on sports activity. No sports activity-related complications were found.

CONCLUSIONS

Some long-term survivors of osteosarcoma can achieve high levels of sports activity. Preoperative activity levels seem to influence the postoperative activity levels. This information is important to give realistic expectations for long-term survivors of osteosarcoma of the knee.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, therapeutic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

What do we know about survivorship after treatment for extremity sarcoma? A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

The varied presentations and treatments of extremity bone and soft tissue sarcoma mean that the issues faced by survivors are diverse and complex. The aim of this systematic review was to investigate what is known about this topic with a view to identifying areas for further research or service development.

METHODS

This was a review of the English language literature identified from Medline and Ovid and hand searches published between January 2000 and September 2012. Results were compiled according to physical, psychological and social domains of survivorship.

RESULTS

Of 182 studies identified, 22 met the inclusion criteria. There is a wide range of outcome measures used and a need for more objective measures. Unsurprisingly, survivors of extremity sarcoma typically demonstrate lower levels of physical functioning than healthy controls. In addition, survivors demonstrate a substantial psychological morbidity.

CONCLUSIONS

Services for survivors of extremity sarcoma should include rehabilitation and psychological support, sexual health services, expert pain management, and support to return to work.

Quality of life following amputation or limb preservation in patients with lower extremity bone sarcoma

Purpose: Although functional differences have been described between patients with lower extremity bone sarcoma with amputation and limb-preservation surgery, differences have not clearly been shown between the two groups related to quality of life. The purpose of the study was to determine if there is a difference in overall quality of life in lower extremity bone sarcoma survivors related to whether they had an amputation or a limb-preservation procedure while identifying psychological differences for further evaluation. The main hypothesis was that sparing a person’s limb, as opposed to amputating it, would result in a better quality of life.

Patients and Methods: Eighty-two long-term survivors of lower extremity bone sarcoma were studied to make a comparison of the overall quality of life, pain assessment, and psychological evaluations in limb preservation and amputation patients. Forty-eight patients with limb preservation and thirty-four patients with amputations were enrolled in the study. Validated psychometric measures including the Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ), the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, and visual analog scales were utilized.

Results: The overall quality of life of patients with limb preservation was significantly higher than patients with amputation (p-value < 0.01). Significant differences were noted in the categories of material well-being, job satisfiers, and occupational relations.

Conclusion: The overall quality of life of patients with limb-preservation appears to be better than for those patients with amputation based on the QLQ in patients surviving lower extremity bone sarcoma. Further analysis needs to verify the results and focus on the categories that significantly affect the overall quality of life.

A prospective study on quality of life and functional outcome in children and adolescents after malignant bone tumor surgery

BACKGROUND

Few longitudinal data are available concerning quality of life (QoL) and functioning of young patients undergoing surgical procedures for malignant bone tumors around the knee joint. Aim of the present study was to evaluate patients' quality of life, functional ability, and physical activity during a 2-year postoperative period.

METHODS

This prospective study included patients who underwent surgery for a malignant bone tumor around the knee joint between 2004 and 2008. Assessments were done at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months after surgery. QoL was measured with the TNO-AZL Children's or Adult's Quality of Life Questionnaires (TACQOL and TAAQOL), the Short Form-36 (SF-36) and Bone tumor (Bt)-DUX; functional ability with the Toronto Extremity Salvage Scale (TESS), the 6-minute walk test (6 MWT) and four functional performance tests; and physical activity with the Baecke questionnaire and the ActiLog® activity monitor. Statistical analysis included linear mixed model analysis.

RESULTS

Forty-four patients (27 males, 17 females, mean age 14.9 (SD 4.8) years) were included, 27 (61%) underwent limb-salvage and 17 (39%) ablative surgery. Twenty patients were lost during the 2 years follow-up as a consequence of oncological complications. Over the first year, survivors showed significant improvement of QoL, functional ability and physical activity, except for the mental dimension of the SF-36 and the activity monitor results. Over the second year, these improvements were less pronounced.

CONCLUSIONS

In the first 2 years after bone tumor surgery, survivors improved significantly with respect to QoL, functional ability, and physical activity levels.

What are estimated reimbursements for lower extremity prostheses capable of surgical and nonsurgical lengthening?

BACKGROUND

Growing prostheses accommodate skeletally immature patients with bone tumors undergoing limb-preserving surgery. Early devices required surgical procedures for lengthening; recent devices lengthen without surgery. Expenses for newer expandable devices that lengthen without surgery are more than for their predecessors but overall reimbursement amounts are not known.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

We sought to determine reimbursement amounts associated with lengthening of growing prostheses requiring surgical and nonsurgical lengthening.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 17 patients with growing prostheses requiring surgical expansion and eight patients with prostheses capable of nonsurgical expansion. Insurance documents were reviewed to determine the reimbursement for implantation, lengthening, and complications. Growth data were obtained from the literature.

RESULTS

Mean reimbursement amounts of surgical and nonsurgical lengthenings were $9950 and $272, respectively. Estimated reimbursements associated with implantation of a growing prosthesis varied depending on age, sex, and location. The largest difference was found for 4-year-old boys with distal femoral replacement where reimbursement for expansion to maturity for surgical and nonsurgical lengthening prostheses would be $379,000 and $208,000, respectively. For children requiring more than one surgical expansion, net reimbursements were lower when a noninvasive lengthening device was used. Annual per-prosthesis maintenance reimbursements to address complications for surgical and nonsurgical lengthening prostheses were $3386 and $1856, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that reimbursements for lengthening of growing endoprostheses capable of nonsurgical expansion may be less expensive in younger patients, particularly male patients undergoing distal femur replacement, than endoprostheses requiring surgical lengthening. Longer outcomes studies are required to see if reimbursements for complications differ between devices.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, economic and decision analysis. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Outcome of lower-limb preservation with an expandable endoprosthesis after bone tumor resection in children

BACKGROUND

The optimal treatment of malignant pediatric lower-extremity bone tumors is controversial. Expandable endoprostheses allow limb preservation, but the revision rate and limited function are considered barriers to their use. This study investigated the functional, emotional, and oncologic outcomes of thirty-eight patients treated with an expandable endoprosthesis.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed, and surviving patients were asked to complete the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) outcomes instrument and the Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI). Additional data including the range of hip and knee motion, limb-length discrepancy, and total lengthening were also obtained.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight patients were treated with an expandable endoprosthesis, and twenty-six of these patients were alive at the time of the study. The mean global MSTS score was 26.1, and the mean global PODCI score was 85.8. The mean emotional acceptance and happiness subscores were high. The mean sagittal-plane hip motion in patients who had undergone replacement of the proximal aspect of the femur was 103°. The mean knee motion in patients who had undergone replacement of the proximal aspect of the femur, the distal aspect of the femur, or the proximal aspect of the tibia was 127°, 97°, and 107°, respectively. The mean lengthening at the time of skeletal maturity was 4.5 cm, and the mean limb-length discrepancy was 0.7 cm. Forty-two percent of the patients experienced complications, with ten patients requiring prosthesis revision and two of these patients requiring amputation.

CONCLUSIONS

Current technology does not offer a single best reconstruction option for children. Previous studies and the present series have indicated that physical and emotional functioning in patients treated with an expandable endoprosthesis are good but that complication rates remain high. Amputation and rotationplasty are alternative treatments if patients and their families are amenable to these procedures. The literature supports no single superior treatment among these three options with regard to physical or emotional health.

Experience of newly diagnosed patients with sarcoma receiving chemotherapy

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES

To examine symptom distress and quality of life (QOL) in newly diagnosed patients with sarcoma receiving chemotherapy.

DESIGN

Pilot study; descriptive, quantitative.

SETTING

Urban community cancer center in the northeastern United States.

SAMPLE

11 newly diagnosed patients with sarcoma.

METHODS

Participants completed the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General at baseline and on days 1, 15, and 21 of their chemotherapy treatment.

MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES

Symptom distress and QOL.

FINDINGS

Fatigue was the most prevalent and pervasive symptom. Anxiety, well-being, lack of appetite, drowsiness, and depression were the most commonly reported symptoms during chemotherapy. QOL was negatively affected. The lowest mean score reported was for functional well-being. Outcome profiles for symptom distress increased over time, whereas QOL profiles decreased over time. Exploratory analyses of age, race, sex, and diagnosis group suggested differences that warrant further study.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, increasing symptom distress and reduced QOL over time were reported by patients with sarcoma during chemotherapy. Exploratory analysis by demographic variables and treatment group suggested the need for further research of predictors for symptom distress and QOL.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING

Clinical and research implications included the need for better understanding about symptom distress and QOL predictors in patients with sarcoma, as well as the evaluation of interventions directed to address this population's specific needs.

What is the emotional acceptance after limb salvage with an expandable prosthesis?

BACKGROUND

Limb preservation surgery for extremity sarcomas offers the promise of improved function and cosmesis over amputation. Application of limb salvage surgery for pediatric patients with expandable metallic endoprostheses is gaining acceptance. The few studies reporting these devices have focused on functional outcomes; one has addressed quality of life.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

We asked the following questions: (1) how happy are these patients; (2) how do these patients perceive their bodies; (3) do these children have difficulty with social interactions; and (4) how satisfied are patients and their parents with their outcomes?

METHODS

We retrospectively identified and contacted 26 living patients who underwent limb salvage with an expandable device. The Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument was administered to 15 of the 26 families. Attention was paid to the happiness domain of the Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument and specific answers within this domain were reported.

RESULTS

Children who received limb salvage with an expandable endoprosthesis showed high emotional satisfaction with their outcome. Overall patients reported excellent perceptions of body image and physical attractiveness. Most patients reported frequent social interactions with their peers and no difficulty with making new friends.

CONCLUSIONS

Although this study has a limited number of subjects and no control group, the data correlate with previously scores and indicate a high degree of emotional acceptance after limb salvage with an expandable endoprosthesis in a pediatric population.

Quality of life in young patients after bone tumor surgery around the knee joint and comparison with healthy controls

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to compare the health related quality of life (HRQoL) of children and adolescents after malignant bone tumor surgery of the leg with healthy controls.

PROCEDURE

Patients between 8 and 25 years old were cross-sectional recruited. Patients under 16 years of age received the TNO (Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research) and AZL (Leiden University Medical Center) Children's Quality of Life Questionnaire (TACQOL), patients aged 16 years and older received the TNO-AZL Questionnaire for Adult's Quality of Life (TAAQOL) and the Short Form-36 (SF-36). Three age- and sex-matched normative random samples, drawn from large, nationwide studies, were used for the comparison with healthy controls. Patients were interviewed regarding their most important problems related to the disease and its treatment.

RESULTS

Eighty-one patients with a mean age of 16.9 years (SD 4.2) were included (41 female). Limb sparing surgery was executed in 38 patients, ablative surgery in 43 patients. In comparison with healthy controls, patients had significantly poorer HRQoL within the domains autonomy and motor function of the TACQOL, gross motor function, cognitive functioning, daily functioning and sexuality of the TAAQOL, and physical functioning, role physical, general health, and the physical and mental component summary scales of the SF-36. Patients reported limitations in physical activities, participation in sports, and cosmetic aspects as the most detrimental consequences of their disease and its treatment.

CONCLUSION

In children and adolescents who underwent surgery for a malignant tumor of the leg physical, functioning was significantly impaired as compared to healthy controls.

The Bt-DUX: development of a subjective measure of health-related quality of life in patients who underwent surgery for lower extremity malignant bone tumor

BACKGROUND

To examine the practical applicability, internal consistency, and validity of the Bt-DUX, a disease-specific Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) instrument. The Bt-Dux was developed to examine patients' individual values of their life after a malignant bone tumor of the lower extremity at four domains (cosmetic, social, emotional, and functional).

PROCEDURE

Patients were eligible for this cross-sectional, multicenter study if they underwent surgery for a malignant tumor of the leg in a period ranging between 12 and 60 months before the recruitment. Assessments included: Bt-DUX, Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS) Short Form (SF)-36, TNO-AZL Questionnaire for Adult's Quality of Life (TAAQOL), and TNO-AZL Children's Quality of Life Questionnaire (TACQOL).

RESULTS

Seventy-two patients (35 male, 37 female), mean age 17 (SD 4) years were included. Limb sparing surgery took place in 32 patients and ablative surgery in 40 patients. The Bt-DUX was completed in less than 5 min and easy to comprehend. The mean Bt-DUX score was 69.8 (SD 15.5), with Cronbach's alpha being 0.92. Domain-total correlations ranged between 0.84 and 0.88 (P < 0.01). Correlations between Bt-DUX Total score and TESS, SF-36 Physical and Mental Component Summary scales and selected TACQOL and TAAQOL scores were statistically significant (P < 0.05), except for the social scale of the TACQOL. The Bt-DUX was able to discriminate between patients with higher and lower TESS scores (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The Bt-DUX was found to be a practical and valid instrument. Its added value compared with existing HRQoL measures needs to be further established.

Bone tumors: osteosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Osteosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma are the two most common primary malignant bone tumors in children and account for approximately 6% of all childhood malignancies. Treatment methods have seen significant advancements, particularly in regard to chemotherapy and limb-sparing surgery. These advancements have led to increased survival rate. With many long-term survivors, it is important to evaluate long-term patient outcomes following treatment, including function and health-related quality of life. We will review the current trends in treatment of these diseases, different reconstructive options available, and the methods and results for evaluating the long-term results.

RECENT FINDINGS

There have been many improvements in the medical treatment of these tumors leading to increasing long-term survival. There have also been improvements in reconstructive techniques for the maintenance of functional extremities in these patients. Newer evaluation methods for both functional outcome and health-related quality of life measures that are more specific to children and adolescents are being developed and in use.

SUMMARY

This report will provide an overview of the current treatment options and long-term complications in primary malignant bone tumors for the pediatrician caring for a child with these problems.

Aggressive treatment of non-metastatic osteosarcoma improves health-related quality of life in children and adolescents

BACKGROUND

Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of paediatric patients with osteosarcoma has not been documented longitudinally during treatment. Aims of this prospective study were to assess treatment effects on patients' HRQOL at diagnosis, during therapy and after completion of therapy, to assess sex- and age-related differences in HRQOL ratings and to assess differences between patients' and parents' reports.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Sixty-six patients (median age, 13.4 years) with newly diagnosed, localised disease completed three HRQOL instruments, and their parents completed two of the same instruments at diagnosis, before surgery (Week 12), at Week 23 and a median of 20 weeks after treatment completion.

RESULTS

Significant improvements in most domains and worsening of nausea were reported by patients and parents from diagnosis to Weeks 12 and 23. Symptom distress decreased from diagnosis to Weeks 12 and 23 in 81% and 64% of patients, respectively. There were no sex- and few age-related differences in scores. Scores from patients and parents achieved good agreement.

CONCLUSIONS

The HRQOL of patients improves during aggressive treatment for non-metastatic osteosarcoma, except in the domain of nausea. Clinicians can use these findings to prepare their patients for the distressing symptoms that they will likely experience at certain time points and to provide reassurance that these will significantly improve.

Health-related quality of life in adolescents at the time of diagnosis with osteosarcoma or acute myeloid leukemia

Although measuring health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adolescents with cancer helps clinicians to personalize care for their patients, no previous studies have included HRQoL measurement at the time of diagnosis of osteosarcoma (OS) or acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of measuring adolescents' HRQoL at the time of their diagnosis of OS or AML, and to compare their ratings with those of their parents and of similarly diagnosed but younger patients aged 8-12 years. Participants included 126 patients (79 adolescents) and 130 parents (78 parents of adolescents); most completed the HRQoL instrument/s within 48 h of the first chemotherapy cycle. Ninety-three percent of adolescents diagnosed with OS and 93% of those diagnosed with AML completed the HRQoL instruments. Agreement between the adolescents and their parents ranged from 0.29 to 0.71 (OS) and 0.44 to 0.62 (AML). In all domains, OS adolescents had significantly lower PedsQL v.4.0 scores than adolescents with AML. Our findings demonstrates the feasibility of measuring HRQoL in adolescents with OS or AML (and their parents) at the time of diagnosis, and thus their HRQoL ratings can be used to inform their cancer care from diagnosis forward.