Quality of life in metastatic breast cancer patients under chemotherapy or supportive care: a single-institution comparative study

Sexual Dysfunction in Patients With Metastatic Breast Cancer

BACKGROUND

Sexual well-being is a key determinant of quality of life. Sexual dysfunction in patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is understudied.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients were eligible for this study if they participated in the Mayo Clinic Breast Disease Registry (MCBDR), had a diagnosis of de novo MBC, and responded to a question about sexual dysfunction at the baseline MCBDR survey. Participants reported their sexual dysfunction on a scale of 0 (no dysfunction) to 10 (severe dysfunction) at baseline and then annually for 4 years. Participants answered additional sexual symptom questions in years 2 and 4. Associations between patient attributes and the presence and severity of sexual dysfunction, changes in sexual dysfunction from baseline to subsequent surveys, and associations between specific sexual symptoms and severity of sexual dysfunction were assessed.

RESULTS

One hundred three patients with de novo MBC answered the sexual dysfunction question at baseline. The prevalence of any sexual dysfunction (score of 1-10) was 56.3% at baseline (n = 103), 57.1 % at year 1 (n = 77), 80.4% at year 2 (n = 46), 65.8% at year 3 (n = 38), and 85% at year 4 (n = 20). Vaginal dryness was reported by approximately 49% and 39% of patients in years 2 and 4 respectively. Vaginal dryness was associated with higher severity of sexual dysfunction.

CONCLUSIONS

Self-reported sexual dysfunction is frequent in women with de novo MBC. Vaginal dryness is a frequently reported treatable symptom associated with higher severity of sexual dysfunction. Clinicians should assess patients with MBC for sexual dysfunction and discuss potential treatment strategies.

Development and validation of a rapid psychosocial well-being screening tool in patients with metastatic breast cancer

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Implementation of an Electronic Patient-Reported Outcome App for Health-Related Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Patients: Evaluation and Acceptability Analysis in a Two-Center Prospective Trial

Background

One in eight women is diagnosed with breast cancer in the course of their life. As systematic palliative treatment has only a limited effect on survival rates, the concept of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was developed for measurement of patient-centered outcomes. Various studies have already demonstrated the reliability of paper-based patient-reported outcome (pPRO) and electronic patient-reported outcome (ePRO) surveys and that the 2 means of assessment are equally valid.

Objective

The aim of this study was to analyze the acceptance and evaluation of a tablet-based ePRO app for breast cancer patients and to examine its suitability, effort, and difficulty in the context of HRQoL and sociodemographic factors.

Methods

Overall, 106 women with adjuvant or advanced breast cancer were included in a 2-center study at 2 major university hospitals in Germany. Patients were asked to answer HRQoL and PRO questionnaires both on a tablet on-site using a specific eHealth assessment website and on paper. The suitability, effort, and difficulty of the app and self-reported technical skills were also assessed. Only the results of the electronically acquired data are presented here. The results of the reliability of the pPRO data have already been published elsewhere.

Results

Patients regarded the ePRO assessment as more suitable (80/106, 75.5%), less stressful (73/106, 68.9%), and less difficult (69/106, 65.1%) than pPRO. The majority of patients stated that ePRO assessment improves health care in hospitals (87/106, 82.1%). However, evaluation of ePROs depended on the level of education (P=.003) in the dimensions of effort and difficulty (regression analysis). The app was rated highly in all categories. HRQoL data and therapy setting did not show significant correlations with the app’s evaluation parameters.

Conclusions

The results indicate that ePRO surveys are feasible for measuring HRQoL in breast cancer patients and that those patients prefer ePRO assessment to pPRO assessment. It can also be seen that patients consider ePRO assessment to improve hospital health care. However, studies with larger numbers of patients are needed to develop apps that address the needs of patients with lower levels of education and technical skills.

Measuring Quality of Life Using Patient-Reported Outcomes in Real-World Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients: The Need for a Standardized Approach

Simple Summary

Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) remains incurable despite treatment improvements. The health-related quality of life is a multidimensional entity which covers physical, psychological and social dimensions. It is an important outcome particularly in patients with metastatic disease, as the primary goal of therapy is no longer curation, but to provide the best possible quality of life weighted against treatment risks and adverse symptoms. Patient-reported outcomes reflecting the quality of life are usually measured with validated questionnaires to evaluate treatment strategies based on symptom burden and to improve care delivery. This review shares insights into the role of patient-reported outcome measurements in MBC patients and describes the heterogeneity of current questionnaires. We conclude that an up-to-date and standardized outcome set is needed, containing relevant domains referring to individual needs to improve the quality of life assessment among MBC patients. This is a prerequisite to learn about how they could impact the clinical care pathway.

Abstract

Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients are almost always treated to minimize the symptom burden, and to prolong life without a curative intent. Although the prognosis of MBC patients has improved in recent years, the median survival after diagnosis is still only 3 years. Therefore, the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) should play a leading role in making treatment decisions. Heterogeneity in questionnaires used to evaluate the HRQoL in MBC patients complicates the interpretability and comparability of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) globally. In this review, we aimed to provide an overview of PRO instruments used in real-world MBC patients and to discuss important issues in measuring HRQoL. Routinely collecting symptom information using PROs could enhance treatment evaluation and shared decision-making. Standardizing these measures might help to improve the implementation of PROs, and facilitates collecting and sharing data to establish valid comparisons in research. This is a prerequisite to learn about how they could impact the clinical care pathway. In addition, the prognostic value of intensified PRO collection throughout therapy on survival and disease progression is promising. Future perspectives in the field of PROs and MBC are described.

Quality of life of women living with metastatic breast cancer and receiving palliative care: A systematic review

The quality of life (QoL) of women living with metastatic breast cancer and receiving palliative care needs more attention. We reviewed published studies (1992-2019) examining QoL of women receiving palliative care. The findings were interpreted according to the World Health Organization's (WHO) definition of palliative care. Four themes emerged: (1) the impact of medical treatment on pain relief; (2) the need for psychosocial attention and support; (3) the necessity of an interdisciplinary approach; (4) ambiguous understanding of the term palliative care. A common understanding of the term palliative care and more research is needed to enhance the QoL of women living with metastatic breast cancer.

Quality of Life During Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer in a West African Population in Dakar, Senegal: A Prospective Study

PURPOSE

The prevalence of breast cancer is increasing in low- to middle-income countries such as Senegal. Our prospective study assessed the quality of life (QoL) of patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy in Senegal.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Our study included women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy as initial treatment at the Center Aristide Le Dantec University Hospital in Dakar. Clinical, sociodemographic, and QoL data were collected and analyzed at three different times: baseline, 3 months, and 6 months after the start of systemic therapy. Health-related QoL was assessed using a Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapies-Breast (FACT-B) questionnaire after translation into the Wolof language. Linear mixed-effects models were performed to assess the changes in QoL scores.

RESULTS

Between July 2017 and February 2018, 120 patients were included in the study. Their median age was 45 years. Most patients (n = 105; 92%) had locally advanced disease (T3 to T4 stage) and lymph node involvement (n = 103; 88%), and half had metastatic disease. The FACT-B total scores significantly improved over time (β = 1.58; 95% CI, 0.50 to 2.67; P < .01). Nausea and vomiting were significantly associated with a decrease in FACT-B total scores (β = −16.89, 95% CI, −29.58 to −4.24, P = .012; and β = −13.44, 95% CI, −25.15 to −1.72, P = .028, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Our study confirmed the feasibility of standardized QoL assessment in Senegalese patients with breast cancer. Our results indicated a potential improvement of QoL over the course of chemotherapy. Optimizing nausea and vomiting prevention may improve QoL.

Statistical analysis of patient-reported outcome data in randomised controlled trials of locally advanced and metastatic breast cancer: a systematic review

Although patient-reported outcomes (PROs), such as health-related quality of life, are important endpoints in randomised controlled trials (RCTs), there is little consensus about the analysis, interpretation, and reporting of these data. We did a systematic review to assess the variability, quality, and standards of PRO data analyses in advanced breast cancer RCTs. We searched PubMed for English language articles published in peer-reviewed journals between Jan 1, 2001, and Oct 30, 2017. Eligible articles were those that reported PRO results from RCTs of adult patients with advanced breast cancer receiving anti-cancer treatments with reported sample sizes of at least 50 patients-66 RCTs met the selection criteria. Only eight (12%) RCTs reported a specific PRO research hypothesis. Heterogeneity in the statistical methods used to assess PRO data was observed, with a mixture of longitudinal and cross-sectional techniques. Not all articles addressed the problem of multiple testing. Fewer than half of RCTs (28 [42%]) reported the clinical significance of their findings. 48 (73%) did not report how missing data were handled. Our systematic review shows a need to improve standards in the analysis, interpretation, and reporting of PRO data in cancer RCTs. Lack of standardisation makes it difficult to draw robust conclusions and compare findings across trials. The Setting International Standards in the Analyzing Patient-Reported Outcomes and Quality of Life Data Consortium was set up to address this need and develop recommendations on the analysis of PRO data in RCTs.

Life Quality Index Assessment in Breast Cancer Patients

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer in Indian females whether they are from urban or rural area. Quality of life after treatment in BC patients is a very vital issue as its assessment will guide the clinicians, hospital authorities, and administrators to take appropriate steps to improve the delivery of treatment and address the concern. Improvement in QOL should be one of the ultimate aims of treatment in BC. The aim of this review is to collect and examine literature available on QOL in breast cancer patients and define what type of issues or domains should be studied. Four factors including chemotherapy treatment received by the patient, associated comorbidities, social support to patients from family, friends, support groups, and income of family have been found to have a strong association with QOL in BC patients/survivors. QOL assessment should include an instrument which assesses physical health, social health, psychological health, and spiritual health. There are less studies having all above domains so more studies are required for better understanding of QOL issue in BC patients/survivors.

An Electronic Patient-Reported Outcome Tool for the FACT-B (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast) Questionnaire for Measuring the Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients With Breast Cancer: Reliability Study

Background

The most frequent malignant disease in women is breast cancer. In the metastatic setting, quality of life is the primary therapeutic goal, and systematic treatment has only a limited effect on survival rates; therefore, the concept of the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and measurement of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are gaining more and more importance in the therapy setting of diseases such as breast cancer. One of the frequently used questionnaires for measuring the HRQoL in patients with breast cancer is the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast (FACT-B). Currently, paper-based surveys still predominate, as only a few reliable and validated electronic-based questionnaires are available. ePRO tools for the FACT-B questionnaire with proven reliability are missing so far.

Objective

The aim of this study was to analyze the reliability of tablet-based measurement of FACT-B in the German language in adjuvant (curative) and metastatic breast cancer patients.

Methods

Paper- and tablet-based questionnaires were completed by a total of 106 female adjuvant and metastatic breast cancer patients. All patients were required to complete the electronically based (ePRO) and paper-based version of the FACT-B. A frequency analysis was performed to determine descriptive sociodemographic characteristics. Both dimensions of reliability (parallel forms reliability using Wilcoxon test and test of internal consistency using Spearman ρ) and agreement rates for single items, Kendall tau for each subscale, and total score were analyzed.

Results

High correlations were shown for both dimensions of reliability (parallel forms reliability and internal consistency) in the patients’ response behavior between paper-based and electronically based questionnaires. Regarding the reliability test of parallel forms, no significant differences were found in 35 of 37 single items, while significant correlations in the test for consistency were found in all 37 single items, in all 5 sum individual item subscale scores, as well as in total FACT-B score.

Conclusions

The ePRO version of the FACT-B questionnaire is reliable for patients with breast cancer in both adjuvant and metastatic settings, showing highly significant correlations with the paper-based version in almost all questions all subscales and the total score.

Reliability of an e-PRO Tool of EORTC QLQ-C30 for Measurement of Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients With Breast Cancer: Prospective Randomized Trial

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer represents the most common malignant disease in women worldwide. As currently systematic palliative treatment only has a limited effect on survival rates, the concept of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is gaining more and more importance in the therapy setting of metastatic breast cancer. One of the major patient-reported outcomes (PROs) for measuring HRQoL in patients with breast cancer is provided by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC). Currently, paper-based surveys still predominate, as only a few reliable and validated electronic-based questionnaires are available. Facing the possibilities associated with evolving digitalization in medicine, validation of electronic versions of well-established PRO is essential in order to contribute to comprehensive and holistic oncological care and to ensure high quality in cancer research.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to analyze the reliability of a tablet-based measuring application for EORTC QLQ-C30 in German language in patients with adjuvant and (curative) metastatic breast cancer.

METHODS

Paper- and tablet-based questionnaires were completed by a total of 106 female patients with adjuvant and metastatic breast cancer recruited as part of the e-PROCOM study. All patients were required to complete the electronic- (e-PRO) and paper-based versions of the HRQoL EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire. A frequency analysis was performed to determine descriptive sociodemographic characteristics. Both dimensions of reliability (parallel forms reliability [Wilcoxon test] and test of internal consistency [Spearman rho and agreement rates for single items, Pearson correlation and Kendall tau for each scale]) were analyzed.

RESULTS

High correlations were shown for both dimensions of reliability (parallel forms reliability and internal consistency) in the patient's response behavior between paper- and electronic-based questionnaires. Regarding the test of parallel forms reliability, no significant differences were found in 27 of 30 single items and in 14 of 15 scales, whereas a statistically significant correlation in the test of consistency was found in all 30 single items and all 15 scales.

CONCLUSIONS

The evaluated e-PRO version of the EORTC QLQ-C30 is reliable for patients with both adjuvant and metastatic breast cancer, showing a high correlation in almost all questions (and in many scales). Thus, we conclude that the validated paper-based PRO assessment and the e-PRO tool are equally valid. However, the reliability should also be analyzed in other prospective trials to ensure that usability is reliable in all patient groups.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03132506; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03132506 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6tRcgQuou).

Health-related Quality of Life in Metastatic and Adjuvant Breast Cancer Patients

Introduction: When cancer patients have advanced disease and a primary cure is no longer possible, the focus is on maintaining the patient's quality of life. Recent therapeutic advances in breast cancer treatment mean that even patients with metastatic disease can remain stable for long periods of time. The aim of this study was to look at the health-related quality of life (HRQL) of these patients and compare it with data for the general population and to show the differences in outcomes for different survey instruments used to measure quality of life. Material and Methods: A total of 96 breast cancer patients with metastatic disesae or receiving adjuvant therapy were questioned about their quality of life. Patients were investigated using the established survey instruments EORTC QLQ-C30, EORTC QLQ-BR23, EQ-5D-5L and EQ VAS. All patients filled out questionnaires. Statistical analysis was done using MS Excel and SPSS. Results: Although the questionnaires were completed at the same time, the different questionnaires showed significant differences with regard to the level of stress experienced by the patient. When the EQ VAS questionnaire was used, the patient's current state of health was assessed as significantly better than with the EORTC QLQ-C30. Overall, all aspects of patients' quality of life were found to be in need of optimization and HRQL of patients was significantly poorer in all areas compared to the reference population. Conclusion: To improve the quality of life of patients with metastatic disease, it is necessary to continuously monitor the success of therapy. The choice of survey tools is highly relevant as assessments differ considerably depending on the choice of questionnaire.

Critical research gaps and translational priorities for the successful prevention and treatment of breast cancer

INTRODUCTION

Breast cancer remains a significant scientific, clinical and societal challenge. This gap analysis has reviewed and critically assessed enduring issues and new challenges emerging from recent research, and proposes strategies for translating solutions into practice.

METHODS

More than 100 internationally recognised specialist breast cancer scientists, clinicians and healthcare professionals collaborated to address nine thematic areas: genetics, epigenetics and epidemiology; molecular pathology and cell biology; hormonal influences and endocrine therapy; imaging, detection and screening; current/novel therapies and biomarkers; drug resistance; metastasis, angiogenesis, circulating tumour cells, cancer 'stem' cells; risk and prevention; living with and managing breast cancer and its treatment. The groups developed summary papers through an iterative process which, following further appraisal from experts and patients, were melded into this summary account.

RESULTS

The 10 major gaps identified were: (1) understanding the functions and contextual interactions of genetic and epigenetic changes in normal breast development and during malignant transformation; (2) how to implement sustainable lifestyle changes (diet, exercise and weight) and chemopreventive strategies; (3) the need for tailored screening approaches including clinically actionable tests; (4) enhancing knowledge of molecular drivers behind breast cancer subtypes, progression and metastasis; (5) understanding the molecular mechanisms of tumour heterogeneity, dormancy, de novo or acquired resistance and how to target key nodes in these dynamic processes; (6) developing validated markers for chemosensitivity and radiosensitivity; (7) understanding the optimal duration, sequencing and rational combinations of treatment for improved personalised therapy; (8) validating multimodality imaging biomarkers for minimally invasive diagnosis and monitoring of responses in primary and metastatic disease; (9) developing interventions and support to improve the survivorship experience; (10) a continuing need for clinical material for translational research derived from normal breast, blood, primary, relapsed, metastatic and drug-resistant cancers with expert bioinformatics support to maximise its utility. The proposed infrastructural enablers include enhanced resources to support clinically relevant in vitro and in vivo tumour models; improved access to appropriate, fully annotated clinical samples; extended biomarker discovery, validation and standardisation; and facilitated cross-discipline working.

CONCLUSIONS

With resources to conduct further high-quality targeted research focusing on the gaps identified, increased knowledge translating into improved clinical care should be achievable within five years.

Sexual problems, communication patterns, and depressive symptoms in couples coping with metastatic breast cancer

BACKGROUND

The treatment of breast cancer tends to result in physical side effects (e.g., vaginal dryness, stomatitis, and atrophy) that can cause sexual problems. Although studies of early-stage breast cancer have demonstrated that sexual problems are associated with increased depressive symptoms for both patients and their partners, comparatively little is known about these associations in metastatic breast cancer (MBC) and how patients and partners cope together with sexual problems. We examined the links between sexual problems, depressive symptoms, and two types of spousal communication patterns (mutual constructive and demand-withdraw) in 191 couples in which the patient was initiating treatment for MBC.

METHODS

Patients and partners separately completed paper-and-pencil surveys.

RESULTS

Multilevel models indicated that high levels of sexual problems were significantly associated with more depressive symptoms only for patients who reported low levels of mutual constructive communication (p < 0.01) and high levels of demand-withdraw communication (p < 0.0001). In contrast, for partners, greater sexual problems were associated with more depressive symptoms regardless of the communication pattern reported. These associations remained significant when we controlled for patients' reports of average pain and functional and physical well-being and couples' dyadic adjustment.

CONCLUSIONS

Sexual problems were associated with depressive symptoms for both MBC patients and their partners. The way in which patients and partners talk with one another about cancer-related problems seems to influence this association for patients. MBC patients may benefit from programs that teach couples how to minimize demand-withdraw communication and instead openly and constructively discuss sexual issues and concerns.

Validity of the Greek EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR23 for measuring health-related quality of life in breast cancer patients

The aim of this study was to assess construct validity and internal consistency reliability of the Greek EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR23 instruments. A sample of female breast cancer patients (n= 105) were self-administered the QLQ-C30, QLQ-BR23 and SF-36 and questions on treatment and socio-demographic status. Hypothesised scale structure, reliability (Cronbach's α) and construct validity (convergent, discriminative, concurrent and known-groups) were assessed. Multitrait scaling confirmed scale structure of the QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR23 with good item convergence (92% and 85%), and discrimination (87% and 84%) rates. Cronbach's α was >0.70 for all but one scale (cognitive functioning). Strength of Spearman's correlations between the QLQ-C30 and SF-36 scales assessing similar health-related quality of life dimensions ranged from 0.25 to 0.64 (P < 0.01). Construct validity was confirmed with satisfactory results for interscale correlations and known-groups comparisons. QLQ-BR23 scales showed comparatively low (<0.40) correlations with QLQ-C30 functional scales, and higher correlations with conceptually related symptom scales. Most QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR23 scales discriminated between pre-treatment and current treatment patients. The overall psychometric results for the Greek version of the QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR23 confirmed it as a reliable and valid questionnaire for assessing breast cancer-specific HRQoL in Greece.

The hospital burden of disease associated with bone metastases and skeletal-related events in patients with breast cancer, lung cancer, or prostate cancer in Spain

POCKETT R.D., CASTELLANO D., MCEWAN P., OGLESBY A., BARBER B.L. & CHUNG K. (2010) European Journal of Cancer Care19, 755–760 The hospital burden of disease associated with bone metastases and skeletal-related events in patients with breast cancer, lung cancer, or prostate cancer in Spain

Metastatic bone disease (MBD) is the most common cause of cancer pain and of serious skeletal-related events (SREs) reducing quality of life. Management of MBD involves a multimodal approach aimed at delaying the first SRE and reducing subsequent SREs. The objective of the study was to characterise the hospital burden of disease associated with MBD and SREs following breast, lung and prostate cancer in Spain. Patients admitted into a participating hospital, between 1 January 2003 and 31 December 2003, with one of the required cancers were identified and selected for inclusion into the study. The index admission to hospital, incidence of patients admitted and hospital length of stay were analysed. There were 28 162 patients identified with breast, lung and prostate cancer. The 3 year incidence rates of hospital admission due to MBD were 95 per 1000 for breast cancer, 156 per 1000 for lung cancer and 163 per 1000 for prostate cancer. For patients admitted following an SRE, the incidence rates were 211 per 1000 for breast cancer, 260 per 1000 for lung cancer and 150 per 1000 for prostate cancer. This study has shown that cancer patients consume progressively more hospital resources as MBD and subsequent SREs develop.

Quality-of-life measurement in randomized clinical trials in breast cancer: an updated systematic review (2001-2009)

BACKGROUND

Quality-of-life (QOL) measurement is often incorporated into randomized clinical trials in breast cancer. The objectives of this systematic review were to assess the incremental effect of QOL measurement in addition to traditional endpoints (such as disease-free survival or toxic effects) on clinical decision making and to describe the extent of QOL reporting in randomized clinical trials of breast cancer.

METHODS

We conducted a search of MEDLINE for English-language articles published between May-June 2001 and October 2009 that reported: 1) a randomized clinical trial of breast cancer treatment (excluding prevention trials), including surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, symptom control, follow-up, and psychosocial intervention; 2) the use of a patient self-report measure that examined general QOL, cancer-specific or breast cancer-specific QOL or psychosocial variables; and 3) documentation of QOL outcomes. All selected trials were evaluated by two reviewers, and data were extracted using a standardized form for each variable. Data are presented in descriptive table formats.

RESULTS

A total of 190 randomized clinical trials were included in this review. The two most commonly used questionnaires were the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QOL Questionnaire and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy/Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy. More than 80% of the included trials reported the name(s) of the instrument(s), trial and QOL sample sizes, the timing of QOL assessment, and the statistical method. Statistical power for QOL was reported in 19.4% of the biomedical intervention trials and in 29.9% of the nonbiomedical intervention trials. The percentage of trials in which QOL findings influenced clinical decision making increased from 15.2% in the previous review to 30.1% in this updated review for trials of biomedical interventions but decreased from 95.0% to 63.2% for trials of nonbiomedical interventions. Discordance between reviewers ranged from 1.1% for description of the statistical method (yes vs no) to 19.9% for the sample size for QOL.

CONCLUSION

Reporting of QOL methodology could be improved.

Health-related quality of life in breast cancer patients: a bibliographic review of the literature from 1974 to 2007

Background

Quality of life in patients with breast cancer is an important outcome. This paper presents an extensive overview on the topic ranging from descriptive findings to clinical trials.

Methods

This was a bibliographic review of the literature covering all full publications that appeared in English language biomedical journals between 1974 and 2007. The search strategy included a combination of key words 'quality of life' and 'breast cancer' or 'breast carcinoma' in titles. A total of 971 citations were identified and after exclusion of duplicates, the abstracts of 606 citations were reviewed. Of these, meetings abstracts, editorials, brief commentaries, letters, errata and dissertation abstracts and papers that appeared online and were indexed ahead of publication were also excluded. The remaining 477 papers were examined. The major findings are summarized and presented under several headings: instruments used, validation studies, measurement issues, surgical treatment, systemic therapies, quality of life as predictor of survival, psychological distress, supportive care, symptoms and sexual functioning.

Results

Instruments-Several valid instruments were used to measure quality of life in breast cancer patients. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) and its breast cancer specific complementary measure (EORTC QLQ-BR23) and the Functional Assessment Chronic Illness Therapy General questionnaire (FACIT-G) and its breast cancer module (FACIT-B) were found to be the most common and well developed instruments to measure quality of life in breast cancer patients. Surgery-different surgical procedures led to relatively similar results in terms of quality of life assessments, although mastectomy patients compared to conserving surgery patients usually reported a lower body image and sexual functioning. Systemic therapies-almost all studies indicated that breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy might experience several side-effects and symptoms that negatively affect their quality of life. Adjuvant hormonal therapies also were found to have similar negative impact on quality of life, although in general they were associated with improved survival. Quality of life as predictor of survival-similar to known medical factors, quality of life data in metastatic breast cancer patients was found to be prognostic and predictive of survival time. Psychological distress-anxiety and depression were found to be common among breast cancer patients even years after the disease diagnosis and treatment. Psychological factors also were found to predict subsequent quality of life or even overall survival in breast cancer patients. Supportive care-clinical treatments to control emesis, or interventions such as counseling, providing social support and exercise could improve quality of life. Symptoms-Pain, fatigue, arm morbidity and postmenopausal symptoms were among the most common symptoms reported by breast cancer patients. As recommended, recognition and management of these symptoms is an important issue since such symptoms impair health-related quality of life. Sexual functioning-breast cancer patients especially younger patients suffer from poor sexual functioning that negatively affect quality of life.

Conclusion

There was quite an extensive body of the literature on quality of life in breast cancer patients. These papers have made a considerable contribution to improving breast cancer care, although their exact benefit was hard to define. However, quality of life data provided scientific evidence for clinical decision-making and conveyed helpful information concerning breast cancer patients' experiences during the course of the disease diagnosis, treatment, disease-free survival time, and recurrences; otherwise finding patient-centered solutions for evidence-based selection of optimal treatments, psychosocial interventions, patient-physician communications, allocation of resources, and indicating research priorities were impossible. It seems that more qualitative research is needed for a better understanding of the topic. In addition, issues related to the disease, its treatment side effects and symptoms, and sexual functioning should receive more attention when studying quality of life in breast cancer patients.