Quality of life and chemotherapy: Predictive factors in a sample of gynaecological cancer patients [Qualità di vita e trattamenti Chemioterapici: Fattori predittivi in un campione di pazienti con tumori ginecologici]

Diagnosis and treatment of gynaecological cancer still entail significant impairment in quality of life. The present study aims at monitoring it during chemotherapy treatment and at identifying variables significantly associated with it. Methods. 87 patients who attended the San Raffaele Hospital completed the EORTC QLQ-C30 and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support before their first and third chemotherapy infusion. A self-report questionnaire was created in order to collect socio-demographic and medical information. Results. Social and emotional functioning and global quality of life show a significant improvement between the first and third chemotherapy infusion; age and perceived social support appear significantly associated with emotional functioning. A chemotherapy regimen with medium or high emetogenic potential and having a full-time job predict an improvement over time in global quality of life and role functioning, respectively. Discussion. These variables should be taken into consideration in patients care, in order to detect potential difficulties and promote a better adjustment to the disease and its treatment