The impact of colorectal surgery on health-related quality of life in older functionally dependent patients with cancer - A longitudinal follow-up study

Esteban T D Souwer, Simone Oerlemans, Lonneke V van de Poll-Franse, Felice N van Erning, Frederiek van den Bos, Johan S Schuijtemaker, Franchette W P J van den Berkmortel, Daan Ten Bokkel Huinink, Marije E Hamaker, Jan Willem T Dekker, Caroline A Wientjes, Johanna E A Portielje, Huub A A Maas

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Background: Older patients who are functionally compromised or frail may be at risk for loss of quality of life (QoL) after colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery. We prospectively studied health-related QoL (HRQoL) and its association with functional dependency on multiple time points before and after CRC surgery. Methods: Included were patients aged 70 years and older who underwent elective CRC surgery between 2014 and 2015 in combination with an oncogeriatric care path. HRQoL (EORTC QLQ-C30 and CR38) and activities of daily living (ADL, Barthel Index) were measured at four time-points; prior to (T0) and at 3 (T3), 6 (T6), and 12 (T12) months after surgery. Functional dependency was defined as a Barthel Index <19. Using mixed-model regression analysis associations between dependency, time and HRQoL outcomes were tested and corrected for confounders. Results: Response rate was 67% (n = 106) to two or more questionnaires; 26 (25%) patients were functionally dependent. Overall, functionally independent patients experienced a higher HRQoL than dependent patients. Compared to T0, significant and clinically relevant improvements in HRQoL after surgery were observed in functionally dependent patients: better role functioning, a higher global health, a higher summary score, less fatigue and less gastrointestinal problems (p <.05). In functional independent patients, we observed no clinically relevant change in HRQoL. Conclusion: Colorectal surgery embedded in geriatric-oncological care has a positive impact on HRQoL in older functionally dependent patients with cancer. Moderate functional dependency should not be considered a generic reason for withholding surgical treatment. Information derived from this study could be used in shared decision making.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)724-732
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of geriatric oncology
Volume10
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2019

Keywords

  • Colorectal neoplasms
  • Surgery
  • Aged
  • Health related quality of life
  • Longitudinal study

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