Abstract
Objective: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an increasingly utilised treatment option for high risk patients with primary lung cancer and metastatic lung disease. We assessed quality of life in patients undergoing RFA for primary and secondary lung cancers at this institution in patients deemed unfit for surgical intervention.
Materials and Methods: 55 patients, (42 primary lung cancer and 13 metastatic lung tumours) were entered into the study. One standard instrument was used to measure quality of life, the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC QLQ-C30). An integrated system for assessing health-related quality of life of cancer patients. All procedures were performed by a single operator. All patients were clinically and radiologically followed-up in a standardised way, all questionnaires were collected by a single associate pre treatment and one year post ablation. Data was analysed using the Stata version 10 software.
Results: The EORTC scores were converted to physical function, respiratory function, emotional functioning and global health scales, mean value for each scale was calculated pre and post ablation. There was a reported improvement in all four scales after ablation. The paired t test was used to assess statistical significance of the results. This revealed statistically significant improvement in emotional function (p =0.023) and the global health scales (p = 0.008).
Conclusion: This retrospective study demonstrates that patients undergoing ablation therapy for primary and secondary lung cancer describe overall improved function with statistically significant improvement in emotional and global health scales.
- © 2012 ERS
