Impact of fatigue on the quality of life in patients in small cell lung cancer during chemotherapy

Introduction: The issue of the quality of life of patients with malignant disease is an interest in many research centers. This is due to the fact that the treatment of these diseases is associated with high level of fatigue and pain. These factors decrease the level of life. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of fatigue in patients with small cell lung cancer receiving chemotherapy on quality of life.

Material and methods: The study was conducted among patients diagnosed with lung cancer receiving chemotherapy treatment in Chemotherapy Department John Paul II Hospital. The study group consisted of 80 patients divided in the 2 subgroup: cycle I and IV. In a study for the measure quality of life were used standardized questionnaires: the EORTC-QLQ-C30 (version 3.0). To estimate fatigue level used a Brief Fatigue Inventory Scale.

Results and Conclusions: The functioning of patients – regardless of the chemotherapy course – in terms of physical, emotional, cognitive, social roles and the work was reduced by an average of about 40-50%. The highest rate of symptomatic scales, patients achieved in fatigue, insomnia, financial problems and relationships. There was a significant statistical difference between the groups in the assessment of fatigue. It was found a negative relationship between the severity of the occurrence of fatigue and quality of life of patients.