Low-grade gliomas quality of life: patients’ prospective

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Management of low-grade gliomas is evolving. Increasing evidence suggests that radical treatment, including maximal surgical resection, radiotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy provides patients with a better prognosis compared to a ?watch and wait? policy. Despite advances in therapy, there is still limited data to guide health professionals how to improve the quality of patients' survival. Previous studies for example, highlight decreased cognitive functioning of patients undergoing early radiotherapy (1). OBJECTIVE: To identify the quality of life (QoL) needs of patients with low-grade gliomas within their first year of diagnosis. Apply holistic needs assessment to guide clinical practice towards improved good quality as well as quantity of survival. PATIENTS AND METHOD: S35 patients at Kings College Hospital were radiologically diagnosed with a low-grade glioma in 2016. QoL questionnaires (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy- brain) were collected during their first year of diagnosis. 8/35 patients were not approached either due to severe cognitive impairment or logistics. All patients received a neuropsychology assessment, including WASI-II and WAIS-IV. RESULTS: Preliminary data is available on 10 patients at the time of this abstract: Poor energy levels- all 10 patients identified energy as a physical symptom that had concerned them in the past seven days. Limited support from friends- only 2/10 patients state they feel 'very much' close/supported by their friends. Worries about the future- 9/10 patients were worried that their condition will worsen. Abilities to work - only 1/10 patient was fulfilled with their work. Frustration - 9/10 patients state they had felt frustrated that they could not do things like they used to. CONCLUSION: Identifying the QoL needs will help to provide an individualized recovery strategy to help patients with low grade glioma. It will also provide a useful baseline to follow patients longitudinally over the course of their disease.