Fatigue, functional ability and quality of life in patients with bone and soft tissue sarcomas undergoing chemotherapy treatment: An observational study

Abstract

Purpose: the aim of the study is to evaluate the presence of fatigue syndrome, the quality of life and functional ability of patients with bone and soft tissue sarcomas during the first 6 months of chemotherapy and identify possible prognostic factors.

Methods: prospective observational study was conducted. All patients about to start chemotherapy were consecutively recruited from July 2019 to April 2021. Patient fatigue, quality of life was measured at the start of chemotherapy and after 6 months. BFI score and EORTC QLQ C-30 was used respectively.

Results: The analysis of risk factors was performed on 98 patients. According to BFI score, in 36% of patients fatigue was classified from moderate to severe. The average global quality of life and TESS score increased by 3.9 and 8.5 points respectively. The strength of the association between the BFI score and EORTC subscales and TESS score was moderate (p < 0.001). Smoking status, higher BMI and impaired functional capabilities were independent predictive factors of fatigue.

Conclusion: Fatigue syndrome is present in a significant percentage of patients both at the start of chemotherapy treatment and in the following 6 months. Being a no smoker, higher BMI and impaired functional ability could impact fatigue syndrome. Fatigue screening, patient education and adapted aerobic exercise should be encouraged from the beginning of chemotherapy treatment. The quality of life and functional ability are associated with fatigue syndrome. REGISTRATION NUMBER (CLINICALTRIAL.GOV): NCT04104750 (26/09/2019).

Keywords: Chemotherapy; Fatigue; Quality of life; Sarcoma.