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Quality of Life Considerations in Gynecologic Cancer
Author(s) -
PENSON Richard T,
WENZEL Lari B,
VERGOTE Ignace,
CELLA David
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
international journal of gynecology and obstetrics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.895
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1879-3479
pISSN - 0020-7292
DOI - 10.1016/s0020-7292(06)60040-4
Subject(s) - medicine , quality of life (healthcare) , gynecologic cancer , survivorship curve , psychological intervention , gynecologic oncology , intensive care medicine , clinical trial , ovarian cancer , cancer , radiation therapy , physical therapy , oncology , surgery , nursing
Quality of life (QOL) is a fundamental consideration for patients with life threatening diseases. Major evolving paradigms are discussed: improved QOL with laparoscopic surgery, the impact on QOL of intraperitoneal chemotherapy for optimally cytoreduced ovarian cancer, combination therapy, sexuality, and survivorship. The goals of treatment for many patients with gynecologic tumors remain largely palliative, and patient reported QOL is the primary outcome determining the utility of treatment. Particularly in this area, QOL endpoints are increasingly important in clinical trials. The QOL issues facing gynecologic cancer patients, the use of validated QOL instruments, recent advances in the evaluation of interventions, and changes in concepts related to QOL are reviewed.