Quality of life in women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy: a comparative cross-sectional study of CICC ports and PICC-ports.

BACKGROUND: Quality of life (QoL) should be considered when selecting a venous access device for chemotherapy, in addition to clinical indications. This study aimed to describe and compare QoL in women with breast cancer who received a totally implantable vascular device, either a chest port (CICC port) or a peripherally inserted port (PICC-port). METHODS: A single-centre comparative cross-sectional study was conducted including 113 women undergoing neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy. The QoL was assessed using a questionnaire previously employed in other studies, and a comparative analysis was performed using appropriate parametric or non-parametric tests in accordance with the STROBE guidelines. No multivariable adjustment was performed for baseline differences. RESULTS: Overall satisfaction was high in both groups, with no statistically significant differences in cosmetic concerns or emotional burden. Patients in the CICC port group reported lower pain at insertion (median NRS: 1 vs. 2; p = 0.0099), whereas PICC-port users more frequently reported hygiene difficulties (p = 0.0375). These comparative findings are, however, constrained by relevant baseline differences: women in the PICC-port group were younger and had a lower Body Mass Index, and chemotherapy setting, differed significantly between cohorts. CONCLUSION: Both devices were associated with high patient satisfaction and general acceptance. Minor differences related to insertion pain and hygiene were observed, but their interpretation is limited by unadjusted baseline heterogeneity. Device selection should therefore be grounded primarily in clinical indications and individual patient preferences, while future prospective, multicentre, and adequately adjusted studies are needed to clarify comparative QoL effects.