Impact of Platinum-based versus Other Chemotherapies on Health-related Quality of Life and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale in Patients with Malignancies in a Tertiary Center in Western India.

BACKGROUND

Cancer remains a significant public health concern globally, with increasing incidence in developing countries like India. While chemotherapy has improved survival rates, the quality of life and psychological well-being of cancer patients frequently deteriorate due to treatment-related toxicities, including electrolyte disturbances and psychological effects. This study aimed to examine the differential impact of platinum-based chemotherapy versus other regimens on Health-related Quality of Life (HRQoL) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scores in cancer patients.

METHODOLOGY: This cross-sectional observational study enrolled 90 cancer patients from a tertiary care center in western India between October 2023 and February 2025. Patients were categorized into three groups based on treatment: platinum-based chemotherapy ( n = 32), combination chemotherapy ( n = 28), and other treatments including immunotherapy and hormonal therapy ( n = 30). Serum electrolytes were analyzed, and patients completed the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire C30 for HRQoL assessment and HADS questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21, with P < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Patients receiving platinum-based chemotherapy showed significantly worse HRQoL scores (mean: 55.4 ± 10.2) compared to combination therapy (62.8 ± 9.7) and other treatments (71.3 ± 8.5, P < 0.001). Similarly, HADS scores were highest in the platinum group (13.8 ± 3.4), indicating moderate anxiety and depression, compared to combination therapy (9.6 ± 2.7) and other treatments (6.2 ± 2.1, P < 0.001). Potassium and phosphate abnormalities were significantly more common in patients receiving platinum-based regimens ( P < 0.05) and correlated with poorer HRQoL and higher HADS scores.

CONCLUSION

Platinum-based chemotherapy is associated with significantly worse HRQoL, higher anxiety and depression scores, and more frequent electrolyte disturbances compared to other treatment modalities. Regular monitoring of psychological well-being and electrolyte levels, along with appropriate supportive care interventions, should be integrated into routine cancer management, particularly for patients receiving platinum-based regimens.