Final Results of a Study Evaluating the Course of Distress Scores During Radiotherapy for Malignant Diseases.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Patients who receive radiotherapy (RT) may experience significant distress. This study investigated distress scores during RT for a variety of malignancies.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

Distress thermometers (scores of 0-10 points) were completed by 927 patients at baseline and end of RT. Six characteristics were evaluated for changes of distress scores including age, sex, Karnofsky performance score (KPS), tumor type, intent of treatment, and previous RT.

RESULTS

Mean distress scores were 4.9 (±2.7) at baseline and 4.6 (±2.7) at the end of RT; mean change was -0.3 (±2.8) points. On univariable analysis, increased distress (≥2 points) was significantly associated with KPS 90-100 (p<0.001) and curative intent (p=0.040). Trends were found for age ≤64 years (p=0.062), head-and-neck cancer (p=0.076), and no prior RT (p=0.055). In patients with baseline scores ≤5 points, deterioration rates were 30-47%.

CONCLUSION

Psychological support should be offered to all patients undergoing RT. This would benefit particularly patients with risk factors for increased distress.