Impact of Chemotherapy on Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Patients: A Prospective Interventional Study Using the EORTC QLQ-BR23 Questionnaire
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.60988/p.v38i1.247Abstract
Background: Chemotherapy remains a cornerstone in breast cancer management, but its impact on quality of life (QoL) is a growing concern. This study evaluated changes in QoL before and after chemotherapy using the EORTC QLQ-BR23 questionnaire.
Methods: In this prospective interventional study, seventy breast cancer patients scheduled for six months of chemotherapy were enrolled; 65 completed follow-ups. QoL was assessed at baseline and after chemotherapy. Adverse events were documented using ADR reporting forms. Subgroup analyses were performed by menopausal status, disease stage, and chemotherapy regimen.
Results: Global QoL declined significantly following chemotherapy. Domains most affected included systemic therapy side effects (mean score increase from 21.4 to 34.8), body image (decline from 74.2 to 62.3), and future perspective (72.1 to 58.6). Alopecia was nearly universal (93.8%). Fatigue (78.5%), nausea/vomiting (70.8%), and neuropathy (44.6%) were common. Subgroup analyses revealed more pronounced deterioration in advanced-stage patients and postmenopausal women. Regimen-specific patterns showed higher neuropathy with taxane-based protocols and cardiotoxicity with trastuzumab-containing regimens.
Conclusion: Chemotherapy significantly impairs QoL across multiple domains. Integrated supportive care, including toxicity management, body image interventions, and psychosocial support, is essential to optimize patient well-being during therapy.
Keywords: Breast cancer, chemotherapy, quality of life, EORTC QLQ-BR23, adverse effects, supportive care
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