Health-related quality of life in 62 patients with diffuse low-grade glioma during a non-therapeutic and progression-free phase: a cross-sectional study.

Purpose: Few studies have evaluated the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with diffuse low-grade glioma (LGG) during a clinical and radiological monitoring period. We report a cross sectional cohort study of HRQoL in patients with LGG and compare the results with normative population data. We then explore factors associated with HRQoL.

Methods: We used the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30, BN-20 and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) to evaluate HRQoL. Averaged QLQC30 and HADS scores were compared with scores of a normative population. A general linear model multivariate analysis of variance was used to investigate the association between HRQoL and independent factors.

Results: A total of 62 patients with LGG completed HRQoL questionnaires. Compared with a normative population, LGG patients reported statistical and clinically significant lower cognitive, emotional, role and social functioning. Fatigue, anxiety, depression and sleep disturbances were frequently reported. Awake surgery and preserved high Karnofsky Performance Status were found to be independent prognostic factors for better global HRQoL, while radiotherapy was associated with worsened HRQoL.

Conclusion: Despite a non-therapeutic and progression free phase, LGG patients report noticeable limitations in several HRQoL subscales. Our study highlights the importance of HRQoL assessment not only at diagnosis or during active therapeutic stage. Further studies are needed to develop better adapted tools of HRQoL assessment.