Dados do Resumo

Título

Assessment of quality of life in colorectal cancer patients undergoing treatment using the EQ-5D-5L

Introdução

Quality of life in oncology can be assessed using the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire (EuroQol five-dimension five-level), which evaluates dimensions such as mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression, with levels ranging from no problems to slight, moderate, severe, and extreme problems. Focusing on the quality of life of colorectal cancer patients, the tool analyzes the domains affected by the disease and treatment, providing scores for health decisions.

Objetivo

The aim of the study is to understand the factors adversely affected by colorectal cancer treatment on patients quality of life, through the enhancement of questionnaire use in clinical practice, ensuring a more comprehensive assessment of the affected conditions beyond the oncological context.

Métodos

This research is a literature review conducted through a search of the PubMed, Scielo, and Elsevier databases using the descriptors "cancer," "questionnaire," "EQ-5D-5L," and "colorectal." Initially, 13 studies published between 2016 and 2024 were selected. Inclusion criteria were then applied, prioritizing more recent articles (from 2018 to 2024), freely accessible, and evaluating the quality of life of colorectal cancer patients using the EQ-5D-5L form. Five studies met these criteria and were included in the analysis. The remaining articles were used to provide context on the type of cancer studied and the characteristics of the questionnaire. The analysis of the selected studies focused on correlating the dimensions assessed by the form with psychosocial and clinical variables, resulting in health status scores, with the aim of understanding the impact of oncological treatment on patients quality of life.

Resultados

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most prevalent and fourth leading cause of death worldwide, requiring costly treatments with limited remission prospects. The use of the EQ-5D-5L form underscores its necessity in managing malignant tumors, as it addresses not only oncological manifestations but also social, psychological, and physical factors. The parameters of the form vary according to the clinical characteristics of cancer patients, and its use has shown that the dimensions of pain/discomfort, followed by anxiety/depression, usual activities, self-care, and mobility, respectively, had the highest scores among colorectal cancer patients. Additionally, social and occupational factors such as being unmarried, farmers, and having lower household income were associated with lower health status scores. Advanced stages of colorectal cancer and those undergoing surgical therapy had lower health status scores on the form compared to patients in the early stages.

Conclusões

It is concluded that the EQ-5D-5L is a comprehensive tool for assessing the health status of individuals with colorectal cancer and that the patient's context impacts the determinants of quality of life. It is observed that dimensions such as anxiety/depression and pain/discomfort have greater relevance to the well-being of these patients. Integrating this knowledge into practice will allow for a more individualized and effective approach to managing colorectal cancer.

Palavras Chave

Colorectal cancer; EQ-5D-5L; quality of life