AB 48. Depression and quality of life in patients with lung cancer before and after chemotherapy

Background: The purpose of this study was to observe and evaluate the psychological distress on quality of life in patients with lung cancer undergoing chemotherapy.

Patients and methods: A completed questionnaire the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC QLQ C30) from 100 patients (men and women over 40) with lung cancer of different histological types. This work focused on the major symptom of psychological stress, depression before the first chemotherapy, the after the second and fourth cycle chemotherapy, which was scored from 1 (not at all) to 4 (very much).

Results: The depression rate was 67% before the first chemotherapy, 74% upon completion of the second cycle, and at the end of fourth cycle it showed 83.5%. Patients with SCLC histology experienced depression more strongly compared with histology NSCLC. Depression occurred more frequently in the female than in the male.

Conclusions: Patients with lung cancer experience significant psychological distress during the disease and its treatment. The experience of psychological distress and depression is mainly associated with the female. Relief of symptoms of depression creates a feeling of wellness. The positive psychotherapeutic intervention contributes significantly to improving confidence and self-esteem in the patient. The relief of stress and improving quality of life are key outcome parameters in patients with advanced lung cancer.