Patient Statement of Satisfaction With Antiemetic Treatment Is Related to Quality of Life

Abstract

The aim of our study was to explore the possible relationship between patient satisfaction with antiemetic treatment and quality of life (QoL). The study sample consisted of 136 chemotherapy-naive patients with breast cancer, with Karnofsky index 90% to 100%, scheduled to receive their first cycle of, mainly adjuvant, 5-fluorouracil/doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide chemotherapy. Two antiemetic regimens were used for the prevention of acute emesis. No antiemetic prophylaxis was given for delayed emesis. QoL was assessed using the Rotterdam Symptom Checklist (RSCL). The RSCL was completed before chemotherapy (day 1) and on day 5. Statement of satisfaction was given on day 5. The change in RSCL scores between day 5 and day 1 was calculated and compared in three subgroups of patients: those very satisfied (n = 55), satisfied (n = 65), and unsatisfied with antiemetic treatment (n = 16). Patient statement of satisfaction was related to psychological distress (p = 0.002), physical symptom distress (p = 0.002), and activity level (p = 0.002). It was also related to the control of nausea (p < 0.01) and vomiting (p < 0.0001). We suggest that patient statement of satisfaction with antiemetic treatment could be an outcome measure for response assessment in antiemetic trials.