Assessment of quality of life using the EORTC 30 protocol in patients with soft tissue sarcoma undergoing surgical treatment.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the quality of life among patients with Soft Tissue Sarcomas treated at the Evangelic Mackenzie Hospital (HUEM) from 2018 to 2024 and undergoing surgical treatment.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

descriptive and cross-sectional analysis of 23 patients with soft tissue neoplasia who underwent surgery and whether they underwent neoadjuvant or adjuvant clinical treatments. Epidemiological, clinical, and pathological data were considered. The EORTC 30 protocol was the instrument used for assessing the patients' quality of life.

RESULTS

the main cases were located at extremity in females. Mean age at diagnosis was 47 years. All patients were symptomatic at diagnosis, with pain and a palpable mass being the most prevalent symptom and clinical sign, respectively. The mean time from the onset of symptoms to the date of diagnosis was 9 months. The mean tumor size was 11.68cm. Considering the functional scale, the items physical functioning, role performance and social function were the most affected in the assessment of quality of life. Fatigue and loss of appetite were the most common sign and symptom, respectively. A global measure of quality of life achieved high rates when 50% of patients rated as excellent.

CONCLUSION

Continuous and multidisciplinary oncological care provided to the patient allows for better symptom control, resulting in higher quality of life, which positively impacts the patient's adherence to treatment, their progression, and possibly their survival.