Quality of life in patients with limited small-cell carcinoma of the lung receiving chemotherapy with or without radiation therapy, for cancer and leukemia group B.

Quality of life was assessed in 57 patients with limited small-cell carcinoma of the lung utilizing psychological scales that measured mood, functional status, and cognitive impairment. These patients received chemotherapy with or without radiotherapy to the primary tumor. All patients received prophylactic cranial radiation. Patients who received the combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy to both the primary tumor and CNS had an increase in overall survival. However, because of the increased toxicity experienced by these patients, a decrease in quality of life was documented by measures of psychological distress when compared to patients receiving chemotherapy alone. The findings support the importance of utilizing quality of life measures in addition to measures of physical toxicity so that patients can make an informed choice regarding treatment options.