Screening for Predictive Parameters Requiring Psycho-Oncological Intervention via the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Distress Thermometer in the Follow-Up of Uveal Melanoma Patients

Klingenstein, Annemarie; Samel, Christina; Garip-Kuebler, Aylin; Priglinger, Siegfried G. und Foerster, Paul I. (2020): Screening for Predictive Parameters Requiring Psycho-Oncological Intervention via the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Distress Thermometer in the Follow-Up of Uveal Melanoma Patients. In: Clinical Ophthalmology, Bd. 14: S. 3813-3819

Abstract

Aim: To assess a profile of uveal melanoma patients at risk of requiring active psychooncological intervention by employing the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) distress thermometer. Methods: Multivariate correlation and multiple linear regression analysis of data collected retrospectively from 106 consecutive patients suffering from uveal melanoma. Results: Distress levels correlated with practical (p = 0.01), emotional (p = 0.003) and physical problems (p = 0.001) as well as the total number of issues reported (p < 0.001;ANOVA, respectively). Emotional issues added up to 39% of influence on distress levels. Nervousness, worry and sadness as the most important emotional issues tested correlated significantly with anatomic stage, tumor T-category, metastatic status and time after primary diagnosis and were present more frequently in patients with higher distress levels (p < 0.001, p = 0.002, p = 0.004, respectively, Fisher's exact test). Pre-existing psycho-oncological support was more frequent in metastatic patients and patients with higher anatomic stage tumors (p = 0.008 and p = 0.003;Fisher's exact test). Conclusion: The distress thermometer proved to be useful for rapid assessment of patients requiring active intervention. A higher number of distress items recorded correlated with elevated distress levels. Emotional issues were responsible for the majority of problems. A typical patient profile at risk of developing distress requiring close attention of caregivers includes high anatomic stage, high T-category, presence of metastases and early follow-up. Correct diagnosis and interpretation of distress-levels should help improve the quality of life of uveal melanoma survivors. Trial Registration: Not applicable.

• Dokumententyp: Zeitschriftenartikel
• Fakultät: Medizin
• Themengebiete: 600 Technik, Medizin, angewandte Wissenschaften > 610 Medizin und Gesundheit
• ISSN: 1177-5483
• Sprache: Englisch