Quality of life in adults with low grade gliomas: a systematic review
Year: 2021
Session type: E-poster/poster
Abstract
BackgroundAdults diagnosed with low-grade gliomas (LGG) have an average survival of 5-15 years. The tumour, future chance of progression, treatment and associated side-effects mean they can face prolonged quality of life (QoL) impairments. We systematically identified quantitative studies assessing QoL in adult LGGs, for: areas impacted, associated factors, temporal trends, and difference to comparators. MethodMEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, PubMed, and PsycINFO were systematically searched for studies published in English from inception to 10th December 2020. Two reviewers independently screened for eligibility. Data was abstracted on study and population characteristics, and QoL findings. Study quality was appraised. ResultsTwenty-seven papers reporting 19 studies across 11 countries, were identified, with largely good quality. There was substantial heterogeneity in time since diagnosis and QoL instrument used. Twelve studies examined several predictors (e.g. age) of QoL. Studies were cross-sectional (n=12) or longitudinal (n=7). Ten studies included comparators, mainly high-grade glioma (HGG) patients (n=6) or non-cancer controls (n=4). ConclusionLGGs experience a wide range of QoL impairments. Research may have captured the ‘well’ population, by excluding LGGs with cognitive and communication impairments. Impact statementThese findings may help clinicians recognise what, and when, support is necessary and inform future intervention development. |