Determinants of health-related quality of life in elderly ovarian cancer patients: The role of frailty and dependence

Abstract Objective To investigate the impact of frailty and dependence on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in elderly women diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Methods Data was gathered from a prospectively collected data biobank, OncoLifeS (Oncological Life Study) at the University Medical Center of Groningen. Women with a diagnosis of EOC, ≥65 years of age, with baseline assessment available from January 2016 to May 2018 were included. HRQOL was determined using the EORTC QLQ-C30 yielding scores on Global Health Status, five functional scales, three symptom scales, and six single items. The summary score was also calculated. Frailty was measured using the Groningen Frailty Indicator (GFI), and dependence using the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL). To evaluate the impact of frailty and dependence on HRQOL, linear regression was performed. Analyses were adjusted for age and tumor stage. Results 84 patients were included. Median age was 71 years (IQR: 68–75), 78% had advanced stage and 81% serous histology. Overall, the median global health status was 67 (IQR: 50–83). HRQOL scales with lowest scores were: role functioning (median: 66.7; IQR: 33–100), fatigue (median: 33.3; IQR: 22–56) and insomnia (median: 33.3; IQR: 0–67). Being frail was associated with worse functioning on all HRQOL scales and higher symptom scores (p = .001). Conversely, being independent was associated with better functioning on all HRQOL scales and lower symptom scores. These associations remained significant after adjusting for age and tumor stage. Conclusion In women ≥65 years, diagnosed with EOC, frailty and dependence are associated to reduced HRQOL. These associations remain significant adjusting for age and stage.