Long-term fatigue and quality of life among epithelial ovarian cancer survivors: a GINECO case/control VIVROVAIRE I study

ABSTRACT Background Few data are available on long-term fatigue (LTF) and quality of life (QoL) among epithelial ovarian cancer survivors (EOCS). In this case–control study, we compared LTF, symptoms and several QoL domains in EOCS relapse-free ≥3 years after first-line treatment and age-matched healthy women. Patients and methods EOCS were recruited from 25 cooperative GINECO centers in France. Controls were randomly selected from the electoral rolls. All participants completed validated self-reported questionnaires: fatigue (FACIT-F), QoL (FACT-G/O), neurotoxicity (FACT-Ntx), anxiety/depression (HADS), sleep disturbance (ISI), and physical activity (IPAQ). Severe LTF (SLTF) was defined as a FACIT-F score Results A total of 318 EOCS and 318 controls were included. EOCS were 63-year-old on average, with FIGO stage I/II (50%), III/IV (48%); 99% had received platinum and taxane chemotherapy, with an average 6-year follow-up. There were no differences between the two groups in socio-demographic characteristics and global QoL. EOCS had poorer FACIT-F scores (40 versus 45, P  Conclusion Compared with controls, EOCS presented similar QoL but persistent LTF, EOC-related symptoms, neurotoxicity, depression, and sleep disturbance. Depression, neuropathy, and sleep disturbance are the main conditions associated with severe LTF.