Investigation of the change of quality of life and depression in lung cancer patients before and after chemotherapy

Background and objective Quality of life (QoL) is an important end point in cancer patients, and depressive symptoms are significantly more frequent in lung cancer patients. The aim of this study is to observe the impact of chemotherapy on quality of life and emotion among lung cancer patients. Methods Fourty lung cancer patients were assessed with clinical outcomes, the EORTC QLQ-C30, SDS questionnaires before chemotherapy, one week after 2 cycles of chemotherapy, one week after 4 cycles of chemotherapy. Results Before chemotherapy, the scores of functioning scales were high, the rate of depression was 65%. After 2 cycles of chemotherapy, effective rate was 42.5%, the scores of cognitive function increase, the scores of role, emotional, social function decrease, the scores of dyspnoea decrease, the scores of pain, appetite loss, insomnia, constipation, diarrhea increase, the scores of Global quality of life decrease; the rate of depression was 70%. After 4 cycles of chemotherapy, effective rate was 23%, the scores of physical, role, emotional, social function decrease, the scores of symptom scales increase, the scores of dyspnoea, nausea and vomiting, appetite loss, financial impact increase, the scores of global quality of life decrease, the rate of depression was 87.5%. Conclusion Some patients have symptoms relieved, but during the chemotherapy, the patients have significant depression, the quality of life decrease. We should evaluate the quality of life and emotions of lung cancer patients, and give positive psychological intervention to improve the quality of life. DOI: 10.3779/j.issn.1009-3419.2011.04.10