Evaluation of quality of life in patients with malignant dysphagia

Background: In the last 10 years of clinical research there has been increa sing interest In the evaluation of quality of life. Several generic and spe cific instruments have been developed for this purpose. EORTC QLQ C-30 is a cancer-specific questionnaire translated into Various languages and valida ted in several European countries including Italy, where the impact of mali gnant disease on different areas of quality of life is poorly documented. Methods: The EORTC QLQ C-30 was administered to 109 patients referred to th e endoscopy division of the Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan, for endoscopi c palliative treatment of malignant dysphagia to test its characteristics i n terms of acceptability and clinical validity. Results: In this group of patients the impact of advanced esophageal cancer was highly evident for Emotional and Physical Functioning, Fatigue and Glo bal QoL scales. Dysphagia is a serious problem for many patients; there is a correlation between grade of dysphagia and four QoL dimensions. Conclusions: QoL assessment is an important tool to evaluate the adequate m anagement of patients with esophageal cancer. The EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnai re proved to be valid and reliable also in this population.