Quality of life as a predictor of cancer survival among Chinese liver and lung cancer patients

Abstract

The utility of quality of life (QoL) scores in predicting cancer survival remains inconclusive because of methodological and/or statistical heterogeneity. We examined whether QoL scores predicted survival among Chinese liver (n = 176) and lung cancer (n = 358) patients. Cox proportional hazards models examined if QoL and psychosocial variables predicted survival after fully adjusting for sociodemographic and clinical factors. The results showed that global QoL scores did not predict survival in either patient group. Less advanced cancer stage (HR = 2.574, p < 0.05) was associated with longer survival in liver cancer. Longer survival in lung cancer was predicted by younger age (HR = 1.016, p < 0.05), less advanced cancer stage (HR = 1.978, p < 0.001), having had treatment before baseline (HR = 0.671, p < 0.05), better physical well-being (HR = 0.941, p < 0.001) and better appetite (HR = 0.888, p < 0.001). Global QoL (FACT-G(Ch)) scores do not predict survival in Chinese liver and lung cancer patients. QoL physical well-being subscale predicted lung cancer survival. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.