Impact of time elapsed since diagnosis on neuropathic symptoms, sexual function, lymphedema, and overall quality of life in ovarian cancer survivors (KGOG 3068).

Abstract

Objective: To assess the impact of time since treatment on the quality of life (QOL), neurotoxicity, sexual function, lymphedema, and utility in ovarian cancer survivors.

Methods: This secondary analysis of a cross-sectional study examined the QOL, neurotoxicity, sexual function, lymphedema, and utility in 172 epithelial ovarian cancer survivors treated with first-line platinum-based chemotherapy without recurrence. Associations between time since treatment and overall QOL (National Comprehensive Cancer Network/functional assessment of cancer therapy ovarian symptom index-18 [NFOSI 18]), neurotoxicity (neurotoxicity subscale, version 4 [NTX4]), sexual function (female sexual function index, 6-item Korean version [FSFI-6K]), lymphedema (gynecologic cancer lymphedema questionnaire [GCLQ]), and utility (EuroQol 5-dimension [EQ-5D]) were visualized using jittered box plots.

Results: Overall QOL (NFOSI 18) improved up to 3 years post-treatment (scores: 29.3 at 1 year, 28.6 at 2 years, 26.6 and 3 years), followed by minor fluctuations over time. NTX4 scores improved until 5 years (8.2, 7.7, 6.2, and 5.8), but remained above normal (score 0). Sexual function (FSFI-6K) increased until 3 years of age (4.6, 6.9, and 10 years), stabilizing at a level indicative of dysfunction (score <21). The lymphedema (GCLQ) scores fluctuated over time (4.9, 5.6, 3.3, 4.3, 5.2, and 3.8). Utility (EQ-5D index) improved up to 3 years (0.8250, 0.885, and 0.925), whereas the EQ-5D visual analog scale score increased gradually up to 5 years (71.5, 72, 73, 76, and 74), indicating ongoing recovery.

Conclusion: In ovarian cancer survivors, QOL, symptom burden, and utility gradually improved over time post-treatment but did not fully return to pre-treatment levels.