Masteronderzoek Radiotherapie

Title
Impact of Primary Radiotherapy on the psychosocial well-being of patients with locally advanced Cervical Cancer (IMPRaCC)

Background
Primary radiotherapy, including external beam radiation, chemotherapy or hyperthermia, and image-guided adaptive brachytherapy (IGABT), is the standard treatment for Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer (LACC). On average, treatment lasts fifty days, during which patients attend numerous hospital visits. In addition to the concern about disease diagnosing, women undergoing this treatment often experience significant psychosocial distress impacting their physical, social an psychological well-being. Screening for psychosocial distress is crucial to identify patients who may benefit from psycho-oncological support, as emotional well-being and lack of social support are strong predictors of the need for this care. Assessing depression, anxiety, functioning and quality of life through patient-reported outcomes can help understanding patients’ need and tailor interventions and improve treatment experiences. However, current knowledge is limited regarding patient satisfaction and specific stressors during treatment, highlighting a critical gap in understanding how to optimize supportive care for women with LACC.

Aim of the research project
the primary objective is to gain knowledge about the impact of primary radiotherapy, with a focus on brachytherapy, on the psychosocial well-being of patients with LACC. Additionally, the study aims to identify the specific stressors experienced at different stages of the treatment process. The insights obtained from this research can be used to optimize the current approach regarding identifying stressors and addressing psychosocial care needs during and shortly after radiotherapy.

Type of research / research activities for the student
To investigate the prevalence of stressors such as anxiety and distress, a retrospective observational study is conducted by analyzing the validated EORTC Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC-QLQ-C30), a 30-item instrument designed to measure different domains of quality of life, functioning and common symptoms in all cancer patients. The analysis will focus on the scale “Emotional functioning”, consisting of four items regarding feeling tense, worrying, feeling depressed, and being irritable. The aim is to explore time patterns during the course and after treatment. Additionally, the study investigate association of the outcomes in relation to demographic data, such as age, body mass index, medical history, and other relevant parameters measured across these time points.

The student is responsible for entering subtracted data from HIX and analyzing the questionnaire and demographic data, identifying patterns and correlations that may influence patients’ psychosocial well-being throughout their treatment and recovery journey.

Previous qualitative research has provided an in-depth understanding of patent’s experiences regarding the effects of primary radiotherapy on the psychosocial well-being of patients with LACC. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients within three months after completing their last IGABT fraction, offering valuable insights into their experiences and challenges during treatment. The project will complement these findings by focusing on
quantitative data to enhance the overall understanding of psychosocial impacts in a larger cohort.

What do we offer?

• A pleasant and dynamic work environment within a team of physician-researchers.
• Guidance and mentorship from experienced professionals.
• Opportunities to observe and participate in consultations, patient discussions, and research meetings.
• Potential for co-authorship on research publications.

Starting moment
March/April

Contact details for the student / supervisors
S. (Sofia) Spampinato, research scientist Radiotherapy
s.spampinato@erasmusmc.nl
Dr. Henrike Westerveld, Radiation Oncologist

References (1 à 3)

• Posttraumatic stress disorder after high-dose-rate brachytherapy for cervical cancer with 2 fractions in 1 application under spinal/epidural anesthesia: Incidence and risk factors.
• Health-related quality of life in locally advanced cervical cancer patients after definitive chemoradiation therapy including image-guided adaptive brachytherapy: An analysis from the EMBRACE study.
• Worse depression profiles are associated with higher symptom burden and poorer quality of life in patients with gynecologic cancer.