Symptom networks in glioma patients: understanding the multidimensionality of symptoms and quality of life

• DOI: 10.1007/s11764-023-01355-8
• Publication Date: 2023-03-16T06:00:05Z
• Authors: J. G. Röttgering; T. M. C. K. Varke...; M. Gorter; V. Belgers; P. C. De Witt Hamer; J. C. Reijneveld; M. Klein; T. F. Blanken; L. Douw
• Keywords: Depression

Abstract Purpose To comprehend the complex relationship between symptoms and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with diffuse glioma, we applied symptom network analysis to identify patterns associations depression, cognition, brain tumor-related symptoms, HRQoL. Additionally, aimed compare global strength networks understand if are more tightly connected different subgroups patients. Methods We included 256 stratified sample based on disease status (preoperative vs. postoperative), tumor grade (grade II III/IV), fatigue (non-fatigued fatigued). For each subgroup patients, constructed a network. In these six networks, node represented validated subscale questionnaire an edge partial correlation two nodes. statistically compared networks. Results Across nodes were highly correlated: severity, social functioning particular. found no differences GS characteristics. However, was lower non-fatigued fatigued (5.51 7.49, p < 0.001). Conclusions Symptoms HRQoL interrelated glioma. Interestingly, Implications for Cancer Survivors introduce as method multidimensionality find clear association multiple HRQoL, which underlines need integrative management targeting