1. ¹Division of Radiation Oncology, Department of Radiology, University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland
2. ²Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland

Correspondence: Dr Y Chalandon, Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, University Hospital, 24 rue Micheli-du-Crest, Geneva 1211, Switzerland. E-mail: yves.chalandon@hcuge.ch

Received 23 November 2007; Revised 2 July 2008; Accepted 2 July 2008; Published online 18 August 2008.

Abstract

In total, 124 adult patients in remission after allogeneic hematopoietic SCT (HSCT) participated in a cross-sectional study to assess health-related quality of life (HRQL). Assessment of HRQL was carried out using two questionnaires: the (EORTC QLQ-C30) and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT) with specific modules for BMT (FACT-BMT). Transplanted patients differed from healthy controls in many HRQL-related dimensions in the EORTC QLQ-C30: social functioning 73.4 versus 85.8, P<0.0001; role functioning 74.6 versus 83.3, P<0.004; physical functioning 83.9 versus 89.9, P<0.001; emotional functioning 72.2 versus 82.8, P<0.0001 but were not significant for global HRQL 71.2 versus 75.3, P<0.03. In total, 60% of the patients returned to work after HSCT; 31% part time and 29% full time. Age at HSCT and employment status were significantly associated with HRQL. Other factors such as disease and disease stage and especially the occurrence of late complications did not impact the perception of HRQL. This study suggests that the perception of HRQL after HSCT differs from the general population. Issues to increase work-related capabilities and improve social support need to be addressed.