Quality of life after gestational trophoblastic disease

Abstract

Objective: To describe the quality of life (QoL) and long-term psychosocial sequelae in women diagnosed with gestational trophoblastic tumor (GTT) 5-10 years earlier.

Study design: Utilizing a cross-sectional descriptive design, 111 survivors completed a comprehensive QoL interview.

Results: Participants were predominantly married and non-Hispanic white, with a mean age at diagnosis of 30 years and a current mean age of 37 years. This disease-free sample enjoys a good QoL, with physical, social and emotional functioning comparable to or better than comparative norms. However, certain psychological survivorship sequelae persist. Additionally, a sizable number of survivors currently experience significant reproductive concerns. Participants reporting good QoL were less likely to report ongoing coping efforts related to having had this illness, more likely to report greater social support (P < .0001), greater sexual pleasure (P = .0063), and less GTT-specific distress (P < .0001). Fifty-one percent of respondents expressed that they would likely participate in a counseling program today to discuss psychosocial issues raised by having had GTT, and 74% stated that they would have attended a support group program during the initial treatment if it had been offered.

Conclusion: This information provides insight into the complex survivorship relationships between QoL and sequelae of GTT.