Health-Related Quality of Life and Experiences of Sarcoma Patients during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Younger, Eugenie; Smrke, Alannah; Lidington, Emma; Farag, Sheima; Ingley, Katrina; Chopra, Neha; Maleddu, Alessandra; Augustin, Yolanda; Merry, Eve; Wilson, Roger; Benson, Charlotte; Miah, Aisha; Zaidi, Shane; McTiernan, Anne; Strauss, Sandra J.; Dileo, Palma; Gennatas, Spyridon; Husson, Olga; Jones, Robin L.

Sarcomas are rare cancers with a spectrum of clinical needs and outcomes. We investigated care experiences and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in sarcoma patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients with appointments during the first two months of the UK lockdown were invited to complete a survey. Questions included views on care modifications, COVID-19 worry and psychosocial impact, and EORTC-QLQ-C30 items. 350 patients completed the survey; median age 58 (16–92) years. Care modifications included telemedicine (74%) and postponement of appointments (34%), scans (34%) or treatment (10%). Most felt the quality of care was not affected (72%), however, social life (87%) and emotional wellbeing (41%) were affected. Worry about COVID-19 infection was moderately high (mean 5.8/10) and significantly related to higher cancer-related worry; associated with lower emotional functioning irrespective of treatment intent. Curative patients (44%) with low resilient coping scores had significantly higher COVID-19 worry. Patients who did not know their treatment intent (22%) had significantly higher COVID-19 worry and insomnia. In summary, care experiences were generally positive; however, cancer-related worry, low resilient coping and uncertainty about treatment intent were associated with COVID-19 worry. These patients may benefit from additional psychological support during the pandemic and beyond.