Pre-treatment Emotional Distress in Patients Receiving Radiotherapy for Gynecologic Cancers

Background/aim: Patients with gynecologic cancers selected for external-beam radiotherapy or brachytherapy may experience emotional distress. We aimed to identify patients who may benefit from early psycho-oncological intervention.

Patients and methods: We investigated 10 potential risk factors of emotional distress in a retrospective series of 122 patients planned for radiotherapy of gynecologic cancers. Factors included COVID-19 pandemic, number of physical problems, age, performance status, tumor site/stage, surgery, chemotherapy, brachytherapy, and history of another tumor. p-Values <0.005 indicated significance, and p-values <0.06 trends.

Results: Frequencies of worry, fear, sadness, depression, nervousness, and loss of interest were 41%, 57%, 39%, 16%, 38%, and 20%, respectively. Significant associations with at least one of these symptoms were found for ≥5 physical problems and no upfront surgery. Trends were observed for chemoradiotherapy, history of another tumor, worse performance status, and younger age.

Conclusion: The prevalence of pre-radiotherapy emotional distress was remarkable in patients with gynecologic cancers. Patients with risk factors may benefit from immediate psycho-oncological assistance.