J Korean Oncol Nurs.  2009 Aug;9(2):77-85.

Symptom Cluster Presented by Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Patients on Gefitinib Treatment

• Lee SY
• Park HA

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to identify symptom cluster experienced by patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) on gefitinib treatment. In addition, this study assessed the patterns in severity of the symptom cluster and differences in quality of life (QOL) and function among subgroups by the severity of symptom cluster.
METHODS
This study was conducted as a secondary analysis of symptoms of 72 patients from a mother study. Factor analysis was used to identify symptom clusters measured with EORTC QLQ-C30 and LC13 symptom related items.
RESULTS
Three symptom clusters were identified: cluster 1 was comprised of fatigue, anorexia and dysphagia; cluster 2 of dyspnea, cough and insomnia; and cluster 3 of pain, constipation and nausea/vomiting. These three symptom clusters were improved one week after gefitinib administration. The group with more severe symptom clusters showed significantly lower QOL and function than the group with less severe symptom clusters.
CONCLUSION
Since symptom clusters experienced by the patients with advanced NSCLC influenced on the QOL and function, it is important for nurses to understand and observe their symptom clusters. In addition, there is an necessity to develop nursing interventions to effectively care patients with the symptom clusters.

Keyword

Symptom; Cluster; Gefitinib; Lung cancer; Quality of life

MeSH Terms

Anorexia
Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung
Constipation
Cough
Dyspnea
Fatigue
Humans
Lung Neoplasms
Mothers
Quality of Life
Quinazolines
Quinazolines