Sleep disorders prior to adjuvant radiation therapy for gynecological malignancies

Dirk Rades*, Svenja Kopelke, Tamer Soror, Steven E. Schild, Soeren Tvilsted, Troels W. Kjaer, Tobias Bartscht

*Corresponding author for this work
3 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background/Aim: Many patients with gynecological malignancies receive postoperative radiotherapy, which can lead to fear and sleep disorders. We aimed to identify the prevalence of and risk factors for sleep disorders. Patients and Methods: Sixty-two patients assigned to radiotherapy for gynecological malignancies were retrospectively evaluated. Seventeen characteristics were analyzed for associations with pre-radiotherapy sleep disorders including age, Karnofsky performance score, Charlson comorbidity index, history of additional malignancy, family history of gynecological cancer, distress score, emotional, physical or practical problems, tumor site/stage; chemotherapy, treatment volume, brachytherapy, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: The prevalence of preradiotherapy sleep disorders was 46.8%. Sleep disorders were significantly associated with Charlson comorbidity index ≥3 (p=0.012), greater number of physical problems (p<0.0001), and advanced primary tumor stage (p=0.005). A trend was found for greater number of emotional problems (p=0.075). Conclusion: Pre-radiotherapy sleep disorders are common in patients with gynecological malignancies, particularly in those with specific risk factors. Patients should be offered early psychological support.

Original languageEnglish
JournalAnticancer Research
Volume41
Issue number9
Pages (from-to)4407-4410
Number of pages4
ISSN0250-7005
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 09.2021

Research Areas and Centers

  • Centers: University Cancer Center Schleswig-Holstein (UCCSH)
  • Research Area: Luebeck Integrated Oncology Network (LION)

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