The PREoperative therapy and Supportive Care in EarLy and Locally Advanced breast cancers (PreSCella) study, conducted within Singapore's SingHealth network, explored how quality of life (QOL) and supportive care needs change over the course of neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) for breast cancer. Using a longitudinal design, data were collected at three points: before NAT (T1), within two months post-surgery (T2), and at the one-year follow-up (T3). Of 241 patients enrolled, 235 were analysed. Overall QOL improved over time, especially emotional well-being. FACT-B scores rose from 113.3 at T1 to 114.3 at T2 and 120.6 at T3 (T1-T3 change: +7.3 points; 95% CI 4.7-9.8; effect size 0.47). Age-specific assessment tools were used. Women under 40 completed three additional surveys-Body Image Scale (BIS), Dyadic Assessment Scale (DAS), and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). They reported mild body image distress (BIS: 6.3 at T1 to 7.2 at T3), stable relationships (DAS: 16.5 to 17.0), but notable declines in sexual function (13% at T1, 75% at T2, 57% at T3). Patients over 65 completed tools like the Attitude Scale and prioritised QOL over survival length. Findings underscore the evolving nature of supportive care needs and the value of age-personalised interventions throughout cancer treatment.
Lee et al. (Wed,) studied this question.