Impact of family structure on long-term survivors of osteosarcoma

Long-term outcomes of osteosarcoma have dramatically improved with the use of modern combination therapies. Such aggressive treatments, however, entail chronic complications. In the present study, we assessed the functional, psychological, and familial status of long-term survivors of osteosarcoma t...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Supportive care in cancer 2007-05, Vol.15 (5), p.525-531
Main Authors: Bressoud, A, Real del Sarte, O, Stiefel, S, Mordasini, P, Perey, L, Bauer, J, Leyvraz, P F, Leyvraz, S
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Child
Family Characteristics
Female
Humans
Male
Osteosarcoma - drug therapy
Post traumatic stress disorder
Surveys and Questionnaires
Survivors - psychology
Switzerland
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Summary:Long-term outcomes of osteosarcoma have dramatically improved with the use of modern combination therapies. Such aggressive treatments, however, entail chronic complications. In the present study, we assessed the functional, psychological, and familial status of long-term survivors of osteosarcoma treated at our institution. Fifteen long-term survivors of osteosarcoma were evaluated for functional and psychological sequelae. Functional assessment was based on a method described by Enneking et al. Psychological assessment was based on General Health Questionnaire 28, Inventory Scale for Traumatic Neurosis, and Family System Test. Ten patients showed mild functional impairments; only five patients were handicapped more seriously. Depressive symptoms were diagnosed in four patients. A total of six patients revealed unbalanced family structures, including three of the four patients with depressive symptoms, all four patients with symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, and five of seven patients who showed poor emotional acceptance. Osteosarcoma survivors will generally recover good functional performance. Only a minority of them remain seriously impaired. One third of the patients present depressive symptoms and posttraumatic stress disorder. Poor coping is closely associated with unbalanced family structures. Therefore, the psychological and familial situation of patients with newly diagnosed osteosarcoma should be carefully assessed.
ISSN:0941-4355
1433-7339
DOI:10.1007/s00520-006-0196-5