Evaluating Clinical and Sociodemographic Risk for Symptom Burden Associated Interference With Daily Functioning in the Primary Brain Tumor Patient Population

ABSTRACT Introduction Symptom burden associated with interference in daily functioning is worse in those with progression or higher‐grade glial tumors. This exploratory study aims to identify factors associated with its severity in a diverse cross‐sectional cohort of 566 brain tumor patients enrolle...

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Main Authors: Bennett A. McIver, Tara S. Davis, Kimberly Reinhart, Elizabeth Vera, Alvina Acquaye‐Mallory, Anna Choi, Tricia Kunst, Morgan Johnson, Ewa Grajkowska, Hope Miller, Jennifer Reyes, Mark R. Gilbert, Terri S. Armstrong, Michelle L. Wright
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2025-03-01
Series:Cancer Medicine
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1002/cam4.70682
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Summary:ABSTRACT Introduction Symptom burden associated with interference in daily functioning is worse in those with progression or higher‐grade glial tumors. This exploratory study aims to identify factors associated with its severity in a diverse cross‐sectional cohort of 566 brain tumor patients enrolled in a natural history study (NCT03251989, PI: T.S. Armstrong). Methods Sociodemographic and clinical data and self‐reported activity‐related interference (work, general activity, walking), mood‐related interference (relations with others, enjoyment of life, mood) were reported via the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory‐Brain Tumor. Activity and mood‐related interference mean scores ≥ 2 were categorized as moderate–severe. Logistic regression assessed univariate associations with moderate–severe interference. Characteristics significant in the univariate analysis were included in a multivariable analysis. Results This patient sample had a median age of 48 years (18–85), was mostly male (57%), with a high‐grade tumor (73%), glioblastoma (39%), and tumor recurrence (49%). Risk factors for moderate–severe activity‐related interference included: ≥ 2 surgeries (OR = 1.64, 95% CI [1.10, 2.44], p = 0.015), ependymoma (OR = 2.59, 95% CI [1.21–5.53], p = 0.014), and childhood in a rural area (OR = 1.74, 95% CI [1.15–2.63] p = 0.009). Risk factors for moderate–severe mood‐related interference included tumor progression (OR = 2.02, 95% CI [1.21–3.36], p = 0.009). Conclusion Patient reported interference with daily physical functioning is associated with sociodemographic and disease‐related characteristics and notably worse mood‐related interference in those with progression. Future studies should include social determinants of health and change over time to identify and plan interventions for those at risk.
ISSN:2045-7634