Betere functionele uitkomsten na rectumcarcinoom

Objective

This study investigates the impact of improved diagnostics and treatments on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and functional outcomes in patients with rectal carcinoma in the Netherlands.

Design

Data from the Prospective National ColorRectal Carcinoma cohort (PLCRC) were analysed to compare trends in HRQoL and functional outcomes between 2014 and 2019.

Method

HRQoL and functional outcomes were assessed with validated patient questionnaires (EORTC-QLQ-C30, CR29, LARS score). Longitudinal and multivariate analyses were used to analyse changes over time.

Results

Patients in 2019 had better HRQoL scores, fewer adverse events and improved anorectal function compared with 2014. Physical, role and social functioning improved significantly, while complaints such as fatigue and pain decreased. Fewer patients underwent invasive treatments or had a stoma.

Conclusion

Innovations such as population screening and less invasive treatments led to better HRQoL. Less complex therapies contributed to fewer side effects and better recovery. Further progress is expected through personalised care and innovative therapies.

Conflict of interest and financial support: none declared. ICMJE forms provided by the authors are available online along with the full text of this article.