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Somnolence syndrome in patients receiving radical radiotherapy for primary brain tumours: A prospective study

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Date
2011-07
ICR Author
Brada, Michael
Author
Powell, C
Guerrero, D
Sardell, S
Cumins, S
Wharram, B
Traish, D
Gonsalves, A
Ashley, S
Brada, M
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Type
Journal Article
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Abstract
Background and purpose: To characterise the incidence, pattern and severity of post cranial radiotherapy somnolence and to identify factors predictive of frequency and severity. Materials and methods: Seventy consecutive patients receiving radical cranial irradiation were prospectively assessed for somnolence at baseline, during and up to 10 weeks following radiotherapy using five variables scored on a visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Littman scale. Fatigue was measured using the FACT-G score and quality of life using the EORTC QLQC30+3 with the brain tumour module questionnaire. Results: Ninety percent of patients experienced grade 1 somnolence (Littman score) and this correlated with VAS scores (r = 0.456, p < 0.001). The score increased from 3 to 12 weeks (p < 0.001) with a peak at the end of treatment and improvement 6 weeks later. None of the patient, disease or treatment characteristics analysed were predictive for the development or the severity of somnolence. Conclusions: The majority of patients experience some degree of somnolence following radical radiotherapy for primary brain tumour and this follows a clear pattern during and after treatment. While there are no clear predictors of severity, the pattern described allows for provision of information for patients and carers to minimise the distress the syndrome may cause. (c) 2011 Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. Radiotherapy and Oncology 100 (2011) 131-136
URI
https://repository.icr.ac.uk/handle/internal/2322
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radonc.2011.06.028
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  • Closed Research Teams
Research team
Clinical Academic Radiotherapy (Brada)
Language
eng
License start date
2011-07
Citation
RADIOTHERAPY AND ONCOLOGY, 2011, 100 pp. 131 - 136
Publisher
ELSEVIER IRELAND LTD

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