A Single Center Survey of Health-Related Quality of Life among Acute Myeloid Leukemia Survivors in First Complete Remission

Background: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is one of the most common types of leukemia in adults, but there is limited information on survivors' quality of life (QOL) after remission. Objective: We piloted a survey exploring patient-reported outcomes for people with AML in first complete remission (CR1) to determine whether patients felt the survey is relevant to their well-being and to summarize patient characteristics. Design/Measurements: Cross-sectional survey of a convenience sample of AML patients in CR1 assessing QOL and functioning (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer [EORTC] QLQ-C30 v 3.0), well-being (QOL-cancer survivor [QOL-CS]), fatigue (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue [FACIT-Fatigue]), and anxiety and depression (hospital anxiety and depression scale [HADS]). The survey contained five open-ended questions. Results: Eighteen patients completed the survey. Most felt it was completely or mostly relevant (88.8%) in describing their QOL. Participants scored well on the EORTC QLQ-C30, fatigue being the most common symptom (83%).The FACIT-Fatigue mean score was 28.7 and median score was 33.5 (normal ≥30). Two scored in the abnormal range for anxiety and one for depression on the HADS. On the QOL-CS, participants scored more than 6 out of 10 in most domains, except the subscales of distress and fear. Conclusions: The survey content and length were appropriate. Patients reported ongoing fatigue, fears of future test results, getting a second cancer, and recurrence of cancer. Survivors experience ongoing symptoms, highlighting the importance of providers performing ongoing symptom and needs assessments.