OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the quality of life (QOL) reported by patients with platinum-resistant/refractory advanced ovarian cancer.

METHODS: Real-world data were gathered using Adelphi’s Disease Specific Programme^TM, a cross-sectional survey administered to patients in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK (5EU), and the US from December 2017 to March 2018. 259 patients (220 5EU, 39 US) completed questionnaires, including the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30 and ovarian-specific module (QLQ-OV28), and the EuroQol EQ-5D. The EORTC QLQ-C30/OV28 score range is 0 to 100; higher function scores indicate better function, and higher symptom scores indicate higher symptomatology. Dates of platinum-based therapy initiation and progression were used to identify patients as resistant (progression within 6 months following frontline treatment) or refractory (progression on frontline treatment). Summary statistics were reported; differences were assessed using pairwise t tests.

RESULTS: Patient global health status, indicated by mean EORTC QLQ-C30 global health score, was 45.0; variation was noted by region (5EU, 44.3; US, 48.9) and platinum status (resistant, 43.6; refractory, 46.1). Overall, function scores were: cognitive, 59.6; physical, 57.3; social, 53.9; emotional, 51.4; role, 47.0.

Mean EQ-5D utility index score was 0.59; a statistically significant difference was noted by region (5EU, 0.57; US, 0.71 [p<0.001]) and platinum status (resistant, 0.62; refractory, 0.57 [p=0.0425]). Mean visual analogue scale scores were: global, 51.2; 5EU, 50.9; US, 53.3.

CONCLUSIONS: Patients with platinum-resistant or -refractory ovarian cancer reported compromised QOL and health status, with a notable level of abdominal/GI symptoms. These findings highlight the need for treatments more effective in addressing disease burden.