Symptom clusters and predictors in patients with lung cancer

Objective To explore related symptom clusters and predictors among inpatients with lung cancer during disease trajectories.Methods A convenience sample of lung cancer patients completed the Chinese version of the M.D.Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI-C) and the revised lung cancer module.Results A total of 180 patients completed the survey during four months from August to December 2012.Varieties of symptoms were generally identified in lung cancer patients.The most severe symptoms were disturbed sleep,fatigue,lack of appetite,pain,shortness of breath,tightness of chest.Exploratory factor analysis of symptoms revealed four major symptom clusters,which were sickness-behavior symptom cluster,lung cancer specific symptom cluster,upper-gastrointestinal symptom cluster,respiratory symptom cluster.Predictors on the intensity of symptom clusters were physical performance status,comorbidities,treatment modality through multiple regression analysis.Conclusions Symptom clusters were identified in lung cancer patients.Treatments directed at symptom clusters rather than individual symptoms can provide greater therapeutic benefit and further improve quality of life. Key words: Lung cancer;  Anderson symptom inventory;  Symptom clusters;  Symptom management;  Quality of life