Relation Of Depressive And Anxious Symptoms To Overall Distress And Mortality In Patients Undergoing Radiation Therapy

e21567 Background: For patients diagnosed with cancer, depression and anxiety represent a common and significant burden, which has been proposed to not only affect quality of life but to potentially shorten duration of life as well. This study examines the influence of patient reported symptoms of anxiety and depression on overall distress and mortality in patients undergoing radiation therapy. Methods: As part of their intake paperwork, patients undergoing radiation therapy completed distress screening that included 29 questions regarding their level of concern with various factors related to their care as well as their overall distress level. This information and other parameters including demographics, site of primary disease, use of chemotherapy, presence of metastasis, and last known status were recorded for analysis. Answers regarding degree of concern for “feeling down or depressed”, “loss of interest in my usual activities”, and “feeling nervous or anxious” were examined for influence on study endpoints. Results: Results for final analysis were available from 519 patients undergoing therapy from April 2010 to May 2016. The cohort’s average age was 66yrs, 71% were treated curatively, and 29% were treated palliatively. The most common treatment sites were breast (27%), thorax (16%), H&N (12%), GU (12%), GI (10%), and CNS (7%). Significant correlation was found between level of concern with symptoms of anxiety and depression and level of overall distress (P < 0.001, Kruskal-Wallis Rank Sum Test). Significance remained on separate analysis of curative and palliative subgroups. No significant correlation was found for 1 or 2 year survival on either single or multivariate analysis of curative or palliative patients. Conclusions: Depression and anxiety are common conditions among cancer patients, and can contribute significantly to their overall distress. Although no effects on mortality were demonstrated on initial follow-up of this cohort, it remains evident that attention to emotional well-being is critical in the care of such patients. Additional investigations can be pursued regarding ideal interventions for patients identified by such screening.