Table 3. Health-related quality of life scores with the questionnaires of QLQ C-30 and QLQ HCC18.
| Symptoms/problems | Before lenvatinib (n=27) | After lenvatinib (n=27) | After anti-PD-1 antibody (n=27) | P value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QLQ-C30 | ||||
| Physical function | 86.7±11.5 | 86.2±4.8 | 84.9±14.7 | 0.41 |
| Role function | 72.2±16.7 | 71.6±22.1 | 74.7±21.9 | 0.30 |
| Emotional function | 91.0±7.6 | 94.1±7.6 | 95.4±6.7 | 0.01* |
| Cognitive function | 93.8±9.4 | 94.4±9.2 | 95.1±7.8 | 0.23 |
| Social function | 75.3±18.7 | 74.1±19.8 | 76.5±20.8 | 0.45 |
| Global HRQOL | 54.1±9.3 | 61.8±11.2 | 67.6±11.6 | 0.00* |
| Fatigue | 16.0±15.0 | 13.9±14.3 | 13.6±13.5 | 0.67 |
| Nausea/vomiting | 4.3±8.8 | 4.3±8.8 | 1.2±4.4 | 0.06 |
| Pain | 9.3±14.1 | 13.0±14.1 | 9.9±15.5 | 0.34 |
| Dyspnea | 3.7±10.7 | 3.7±10.6 | 3.7±14.1 | 1.00 |
| Sleep disturbance | 7.4±14.1 | 4.9±12.1 | 2.5±8.9 | 0.13 |
| Appetite loss | 14.8±16.9 | 19.8±19.1 | 13.6±19.1 | 0.17 |
| Constipation | 2.5±8.9 | 3.7±10.7 | 2.5±8.9 | 0.57 |
| Diarrhea | 4.9±15.2 | 18.5±16.8 | 12.3±20.9 | 0.01* |
| Financial difficulties | 13.6±16.7 | 12.3±18.8 | 13.6±19.1 | 0.75 |
| QLQ-HCC18 | ||||
| Abdominal swelling | 13.6±23.1 | 14.8±23.3 | 14.8±19.2 | 0.95 |
| Body image | 0.6±3.2 | 0.6±3.1 | 0.6±3.2 | 1.00 |
| Jaundice | 0.0±0.0 | 0.6±3.1 | 1.8±5.3 | 0.11 |
| Pain | 4.9±10.1 | 11.1±13.9 | 5.5±10.3 | 0.01* |
| Fever | 0.62±3.2 | 1.8±5.3 | 3.7± 7.1 | 0.16 |
| Nutrition | 0.7±2.8 | 0.7±2.1 | 1.0±2.4 | 0.75 |
| Fatigue | 10.3±11.5 | 11.1±12.7 | 4.9±7.5 | 0.03* |
| Sex life | 3.7±14.1 | 4.9±15.2 | 0.0±0.0 | 0.14 |
Data are presented as scores ± SD in all patients who completed both questionnaires (n=27). The P value represents the comparison between the combination therapy with lenvatinib (i.e., after anti-PD-1 antibody) and monotherapy (after lenvatinib). Scores range from 0–100. In the QLQ-C30, for functional (physical, role, emotional, cognitive and social) or global HRQOL, higher scores represent a relatively higher/healthier level of functioning or global QoL. For the symptom/problem scale, higher scores represent more severe symptoms/problems. In the QLQ-HCC18, higher scores indicated worse symptoms. *, P<0.05. QLQ-30, Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30; QLQ-HCC18, Quality of Life Questionnaire Hepatocellular Carcinoma 18; QoL, quality of life; SD, standard deviation.