Quality of Life and Rehabilitation in Patients with Brain Tumors

Abstract

Patients with brain tumors experience a range of symptoms that vary according to tumor location and the adverse effects associated with treatment, which significantly impact their quality of life (QOL). Significant declines in QOL have been reported, particularly among individuals with malignant gliomas and recurrent cases, with approximately half of the patients with gliomas reporting a deterioration in QOL even during periods of progression-free survival. Therefore, alongside the objective of extending life expectancy, the maintenance and enhancement of QOL is a critical consideration in the management of patients with brain tumors. To effectively maintain and improve the QOL for these patients, comprehensive support is crucial throughout the entire disease trajectory, from diagnosis to end-of-life care. Rehabilitation serves as a valuable intervention that can enhance various aspects of functionality and has the potential to maintain and improve QOL. Nevertheless, objective evidence supporting its effectiveness remains limited. Therefore, future research is imperative to standardize QOL assessment scales and timing, establish appropriate data analysis methodologies, and generate high-quality evidence to evaluate the effectiveness of rehabilitation interventions.