ESTRO 2025 - Abstract Book

S4173

RTT - Patient experience and quality of life

ESTRO 2025

Conclusion: Virtual reality distraction therapy is an inexpensive technology that can enhance the experience of children and teenagers receiving proton or photon therapy, whilst alleviating anxiety. This may offer a promising alternative to use of general anaesthetic in younger children, especially when receiving photon therapy.

Keywords: Proton Beam, Virtual Reality, Paediatric

References: Gerçeker, G. Ö., Ayar, D., Özdemir, E. Z. & Bektaş, M. Effects of virtual reality on pain, fear and anxiety during blood draw in children aged 5–12 years old: A randomised controlled study. Journal of Clinical Nursing 29 , 1151–1161 (2020). Tas FQ, van Eijk CAM, Staals LM, Legerstee JS, Dierckx B. Virtual reality in pediatrics, effects on pain and anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis update. Paediatr Anaesth. 2022 Dec;32(12):1292-1304. doi: 10.1111/pan.14546. Epub 2022 Sep 1. PMID: 35993398; PMCID: PMC9804813.

1910

Digital Poster Assessment of psychological distress, caregiver burden, and quality of life among family caregivers of adult cancer patients in Saudi Arabia. Christopher Arulappan 1 , Razan Aljudibi 1 , Nwaf Alkhanein 1 , Asaad Alhazinah 1 , Sara AlBlowe Alblowe 1 , Tarfah Aljuaythin 1 , Amal Marie 1 , Ahmed Maklad 1,2 1 Department of Radiation Oncology, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. 2 Department of Clinical Oncology, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt Purpose/Objective: Family caregivers (FCs) of cancer patients often experience impaired quality of life (QOL) due to an increase in stress levels associated with the added responsibilities of caregiving. Stress levels vary depending on the condition of the cancer patient and the caregiver's personal circumstances. Most research on QOL impairments among caregivers has been conducted in Western populations. This study, therefore, aims to address this gap by focusing on the Middle Eastern region. Material/Methods: This study investigates depressive symptoms and caregiver burden among family caregivers (FCs) of adult cancer patients in Saudi Arabia, with a focus on quality-of-life impacts evaluated using the Caregiver Quality of Life Index Cancer (CQoLC) questionnaire. Results: We recruited 145 family caregivers (FCs), of whom 127 met the inclusion criteria. The results showed that most patients were female (67.3%), while the majority of FCs were male (63.5%). Patients primarily had breast cancer (31.7%) and head and neck cancers (18.7%). Radical treatment was prevalent (90.3%), with a median radiotherapy dose of 50 Gy. The Caregiver Quality of Life Index-Cancer (CQoLC) scores revealed moderate psychological distress and disruptions to daily life among FCs, with significant financial concerns frequently reported. Breast cancer diagnosis and radiotherapy intensity emerged as key factors influencing CQoLC scores, underscoring the strong relationship between cancer type, treatment demands, and caregiver burden. Interestingly, spirituality showed a positive correlation with patient age, suggesting cultural or contextual influences on coping mechanisms. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to support FCs, particularly through mental health services and financial assistance, to alleviate the multifaceted burdens they face. This study offers valuable insights into the caregiver experience within a Saudi Arabian context, contributing to the global discourse on cancer care and caregiver support.