Evaluation of Quality of Life and Treatment Satisfaction in Newly Diagnosed Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma Patients

Simple Summary This study provides an insight into newly diagnosed patients with MF on patients' expectations, quality of life, and treatment satisfaction. These data can be used for adequate expectation management and provide a rationale for further evaluation of treatment regimens in these patients.Abstract Background: Little is known about the impact of MF on quality of life (QoL) in newly diagnosed patients. Objectives: To describe the impact of the MF diagnosis on QoL, patient expectations, and treatment satisfaction over the first 6 months after diagnosis. Methods: Outcomes of this prospective cohort study of newly diagnosed MF patients conducted between 2020 and 2022 at the Leiden University Medical Center included the Skindex-29, RAND-12 Health Survey, degree of itch, pain, and fatigue (Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)), patient expectations, and Client Satisfaction Questionnaire-8 (CSQ-8), measured at baseline and after six months. Results: A total of 28 patients with MF were included. At baseline, 66% (n = 18) "strongly-totally" expected positive effects of the treatment. At the time of diagnosis, 28% of the patients (n = 8) were moderately to severely affected. There was no statistical change in the Skindex-29 score sum score (20 [10-34] vs. 20 [9-36]; p = 0.81) or in the other three subdomains, the RAND-12 scores, and the VAS itch, pain, and fatigue over time. Treatment satisfaction was high overall. Conclusion: Despite that the newly diagnosed MF patients anticipate a positive treatment effect, few improvements in QoL and symptom reduction were found. These data can be used for adequate expectation management and provide a rationale for further evaluation of treatment regimens in these patients.