Abstract
PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to evaluate longitudinal changes in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among patients undergoing radiotherapy for solid tumors, using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) questionnaire and to identify symptom and function trajectories over time in relation to clinical and demographic parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective observational study, 211 adult patients with histologically confirmed solid malignancies (excluding breast cancer) were enrolled at a tertiary oncology center. HRQoL was assessed at four time points: Baseline (T1), end of radiotherapy (T2), 1-month post-treatment (T3), and 6 months' post-treatment (T4), using the validated EORTC QLQ-C30 tool. Statistical analysis included repeated measures analysis of variance and Bonferroni-adjusted post hoc tests. RESULTS: Global health status improved significantly from T1 (67.0) to T4 (76.0) (P < 0.001). Functional domains, physical, emotional, cognitive, and social functioning, also showed significant improvement (all P < 0.001), whereas role functioning improved modestly (P = 0.009). Symptom scores such as fatigue, pain, nausea/vomiting, and insomnia declined significantly (P < 0.001), whereas dyspnea showed no significant change (P = 0.573). Financial difficulties decreased over time (P < 0.001). Subgroup analyses revealed sex-based variations in symptom burden, with females reporting higher pain and financial strain early post-treatment, and males experiencing greater appetite loss and delayed economic burden. CONCLUSION: This study represents preliminary 6-month follow-up data; ongoing surveillance will provide insights into late toxicity and long-term survivorship. Persistent symptoms such as dyspnea highlight the need for targeted supportive interventions. Longitudinal HRQoL monitoring can guide personalized care and survivorship planning.