Ilaria Pellegrini

Dr. Ilaria Pellegrini


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

5Years (2022-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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11 December 2022 in Cancers
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
IPIlaria Pellegrini
Ilaria Pellegrini
CDCas Drabbe
Cas Drabbe
DGDirk Jan Grünhagen
Dirk Jan Grünhagen
Michiel A. J. van de SandeMichiel A. J. van de Sande
Michiel A. J. van de Sande
JHJacco de Haan
Jacco de Haan
Olga HussonOlga Husson
Olga Husson
Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is often reported as an unmet concern by cancer patients. The aim of our study was to investigate (1) the prevalence of FCR in sarcoma survivors; (2) the factors associated with a higher level of FCR; the relationship between (3) FCR and global health status and (4) FCR and use of follow-up care. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among sarcoma survivors 2 to 10 years after diagnosis. Patients completed the Cancer Worry Scale (CWS), the global health status subscale of the EORTC QLQ-C30 and a custom-made questionnaire on follow-up care. Results: In total, 1047 patients were included (response rate 55%). The prevalence of high FCR was 45%. Factors associated with high FCR were female sex with 1.6 higher odds (95% CI 1.22–2.25; p = 0.001); having ≥1 comorbidities and receiving any treatment other than surgery alone with 1.5 (95% CI 1.07–2.05; p = 0.017) and 1.4 (95% CI 1.06–1.98; p = 0.020) higher odds, respectively. Patients on active follow-up had 1.7 higher odds (95% CI 1.20–2.61; p = 0.004) and patients with higher levels of FCR scored lower on the global health status scale (72 vs. 83 p ≤ 0.001). Conclusions: Severe FCR is common in sarcoma survivors and high levels are related to a decreased global health status. FCR deserves more attention in sarcoma survivorship, and structured support programs should be developed to deliver interventions in a correct and time adequate environment.