Longitudinal course of depression, fatigue, and quality of life in patients with high risk melanoma receiving adjuvant interferon

Purpose: Treatment of malignant melanoma with interferon‐α has been associated with a variety of side effects ranging from fatigue to depression, and a concomitant impact on quality of life (QOL), in a variety of case reports and cross‐sectional clinical trials. Few, if any, studies have been conducted with the express purpose of assessing the longitudinal course of depression, fatigue, and QOL before and during interferon therapy. Description of study: The current study reports on 16 patients who were assessed at 6 points in time: baseline, post high dose, and 1, 2, 3, and 6 months post high dose treatment with interferon‐α with the Brief Symptom Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory, Revised Piper Fatigue Scale, and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐Biological Response Modifiers. Results: Results revealed consistent changes from baseline through 6 month assessment. Specifically, increased somatic complaints, depression, and fatigue were observed on the BSI, BDI, and RPFS, respectively. Additional reductions in QOL on the FACT‐BRM were also identified. Clinical implications: The findings suggest that IFN has a significant effect on QOL, but that it may be the somatic symptoms of fatigue that contribute to changes on measures of mood. Limiting the amount of fatigue and depression would appear to be significant if individuals are to successfully complete IFN therapy. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.