Self‐reported cognitive impairments and quality of life in patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumor: Results of a multinational survey

Background Cancer‐related cognitive impairment (CRCI) has long‐term effects on survivor quality of life, but CRCI research on patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is lacking. The aims of this study were to investigate CRCI and concomitant quality of life among patients with GIST. Methods An online survey was used to assess CRCI in adult patients with GIST using the validated Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐Cognitive‐v.3. Age, education, demographically indexed IQ, general health, and quality of life factors (e.g., fatigue, emotional distress) were also assessed. The online survey was administered through five international GIST and sarcoma support organizations. Results Over the 3‐month recruitment period, the survey was completed by 485 participants: mean age, 57.80 (SD, 11.51), median 5 years after diagnosis. A majority (63.91%) reported experiencing cognitive symptoms with a significant negative quality of life impact. Controlling for age, patients with GIST ≥5 years after diagnosis reported worse cognitive function than those