Health-Related Quality of Life in Women With Metastatic Breast Cancer: An Integrative Review

Aim

To examine current evidence on health-related quality of life and its associated factors in women with metastatic breast cancer over the past 10 years.

Design

An integrative review.

Data Sources

We conducted a comprehensive search across five databases: CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Web of Science, for studies published between January 2013 and June 2023.

Review Methods

Following the integrative review guideline, we screened full-text papers based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute's appraisal checklist, and the data were extracted and synthesised.

Results

Of 7316 articles, 25 studies met the inclusion criteria. Most of the participants were non-Hispanic white women from the United States or Europe. Various instruments were used to assess health-related quality of life. The key factors included sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, physical symptoms and function, disease stability and progression, and psychological attributes. Although targeted agents and immunotherapy are common therapies today, data on their side effects and health-related quality of life remain limited. Literature gaps included a lack of racially diverse samples, an absence of data on protective factors, and limited insights into symptom experience with novel therapies.

Conclusions

Physical and psychological symptoms were still the major influencing factors. Clinicians should prioritise symptom management in women. Future research is needed to increase racial diversity in the study and explore novel agents related to symptoms and protective factors that may improve health-related quality of life.

Impact

Women with metastatic breast cancer experience compromised health-related quality of life. Understanding which factors influence their quality of life, particularly those on novel therapies is critical for providing high-quality, individualised care and developing targeted interventions to improve their well-being.

Reporting Method

PRISMA.

No Patient or Public Contribution

This integrative review does not need patient or public contribution.