LAUSR

OBJECTIVES To explore the relationship between 16 symptom clusters (SCs), clinical and demographic influencing factors, and clinical outcomes over time in patients with pancreatic cancer (PC) undergoing surgical resection. SAMPLE & SETTING 143 patients with stage II PC undergoing surgical resection were recruited to participate in this longitudinal, exploratory study conducted at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, a National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center. METHODS & VARIABLES Quality of life was measured preoperatively and at three, six, and nine months postoperatively. Statistical methods included simple linear and Cox proportional hazard regression. RESULTS Preoperative pain was significantly associated with the pain-gastrointestinal SC, and preoperative worry was significantly associated with the mood SC. The strongest negative association with emotional well-being across all study time points was found with the preoperative mood SC. The insomnia-digestive problems SC and the nutritional problems SC demonstrated a trend toward poor survival. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING Findings provide evidence that preoperative worry and pain are associated with SC severity and that SCs may have a detrimental effect on quality of life and survival in patients with PC undergoing surgical resection.