Search Results (226)

Background and Objectives: Uterine cancer is the most common gynaecologic malignancy in developed countries, yet the psychosocial sequelae of treatment are incompletely described. This prospective, single-centre study quantified six-month changes in the quality of life (QoL) and perceived stress in women with newly diagnosed uterine cancer and explored clinical moderators of change. Methods: Participants completed four validated self-report questionnaires: the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), the 26-item World Health Organization Quality-of-Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF), the 30-item EORTC QLQ-C30 and the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) before therapy and again six months after surgery ± adjuvant chemoradiation. Subgroup analyses were performed for stage (FIGO I–II vs. III–IV). Results: Mean SF-36 Physical Functioning improved from 58.7 ± 12.1 to 63.1 ± 12.6 (Δ = +4.4 ± 7.3; p = 0.000, d = 0.36). PSS declined from 24.1 ± 5.6 to 20.8 ± 5.4 (Δ = −3.3 ± 5.0; p < 0.001, d = 0.66). The WHOQOL-BREF Physical and Psychological domains rose by 4.4 ± 6.9 and 3.5 ± 7.3 points, respectively (both p < 0.01). EORTC QLQ-C30 Global Health increased 5.1 ± 7.6 points (p < 0.001) with parallel reductions in fatigue (−5.4 ± 9.0) and pain (−4.8 ± 8.6). Advanced-stage patients showed larger reductions in stress (ΔPSS −3.5 ± 2.5 vs. −2.3 ± 2.3; p = 0.036) but similar QoL gains. ΔPSS correlated inversely with ΔWHOQOL Psychological (r = −0.53) and ΔSF-36 Mental Health (r = −0.49) and positively with ΔEORTC Global Health (r = −0.42) (all p < 0.001). Conclusions: Over six months, multimodal uterine cancer treatment was associated with clinically meaningful QoL improvements and moderate stress reduction. Greater stress relief paralleled superior gains in psychological and global health indices, highlighting the importance of integrative survivorship care. Full article

Background/Objectives: Quality of life (QoL) is a valuable tool for evaluating treatment outcomes and identifying patients who may benefit from early supportive interventions. This study aimed to determine whether specific QoL results in patients with advanced rectal cancer could identify groups with an unfavourable prognosis in long-term follow-up. Methods: A total of 570 patients with advanced rectal cancer were prospectively assessed, during and up to five years after neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy, using the QLQ-C30 and QLQ-CR38 questionnaires. We analysed 27 functional and symptom-related scores to identify associations with overall survival, once at baseline, three times during therapy, and annually from years one to five post-therapy. Results: Poor quality of life scores were consistently associated with shorter overall survival. The functional scores of physical functioning, role functioning, and global health, as well as the symptom scores of fatigue, dyspnoea, and chemotherapy side effects, were highly significant for overall survival at nearly all time points except for the immediate preoperative assessment. Patients over the age of 64 with lower QoL scores showed a significantly reduced probability of survival in the follow-up period, and patients who reported poor QoL in at least two of the first three questionnaires during the initial phase of treatment showed significantly reduced overall survival. Conclusions: Early and repeated QoL assessments, particularly within the first weeks of therapy, offer critical prognostic value in advanced rectal cancer. Identifying patients with an unfavourable prognosis might allow faster interventions that could improve survival outcomes. Integrating QoL monitoring into routine clinical practice could enhance individualised care and support risk stratification. Full article

(1) Background: Quality of life (QoL) assessment is a crucial aspect for patients diagnosed with cancer. Over the years, different tools have been developed to measure QoL, both generic and pathology specific, but the inclusion of quality of life among other indicators of efficacy in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) remains a controversial issue. In this review, we aim to review the frequency and modality of QoL assessment in RCTs, enrolling patients diagnosed with mesenchymal tumors. (2) Methods: An electronic literature search of bone and soft tissue sarcoma and GIST-related RCTs published between January 2000 and December 2023 was performed by two independent reviewers using PubMed. English-language phase II and III clinical trials enrolling at least more than 15 patients were included, regardless of the disease stage. Studies involving patients under the age of 18 years or for which the full text was not available were excluded. For each study, data regarding the journal and year of publication, the study design, the primary objective, and the evaluation of quality of life as an endpoint with any type of patient-reported outcomes used were extracted. (3) Results: Among the 742 publications screened, 171 resulted eligible. QoL assessment was listed among the endpoints in 35 trials and QoL results were reported in 29 primary publications. In these trials, 16 included patients with soft tissue sarcomas, 8 Kaposi sarcomas, 6 GIST, and 3 desmoid tumors. Among all the trials included, 10.4% on an adjuvant/neoadjuvant setting and 24.4% on a metastatic setting included QoL as an endpoint. The proportion of trials, including QoL, was variable over time, as follows: 16.9% of trials in 2000–2014 vs. 23.4% in 2015–2023. In 35 trials, including QoL endpoints, 27 had a superiority design and 25 reported a positive result. In the majority of trials (80%), the tools for QoL assessment were generic and those mostly used were the EORTC QLQ-C30, the EQ-5D questionnaire, and the modified Brief Pain Inventory–Short Form. (4) Conclusions: Quality of life has not been assessed or published in many phase II and III trials, despite an improvement over time. QoL evaluation in RCTs should be considered even more carefully in patients with rare tumors, where the low number of patients who can be enrolled makes it difficult to draw statistically significant conclusions on the effectiveness of treatments. Full article

Background: Quality of life (QoL) is a critical indicator in assessing the success of oncological treatments for head and neck malignancies, reflecting their impact on physiological functions and psychosocial well-being beyond mere survival. Treatments (surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy) pose multiple functional and emotional challenges, and recent advancements underscore the necessity of evaluating post-treatment QoL. Objective: This literature review investigates the impact of oncological treatment on the QoL of patients with malignant head and neck cancers (oral, oropharyngeal, hypopharyngeal, laryngeal) and identifies factors influencing their QoL index. Methodology: Using a PICO framework, studies from PubMed Central were analyzed, selected based on inclusion (English publications, full text, PROM results) and exclusion criteria. The last research was conducted on 6 April 2025. From 231 identified studies, 49 were included after applying filters (MeSH: “Quality of Life,” “laryngeal cancer,” “oral cavity cancer,” etc.). Data were organized in Excel, and the methodology adhered to PRISMA standards. Results: Treatment Impact: Oncological treatments significantly affect QoL, with acute post-treatment declines in functions such as speech, swallowing, and emotional well-being (anxiety, depression). Partial recovery depends on rehabilitative interventions. Influencing Factors: Treatment type, disease stage, socioeconomic, and demographic contexts influence QoL. De-escalated treatments and prompt rehabilitation improve recovery, while complications like trismus, dysphagia, or persistent hearing issues reduce long-term QoL. Assessment Tools: Standardized PROM questionnaires (EORTC QLQ-C30, QLQ-H&N35, MDADI, HADS) highlighted QoL variations. Studies from Europe, North America, and Asia indicate regional differences in outcomes. Limitations: Retrospective designs, small sample sizes, and PROM variability limit generalizability. Multicentric studies with extended follow-up are recommended. Conclusions: Oncological treatments for head and neck malignancies have a complex impact on QoL, necessitating personalized and multidisciplinary strategies. De-escalated therapies, early rehabilitation, and continuous monitoring are essential for optimizing functional and psychosocial outcomes. Methodological gaps highlight the need for standardized research. Full article

Background: Endocrine therapies are accompanied by side effects that significantly impact the quality of life (QoL) of women with breast cancer. Adequate diet is important for fulfilling nutritional requirements, preserving health, and supporting therapy in this vulnerable population. Methods: This preliminary study evaluated the QoL of life and dietary intake in 185 women with breast cancer on two therapies, aromatase inhibitors (AIs) and tamoxifen, using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy—Endocrine Symptoms (FACT-ES), European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30), and Breast Cancer Specific Questionnaire (QLQ-BR23) and a 24 h dietary recall. A total of 185 women were included in the study and fulfilled the FACT-ES, of whom 73 fulfilled other two questionnaires and a 24 h recall. Results: No significant differences were found in the overall QoL between groups. Joint pain (95.3%) and reduced libido (84.7%) were most common with AIs, while tamoxifen users more frequently reported weight gain and irritability (93.0%, each), and vasomotor and gynecological symptoms. Macronutrient intake was similar, though AIs users consumed more energy-dense (p ≤ 0.001) and sugary foods (p = 0.034), while tamoxifen users had higher omega-6 PUFA intake. Both groups exhibited suboptimal intake of vitamin D, calcium, and selenium, and a higher phosphorus consumption relative to recommended daily values. Conclusions: Preliminary findings showed that QoL and dietary intake were comparable between patients with BC on AIs and tamoxifen treatment. Endocrine-related symptoms were more prevalent among tamoxifen users, whereas joint pain was most common in AIs users. Nutritional interventions may be warranted in both groups to ensure adequate intake of essential micronutrients in accordance with recommended dietary guidelines. Full article

Background and Objectives: Rectal cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and although current therapeutic protocols have improved survival, treatment-related toxicities may significantly affect patients’ daily functioning and emotional well-being. This study aimed to prospectively assess the impact of radiotherapy with concurrent capecitabine on functional and symptomatic outcomes in patients with rectal cancer, with a particular focus on the presence of a stoma and treatment strategy. Materials and Methods: From 165 patients initially assessed, 64 were included in this study after applying eligibility criteria. All received pelvic radiotherapy (50.4 Gy in 28 fractions); 62.5% also received CAPOX chemotherapy. The quality of life was assessed using EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-CR29 questionnaires administered at three time points: before treatment, mid-treatment (day 15), and post-treatment. Results: A statistically significant deterioration was observed in physical, emotional, social, and role functioning over the course of treatment, along with an increase in symptom scores for fatigue, pain, gastrointestinal, and urinary complaints. The presence of a stoma was significantly associated with worse gastrointestinal symptoms and emotional functioning. No significant differences were noted between patients with or without chemotherapy. Despite symptom worsening, global quality-of-life scores remained relatively stable. Conclusions: These findings highlight the complex interplay between treatment toxicity and patient adaptation. The presence of a stoma and other clinical or demographic factors significantly influence patients’ experience during therapy. Integrating routine assessment of functional and symptomatic burden into clinical practice could support individualized interventions aimed at maintaining daily functioning and psychological resilience during treatment. Full article

(1) Background: Globally, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death, but immunotherapy has impressively improved the outcomes, generating longer progression-free survival and overall survival. Endocrine immune-related adverse events (irAEs) are mostly irreversible and need life-long hormonal substitution therapy. The evaluation of the quality of life of lung cancer patients experiencing endocrine toxicities during immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment is relevant for both patients and healthcare providers. (2) Methods: This was a prospective cohort study of lung cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors in a tertiary-level hospital in Romania from 1 December 2021 to 30 September 2024. Quality of life was assessed using versions of the EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-LC-13 validated and translated into the Romanian language. We investigated several clinical variables to evaluate their impact on QoL. (3) Results: Fifty-nine lung cancer patients were evaluated for their QoL before ICI initiation and at the end of the study. Endocrine-irAEs occurred in 17 lung cancer patients (28.8%). Quality of life as assessed using the EORTC questionnaires was statistically significantly improved, even in patients experiencing endocrine-irAEs. (4) Conclusions: Our prospective cohort study succeeded in delivering the proof of concept of an increased QoL in lung cancer patients who had developed endocrine-irAEs under immunotherapy. Despite toxicities, especially rather frequent endocrine-irAEs, ICIs enabled durable disease control and symptom relief, improving the QoL of the overall trial population. As more lung cancer patients undergo immunotherapy in metastatic or early stages, we draw attention to this particular patient population with autoimmune endocrinopathies, as they will live longer and require life-long hormonal therapy. Full article

Background/Objectives: Insomnia is associated with immune function. This study evaluated the association between insomnia and febrile neutropenia in women treated with adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer. Methods: This secondary analysis used data from the Canadian Cancer Trial Group MA.21 trial, which compared three chemotherapy regimens (CEF, EC/T dose-dense, or AC/T) in 2104 women with high-risk locoregional breast cancer. A total of 1731 patients completed the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire. We compared “insomnia patients” with patients considered “good sleepers” based on the sleep item of this questionnaire. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of febrile neutropenia. Secondary endpoints were the occurrences of leucopenia and infection. Chemotherapy dose reduction was added as a secondary outcome in an unplanned analysis. Results: Patients with insomnia (16.3%) had a significantly higher rate of febrile neutropenia than good sleepers (12.2%; p = 0.01). After controlling for various confounders, the contribution of insomnia in explaining febrile neutropenia remained statistically significant (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.07–1.97, p = 0.02). Chemotherapy dose reductions were significantly more frequent in patients with insomnia (30.6%) than in good sleepers (21.8%; p < 0.0001). The relationship remained significant in the multivariate analysis (OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.30–2.15, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: In the MA21 trial, insomnia was associated with febrile neutropenia. Furthermore, chemotherapy dose reductions were more common in women with insomnia. These results suggest that the role of insomnia in potential cancer outcomes needs to be confirmed in other studies, given the possible implication of dose reductions on the prognosis of women receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer. Full article

Background/Objectives: Colorectal cancer is a significant health problem worldwide. Surgery is the primary curative treatment for most colorectal cancers. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing is now performed widely before surgery, and it is the most objective and precise means of evaluating pre-surgical physical fitness. Also, we can use the 6 min walk test to measure cardiorespiratory fitness before surgery. Methods: We included colorectal patients who were awaiting open abdominal or laparoscopic surgery. After admission to the hospital, patients who signed informed consent forms fulfilled a short questionnaire about health and physical status, preoperative physical activities, and quality of life questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30). Patients performed a 6 min walk test (6MWT) 2 days before surgery and 7 days after surgery. 6MWT is a tool for measuring the functional status of fitness. Also, they fulfilled the quality of recovery questionnaire (QoR 15) 7 days after surgery. Results: In a final analysis, we included 72 patients with a mean age of 62.48. We compared the number of steps, walk distance, average and maximal walk speed, and average and maximal heart rate before and after surgery, overall, and by group. Our findings show a statistically significant difference between men and women in the walk distance (F = 4.99, p = 0.02) The number of steps showed a statistically significant difference according to patients’ ages (F = 2.90, p = 0.02). Also, we detected differences in the average and maximum heart rate during walking when comparing body mass index (average heart rate F = 5.72, p = 0.00, maximum heart rate F = 2.52, p = 0.04). Conclusions: Our study provides evidence that average and maximal heart rate during the 6 min walk test was higher in the postoperative period, especially in overweight and obese participants. Full article

Background/Objectives: Breast cancer (BC) is the most prevalent cancer among Palestinian women and significantly affects their quality of life (QoL). Coping strategies are pivotal in shaping QoL outcomes; however, research examining coping strategies and QoL in the Palestinian context remains scarce. This study aims to evaluate coping strategies among newly diagnosed BC patients and their impact on QoL in the southern West Bank. Methods: A cross-sectional study recruited 147 newly diagnosed BC patients undergoing treatment in governmental hospitals in the Hebron and Bethlehem governorates. Data were collected via face-to-face questionnaires, which included the EORTC QLQ-C30, the Cancer Coping Questionnaire (CCQ), sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, and social support. Results: Participants exhibited moderate QoL scores, with physical functioning scoring highest (67) and emotional functioning lowest (49). Fatigue, insomnia, and pain were the most common symptoms. Coping strategies were moderately utilized, and global QoL was significantly associated with these strategies. Hierarchical regression showed education had a small positive effect on global QoL (R² = 0.052, p = 0.005), while family support was a moderate predictor (R² = 0.080, p = 0.041). The CCQ coping score negatively impacted global QoL (R² = 0.186, p < 0.001), whereas CCQ positive focus (R² = 0.342, p < 0.001) and diversion techniques (R² = 0.406, p < 0.001) had substantial positive effects. Conclusions: Positive coping strategies, education, and family support play a vital role in enhancing QoL for newly diagnosed BC patients. Coping-focused interventions should be integrated into oncology care in Palestine to improve patient outcomes. Full article

Background/Objectives: Multiple myeloma is a malignancy of plasma cells detected in the bone marrow, inducing symptoms like anemia, hypercalcemia, renal problems, and bone fractures in multiple myeloma patients, affecting their quality of life. The bone marrow microenvironment plays a crucial role in the prognosis and progression of the disease. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the percentages of the major cell populations of the bone marrow, including immune cells, and physical function/quality of life in multiple myeloma patients after first-line treatment. Methods: Twenty-one multiple myeloma patients (N = 14 men, N = 7 women) participated in the study after completing first-line treatment. Bone marrow and blood samples were taken one hundred days after transplantation, while physical function (6 min walking test, handgrip test, maximal aerobic power, and isometric strength), health-related quality of life (QLQ-C30), and body composition (DXA) were assessed 2–5 days later. Flow cytometry was used to assess the percentages of plasma cells, mast cells, B cells (total, precursors, naïve, and memory), T cells (total, CD27− and CD27+), NK/NKT cells (total, CD27− and CD27+), eosinophils, monocytes, neutrophils, myeloid progenitors, erythroblasts, and erythroid progenitors, expressed as percentages of total nucleated cells of the bone marrow. Results: The percentage of CD27+ NK/NKT cells was correlated with five parameters of the quality of life questionnaire: physical function (r = 0.78, p = 0.005), role functioning (r = 0.69, p = 0.020), fatigue (r = −0.86, p = 0.000), pain (r = 0.68, p = 0.021), and dyspnea (r = −0.80, p = 0.003). Conclusions: In conclusion, stronger immune surveillance in the bone marrow from CD27+ NK/NKT cells is correlated with better quality of life in multiple myeloma patients. Full article

Background: Prospective studies evaluating the challenges of systematically assessing health-related quality of life in patients with cancer outside clinical trials are lacking. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of life of patients with cancer treated with immunotherapy such as checkpoint inhibitors and to determine the difficulties and limitations in achieving data collection from health-related quality of life questionnaires. Methods: We carried out a prospective observational study over 15 months in 30 patients with solid tumors undergoing checkpoint inhibitor therapy in an outpatient setting. We assessed health-related quality of life using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30 quality of life questionnaire at treatment initiation, three months, and six months. We analyzed compliance rates, reported difficulties, and treatment-related toxicities. Results: Of the 30 patients, 26 completed the health-related quality of life standardized questionnaire at one month (86.6%), 24 at three months (80%), and 18 at six months (56.6%). Patients receiving checkpoint inhibitor monotherapy showed an improvement in global health status scores from 60 at baseline to 65 at three months and 70.8 at six months. These findings suggest that checkpoint inhibitor therapy delays symptom onset and positively impacts quality of life. Fatigue was the most frequently reported adverse effect, followed by pain, dyspnea, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Conclusions: Checkpoint inhibitor treatments may delay the onset of cancer-related symptoms, positively influencing patient-reported health-related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes. However, this study highlights significant methodological challenges in collecting standardized HRQoL questionnaire data outside of clinical trials, including declining patient compliance over time. These findings underscore the need for adapted HRQoL assessment strategies tailored to the unique treatment trajectories of immunotherapy patients. Full article

Objectives: This study aimed to translate and validate the Gothenburg Trismus Questionnaire-2 for Italian-speaking patients (I-GTQ2). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 200 participants. The translation process adhered to international standards. Patients completed the I-GTQ2 along with the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) to evaluate construct validity. Reliability was assessed using internal consistency and test–retest reliability (ICC). Known-group validity was also analyzed. Results: The I-GTQ2 showed high reliability, with Cronbach’s alpha ranging from 0.61 to 0.94 and ICC between 0.79 and 0.96. Known-group comparisons confirmed discriminative validity, with significant differences between patients with and without trismus in jaw-related problems (p = 0.005, d = 0.575) and large differences between patients and controls in most domains (p < 0.001, d > 0.65) except for muscular tension. Convergent validity was supported by strong correlations between GTQ-2 domains and EORTC QLQ-C30 (e.g., r = −0.54 for facial pain and global health status; r = 0.64 for jaw-related problems and pain) as well as moderate correlations with HADS anxiety (r = 0.39–0.52) and depression (r = 0.37–0.46). Conclusions: The I-GTQ2 is a reliable and valid tool for assessing the impact of trismus on the quality of life in Italian-speaking patients, and it is recommended for clinical and research use. Future studies should investigate its relationship with objective trismus measurements. Full article

Background: Cervical cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women globally and remains a prevalent malignancy among Emirati women. This study assessed the quality of life of Emirati women with cervical cancer and identified key factors influencing their well-being to inform targeted interventions. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 72 Emirati women diagnosed with cervical cancer utilizing the Arabic-translated European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-CX24). Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected. Statistical analyses included ANOVA, independent-sample t-tests, and, where assumptions were violated, Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney tests. Results: The mean global health status/QoL score was 64.4 (SD ± 20.4), indicating moderate well-being. The cognitive (69.9 ± 23.5) and role functioning (65.1 ± 25.0) scores were relatively high, whereas the social functioning score was lower (61.8 ± 25.2). Fatigue (41.5 ± 27.5), sleep disturbance (40.7 ± 31.3), and pain (39.4 ± 27.6) were the most prevalent symptoms. Radiotherapy negatively impacted sexual enjoyment (p = 0.019), whereas lower income and metastases were associated with worse symptom burden. Higher education, employment, and physical activity correlated positively with functional well-being. Conclusions: Early-stage diagnosis, financial stability, and physical activity were key predictors of better QoL. Addressing financial disparities, managing symptoms, and improving survivorship care are essential. Full article

Background/Objectives: Primary chest wall tumors or malignancies of adjacent organs with chest wall infiltration present a significant challenge for surgical resection and reconstruction. Larger defects involving the sternum, resections in the area of the thoracic apertures, or those near the spine are difficult to reconstruct. The reconstruction has to ensure stability, to prevent paradoxical movements and lung herniation, while also achieving a satisfactory cosmetic result. The “spider web” technique restores chest wall stability by creating a web-like framework made of non-resorbable threads fixed to adjacent bony structures. Additionally, a synthetic mesh is placed over the web construct, and both layers are covered with muscles (local muscles or different types of flaps). In this prospective study, clinical data from patients who underwent surgery using the “spider web” technique were analyzed with respect to chest wall stability, procedure-specific complications, pulmonary function, and patient satisfaction. Methods: A total of 16 patients receiving 18 chest wall resections and reconstructions using the “spider web” technique were followed for at least one year. Chest wall stability and lung function (FEV1 and DLCO) were assessed. Quality of life, cosmetic satisfaction, potential functional impairment, and analgesic consumption were measured using a modified EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire. Results: The follow-up period ranged from 12 to 32 months. In all cases, optimal chest wall stability was maintained without impairment of respiratory mechanics. Procedure-specific complications occurred in five cases (27.8%), including seroma (one case), hematoma (two cases), necrosis at the TRAM flap donor site (one case), and mesh infection (one case), all of which were resolved without further complications. Postoperative FEV1 and DLCO were not significantly reduced compared with preoperative values. The global health status score for quality of life was 60 ± 27 points. Nine patients reported being able to ascend at least one floor of stairs without shortness of breath and half of the patients were able to participate in sports activities. One patient required prolonged analgesic medication due to chronic pain. In all cases, patients were satisfied with the cosmetic result. Both 30-day and 90-day mortality were 0%. No local recurrence at the chest wall reconstruction site occurred. Conclusions: The “spider web” technique is a highly suitable method for chest wall reconstruction, allowing covering all types of chest wall defects, regardless of size and location. This cost-effective technique not only provides optimal stability but also good functional results. Full article