Published in:
Open Access
01-03-2012 | Head and Neck
Chemoradiation for advanced hypopharyngeal carcinoma: a retrospective study on efficacy, morbidity and quality of life
Authors:
Stijn Keereweer, Jeroen D. F. Kerrebijn, Abrahim Al-Mamgani, Aniel Sewnaik, Robert J. Baatenburg de Jong, Esther van Meerten
Published in:
European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology
|
Issue 3/2012
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Abstract
Chemoradiation (CRT) is a valuable treatment option for advanced hypopharyngeal squamous cell cancer (HSCC). However, long-term toxicity and quality of life (QOL) is scarcely reported. Therefore, efficacy, acute and long-term toxic effects, and long-term QOL of CRT for advanced HSCC were evaluated,using retrospective study and post-treatment quality of life questionnaires. in a tertiary hospital setting. Analysis was performed of 73 patients that had been treated with CRT. Toxicity was rated using the CTCAE score list. QOL questionnaires EORTC QLQ-C30, QLQ-H&N35, and VHI were analyzed. The most common acute toxic effects were dysphagia and mucositis. Dysphagia and xerostomia remained problematic during long-term follow-up. After 3 years, the disease-specific survival was 41%, local disease control was 71%, and regional disease control was 97%. The results indicated that CRT for advanced HSCC is associated with high locoregional control and disease-specific survival. However, significant acute and long-term toxic effects occur, and organ preservation appears not necessarily equivalent to preservation of function and better QOL.