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European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology
Published in: European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology 4/2007

01-04-2007 | Head and Neck

The effect of age on survival and quality of life in elderly head and neck cancer patients: a long-term prospective study

Authors: Marc P. van der Schroeff, Wynia Derks, Gerrit Jan Hordijk, Rob J. de Leeuw

Published in: European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology | Issue 4/2007

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Abstract

Little is known about long-term treatment outcome of elderly head and neck cancer patients and their quality of life (QOL). One hundred and eighteen older (≥70 years) and 148 younger (45–60 years) patients with head and neck cancer were followed up for 3–6 years. In the long-term follow-up 33 younger and 24 older patients completed the EORTC QLQ-C30 and H&N35 and a questionnaire about depression. The survival rate after 3–6 years for younger patients was 36%, as compared to 31% in the older patient group. Higher tumour stages, more co-morbidity and non-standard treatment showed to be independent prognostic factors for mortality. No independent prognostic value of age could be found. The global QOL score remains roughly comparable. Even up to 6 years after treatment, we found no significant differences in survival or overall QOL between older and younger head and neck cancer patients.
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Metadata
Title
The effect of age on survival and quality of life in elderly head and neck cancer patients: a long-term prospective study
Authors
Marc P. van der Schroeff
Wynia Derks
Gerrit Jan Hordijk
Rob J. de Leeuw
Publication date
01-04-2007
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology / Issue 4/2007
Print ISSN: 0937-4477
Electronic ISSN: 1434-4726
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-006-0203-y

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