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01-06-2015 | Original Article

Residual deficits in quality of life one year after intensity-modulated radiotherapy for patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer

Results of a prospective study

Authors: PD Dr. med. Silke Tribius, Marieclaire Raguse, Christian Voigt, PD Dr. med. Adrian Münscher, PD. Dr. med. Dr. dent. Alexander Gröbe, PD Dr. med. Dr. dent., PD Dr. med. Cordula Petersen, Prof. Dr. med., PD Dr. med. Andreas Krüll, PD Dr. phil. Corinna Bergelt, Prof. Dr. Susanne Singer

Published in: Strahlentherapie und Onkologie | Issue 6/2015

Abstract

Purpose

Patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer (LAHNC) undergo life-changing treatments that can seriously affect quality of life (QoL). This prospective study examined the key QoL domains during the first year after intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and identified predictors of these changes in order to improve patient outcomes.

Patients and methods

A consecutive series of patients with LAHNC completed the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire Core module (QLQ-C30) and the HNC-specific QLQ-HN35 before (t0) and at the end (t1) of definitive or adjuvant IMRT, then at 6–8 weeks (t2), 6 months (t3), and 1 year (t4) after IMRT.

Results

Patients (n = 111) completing questionnaires at all five time points were included (baseline response rate: 99 %; dropout rate between t0 and t4: 5 %). QoL deteriorated in all domains during IMRT and improved slowly during the first year thereafter. Many domains recovered to baseline values after 1 year but problems with smelling and tasting, dry mouth, and sticky saliva remained issues at this time. Increases in problems with sticky saliva were greater after 1 year in patients with definitive versus adjuvant IMRT (F = 3.5, P = 0.05).

Conclusion

QoL in patients with LAHNC receiving IMRT takes approximately 1 year to return to baseline; some domains remain compromised after 1 year. Although IMRT aims to maintain function and QoL, patients experience long-term dry mouth and sticky saliva, particularly following definitive IMRT. Patients should be counseled at the start of therapy to reduce disappointment with the pace of recovery.

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Title: Residual deficits in quality of life one year after intensity-modulated radiotherapy for patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer
Results of a prospective study
Authors: PD Dr. med. Silke Tribius
Marieclaire Raguse
Christian Voigt
PD Dr. med. Adrian Münscher
PD. Dr. med. Dr. dent. Alexander Gröbe, PD Dr. med. Dr. dent.
PD Dr. med. Cordula Petersen, Prof. Dr. med.
PD Dr. med. Andreas Krüll
PD Dr. phil. Corinna Bergelt
Prof. Dr. Susanne Singer
Publication date: 01-06-2015
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Strahlentherapie und Onkologie / Issue 6/2015
Print ISSN: 0179-7158
Electronic ISSN: 1439-099X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00066-015-0824-4

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Residual deficits in quality of life one year after intensity-modulated radiotherapy for patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer

Results of a prospective study

Abstract

Purpose

Patients and methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Patients and methods

Results

Conclusion

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