Abstract
Introduction
The objective of this study is to assess the quality of life (QoL) of two groups of patients during treatment for locally advanced head and neck (H&N) cancer.
Material and methods
Two samples of 30 patients each in AJCC stages III and IV undergoing either of two chemo-radiotherapy protocols completed the EORTC QLQ-C30 general questionnaire and the QLQ-H&N35 H&N module on three occasions during the treatment and follow-up periods. We also collected clinical data. The QoL scores and their evolution over the three measurements were calculated and both protocols were compared during the treatment period.
Results
The QoL scores are acceptable in general. Limitations were observed in relation to toxicity, psycho-social and some functional areas during the treatment. QoL improved in the follow-up period. The clinical and QoL data are better in one of the two treatment protocols.
Discussion
The QoL scores indicate that the condition of the patients receiving the protocols was acceptable, considering the severity of their disease. The treatments were reasonably-well tolerated.
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The present study has been partially supported by a grant from SCHERING PLOUG and another from the Health Department of the Gobierno de Navarra.
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Urdaniz, J.I.A., de la Vega, F.A., Burgaleta, A.M. et al. Quality of life in patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer treated with chemoradiotherapy. Comparison of two protocols using the EORTC questionnaires (QLQ-C30, H&N35). Clin Transl Oncol 7, 398–403 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02716585
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02716585