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Trends in the 15D health-related quality of life over the first year following diagnosis of head and neck cancer

  • Head and Neck
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Abstract

Management of head and neck cancer influences both physical and mental wellbeing. Measuring the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is important, as various treatment modalities are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. In this prospective cohort study, we tested the feasibility of the generic 15D HRQoL instrument in 214 head and neck cancer patients managed with surgery, definitive (chemo)radiotherapy, or with combined modality treatment. HRQoL was assessed at baseline and three times after treatment onset during 1 year, and compared with that of general population standardized for age and sex. At baseline, the patients’ mean 15D score was significantly worse compared with general population. Overall HRQoL was at lowest at 3 months after treatment onset, it gradually improved towards 12 months but never reached baseline levels. The dimensions “vitality”, “distress”, “depression” and “sexual activity” showed marked deterioration at 3 months after the treatment onset, but improved gradually during 12 months. The 15D instrument seems useful for evaluation of HRQoL of head and neck cancer patients. Dimensions reflecting mental wellbeing improved gradually after 3 months, but they seldom reached baseline levels. The support for patients at the time of diagnosis, during treatment, and recovery is emphasized.

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Acknowledgments

This study has been supported by grants from the Helsinki University Hospital Research Funds.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital (HUH), P.O. Box 220, 00029, Helsinki, Finland

    K. Aro, L. Bäck & Antti Mäkitie

  2. Department of Oncology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland

    V. Loimu & K. Saarilahti

  3. Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland

    H. Sintonen

  4. Department of Health and Social Management, Research Centre for Comparative Effectiveness and Patient Safety, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland

    R. Roine

  5. Group Administration, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland

    R. Roine

  6. Evidence-Based Practice Research Centre, Faculty of Health and Social Care, Edge Hill University, Liverpool, UK

    S. Rogers

  7. Division of Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases, Department of Clinical Sciences, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institute and Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden

    Antti Mäkitie

Authors
  1. K. Aro
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  2. L. Bäck
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  3. V. Loimu
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  4. K. Saarilahti
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  5. S. Rogers
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  6. H. Sintonen
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  7. R. Roine
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  8. Antti Mäkitie
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Correspondence to Antti Mäkitie.

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Aro, K., Bäck, L., Loimu, V. et al. Trends in the 15D health-related quality of life over the first year following diagnosis of head and neck cancer. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 273, 2141–2150 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-015-3732-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-015-3732-4

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