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

  • Head and Neck
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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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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, HP G05.129, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands

    Marc P. van der Schroeff, Wynia Derks & Gerrit Jan Hordijk

  2. Research Group Medical and Health Psychology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands

    Rob J. de Leeuw

Authors
  1. Marc P. van der Schroeff
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  2. Wynia Derks
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  3. Gerrit Jan Hordijk
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  4. Rob J. de Leeuw
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Correspondence to Marc P. van der Schroeff.

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van der Schroeff, M.P., Derks, W., Hordijk, G.J. et al. The effect of age on survival and quality of life in elderly head and neck cancer patients: a long-term prospective study. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 264, 415–422 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-006-0203-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-006-0203-y

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