Impact of treatment modality on quality of life of head and neck cancer patients: Findings from an academic medical institution

Abstract

Purpose: The objective of this pilot study was to determine how different treatment modalities (surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy) impact quality of life (QOL) in a population of head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors.

Methods: Fifty-nine newly diagnosed, biopsy-confirmed HNC patients were recruited between 2007-2012. They completed the EORTC Quality of Life Questionnaire and Head & Neck Module at 5 intervals pre- and post-treatment. Participants were grouped into four categories based on modality: surgery only, surgery/radiation, chemoradiation, or surgery/chemoradiation. Repeated measures ANOVA examined effect of treatment modality on QOL over time.

Results: Xerostomia symptoms were significantly associated with chemoradiation (F(2.47, 59.27)=3.57, p=0.03), lowest at pretreatment and highest 6 months post-treatment. Time was significantly associated with head and neck pain, F(2.95,67.89)=3.39, p=0.02.

Conclusions: HNC survivors exhibit different QOL related symptoms depending on combined treatment modalities, and time post-treatment. It is important to understand QOL differences based upon treatment modalities when developing treatment plans for HNC patients.

Keywords: Head and neck cancer; Oncology; Pain; Quality of life; Treatment modality; Xerostomia.