Abstract
The purpose of this study was to compare the quality of life (QoL) of stage II nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients treated with radiotherapy (RT) versus concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT). In a cross-sectional study, these patients were treated with RT (n = 55) or CCRT (n = 51) between June 2008 and June 2013. For all subjects, disease-free survival was more than 3 years. QoL was assessed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) questions and the Head and Neck 35 (EORTC QLQ-H&N35) questions. RT had better outcomes than CCRT for global QoL, functional scales, symptom scales of fatigue and insomnia, financial problems, and weight gain. Survivors receiving 1 cycle of concurrent chemotherapy had worse QoL outcomes than survivors receiving 2 cycles of concurrent chemotherapy. Patients receiving 3 cycles of concurrent chemotherapy had the best QoL outcomes. Thus, CCRT adversely affects the QoL of patients with stage II NPC as compared to radiotherapy.
Highlights
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an endemic disease in southern China
The result indicates that concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) adversely affects the quality of life (QoL) of patients with stage II NPC versus RT
SF-36 and the University of Washington Quality of Life Questionnaire are not specific questionnaires for QoL assessment in head-andneck cancer patients, and QoL-NPC should be further evaluated by a large sample from different centers
Summary
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an endemic disease in southern China. The incidence of stage II NPC has greatly increased with improvements in diagnosis. Radiotherapy (RT) or concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) are the primary treatment modalities for stage II NPC. CCRT is recommended by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, but the evidence is weak [1,2,3,4]. RT is recommended by the Chinese Anti-Cancer Association because CCRT does not improve survival, but increases toxic reactions [5,6,7,8,9]. The best treatment modality is still controversial
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
