Global functional impairment in head and neck cancer survivors after completing radiotherapy treatment

Abstract

Purpose Improvements in diagnosis and treatment of head and neck cancer (HNC) patients have resulted in improved long-term survival rates. However, a variety of symptoms and comorbidities, often secondary to the cancer and its treatments, are experienced by a relevant number of survivors. So, the aim of this study was to determine the global functional impairment in HNC survivors 1 year after radiotherapy treatment. Materials and methods A descriptive case-control study was performed. HNC survivors were recruited from San Cecilio Clinical University Hospital in Granada. The main variables included were functionality and quality of life. Results 30 HNC survivors were included in our study. Significant differences were found in the WHO-DAS 2.0 test, with a worse score in the HNC group in most subscales (p < 0.05), and poorer scores in the COMP test, performance (p < 0.001) and satisfaction (p < 0.001). Significant differences were also found in most QLQ-30 subscales (p < 0.05) and the QLQ-H&N35. In regard to the EQ-5D, significant differences were found between groups, with worse results in the HNC group (p < 0.05). Conclusion HNC survivors presented a poorer global function and a worse quality of life and health status 1 year after the radiotherapy treatment. Moreover, a good correlation was found between functionality and quality of life outcomes. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION A worse quality of life and health status are shown in head and neck survivors 1 year after radiotherapy. Global functionality is related to quality of life outcomes in head and neck cancer survivors. There is a need to recognise the need for and to provide longer term rehabilitation.