Health-related quality of life in patients with pharyngeal carcinoma: A five-year follow-up

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the health-related quality of life (HRQL) of patients with pharyngeal carcinoma in a prospective longitudinal multicenter study at diagnosis, after 1 and 5 years in relation to tumor location and treatment. Methods: 89 patients (mean age 60.0 years; 76 % males) with pharyngeal carcinoma were evaluated with standardized HRQL-questionnaires; the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer, Quality of Life Questionnaire Core-30 (EORTC QLQ-C30), the EORTC QLQ-Head and Neck Module (EORTC QLQ-H&N35). Results: Treatment related side-effects deteriorated between diagnosis and the 5-year follow-up. Some specific side-effects got worse between 1 and 5 years such as teeth problems and sticky saliva. The HRQL-results from the EORTC QLQ-H&N35 were significantly different from the norm data, whereas the HRQL-results from the EORTC QLQ-C30 were not. Physical function scale at diagnosis as well as a low stage disease seems to be associated with survival. Patients with oropharyngeal carcinoma had during and after treatment better HRQL than patients with hypopharyngeal carcinoma. Patients treated with brachytherapy had a variation of HRQL over time similar to the whole study group. Conclusion: HRQL-questionnaires could be valuable instruments in treatment planning and serve as aid in foreseeing treatment side-effects. Evaluation of HRQL at diagnosis for patients with pharyngeal carcinoma is of value for the prognosis of HRQL over time and for survival. It should be recognized that treatment for pharyngeal carcinoma often results in long term side-effects such as problems with senses and dry mouth and often generate increasing problems with teeth and sticky saliva.