P0041 The role of the radiotherapy technologist in quality of life scores in patients with head and neck cancer on radical chemoradiotherapy: A pilot study

Abstract

Background Cancer and its subsequent treatment may cause physical, emotional, and psychological difficulties for individuals. Quality of life (QoL) indices are as important as the traditional end points of overall survival, disease-free survival, and tumour response in cancer management. QoL is particularly relevant for patients with head and neck cancer because social interaction and emotional expression depend to a great extent on the structural and functional integrity of the head and neck region. Methods During the period June, 2012, to June, 2013, 33 patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who received radical chemoradiotherapy were prospectively assessed for QoL score using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) core Questionnaires version 3 (QLQ-C30) and the EORTC QLQ-H & N35, in any one of three languages (English, Hindi, Bengali). The score was assessed before the start of radical treatment, just after completion of radical treatment, and at the time of first follow up (latter not included in this report). Questionnaires were served by both nursing staff and radiotherapy technologists. QoL scores before and at completion of treatment were compared using paired t -tests. Findings There was significant improvement at treatment completion in emotional function ( p = 0.04), social function ( p = 0.05), and insomnia ( p = 0.03), and significant deterioration in appetite ( p = 0.001), nausea/vomiting ( p = 0.002), pain ( p = 0.012), swallowing ( p = 0.002), dry mouth ( p = 0.033), sticky saliva (p = 0.003), taste sensation ( p = 0.001), cough ( p = 0.004), speech ( p = 0.002), feeling ill ( p = 0.00), social contact ( p = 0.005), social eating ( p = 0.001), and using painkillers ( p = 0.03). There was no significant difference in Global QoL scores. Interpretation Radiotherapy technologists can be involved not only with treatment delivery but also with the process of assessment of QoL data in patients with head and neck cancer, and can serve as an interface between the patient and the clinician, for the holistic care of the patients on radiotherapy.