Patient-Reported Toxicity and Quality-of-Life Profiles in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer Treated With Definitive Radiation Therapy or Chemoradiation

PurposeRadiation therapy is an effective but burdensome treatment for head and neck cancer (HNC). We aimed to characterize the severity time pattern of patient-reported symptoms quality life in a large cohort patients with HNC treated definitive radiation therapy, or without systemic treatment.Methods MaterialsA total 859 between 2007 2017 prospectively completed European Organization Research Treatment Cancer (EORTC) Quality Life Questionnaire–Head Neck module (QLQ-HN35) Core Questionnaire (QLQ-C30) at regular intervals during after up 5 years. Patients were classified into 3 subgroups: early larynx cancer, infrahyoideal suprahyoideal cancer. Outcome scales both questionnaires quantified per subgroup point by means average scores frequency distribution categorized (none, mild, moderate, severe). Time patterns symptom characterized. Toxicity profiles compared using linear mixed model analysis. Additional toxicity based on age, human papillomavirus status, modality, smoking tumor site, period characterized as well.ResultsThe study population consisted 157 304 398 The overall questionnaire response rate was 83%. Generally, EORTC QLQ-HN35 reported showed clear pattern, increasing followed gradual recovery first 2 Distinct seen across subgroups (P < .001), generally less severe subgroup. QLQ-C30 functioning, quality-of-life, general evident pronounced differences mean subgroups, although still significant .001). Differences most role appetite loss, fatigue, pain.ConclusionsWe established quality-of-life that different HNC. These provide detailed information persistence various experienced therapy. can be used inform future may serve benchmark studies. Radiation treatment. A well. pain.