Physical QOL poor after treatment for head and neck cancer

Following treatment for squamous cell head and neck cancer, mental health quality of life improved, but physical quality of life seemed to decline, according to data published in the Archives of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery.

Researchers from Michigan conducted a prospective cohort study of 316 patients with newly diagnosed squamous cell head and neck cancer who had undergone chemotherapy (64.9%), radiation therapy (86.4%) or surgery (50.6%). The researchers used the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey and a quality of life scale specific to head and neck cancer to compare quality of life before treatment and one year later.

Decreased quality of life was reported for physical functioning and eating, though mental quality of life seemed to improve. The researchers found depression and smoking to be the most significant markers for poor quality of life.

Treatment factors, including feeding tube placement, chemotherapy and radiation therapy, were also significant predictors of change in quality of life from baseline to one year. Feeding tube placement was negatively associated with changes in nine of the 12 quality of life scales. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy were negatively associated with three of the 12 scales.

The researchers concluded that patients should be informed about the changes in quality of life they may experience with various treatments. – by Stacey L. Adams

Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2008;134:241-248.