Preservation of quality of life after intensity-modulated radiotherapy for early-stage nasopharyngeal carcinoma: Results of a prospective longitudinal study

Autor: Anne S. McMillan, Jonathan S.T. Sham, W. Keung Leung, Dora L.W. Kwong, May C. M. Wong, Edmond H.N. Pow, Lucullus H.T. Leung
Rok vydání: 2006
Předmět:
Zdroj: Head & Neck. 28:712-722
ISSN: 1097-0347
1043-3074
Popis: Xerostomia is a ubiquitous complication after conventional radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) that seriously impairs patient quality of life (QOL). The effect on QOL of parotid-sparing intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for early-stage NPC was assessed prospectively.Thirty-two patients with T1-2,N0-1,M0 NPC received IMRT. Saliva flow was measured, and the Medical Outcomes Short Form 36 (SF-36), European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) core, and EORTC head and neck module (QLQ-HN35) questionnaires were completed at baseline and 2, 6, and 12 months after IMRT.Saliva flow recovered to at least 25% of baseline in most cases after 1 year. Physical function, fatigue, and vitality were problems at 2 months and then resolved (por = .002). Global health scales showed continuous improvement in QOL after treatment (por = .004). Xerostomia and sticky saliva were problems 2 months after treatment; thereafter, continuous improvement occurred (por = .001). Xerostomia scores correlated with general aspects of QOL (por = .044).IMRT for early-stage disease preserved key aspects of QOL, and a reduction in xerostomia symptoms enhanced broader aspects of QOL.
Databáze: OpenAIRE
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