Kramer B, Wenzel A, Boerger M, Lippert B, Feist K, Petrasch R, Riemann R, Hoermann K, Aderhold C. Long-Term Quality of Life and Nutritional Status of Patients with Head and Neck Cancer.
Nutr Cancer 2018;
71:424-437. [PMID:
30273055 DOI:
10.1080/01635581.2018.1506492]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Disease and therapy of head and neck cancer impair quality of life (QOL). QOL varies profoundly during therapy and follow-up.
AIM
We sought to monitor QOL and nutritional status of patients before, during and after therapy (AT).
PATIENTS AND METHODS
This study evaluates QOL by using the EORTC-questionnaires QLQ-C30 and H&N35, body weight and plasma albumin up to two years AT.
RESULTS
Chemoradiotherapy is the period of the most profound QOL-impairment. Postoperative QOL almost reaches preoperative levels just before adjuvant therapy and does not differ significantly from pretherapeutic QOL. Long-term QOL is not significantly deteriorated. Patients have an average weight loss of 17%. Nutritional supplements are used continuously. Xerostomia and sticky saliva are chronic symptoms that persist AT.
CONCLUSIONS
QOL is an important parameter for the evaluation of therapy success. Head and neck cancer and its therapy cause permanent xerostomia, sticky saliva and need of nutritional supplements. Adequate patient information, psychooncological counseling, analgesia and nutritional support may alleviate QOL impairment.
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