Long-term Outcomes of Dysphagia, Pain and Quality of Life after Therapy of Head and Neck Cancer

Background Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) often lead to relevant functional limitations in those affected due to the disease and the consequences of the therapy. In particular, the functional long-term consequences of HNC have not yet been sufficiently investigated but represent a relevant topic in the context of quality of life.

Methods In the context of outpatient tumor follow-up, dysphagia, pain and quality of life were recorded with the ePROM "OncoFunction" at least 5 years after diagnosis. The average number of consultations was 11. 60 male and 25 female HNC patients were included. We used validated questionnaires (EAT-10, NAS, EORTC QLQ-C30, EORTC H&N35) to assess subjective scores.

Results On average, the patient data could be evaluated 5.8 years after tumor therapy. The mean EAT-10 score was 8.5±9.1 at first presentation and 5.6±7.8 after about 5 years (p<0.01). Tracheostomy was indicated in 23 patients post-therapeutically vs. 11 after 5 years, pain scores declined from 2.6±2.4 to 1.5±1.9 (p<0.001). Quality of life improved significantly in patients during follow-up. After surgery and adjuvant radiochemotherapy, patients still reported the highest dysphagia and pain scores after 5 years, whereas patients with surgery alone had the lowest scores.

Conclusion Despite improvement during the course, functional limitations in patients after therapy of HNC are often still pronounced even after several years despite intensive rehabilitation offers. In addition to improving therapeutic offers, follow-up care and rehabilitation must also be further optimized to minimize post-therapeutic limitations.

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Artikel online veröffentlicht:
24. Mai 2022