Abstract
Objectives: To evaluate the health-related quality of life (HRQL) of patients with laryngeal carcinoma in a prospective longitudinal multicenter study at diagnosis and after 1 and 5 years in relation to tumor location and treatment modality.
Methods: Three standardized HRQL questionnaires were used to evaluate HRQL: the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer, Quality of Life Questionnaire Core-30 (EORTC QLQ-C30); the EORTC QLQ-Head and Neck Cancer Module (EORTC QLQ-H&N35); and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).
Results: 86 patients (mean age, 66 years; 72% males) with laryngeal carcinoma were included. Some significant changes in HRQL were found between diagnosis and 5 years after diagnosis, depending on the treatment given. The patients' ability to speak improved while some general functions deteriorated and treatment-related side effects increased. When comparing HRQL at 1 and 5 years after diagnosis, it appears that most values at the 1-year follow-up assessment persist until 5 years, but a few deteriorate. The HRQL at diagnosis predicts survival after 5 years quite well and the global quality of life scale at diagnosis predicts HRQL after 5 years fairly well.
Conclusion: The use of HRQL questionnaires is valuable when comparing different treatments and as an aid in predicting treatment side effects. Evaluation of HRQL at diagnosis for patients with laryngeal carcinoma is of value for the prognosis of HRQL over time and for the prognosis of survival.