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Long‐term quality of life in older patients with HPV‐related oropharyngeal cancer
Author(s) -
Baxi Shrujal S.,
Cullen Grace,
Xiao Han,
Atoria Coral L.,
Sherman Eric J.,
Ho Alan,
Lee Nancy Y.,
Elkin Elena B.,
Pfister David G.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
head and neck
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.012
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1097-0347
pISSN - 1043-3074
DOI - 10.1002/hed.25159
Subject(s) - medicine , quality of life (healthcare) , head and neck cancer , human papillomavirus , cancer , gastrostomy , pediatrics , physical therapy , gerontology , surgery , nursing
Background We explored if age affects quality of life (QOL) in survivors of locally advanced human papillomavirus (HPV)‐related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Methods In a cross‐sectional survey of 185 patients, at least 12 months from radiation, we evaluated generic (EuroQOL‐5D questionnaire [EQ‐5D]) and head and neck specific (European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire‐Head and Neck 35‐questions [EORTC‐QLQ‐H&N35]) QOL questionnaires and compared differences between younger (<65) and older (≥65) patients. Results The median age was 57.0 years (range 25‐77 years), and 31 patients (16.8%) were ≥65 years old. There was no significant difference in EQ‐5D global QOL scores by age ( P = .53). Patients ≥65 years reported more immobility ( P < .01), problems with social eating ( P < .0001), and coughing ( P < .01). Patients ≥65 years were not more likely to ever require a gastrostomy ( P = .24) but were more likely to remain gastrostomy‐dependent at the time of the survey ( P = .02). Conclusion Despite similar generic QOL, older survivors may have more mobility problems and issues with social eating compared with younger survivors deserving of further evaluation.