16 research outputs found
Sparing the contralateral submandibular gland without compromising PTV coverage by using volumetric modulated arc therapy
Assisted reproductive technologies and monozygous twins: implications for future study and clinical practice
The feasibility analysis of omission of elective irradiation to level IB lymph nodes in low-risk nasopharyngeal carcinoma based on the 2013 updated consensus guideline for neck nodal levels
Immunophenotypic evidence for distinct populations of microglia in the rat hypothalamo-neurohypophysial system
Supportive care in early rehabilitation for advanced-stage radiated head and neck cancer patients
Item does not contain fulltextObjective To investigate the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and supportive follow-up care needs 1 month posttreatment for patients with advanced-stage (stage III or IV) radiated head and neck cancer (HNC) who were treated with curative intent. Study Design An exploratory, descriptive analysis of HRQoL data obtained from 3 treatment groups: conventional radiotherapy (RT, n = 21), surgery + radiotherapy (SRT, n = 10), and chemoradiation (CRT, n = 21). Setting The head and neck oncology center of a university hospital. Subjects and Methods Fifty-two patients completed the EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ H&N35 self-report questionnaires 1 month posttreatment. Descriptive statistics and clinically relevant differences between the groups were analyzed. Results The HRQoL outcomes between groups differed. Clinically relevant difference was observed in the RT and CRT groups with respect to dry mouth, coughing, feeling ill, use of painkillers, and the use of nutritional supplements. The RT group differed from the other groups with respect to pain and swallowing. The CRT group differed from the other groups regarding role functioning. Conclusion Health-related quality of life differs between RT, SRT, and CRT patients 1 month posttreatment. The RT- and CRT-treated patients reported higher impairment than the patients who were treated with SRT. Nutritional intake and oral function emphasize the importance of providing supportive care to radiated advanced-stage HNC patients throughout the treatment trajectory and the need for continuation during the first few posttreatment months