BACKGROUND: Xerostomia is a ubiquitous complication after conventional radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) that seriously impairs patient quality of life (QOL). The effect on QOL of parotid-sparing intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for early-stage NPC was assessed prospectively. METHODS: Thirty-two patients with T1-2,N0-1,M0 NPC received IMRT. Saliva flow was measured, and the Medical Outcomes Short Form 36 (SF-36), European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) core, and EORTC head and neck module (QLQ-H&N35) questionnaires were completed at baseline and 2, 6, and 12 months after IMRT. RESULTS: Saliva flow recovered to at least 25% of baseline in most cases after 1 year. Physical function, fatigue, and vitality were problems at 2 months and then resolved (p < or = .002). Global health scales showed continuous improvement in QOL after treatment (p < or = .004). Xerostomia and sticky saliva were problems 2 months after treatment; thereafter, continuous improvement occurred (p < or = .001). Xerostomia scores correlated with general aspects of QOL (p < or = .044). CONCLUSION: IMRT for early-stage disease preserved key aspects of QOL, and a reduction in xerostomia symptoms enhanced broader aspects of QOL.
BACKGROUND:Xerostomia is a ubiquitous complication after conventional radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) that seriously impairs patient quality of life (QOL). The effect on QOL of parotid-sparing intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for early-stage NPC was assessed prospectively. METHODS: Thirty-two patients with T1-2,N0-1,M0 NPC received IMRT. Saliva flow was measured, and the Medical Outcomes Short Form 36 (SF-36), European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) core, and EORTC head and neck module (QLQ-H&N35) questionnaires were completed at baseline and 2, 6, and 12 months after IMRT. RESULTS: Saliva flow recovered to at least 25% of baseline in most cases after 1 year. Physical function, fatigue, and vitality were problems at 2 months and then resolved (p < or = .002). Global health scales showed continuous improvement in QOL after treatment (p < or = .004). Xerostomia and sticky saliva were problems 2 months after treatment; thereafter, continuous improvement occurred (p < or = .001). Xerostomia scores correlated with general aspects of QOL (p < or = .044). CONCLUSION: IMRT for early-stage disease preserved key aspects of QOL, and a reduction in xerostomia symptoms enhanced broader aspects of QOL.
Authors: Valerio Nardone; Paolo Tini; Christophe Nioche; Maria Antonietta Mazzei; Tommaso Carfagno; Giuseppe Battaglia; Pierpaolo Pastina; Roberta Grassi; Lucio Sebaste; Luigi Pirtoli Journal: Radiol Med Date: 2018-01-24 Impact factor: 3.469
Authors: Christopher M Nutting; James P Morden; Kevin J Harrington; Teresa Guerrero Urbano; Shreerang A Bhide; Catharine Clark; Elizabeth A Miles; Aisha B Miah; Kate Newbold; MaryAnne Tanay; Fawzi Adab; Sarah J Jefferies; Christopher Scrase; Beng K Yap; Roger P A'Hern; Mark A Sydenham; Marie Emson; Emma Hall Journal: Lancet Oncol Date: 2011-01-12 Impact factor: 41.316
Authors: Dirk Rades; Britta Warwas; Karsten Gerull; Ralph Pries; Anke Leichtle; Karl L Bruchhage; Samer G Hakim; Steven E Schild; Florian Cremers Journal: In Vivo Date: 2022 Jul-Aug Impact factor: 2.406