Advances in quality of life research among head and neck cancer patients.

Head and neck cancer often has a marked impact on multiple spheres of functioning. A rapidly expanding literature has examined the functional and psychosocial sequelae that patients experience over the trajectory of the disease. This review considers some of the salient developments in quality-of-life (QOL) research over the past decade. Selected findings are summarized regarding assessment of QOL in head and neck cancer, acute and long-term sequelae, clinical and psychosocial determinants, and intervention programs. Some of the advances and limitations of the database are examined, and recommendations are offered for further work in this area.