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Updated: Feb 15, 2026
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Porcine As a Training Module for Head and Neck Microvascular Reconstruction
Published on: September 29, 2018
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Prospective, Longitudinal Quality-of-Life Study of Patients With Head and Neck Cancer: A Feasibility Study Including
Eva Hammerlid1, Kristin Bjordal2, Marianne Ahlner-Elmqvist3
11 Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Göteborg and Malmö, Sweden, and Oslo and Trondheim, Norway.
Summary
This pilot study found that head and neck cancer patients can complete quality-of-life questionnaires throughout treatment. The validated questionnaires effectively captured symptom changes and psychological distress in this patient population.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Quality of Life Research
- Clinical Trial Methodology
Background:
- Head and neck cancer survival rates remain suboptimal despite treatment advancements.
- Quality of life (QoL) is an emerging critical endpoint for clinical trials in head and neck cancer.
- A Nordic protocol was developed to assess QoL in head and neck cancer patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To pilot a Nordic protocol for assessing QoL in head and neck cancer patients.
- To evaluate patient adherence to repeated QoL questionnaires over one year.
- To assess the sensitivity of chosen QoL questionnaires to treatment-induced changes.
Main Methods:
- A pilot study involving 48 head and neck cancer patients.
- Utilized the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30), a tumor-specific questionnaire, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (HAD).
- Administered mailed questionnaires six times over a one-year period.
Main Results:
- 35 out of 41 (85%) patients alive at one year completed all six questionnaires.
- Questionnaires were well-accepted and sensitive to changes in QoL during the study year.
- Key symptoms like swallowing difficulties, hoarse voice, and dry mouth increased during and post-treatment; 21% showed probable psychiatric morbidity at diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- The study design and chosen questionnaires are feasible for prospective QoL assessment in head and neck cancer patients.
- The protocol effectively captured patient-reported outcomes and symptom burden.
- This approach supports the integration of QoL as a primary endpoint in future head and neck cancer clinical trials.
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