Impact on quality of life (QoL) of the addition of docetaxel (T) to neoadjuvant cisplatin plus 5-fluorouracil treatment in patients with locally advanced unresectable squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN): EORTC study 24971

2006 ◽  
Vol 24 (18_suppl) ◽  
pp. 5522-5522 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Bernier ◽  
C. Coens ◽  
E. Remenar ◽  
C. Van Herpen ◽  
J. Germa Lluch ◽  
...  

5522 Background: The EORTC 24971 trial compared the efficacy and safety of two neoadjuvant regimens in the treatment of stage III or IV, M0 SCCHN. Eligible patients (pts) with primary tumor sites in the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx and WHO performance status (PS) ≤1) were randomized to 2–4 cycles of cisplatin (P) 100 mg/m2 day 1, followed by a continuous infusion of 5-fluorouracil (F) 1000 mg/m2/day from days 1- 5 (PF), or T 75 mg/m2 + P 75 mg/m2 day 1 then F 750 mg/m2/day from days 1 - 5 (TPF), followed by locoregional radiation therapy (RT). The impact of the two regimens on QoL was a secondary endpoint. Methods: QoL was assessed at baseline, at cycles 2 and 4, and 6 and 9 months after RT using the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire to obtain the Global Health Status/Quality of Life (GHS/QoL) score, and the Head and Neck Performance Status Scale (PSS-HN) to assesses the normality of diet, eating in public, and understandability of speech on a scale of 0 to 100. The EORTC QLQ-HN35 questionnaire was also administered at those time-points. Results: 358 pts were randomized to PF (181 pts) or TPF (177 pts). Baseline (BL) characteristics of the pts were well balanced between groups. TPF was superior to PF in terms of response rate, progression-free survival (primary endpoint), overall survival, and tolerability. Compliance with the QLQ-C30 questionnaire was good ranging from 96% at BL to 41% at 9 months post RT, and was similar between the treatment arms. GHS/QoL scores were comparable at BL between the two arms (p = 0.54) and improved in both arms on starting treatment. Over time this score remained stable with TPF, but decreased after RT with PF (treatment-time interaction: p = 0.009). Evolution of the PSS-H&N score was better on TPF (normality of diet p= 0.0064; eating in public p = 0.0004; understandability of speech p = 0.0003). Moreover, TPF was associated with a 30% reduction in the risk of WHO PS deterioration (p = 0.0158) Conclusions: The use of docetaxel in neoadjuvant treatment of SCCHN improves efficacy without deleterious effects on QoL and functional outcomes. [Table: see text]

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 12092-12092
Author(s):  
Nandini Sharrel Menon ◽  
Vanita Noronha ◽  
Amit Joshi ◽  
Vijay Maruti Patil ◽  
Atanu Bhattacharjee ◽  
...  

12092 Background: This trial was conducted to compare the efficacy of low dose once-a-week cisplatin with once-every-3-weeks cisplatin with radiation in locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (LAHNSCC). The current analysis focuses on the quality of life (QoL) of patients in this trial. Methods: In this phase III randomized trial, patients with stage III or IV non-metastatic LAHNSCC were randomized to receive cisplatin 30 mg/m2 once a week or cisplatin 100 mg/m2 once every 3 weeks concurrently with curative intent radiotherapy. The primary endpoint was locoregional control. QoL was a key secondary endpoint. QoL was assessed using the EORTC QLQ-C30 (v.3) and EORTC QLQ-H&N35 (v.1). QoL data were assessed at baseline and days 22 and 43 during treatment; at the end of chemoradiation and at each follow-up. The linear mixed effects model was used for longitudinal analysis of QoL domains to determine the impact of treatment (arm) and time on QoL scores. Results: Three hundred patients were enrolled, 150 in each arm. QoL data from 283 patients with at least one assessable questionnaire were analyzed. The pretreatment QoL scores were similar in both the arms in all domains. There was no significant difference in the global health status/QoL with respect to the treatment arm ( P =0.608) or time ( P=0.0544 ). There was no significant difference in the longitudinal QoL scores between the two treatment arms in all domains except the physical function ( P= .0074), constipation ( P= .0326), trouble with social contact ( P= .0321) and sexuality ( P= .0004). There was a decline in the QoL scores in all domains in both arms during treatment. After completion of treatment, the QoL scores started improving steadily up to 1 year and plateaued thereafter in both arms. Conclusions: The use of once-every-three weeks cisplatin significantly improved the locoregional control without adversely impacting the quality of life as compared to once-a-week cisplatin in combination with radical radiotherapy in locally advanced HNSCC. Clinical trial information: CTRI/2012/10/ 003062. .


Author(s):  
Ute Goerling ◽  
Thomas Gauler ◽  
Andreas Dietz ◽  
Viktor Grünwald ◽  
Stephan Knipping ◽  
...  

Introduction: CeFCiD was a multicenter phase II study comparing the efficacy of cetuximab, 5-flourouracil, cisplatin with the same regimen adding docetaxel in recurrent/metastatic head and neck cancer. The primary analysis trial did not demonstrate survival benefit from therapy intensification in first-line recurrent and/or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). The current analysis of the trial assessed the impact of treatment on quality of life (QoL). Methods: The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of life Questionnaire QLQ-C30 and the tumor specific module for head and neck cancer (QLQ-H&N35) were used to assess QoL at baseline (visit 1), after 2 (visit 3), 4 (visit 5), and 6 (visit 7) cycles of chemotherapy. Results: Of 180 patients included in this study, 86 patients (47.8%) completed the questionnaires at baseline. Considering selected scores over treatment time, there was no difference in global quality of life, dyspnea, swallowing and speech between the treatment arms in the course. For fatigue a significant increase from baseline to visit 3 (p=0.02), visit 5 (p=0.002), and to visit 7 (p=0.003) was observed for patients receiving docetaxel (D), cisplatin or carboplatin (P), 5-FU (F) and cetuximab (C). At the end of chemotherapy the manifestation of fatigue was similar compared in the two treatment arms. Discussion/Conclusion: Therapy intensification not adversely affect selected scores of QoL of patients with recurrent and/or metastatic SCCHN. Nevertheless, fatigue seems to be pronounced in patients treated with docetaxel.


2015 ◽  
Vol 04 (04) ◽  
pp. 179-182 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sujal Mitul Parkar ◽  
Mihir N. Shah

Abstract Aim: The aim was to identify the literature and to assess the association between quality-of-life (QoL) and head and neck cancer (HNC) related outcomes systemically. Materials and Methods: The full articles published in English language bio-medical journals between 1992 and December 2014 were searched using Medline database. The keywords used for searching the articles include the combination of "health-related of QoL," "QoL," "HNC." The search limited only to the observational studies using questionnaires European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ C 30 and EORTC QLQ H and N 35. Purely psychological studies were excluded. Results: A total of 5055 articles were retrieved, and 16 articles were selected for this review. Of 16 observational studies, 13 (81.25%) were prospective cohort studies while remaining 3 (18.75%) were cross-sectional studies. The main findings of the studies revealed that the treatment of HNC had a statistically significant influence on QoL. Others associated factors like age, female sex, duration of treatment, advance tumor, and site of the tumor has also the impact on QoL on patients suffering from HNC. Conclusion: This review provides evidence for a positive relationship between cancer-related outcomes and QoL. Assessment of QoL in relation to HNC with proper methodology and validated instruments is lacking hence there is a need for further evidence to support the relation between cancer and QoL.


1999 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 1008-1008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristin Bjordal ◽  
Eva Hammerlid ◽  
Marianne Ahlner-Elmqvist ◽  
Alexander de Graeff ◽  
Morten Boysen ◽  
...  

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to define the scales and test the validity, reliability, and sensitivity of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ)-H&N35, a questionnaire designed to assess the quality of life of head and neck (H&N) cancer patients in conjunction with the general cancer-specific EORTC QLQ-C30. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Questionnaires were given to 500 H&N cancer patients from Norway, Sweden, and the Netherlands as part of two prospective studies. The patients completed the questionnaires before, during (Norway and Sweden only), and after treatment, yielding a total of 2070 completed questionnaires. RESULTS: The compliance rate was high, and the questionnaires were well accepted by the patients. Seven scales were constructed (pain, swallowing, senses, speech, social eating, social contact, sexuality). Scales and single items were sensitive to differences between patient subgroups with relation to site, stage, or performance status. Most scales and single items were sensitive to changes, with differences of various magnitudes according to the site in question. The internal consistency, as assessed by Cronbach's alpha coefficient, varied according to assessment point and within subsamples of patients. A low overall alpha value was found for the speech and the senses scales, but values were higher in assessments of patients with laryngeal cancer and in patients with nose, sinus, and salivary gland tumors. Scales and single items in the QLQ-H&N35 seem to be more sensitive to differences between groups and changes over time than do the scales and single items in the core questionnaire. CONCLUSION: The QLQ-H&N35, in conjunction with the QLQ-C30, provides a valuable tool for the assessment of health-related quality of life in clinical studies of H&N cancer patients before, during, and after treatment with radiotherapy, surgery, or chemotherapy.


2007 ◽  
Vol 25 (18_suppl) ◽  
pp. 4003-4003 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Eng ◽  
J. Maurel ◽  
W. Scheithauer ◽  
L. Wong ◽  
M. Lutz ◽  
...  

4003 Background: EPIC, a multinational phase III clinical trial examined the impact of cetuximab on survival in pretreated EGFR- expressing metastatic colorectal (MCRC) patients (pts). Pts were randomized to either cetuximab 400 mg/m2 followed by 250 mg/m2 weekly and irinotecan 350 mg/m2 q 3 weeks or irinotecan alone. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS) with quality of life being one of the secondary endpoints. Methods: Health Related Quality of life (HRQoL) of pts in this trial was assessed through the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire, version 3.0. Pts completed the questionnaire pretreatment, every second cycle, and at first follow-up visit. HRQoL was compared between treatment arms using a Wei-Lachin test. Results: Baseline demographics were balanced between the arms. Cetuximab plus irinotecan (n=648) was superior to irinotecan alone (n=650) in progression-free survival (HR 0.69, p<.0001) and response rate (16.4 vs 4.2%, p<.0001). OS was comparable between the arms, but may have been influenced by subsequent therapy: 46% of subjects in the irinotecan alone arm received cetuximab, 89% of them in combination with irinotecan. Baseline HRQoL scores did not significantly differ between treatment arms for 11 of the 15 scales. For 4 scales (Social Functioning, Fatigue, Dyspnea, and Appetite Loss), there were statistically significant differences in baseline scores, in favor of the cetuximab plus irinotecan arm. Non- compliance rates (missing questionnaires) were similar between the arms. A statistically significant difference was noted for pts in the cetuximab plus irinotecan arm in HRQoL on 10 of the 15 scales as compared to patients in the irinotecan arm, with the scores of the cetuximab plus irinotecan arm consistently higher, as noted by the scales of Global Health Status (p=.047), pain (p< .0001), and nausea (p<.0001). Conclusions: In addition to statistically significant improvements in PFS and RR in patients receiving cetuximab plus irinotecan compared with irinotecan alone, HRQoL was better preserved on the combination arm with less deterioration in symptom scores (pain, nausea, insomnia), as well as global health status scores. No significant financial relationships to disclose.


2009 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 433-437 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giorgio Capuano ◽  
Pier Carlo Gentile ◽  
Federico Bianciardi ◽  
Michela Tosti ◽  
Anna Palladino ◽  
...  

1993 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 863-872 ◽  
Author(s):  
G P Browman ◽  
M N Levine ◽  
D I Hodson ◽  
J Sathya ◽  
R Russell ◽  
...  

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to develop and validate an instrument for clinical trials to measure radiation-related acute morbidity and quality of life from the perspective of patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) treated with radiotherapy. METHODS The Head and Neck Radiotherapy Questionnaire (HNRQ) was developed by a panel of health care workers and patients, was pretested in a pilot study of HNC patients, and was validated in a randomized double-blind trial of concomitant fluorouracil (FUra) infusional therapy (1.2 g/m2 per 24 hours) or saline placebo administered for 72 hours in the first and third weeks of a 6 1/2-week course of radiation therapy. The HNRQ was validated against existing toxicity and performance status indices, all of which were measured weekly for the 6 1/2 weeks of treatment and for 4 weeks posttreatment. RESULTS There were three a priori constructs: (1) that the HNRQ scores would conform to a shallow U-shaped pattern to reflect declining quality of life (increasing morbidity) during radiation and recovery posttreatment; (2) that the HNRQ would correlate with existing toxicity indices (World Health Organization [WHO] stomatitis, Byfield stomatitis, WHO skin toxicity, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group [ECOG] and Karnofsky performance status); and (3) that the HNRQ would discriminate between FUra and placebo groups. The HNRQ and its domain scores all showed a change from baseline reflecting increased morbidity during radiation (analysis of variance [ANOVA], P < .00001). The HNRQ correlated well with all other indices (r > or = .60), and domain scores correlated best with other indices that assess the same symptom complex (eg, HNRQ skin domain and WHO skin toxicity index, r = .77). There was a significant difference in HNRQ scores between the FUra and placebo groups during radiation (ANOVA, P = .0007), and all HNRQ domains also discriminated between the treatment groups. CONCLUSION The HNRQ is a valid measure of acute morbidity due to radiation therapy in patients with locally advanced HNC, and may be useful as an outcome measure for future clinical trials of radiation treatment strategies.


2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (4_suppl) ◽  
pp. 348-348 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan R. Strosberg ◽  
Edward M. Wolin ◽  
Beth Chasen ◽  
Matthew H. Kulke ◽  
David L Bushnell ◽  
...  

348 Background: Neuroendocrine tumor progression is associated with decline in quality of life, both due to tumor and hormone-related symptoms. The Phase III NETTER-1 trial randomized patients with advanced, progressive midgut NETs to receive treatment with 177Lu-DOTATATE (177Lu; Lutathera) versus high-dose (60 mg) Octreotide LAR (Oct). EORTC questionnaires C30 and GINET21 were assessed during the trial in order to determine the impact of treatment on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Methods: Patients completed EORTC QLQ-30 and QLQ-G.I.NET21 questionnaires at baseline and every 12 weeks thereafter until disease progression. Raw scores were converted to a 100-point scale and individual changes from baseline scores were assessed. Clinically relevant ( ≥ 10 point) deterioration/improvement was considered clinically significant. Results: Clinically and statistically significant improvements in QoL were observed in the 177Lu arm versus the Oct arm at certain time points in key domains of HRQoL including global health status and diarrhea. In mean, global health status improved in 28% of patients on 177Lu arm vs. 15% on Oct, and worsened in 18% of patients on 177Lu vs. 26% on Oct. Diarrhea improved in 39% of patients on 177Lu vs. 23% on Oct, and worsened in 19% of patients on 177Lu vs. 23% on Oct. There was a trend towards improvement in pain that was not statistically significant. Flushing appeared to improve compared to baseline in both arms of the study with no clear advantage to treatment with 177Lu vs. Oct. Conclusions: QoL analysis suggests benefit in important domains associated with 177Lu treatment compared to high-dose octreotide in patients with advanced midgut NETs, and confirms the treatment value of 177Lu on patient QoL, in addition to the meaningful increase in progression-free survival already reported. Clinical trial information: NCT01578239.


Author(s):  
Oreste Gallo ◽  
Chiara Bruno ◽  
Luca Giovanni Locatello ◽  
Federica Martelli ◽  
Maria Cilona ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors are particularly vulnerable to the deleterious consequences of lockdown and social distancing. The psychosocial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on this group are still unknown, and we want to explore how their quality of life (QoL) has changed in this unique situation. Materials and methods An online survey, composed of pandemic-specific items, plus the EORTC QLQ-C30, was administered to a cohort of HNC survivors. Using previously published reference values as a control group, we have evaluated the impact of the pandemic on their QoL. We have also explored the differences between those who had received a total laryngectomy (LP, laryngectomized population) vs other HNC patients, in order to assess the role of tracheostomy in this regard. Results One hundred and twenty-one HNC patients completed the survey. The scores of the physical (80.5 vs 85, p = 0.028), role (78 vs 84, p = 0.030), and emotional functioning (76 vs 81, p = 0.041) were significantly different in the two groups, with worse functioning in our patients. Comparing LP with the other HNC patients, social (76.6 vs 88.9, p = 0.008) and physical functioning (75.5 vs 86.1, p = 0.006) were significantly worse in the former group. LP also reported a greater perception that others are afraid to be close to them (1.67 vs 1.32, p = 0.020). No differences were found between LP with and without voice prosthesis. Conclusions Our results show how HNC patients are at high risk for a worsening in QoL because of the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document