Distinct patient groups in oral cancer: a prospective study of perceived health status following primary surgery.
Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is an important consideration in the management of patients with cancer. Pre-treatment data can give an indication of the anticipated response following cancer treatment. However, in order to use HRQOL data meaningfully it is essential to have an appreciation of how different patient groups respond. The aim of the study was to identify distinct patient groups at baseline using the University of Washington head and neck cancer questionnaire (UW-QOL). It was also the intention to see how these groups differed in their: (1) clinical and demographic attributes; (2) European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) C30 and SF 36 scores; and (3) longitudinal trends over 6 and 12 months. One-hundred and thirty consecutive patients with previously untreated oral and oro-pharyngeal cancer were recruited. All were treated by primary surgery. Attrition was evident in the study but care was taken to allow for this. There were two distinct groups of patients identified by the cumulative UW-QOL score at presentation. These groups discriminated throughout the EORTC C30 and SF 36, at baseline and longitudinally, with the exception of mental health. This study demonstrates that HRQOL items are interrelated. There are difficulties in using baseline scores for treatment selection, and scores need to be interpreted in the light of clinical and demographic factors.
Rogers
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Regional Maxillofacial Unit, University Hospital Aintree, Fazakerley, L9 1AL, Liverpool, UK.
Lowe
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Humphris
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D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000523:psychology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006304:Health Status; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology / Q000601:surgery*; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires