Effects of psychosocial intervention on quality of life in patients with head and neck cancer.
BACKGROUND
A longitudinal, prospective, case-control study evaluated if a psychosocial support program improved health-related quality of life (HRQL) in head and neck (H&N) cancer patients.


METHODS
One hundred forty-four H&N cancer patients were included: 52 study patients and 92 controls. The study group met the support team repeatedly throughout the first year after diagnosis. HRQL was assessed three times during the first year and after 3 years using the EORTC QLQ-C30, EORTC QLQ-H&N35, and HADS.


RESULTS
A few statistically significant differences were found, all favoring the controls. Controls reported better global quality of life after 1 year and felt less ill after 3 years. Depression and treatment-related side effects were prevalent in both groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Our psychosocial support program did not improve HRQL in H&N cancer patients. Its effectiveness may be improved by evaluating and actively integrating HRQL assessments during the program, thereby enabling rapid and adequate symptomatic treatment and/or psychologic intervention.
Petruson
Karin M
KM
Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, S-413 45 Göteborg, Sweden. karin.petruson@orlforum.com
Silander
Ewa M
EM
Hammerlid
Eva B
EB
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000523:psychology; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires