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.
Sherman
Allen C
AC
Behavioral Medicine Division, Department of Otolaryngology, Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, #756, 4301 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA. shermanallenc@uams.edu
Simonton
Stephanie
S
D035843:Biomedical Research; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D011788:Quality of Life