ASSESSMENT OF QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG PATIENTS RECEIVING RADIOTHERAPY FOR HEAD AND NECK MALIGNANCIES
Authors: Dr. K.L. Jayakumar, Dr. Rasi S*
Publication Date: 2026/07/07
DOI: 10.59551/DOI: 10.59551/IJHMP/25832069/2026.7.1.153
Abstract
<p>Background: Radiotherapy (RT), either alone or in combination with chemotherapy, is a cornerstone in the management of head and neck malignancies. While advances in treatment have improved survival outcomes, radiotherapy is associated with significant acute and chronic toxicities that can adversely affect patients’ quality of life (QoL). Assessment of QoL has therefore become an essential component of comprehensive cancer care.</p>
<p>Aim: To evaluate the impact of radiotherapy on the quality of life of patients with head and neck cancer.</p>
<p>Materials and Methods: A hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 patients with head and neck malignancies receiving radiotherapy at a tertiary care teaching hospital. Quality of life was assessed using the validated EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire along with the head and neck–specific module EORTC QLQ-H&N35. Sociodemographic and clinical data were recorded, and QoL scores were analyzed using descriptive statistics and appropriate inferential tests.</p>
<p>Results: The mean global health status score was 61.4 ± 12.3. Moderate impairment was observed across physical, role, emotional, and social functioning domains. Head and neck–specific symptoms such as xerostomia, swallowing difficulty, taste and smell disturbances, and pain were prominent. Patients receiving concurrent chemoradiation had significantly lower global QoL scores compared to those receiving radiotherapy alone (p = 0.003). Advanced-stage disease (Stage III–IV) was significantly associated with poorer quality of life (p < 0.001).</p>
<p>Conclusion:Radiotherapy for head and neck cancer has a substantial impact on multiple domains of quality of life, particularly in patients undergoing concurrent chemoradiation and those with advanced disease. Routine QoL assessment and early supportive interventions are essential to improve overall patient well-being during treatment.</p>
<p>KEYWORDS: Head and Neck Cancer, Radiotherapy, Quality of life, EORTC QLQ-C30, EORTC QLQ-H&N35, Chemoradiation.</p>
References
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