| Abstract: |
Background: We explored if age affects quality of life (QOL) in survivors of locally advanced human papillomavirus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Methods: In a cross-sectional survey of 185 patients, at least 12 months from radiation, we evaluated generic (EuroQOL-5D questionnaire [EQ-5D]) and head and neck specific (European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Head and Neck 35-questions [EORTC-QLQ-H&N35]) QOL questionnaires and compared differences between younger (<65) and older (≥65) patients. Results: The median age was 57.0 years (range 25-77 years), and 31 patients (16.8%) were ≥65 years old. There was no significant difference in EQ-5D global QOL scores by age (P =.53). Patients ≥65 years reported more immobility (P <.01), problems with social eating (P <.0001), and coughing (P <.01). Patients ≥65 years were not more likely to ever require a gastrostomy (P =.24) but were more likely to remain gastrostomy-dependent at the time of the survey (P =.02). Conclusion: Despite similar generic QOL, older survivors may have more mobility problems and issues with social eating compared with younger survivors deserving of further evaluation. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. |
