Prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome following oropharyngeal cancer treatment: a Prospective cohort study

Abstract

Objectives

To evaluate the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in a population of patients treated for an advanced cancer of the oropharynx (AJCC Stage III or IV), depending on treatment strategy and to evaluate its impact on quality of life.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

University Teaching Hospital of La Conception, Marseille, France.

Participants

ifty-one disease free patients were included. Forty-one patients received a combined chemoradiotherapy while 10 patients have been treated by surgery followed by (chemo)radiotherapy.

Main outcome measures

Every patient underwent a formal sleep consultation and was asked to complete the Epworth sleepiness scale and EORTC QLQ C-30 and the EORTC H&N 35 questionnaires. A home overnight respiratory polygraphy was performed in every subject.

Results

The mean time between the end of cancer treatment and OSAS analysis was 54.04 months [20; 84]. An OSAS was found in 25.49% of our patients. There was no significant difference between patients treated with surgery (30%) or CRT (24.39%), p=0.79. The EORTC QLQ C-30 questionnaire showed a significant difference between positive and negative OSAS groups about the Global Health Status Scale (50.64 vs. 67.11, p = 0.02) and on the fatigue item (35.04 vs. 17.25, p = 0.03).

Conclusions

Our population with advanced oropharyngeal cancer, whatever treatment strategy, was at risk of developing OSAS with negative impact on quality of life. A routine screening and treatment of OSAS seems necessary to improve the quality of life of patients treated for advanced cancer of the oropharynx.

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