Long‐term quality of life in older patients with HPV‐related oropharyngeal cancer

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.

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