The effect of age on health-related quality of life for head and neck cancer patients up to 1 year after curative treatment.

Abstract Objectives The aim was to evaluate the effect of age on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) for patients with head and neck cancer (HNC), treated with curative intent, in the Western healthcare region of Sweden. Materials and Methods In this prospective observational study, 311 HNC patients completed quality of life questionnaires for cancer (EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-H&N35) and for older patients with cancer (EORT QLQ-ELD14) at diagnosis and 3, 6, and 12 months after start of treatment. Mean scores for patients ≥70 years old were compared to younger patients (50 to 69 years old) to assess differences in HRQOL. Results Of the 311 study participants, 105 patients were ≥70 years old (median age 76.7), of which 32 were ≥80 years of age. Most HRQOL scores were equal or better for older adult patients at 3 months after treatment, but physical function was better for younger adult patients up to 12 months after treatment. At 6 months the HRQOL was similar (older patients had less appetite loss and financial difficulties), while the oldest patients (≥80 years) had worse fatigue, role function, and feeling ill at 12 months. For the EORTC-ELD-14 questionnaire, older patients scored better for worries at diagnosis and reported more difficulties in maintaining purpose at 12 months after treatment. Conclusion When curative treatment is administered, older adult patients with HNC have similar or even better HRQOL compared to younger adult patients, except for physical function, during the first year.