Prospective analysis of qol in patients undergoing concurrent chemotherapy and radiation therapy for locally advanced head and neck cancer.

e16058 Background: This is a prospective analysis of quality of life (QoL) in patients undergoing concurrent chemotherapy and IMRT for locally advanced head and neck cancers. Methods: In a prospective IRB approved study, patients undergoing concurrent chemotradio therapy for head and neck cancers at AECOM/MMC completed a QoL survey (EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-H&N 35) pretreatment, during radiation therapy, and at 1, 3 and 6 months after completion. The patients were re-simulated for adaptive planning midway through their treatment. Patients were treated to 66-70Gy (2-2.12 Gy/Fraction) to the primary and 54 to 60Gy (1.64-1.8 Gy/fraction) to the subclinical and high risk areas. Swallowing complex (SC) (base of tongue, constrictor muscles, proximal esophagus and oral cavity) were contoured as avoidance structures along with other critical structures. QoL scores were correlated with radiation dose to swallowing complex to evaluate relationships. Results: The Global Heath Status and Physical Functioning scores fell...