• A de Graeff, J R de Leeuw, W J Ros, G J Hordijk, G H Blijham, and J A Winnubst.
• Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands.
• Head Neck. 2000 Jul 1;22(4):398-407.

BackgroundQuality of life (QOL) has become an important issue in head and neck cancer. Explanation of factors predicting QOL after treatment has important implications for patient management.MethodsIn this prospective study we analyzed which pretreatment factors predicted QOL after surgery and/or radiotherapy with curative intent in a cohort of 153 patients with cancer of the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, or larynx. The patients completed the EORTC Core Questionnaire, the EORTC Head and Neck Cancer module, and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale before treatment and 6 and 12 months later. The influence of gender, age, performance status, and depressive symptoms at baseline, site, stage, and treatment on QOL (and its dimensions) and depressive symptoms after 6 and 12 months was studied, using linear regression analysis.ResultsA high level of depressive symptoms and a low performance status at baseline and combination treatment were significant predictors of increased severity of symptoms and poor functioning after treatment. Treatment was a predictor of head and neck symptoms, whereas performance status and depressive symptoms were predictors of general symptoms and functioning. Gender and age had little predictive value.ConclusionsPatients with depressive symptoms or a low performance status who receive combination treatment for cancer of the head and neck are at risk for physical and psychologic morbidity after treatment. Special attention should be given to these patients in rehabilitation programs.Copyright 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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