0000000000083942
AUTHOR
Noam Yarom
International validation of the revised European Organisation for Research and treatment of cancer head and neck cancer module, the EORTC QLQ-HN43
Background: We validated the new European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Head and Neck Module (EORTC QLQ-HN43). Methods: We enrolled 812 patients with head and neck cancer from 18 countries. Group 1 completed the questionnaire before therapy, and 3 and 6 months later. In group 2 (survivors), we determined test–retest reliability using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's Alpha, the scale structure with confirmatory factor analysis, and discriminant validity with known-group comparisons. Results: Cronbach's alpha was >0.70 in 10 of the 12 multi-item scales. All standardized factor loadings exceeded…
Adverse Reactions to Anticancer Drugs in the Oral Cavity
The development, testing, and adoption into clinical practice of anticancer medications have revolutionized cancer care over the past decades. A better understanding of the biology of cancer has translated into development of novel systemic agents, as well a more effective use of older chemotherapy agents. As a consequence, cancer mortality continues to decrease. However, greater cure and disease control rates come at a price of an increased risk of adverse effects, which often affects the mouth and related structures including the oral mucosa, salivary glands, jawbones, and cranial nerves. Oral mucositis, hyposalivation, dysgeusia, and osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) are some examples of th…
Does age matter?: A comparison of health‐related quality of life issues of adolescents and young adults with cancer
Objective:Health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) concerns of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) aged 14–25 years were compared with those of older adults (26–60 years) with cancer.Methods:AYAs and older adults receiving curative intent treatment or supportive palliative care for cancer were recruited from eight research centres across Europe. Participants used a rating scale to score the relevance and importance of a list of 77 issues covering 10 areas of HRQoL concern: symptoms; activity restrictions; social; emotional; body image; self‐appraisals; outlook on life; lifestyle; treatment‐related and life beyond treatment.Results:HRQoL issues were reviewed by 33 AYAs and 25 older adults. Sev…
Assessing Preferences in Patients with Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Phase I and II of Questionnaire Development.
Shared-decision making for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is challenged by the difficulty to integrate the patient perception of value within the framework of a multidisciplinary team approach. The aim of this study was to develop a questionnaire to assess the preferences of HNSCC patients with respect to the disease trajectory, expected treatment, and toxicities. In accordance with the standardized EORTC Quality of Life Group&rsquo
A life put on pause: an exploration of the health-related quality of life issues relevant to adolescents and young adults with cancer
Purpose: in recent years, the assessment of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) has been recognized as particularly informative to health care providers. For adolescents and young adults (AYAs), the impact of a cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment is likely to be distinct from other age groups given the unique and complex physical and psychosocial challenges of this developmental phase. The objective of this study was to capture the HRQoL issues described by AYAs with cancer using thematic analysis.Methods: semi-structured interviews were carried out with 45 AYAs aged 14-25 years from 6 countries. Results: the most prevalent cancers presented were leukemia (n=12) and lymphoma (n=8).…
Measuring quality of life in patients with head and neck cancer: Update of the EORTC QLQ-H&N Module, Phase III
Background The objective of this study was to pilot test an updated version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Head and Neck Module (EORTC QLQ-H&N60). Methods Patients with head and neck cancer were asked to complete a list of 60 head and neck cancer-specific items comprising the updated EORTC head and neck module and the core questionnaire EORTC QLQ-C30. Debriefing interviews were conducted to identify any irrelevant items and confusing or upsetting wording. Results Interviews were performed with 330 patients from 17 countries, representing different head and neck cancer sites and treatments. Forty-one of the 60 items were retain…