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…

Treatment patterns in elderly patients with locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (LA-HNSCC): Results from an EORTC led survey

Treatment patterns in older patients with locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to assess patterns of care delivered to older patients with locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (LA-HNSCC), and to analyze the use of geriatric assessment (GA) and assessment of quality of life (QoL).MATERIALS AND METHODS: Members of the head and neck cancer group and the older task force of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC), members the European Head and Neck Society and members of national groups in Europe were asked to complete a questionnaire about treatment delivered, use of GA, and QoL assessment in older patients with LA-HNSCC.RESULTS: Investigators from 111 centers replied, including 90 (81.1%) academic cen…

The EORTC module for quality of life in patients with thyroid cancer: phase III

The purpose of the study was to pilot-test a questionnaire measuring health-related quality of life (QoL) in thyroid cancer patients to be used with the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) core questionnaire EORTC QLQ-C30. A provisional questionnaire with 47 items was administered to patients treated for thyroid cancer within the last 2 years. Patients were interviewed about time and help needed to complete the questionnaire, and whether they found the items understandable, confusing or annoying. Items were kept in the questionnaire if they fulfilled pre-defined criteria: relevant to the patients, easy to understand, not confusing, few missing values, neither …