Measuring quality of life in patients with head and neck cancer: Update of the EORTC QLQ-H&N Module, Phase III

Head Neck. 2015 Sep;37(9):1358-67. doi: 10.1002/hed.23762. Epub 2014 Jul 21.

Abstract

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 retained according to the predefined EORTC criteria for module development, for another 2 items the wording was refined, and 17 items were removed.

Conclusion: The preliminary EORTC QLQ-H&N43 can now be used in academic research. Psychometrics will be tested in a larger field study.

Keywords: chemoradiation; head and neck neoplasms; larynx; multimodal therapies; oral cavity; pharynx; quality of life.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / psychology*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / therapy*
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Europe
  • Female
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / psychology*
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Health Status Indicators
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pilot Projects
  • Quality of Life*
  • Risk Assessment
  • Sex Factors
  • Sickness Impact Profile
  • Societies, Medical
  • Stress, Psychological
  • Surveys and Questionnaires