Deterioration in quality of life and depressive symptoms during radiation therapy for head and neck cancer.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the quality of life and psychologic profile during radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. The University of Washington QoL instrument and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were administered to 202 patients at two or three time points during radiation therapy. A total of 118 (54.6%) patients completed the questionnaires at the beginning and at the end of the study. A mid-treatment dataset was also available for 67 (31.0%) patients. There was a statistically significant deterioration in composite QoL scores (P < 0.000) and a statistically significant increase in depression (P < 0.000). There was no difference in anxiety levels (P = 0.276). Patients undergoing radiation are increasingly depressed as treatment progresses, with worsening QoL during the treatment. This study underlines the need for good psychologic support during radiation therapy in head and neck cancer.