Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the quality of life and psychologic profile during radiation therapy for head and neck cancer.
Study design and setting: 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.
Results: 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).
Conclusion: Patients undergoing radiation are increasingly depressed as treatment progresses, with worsening QoL during the treatment.
Significance: This study underlines the need for good psychologic support during radiation therapy in head and neck cancer.