The impact of induction chemotherapy on long-term quality of life in patients with locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma: Outcomes from a randomised phase 3 trial

Background: Our previous trial confirmed that induction chemotherapy (IC) improved long-term survival outcomes in patients with locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). In this study, we investigated the impact of IC on long-term quality of life (QoL) in this cohort.

Methods: Our trial was a randomised, open-label phase 3 trial comparing IC followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) versus CCRT alone in patients with stage III-IVB (except T3N0-1) NPC. All participants completed two self-administered questionnaires, the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire C30 (QLQ-C30) and the EORTC QLQ Head and Neck Cancer-Specific Module (H&N35). As per protocol, the questionnaires had to be completed before knowledge of treatment allocation by the patient (baseline). Patients were then approached to enroll at the time of the present study period.

Results: Ultimately, QoL data from 228 patients were included in the analysis. Most scales were both statistically and clinically decreased in both groups between baseline and the latest follow-up. The IC followed by CCRT group had significantly better outcome in role functioning, cognitive functioning, social functioning, fatigue, pain, and constipation in QLQ-C30 scales at the last follow-up. Similarly, in H&N35 scales, a significantly better result was observed in pain, sexuality, sticky saliva, pain killers use, nutritional supplements, and weight loss, but a poorer result in senses problems, for those treated by IC followed by CCRT.

Conclusion: IC followed by CCRT seemed to have better long-term QoL outcomes compared with CCRT alone in patients with locoregionally advanced NPC.