Background: Radiotherapy remains a cornerstone in the management of head and neck cancers (HNCs), but is frequently associated with acute and chronic toxicities that significantly impair patients’ quality of life (QoL). Objective: To assess QoL in post-radiotherapy HNC patients using the validated Hindi version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Head and Neck Cancer Module (EORTC QLQ-H&N35), with emphasis on affected symptom domains and lesion-site influence. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 110 disease-free HNC patients aged 40–65 years who had completed radiotherapy at least six weeks earlier. The EORTC QLQ-H&N35 questionnaire was administered by a single examiner, with assistance provided to illiterate participants. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 24.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA), and comparisons across lesion sites were conducted using the Kruskal–Wallis test. Results: Weight loss, dependence on analgesics, and use of nutritional supplements were the most adversely affected QoL domains. Xerostomia, sticky saliva, and dysphagia were commonly reported. Patients with intraoral lesions showed significantly higher scores for dry mouth, restricted mouth opening, dental problems, and social eating difficulties ( P < 0.05). Conclusion: The EORTC QLQ-H&N35 effectively identified post-radiotherapy QoL impairments, highlighting the need for multidisciplinary survivorship care addressing long-term oral and functional complications.
Mutneja et al. (Thu,) studied this question.