RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this investigation was to present 5-years of quality-of-life (QOL) results of a multicenter randomized phase III trial, assessing intra-arterial (IA) versus standard intravenous (IV) chemoradiation for inoperable stage IV head and neck cancer. METHODS: Evaluation of 71 patients through European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core Module (EORTC QLQ-C30) and Head and Neck Module (QLQ-H&N35), and trial-specific questionnaires. Treatment consisted of standard radiotherapy with 4 weekly IA or 3 weekly IV cisplatin infusions. RESULTS: No significant differences in treatment-related QOL problems between 1 and 5 years posttreatment were observed, except for "dry mouth" (gradually improving; p = .004). Survivors have lower fatigue levels (p = .04), better voice (p = 0.3), and swallowing (p = .03) than patients who could not complete all subsequent follow-up questionnaires. CONCLUSIONS: Most treatment-related QOL issues deteriorate during treatment, improve in the first year, and then remain stable, except xerostomia, improving up to the 5-year assessment point. Survivors show more positive scores for fatigue, voice, and swallowing. QOL issues at 1 year, thus, for most already represent those after 5-year follow-up.