ASSESSMENT OF QUALITY OF LIFE IN HEAD AND NECK CANCER PATIENTS IN PRE AND POST CHEMORADIATION AND PHARMACEUTICAL MANAGEMENT: A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Meghavath Swetha Bai*, Sugguna Tanuja, Tamma Hemanth Kumar Reddy, Dr. G. Durga Prasad, Dr. A. Satish Kumar, Dr. N. V. Rama Rao and Dr. Rama Rao Nadendla

ABSTRACT

Head-and-Neck Cancers (HNCs) account for 30% of all cancers observed in India. Head and Neck Cancer includes those cancers originating in the Oral Cavity, Pharynx (nasopharynx, oropharynx or Hypopharynx),nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, salivary glands and larynx. Combined multimodality treatment plan including surgery, Chemotherapy and radiation has increased disease control for locally advanced HNC. HNC arises in Structurally Complex and functionally important areas and interfere with basic functions like eating, speech, swallowing, breathing. Head and Neck Cancer has profound psychosocial and physical effects on Patients quality of life (QOL). “Health-related QOL” (HRQOL) is a more specific area of QOL that mainly deals with impact of the disease and its treatment related morbidities on patients physical, psychological, and Social aspects. The purpose of this Study was to assess the impact of Quality of life of Patients with Head and Neck Cancer in pre and post Chemoradiation.

Keywords: Quality of life (QOL); EORTC; Health related quality of life (HRQOL); Head and neck cancer (HNC).