Quality of life in head and neck cancer survivors: the Big Data for Quality of Life study

Background The Big Data for Quality of Life (BD4QoL) study investigates quality of life (QoL) in head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors, focusing on survivorship and characterizing survivor demographics. Methods We screened data from 5 studies across Europe (N=7276) and included patients with a diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma (oral cavity, hypopharynx, larynx, oropharynx, nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses), treated with curative intent, alive after treatment, TNM 7th ed. stages I, II, III, IVa and IVb, with availability of QoL questionnaires. Results The cohort of 4448 HNC survivors primarily includes men (78%) with median age 61 years. Most received radiotherapy (75%) and had a history of smoking (78%). Survivors’ scores on EORTC QLQ-C30 functioning scales indicated high functioning, with prevalent symptoms of fatigue, pain, and insomnia. Lower rates of missing data were observed in older patients, those with higher education and income levels, nonsmokers, married individuals, and patients not treated with radiotherapy. The odds ratios ranged from 0.47 to 0.99, indicating these factors may predict more consistent QoL data reporting in HNC survivors. Conclusions These data support the development and validation of clinical prediction models for QoL in HNC survivors in a multicentre randomized controlled trial.