Background and objectives: We evaluated the potential of combining laser excision with laser interstitial hyperthermia in order to improve the quality of life of patients with 3rd or 4th stage malignant head and neck tumours.
Study design/materials and methods: To evaluate the quality of life, we used the 4th version of the University of Washington Quality of Life assessment score modified for head and neck tumours. The study group of 20 patients assessed their condition in a questionnaire, examining 12 aspects of their quality of life before the laser treatment, the second day after, and 6 weeks after the treatment.
Results: We observed a gain of 16.41 points, which subjectively represents a 70.32% improvement in the quality of life.
Conclusions: Following this therapy the quality of life significantly improved in patients with primarily low quality of life, whereas the group of patients with less affected quality of life reported a temporary decline in the quality of life after the treatment. To obtain a proper objective indication, we suggest a mathematical modelling of possible gains for the individual patient using the University of Washington Quality of Life classification.
Copyright 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.