Trismus and Health-Related Quality of Life in HNC Patients up to 10 Years Post-Radiotherapy Completion.

BACKGROUND: This prospective study investigates trismus prevalence, quality of life (QOL), and trismus-related symptoms in HNC patients up to 10 years post-radiotherapy (RT). METHODS: A total of 211 patients with HNC receiving RT were followed pretreatment, 12, 60, and 120 months post-RT. Primary outcome was trismus defined as a maximum interincisal opening (MIO) ≤ 35 mm. Secondary outcomes included the European Organization for Treatment of Cancer Quality-of-Life Questionnaire Core-30 (EORTC QLQ-C30), Head and Neck-35 (EORTC QLQ-HN35) and Gothenburg Trismus Questionnaire (GTQ). RESULTS: At 10 years post-RT, 4/15 domains and items in EORTC QLQ-C30 showed a deterioration when compared to baseline. Corresponding figures for EORTC QLQ-HN35 and GTQ were 11/14 (six domains and five single items) and 4/7, respectively (domains only). The majority of scores remained unchanged between 5 and 10 years post-RT. Trismus was present in 35% of patients at 10 years post-RT. CONCLUSION: Trismus continues to be present in up to 35% of patients 10 years post-RT as well as a reduced QOL, with no significant changes occurring between 5 and 10 years post-RT.