Abstract
This PhD thesis was based on three studies into how treatment for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) affects patients.
- A case-control study assessing pain evolvement after Trans Oral Robotic Surgery (TORS) for OPSCC versus tonsillectomy in adults on suspicion of malignancy.
- A prospective cohort study investigating Days Alive and Out of Hospital (DAOH) a patient centered outcome measure after treatment for OPSCC with primary TORS or primary radiotherapy (RT).
- A prospective cohort study investigating Quality of Life (QoL) and functional outcomes one-year after treatment for OPSCC in the same cohort as study II. QoL was assessed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core (EORTC QLQ-C30), Head & Neck Module (EORTC QLQ-HN35), and MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI).
Overall we showed that TORS can be performed with postoperative pain levels comparable to bilateral tonsillectomy in adults. We found DAOH to be high (good) after both RT and TORS. RT patients spent more time receiving treatment. With regards to longterm outcomes; both treatment groups had good functional and QoL outcomes. Although, persistent impairments were seen in both groups.
Place of employment
PhD author
Date and place of defense
26th March 2021
Supervisors
Christian von Buchwald, professor, MD, DMSc (principal supervisor)
Henrik Kehlet, professor, MD, PhD (primary co-supervisor)
Birgitte Charabi, MD
Niclas Rubek, MD
Irene Wessel, MD, PhD
Steven Andersen, MD, PhD
Links
PubMed