Radiotherapy-related Quality of Life in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Patients: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Introduction This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the quality of life (QoL) for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients with radiotherapy. Methods A systematic literature search was performed to identify relevant studies published until March 2022. Quality evaluation and data extraction were performed for the included studies, and meta-analysis was performed using Stata. Results Nine studies, including 1659 patients, were eligible. Most QoL scales developed at the end of the treatment course and then followed by a gradual recovery to 1 year and more than 1 year after treatment. However, some items have not changed significantly and have a deteriorating trend. Items of cognitive functioning and constipation in EORTC QLQ-C30, and sexuality, felt ill, and weight gain in EORTC QLQ- H&N35 showed that scales with follow-up of more than 1 year were worse than those within 1 year but still better than those after treatment. In the intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) subgroup in EORTC QLQ-C30, cognitive functioning was similar to those before, and there was no significant change in insomnia. There was no significant change in the teeth item in EORTC QLQ- H&N35. In the IMRT subgroup, scales of swallowing, felt ill, and weight gain with follow-up of more than 1 year were worse than those within 1 year. Conclusion The QoL of patients with NPC is significantly impaired after radiotherapy-treated compared to baseline, and most of these items will gradually improve.