The Reliability and Effectiveness of European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire, Core Head and Neck Module (EORTC QLQ-H&N35) in Head and Neck Cancer

Abstract

Background: We aimed to test the validation of the European organization for research and treatment of cancer (EORTC) quality of life questionnaires for head and neck module (QLQ-H&N35) in a tertiary care center.
Methods: Forty patients with head and neck malignancy completed the QLQ-H&N35 while undergoing their treatment. Questionnaires given to them were translated into their regional language Kannada. Evaluation of the responsiveness, reliability, and validity of the questionnaire was undertaken.
Results: The data assessed the reliability of the scales and not validity. The questionnaire was receptive to changes over time; however, the applicability of the European questionnaire in Indian clinical set up was debatable.
Conclusions: Our data suggests that the EORTC QLO-H&N35 is reliable and responsive when applied to patients with head and neck cancer in India. Hence, it may be used as a platform to test validity at a multicentric level.