Change in symptom clusters in head and neck cancer patients undergoing postoperative radiotherapy: A longitudinal study.
PURPOSE
Research on symptom clusters is a newly emerging field in oncology; however, little evidence regarding symptom clusters in head and neck cancer (HNC) is currently available. To clarify this under-researched area, we investigated symptom clusters among patients with HNC treated with surgery and postoperative radiotherapy. We also examined the pattern of symptom clusters throughout the treatment course.


METHOD
A convenience sample of 100 patients with HNC was recruited in the Ear, Nose, and Throat unit of a medical center in Taiwan. Before undergoing postoperative radiotherapy, patients were asked to complete the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory and a demographic sheet. Patients completed the same inventory questionnaire at week 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 of radiotherapy.


RESULT
Two symptom clusters were observed, and they were stable throughout the course of radiotherapy. Cluster 1, the HNC-specific cluster, comprised the symptoms of pain, dry mouth, lack of appetite, sleep disturbance, fatigue, drowsiness, distress, and sadness. Cluster 2, the gastrointestinal cluster, included nausea, vomiting, numbness, shortness of breath, and difficulty remembering.


CONCLUSION
This study advanced our knowledge of symptom clusters in patients with HNC. The results are expected to contribute to the development of appropriate assessment and nursing interventions targeting multiple symptoms that may coexist in postoperative radiotherapy.
['Chiang|S H|SH|', 'Ho|K Y|KY|', 'Wang|S Y|SY|', 'Lin|C C|CC|']
D000328:Adult D000368:Aged D005260:Female D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms D006801:Humans D008137:Longitudinal Studies D008297:Male D008875:Middle Aged D011184:Postoperative Period D011878:Radiotherapy D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires D013577:Syndrome D013624:Taiwan
Symptom clusters Head and neck cancer Radiotherapy Longitudinal study