Health-related quality of life in long-term follow-up of patients with cured TNM Stage i or II differentiated thyroid carcinoma

Abstract

Objective : The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of cured low-risk differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after long-term follow-up. Design : A cross-sectional study including an age- and gender-standardized sample of the general population. Patients and methods : HRQoL was assessed by the 15D in 341 DTC patients, whose initial treatment for stage I or II DTC was performed 12·4 years (range 5-20) earlier. The results were compared to those of an age- and gender-standardized sample of the general population (n = 6001). Determinants of HRQoL in DTC patients were assessed by the Tobit model. Results : Mean total 15D scores did not differ between patients and control subjects. In single dimensions, DTC patients were significantly worse off with regards to sleeping, speech and distress (P = 0·001, 0·002 and 0·012, respectively), but better off with regards to discomfort and symptoms (P < 0·001). Within the patient group, the only significant independent predictor of HRQoL was age at the time of the initial treatment (P < 0·001). Conclusions : After long-term follow-up, overall HRQoL in DTC patients is comparable to that of the general population. DTC patients demonstrate an age-related decline in HRQoL, similar to that seen in the population in general. © 2009 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.