Publications by authors named "Francis Cardinale"
Context: The 15-item University of Washington Quality of Life questionnaire-Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) modification (UW-QOL-RTOG modification) has been used in several trials of head and neck cancer conducted by NRG Oncology such as RTOG 9709, RTOG 9901, RTOG 0244, and RTOG 0537.
Objectives: This study is an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to establish validity and reliability of the instrument subscales.
Methods: EFA on the UW-QOL-RTOG modification was conducted using baseline data from NRG Oncology's RTOG 0537, a trial of acupuncture-like transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in treating radiation-induced xerostomia.
Purpose: The purpose of this secondary analysis was to determine change in overall health-related quality of life (HRQOL) based on patient data obtained from NRG Oncology RTOG 0537 as measured by the RTOG-modified University of Washington Head and Neck Symptom Score (RM-UWHNSS).
Methods: A multi-site prospective randomized clinical trial design stratified 137 patients with post-radiation therapy xerostomia according to prior pilocarpine (PC) treatment and time after radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy and randomized patients into two groups. Patients were assigned to acupuncture or PC.
Article Synopsis
- - The study was a phase 2 component of a trial evaluating the use of acupuncture-like transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (ALTENS) in patients with head and neck cancer suffering from radiation-induced xerostomia, focusing on feasibility and preliminary effectiveness.
- - 48 patients participated, with a compliance rate of 94%, as most completed the full 24 ALTENS sessions; results indicated that 86% experienced improvement in xerostomia symptoms, with a significant average reduction in discomfort scores.
- - The treatment was generally well-tolerated, with only a few patients reporting mild gastrointestinal or pain-related side effects, suggesting ALTENS could be a viable option for managing dry mouth after radiation therapy.