[Is there a correlation between optimism and quality of life in upper aerodigestive tract cancer Patients? Preliminary results].

Unlabelled: The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that optimism is a predictor of quality of life (QOL) in a sample of upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) cancer patients.

Materials And Methods: Consenting patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the UADT were included during the week following disclosure of the diagnosis of their illness, and before the start of treatment. QOL and optimism were evaluated by questionnaires presented to the patients before the start of treatment, after the treatment, and 6 and 12 months after the end of the treatment.

Preliminary Results: 92 patients were included. The average age was 58.7+/-11.4 years. Their QOL scores were significantly correlated, first with age (r =- 0.23, p =0.03) and second with degree of optimism (r =0.32, p =0.002). No correlation was found between QOL scores, degree of optimism, and sociodemographic and clinical data. Optimism was the sole variable significantly associated with QOL before treatment (F =4.1, p =0.002, r(2) =0.19). The difference between QOL scores before and after treatment was not significant.

Conclusion: Continuation of the study and analysis of survival of the patients may help pinpoint new prognostic factors, both objective and subjective, that will facilitate an overall approach to patient care by allowing for their preferences.