An Introduction to a Head and Neck Cancer-Specific Frailty Index and Its Clinical Implications in Elderly Patients: A Prospective Observational Study Focusing on Respiratory and Swallowing Functions

Abstract

This study is the first report in terms of suggesting a new frailty index focusing on respiratory and swallowing functions in elderly patients with head and neck cancer. This study shows that functional disabilities associated with respiration and swallowing significantly affected early morbidity and mortality in these elderly patients. The head and neck cancer-specific frailty index described in this report, which includes functional evaluations of respiration and swallowing, significantly predicted both early morbidity and mortality.