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Purpose: Long-term patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) may provide insight into the impact of advances in the treatment of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). The main aim of the study was to assess and compare PROMs in OPSCC patients treated during two different periods (1998–2006 vs. 2015–2021), reflecting advances in treatment strategies and developments in care.

Methods: The present study is based on data from two Swedish multicentre studies: the randomised controlled trial ARTSCAN1 (1998–2006) and the observational study NIPHNC (2015–2021). Patients received curative-intent radiotherapy as part of the ARTSCAN or NIPHNC studies. All patients completed PROMs at multiple time points up to 24 months post-treatment. PROMs were assessed using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire EORTC QLQ-H&N35 and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale HADS.

Results: A total of 363 patients were included, with 161 and 202 patients from ARTSCAN1 and NIPHNC, respectively. At baseline and at all post-radiotherapy time points, the NIPHNC cohort reported fewer symptoms and lower anxiety/depression. At 2 years, both groups showed improvement, though persistent issues like dry mouth and sticky saliva remained common.

Conclusions: Comparison of two treatment protocols demonstrates improvements in short- and long-term PROMs over time. Long-term salivary symptoms remain prevalent in patients with OPSCC.