[RESULTS] Among the prespecified patient-reported outcomes ( 110 patients on gefitinib and 121 on placebo completed both baseline and 4 week questionnaires and were included in analyses ) , odynophagia was significantly better in the gefitinib group ( adjusted mean difference -861 , 95 % CI -1449 to -273 ; n = 227 ; p = 0004 ) , whereas the other outcomes were not significantly improved compared with placebo : global quality of life ( 269 , 95 % CI -233 to 772 , n = 231 , p = 0293 ) , dysphagia ( -318 , 95 % CI -836 to 200 , n = 231 , p = 0228 ) , and eating ( -411 , 95 % CI -996 to 175 , n = 229 , p = 0168 ) .