Abstract
PurposeThis study compares patient-reported outcomes and treatment-related complications during radiotherapy before (August 2019–January 2020) versus during (March–Sept 2020) the COVID-19 pandemic.Materials and methodsThe MD Anderson Symptom Inventory-head and neck module was used to assess curative intent in H&N cancer patients’ symptoms during radiotherapy.ResultsThere were 158 patients in the pre-pandemic cohort and 137 patients in the pandemic cohort. There was no significant difference in enteral feeding requirements between the cohorts (21% versus 30%, p = 0.07). Weight loss was higher during the pandemic (mean − 5.6% versus 6.8%, p = 0.03). On multivariate analysis, treatment during the pandemic was associated with higher symptom scores for coughing/choking while eating (2.7 versus 2.1, p = 0.013).ConclusionsComplication rates during H&N radiotherapy during the COVID-19 pandemic were similar at our institution relative to the pre-pandemic era, although weight loss was greater and patients reported more severe choking/coughing while eating.
Highlights
Radiotherapy is commonly used for the treatment of head and neck (H&N) cancer
No patients in our study developed documented COVID-19 infection during radiotherapy
There were no significant differences between treatment cohorts for any of the other symptom outcomes examined in multivariate analysis
Summary
Radiotherapy is commonly used for the treatment of head and neck (H&N) cancer. Radical radiotherapy is associated with significant cumulative acute side effects including severe mucositis, pain, dysgeusia, dysphagia, and weight loss [1]. The substantial toxicity from H&N radiotherapy can have significant impacts on patients’ quality of life and is associated with a high risk of treatment-related morbidity and mortality [1,2,3,4,5]. BC Cancer continued to provide essential radiotherapy for patients with H&N cancer per our standard of care and radiation oncologists continued to evaluate these patients in person during their radiation treatment. Several support services were not consistently available throughout the pandemic, such as volunteer driver support to attend appointments, in-person patient and family counseling sessions, speech language pathology instrumental assessments, and reduced cost housing for out of town patients. Many patients had reduced personal and family support available due to social distancing measures in place. Some patients presented with more locally advanced disease, due to delays in diagnosis during the pandemic [6]
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Schedule a callMore From: Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer
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