Patient reported outcomes (PROs) in patients with human papilloma virus (HPV) positive versus negative head and neck cancer (HNC).

Abstract

87 Background: HNC caused by HPV has become an epidemic. Treatment for HNC results in a tremendous symptom burden. The impact of HPV-status on quality of life (QOL) and how this effects illness perception and mood has not been described. We sought to explore differences in PROs in patients with HPV + vs. - HNC. Methods: This is a secondary analysis of data from a prospective, longitudinal intervention study of 60 patients with newly diagnosed HNC undergoing concurrent chemoradiation. 30 control patients received standard care followed by 30 intervention patients who received an educational intervention. Satisfaction (information satisfaction questionnaire (ISQ)), mood (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)), illness perception (Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (IPQ)), and QOL (MD Anderson Symptom Inventory- Head and Neck (MDASI-HN)) were evaluated at baseline and 3 weeks. Data were analyzed using linear regression models controlling for the effect of the intervention to assess the association between HPV status and changes in PROs. Results: From 8/2014 to 10/2015, we enrolled 60 patients (2 excluded for hospitalization or care elsewhere). 29/58 (50%) had HPV + HNC. 40 (69%) were men. 54 (93%) had stage III/IV disease. Compared to patients with HPV - HNC, patients with HPV + HNC reported an increase in symptom burden, symptom interference, and depressive symptoms, as well as a more threatening illness perception from baseline to 3 weeks. There were no differences in anxiety or satisfaction. Table 1 details the regression models. Conclusions: Patients with HPV + HNC have a larger decrement in QOL during treatment than patients with HPV - HNC, which corresponds to a more threatening illness perception and more depressive symptoms. Interventions tailored to symptom management and mood should be developed for this unique population. [Table: see text]