Head And Neck Cancer Population Research Articles

When Is Telemedicine Appropriate in the Management of Head and Neck Cancer? A Mixed-Methods Assessment Among Patients and Physicians.

Evidence suggests that oncology patients are satisfied with and sometimes prefer telemedicine compared with in-person visits; however, data are scarce on when telemedicine is appropriate for specific cancer populations. In this study, we aim to identify factors that influence patient experience and appropriateness of telemedicine use among a head and neck cancer (HNC) population. We performed a mixed-methods study at a multisite cancer center. First, we surveyed patients with HNC and analyzed factors that may influence their telemedicine experience using multivariate regression. We then conducted focus groups among HNC oncologists (n = 15) to evaluate their perception on appropriate use of telemedicine. From January to December 2020, we collected 1,071 completed surveys (response rate 24%), of which 551 first unique surveys were analyzed. About half of all patients (56%) reported telemedicine as "same or better" compared with in-person visits, whereas the other half (44%) reported "not as good or unsure." In multivariate analyses, patients with thyroid cancer were more likely to find telemedicine "same or better" (adjusted odds ratio, 2.08 [95% CI, 1.35 to 3.25]) compared with other HNC populations (mucosal/salivary HNC). Consistently, physician focus group noted that patients with thyroid cancer were particularly suited for telemedicine because of less emphasis on in-person examinations. Physicians also underscored factors that influence telemedicine use, including clinical suitability (treatment status, visit purpose, examination necessity), patient benefits (travel time, access), and barriers (technology, rapport-building). Patient experience with telemedicine is diverse among the HNC population. Notably, patients with thyroid cancer had overall better experience and were identified to be more appropriate for telemedicine compared with other patients with HNC. Future research that optimizes patient experience and selection is needed to ensure successful integration of telemedicine into routine oncology practice.

Prognostic value of bioelectrical impedance analysis in head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy: a VALOR® study.

Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) serves as a method to estimate body composition. Parameters such as phase angle (PA), standardized phase angle (SPA), body mass cell (BCM), BCM index (BCMI), and fat-free mass (FFM) might significantly impact the prognosis of head and neck cancer (HNC) patients. The present study aimed to investigate whether bioelectrical parameters can be used to predict survival in the HNC population and establish the optimal cutoff points for predictive accuracy. A multicenter observational study was performed across 12 tertiary hospitals in Andalusia (a region from the south of Spain). A total of 494 patients diagnosed with HNC between 2020 and 2022 at different stages were included in this study, with a minimum follow-up period of 12 months. The BIA assessment was carried out during the first 2 weeks of radical radiotherapy treatment with chemotherapy or other systemic treatments. A multivariate logistic regression analysis of overall survival, complications, hospital admission, and palliative care and its relationship with BIA nutritional assessment was performed. Significant prognostic factors identified in the multivariable analysis encompassed phase angle (PA), standardized phase angle (SPA), body cell mass (BCM), and BCM index (BCMI). Lower PA and BCM values were significantly associated with adverse clinical outcomes. A BCM threshold above 17 kg/m2 was the most significant predictor for predicting survival within the overall HNC population. The PA values of <5.1° in male and <4.8° in female patients showed the best predictive potential for mortality. Increased PA (as a continuous variable) demonstrated a significantly reduced risk for mortality (OR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.43-0.94; p < 0.05) and a decreased likelihood of hospital admission (OR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.52-1.07; p < 0.05). Higher BCM correlated with a lower risk of mortality (OR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.80-0.96; p < 0.01) and a diminished probability of hospital admission (OR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.83-0.99; p < 0.05). BIA is a crucial tool in the nutritional assessment of HNC patients. BCM and PA are the main bioelectrical parameters used to predict clinical outcomes in this population. Future studies are needed to validate BIA variables in a large cohort to ensure whether early intensification of nutritional treatment would improve survival.

Patient experience of telehealth appointments in head and neck cancer services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in rapid changes to head and neck cancer (HNC) services. Multidisciplinary team (MDT) face-to-face appointments were converted to telehealth appointments (telephone and video-call) to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. The literature exploring HNC patient experience of these appointment types is limited. To explore patient experience of telehealth appointments at one UK centre during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the variables that may influence patient preference for virtual or face-to-face appointments. A survey-based study design was used, with closed questions and open text options to capture the views of the participants. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Open text data was used to add depth to the findings. A total of 23 participant surveys were returned. Six categories were identified: Usability; Information receiving & giving; Satisfaction; Emotions and comfort; Rapport; and Travel time and cost. Overall, participants gave positive responses to each category and indicated that telehealth appointments met their needs. Areas for clinical consideration are highlighted. Variables such as age, travel distance from hospital site, fear of COVID-19 and information technology (IT) access did not appear to influence patient preference for appointment type. Going forward, telehealth may be considered for use in combination with face-to-face appointments in the HNC pathway. Areas for further development include a 'telehealth screening tool' that may help to identify those patients most appropriate for these appointment types, or who require support to access them. What is already known on this subject The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in major disruption to HNC centres across the world. Services adapted to meet the needs of patients with many implementing telehealth into pathways. Studies exploring telehealth in speech and language therapy (SLT) services with the HNC population indicate positive results. It is clear telehealth has a role in modern healthcare and should not be viewed as a temporary solution to the pandemic. It is, however, recognized that embedding telehealth into pathways is not straightforward and requires ongoing review and evaluation, which includes patient and clinician perceptions. What this study adds to the existing knowledge The service evaluation gives insight into HNC patient experience of telehealth appointments for MDT clinics (led by SLT, dietician and clinical nurse specialist) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, patients report a positive experience of telehealth in the HNC pathway and are willing to accept this platform into their healthcare. Areas for clinical consideration are highlighted. What are the actual and clinical implications of this work? This findings of this service evaluation can be used to support the co-design of HNC pathways which embed telehealth as an option for patients. Areas that were important to the participants are highlighted; this includes the timing of telehealth appointments in the pathway, the need to meet the MDT face to face and the positive benefit of cost savings. The authors suggest a telehealth appointment screening tool as an area for future development.

Supportive care among head and neck cancer patients: An initial validation of the Dutch version of the Performance Status Scale for Head and Neck Cancer (D-PSS-HN).

Acute and late toxicities in patients treated with (chemo)radiotherapy for head and neck cancer (HNC) is common and can negatively impact quality of life and performance. Performance status instruments measure the functional ability to perform daily life activities and are important tools in the oncologic population. Since Dutch performance status scales for the HNC population are lacking, we conducted this study to translate the Performance Status Scale for Head and Neck Cancer Patients (PSS-HN) into Dutch (D-PSS-HN) and to validate this version. The D-PSS-HN was translated into Dutch according to the internationally described cross-cultural adaptation process. It was administered to HNC patients and together with the Functional Oral Intake Scale completed by a speech and language pathologist at five different time points during the first 5 weeks of (chemo)radiotherapy. Patients were asked each time to complete the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy and the Swallowing Quality of Life Questionnaire. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to calculate convergent and discriminant validity and the evolution of D-PSS-HN scores was assessed by means of linear mixed models. A total of 35 patients were recruited and > 98% of the clinician-rated scales were completed. Convergent and discriminant validity were demonstrated, with all correlations rs between 0.467 and 0.819, and between 0.132 and 0.256, respectively. The subscales of the D-PSS-HN are sensitive to detect changes through time. The D-PSS-HN is a valid and reliable instrument to assess performance status in patients with HNC treated with (chemo)radiotherapy. It is a useful tool to measure HNC patients' current diet level and functional abilities to perform daily life activities. What is already known on the subject Acute and late toxicities in patients treated with (chemo)radiotherapy for HNC are common and can negatively impact quality of life and performance. Performance status instruments measure the functional ability to perform daily life activities and are important tools in the oncologic population. However, Dutch performance status scales for the HNC population are lacking. Therefore, we translated the Performance Status Scale for Head and Neck Cancer Patients (PSS-HN) into Dutch (D-PSS-HN) and validated this version. What this paper adds to existing knowledge We translated the PSS-HN and demonstrated its convergent and discriminant validity. The subscales of the D-PSS-HN are sensitive to detect changes through time. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? The D-PSS-HN is a useful tool to measure HNC patients' functional abilities to perform daily life activities. The tool can easily be used in clinical settings: since data collection duration is very short, this facilitates clinical (and research-related) implementation of the scale. Patients' individual needs could be identified by using the D-PSS-HN, resulting in more appropriate approaches and (early) referrals if needed. Interdisciplinary communication could be facilitated.

Expert Consensus Statement: Management of Dysphagia in Head and Neck Cancer Patients.

To develop an expert consensus statement (ECS) on the management of dysphagia in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients to address controversies and offer opportunities for quality improvement. Dysphagia in HNC was defined as swallowing impairment in patients with cancers of the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, nasopharynx, oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx, or hypopharynx. Development group members with expertise in dysphagia followed established guidelines for developing ECS. A professional search strategist systematically reviewed the literature, and the best available evidence was used to compose consensus statements targeted at providers managing dysphagia in adult HNC populations. The development group prioritized topics where there was significant practice variation and topics that would improve the quality of HNC patient care if consensus were possible. The development group identified 60 candidate consensus statements, based on 75 initial proposed topics and questions, that focused on addressing the following high yield topics: (1) risk factors, (2) screening, (3) evaluation, (4) prevention, (5) interventions, and (6) surveillance. After 2 iterations of the Delphi survey and the removal of duplicative statements, 48 statements met the standardized definition for consensus; 12 statements were designated as no consensus. Expert consensus was achieved for 48 statements pertaining to risk factors, screening, evaluation, prevention, intervention, and surveillance for dysphagia in HNC patients. Clinicians can use these statements to improve quality of care, inform policy and protocols, and appreciate areas where there is no consensus. Future research, ideally randomized controlled trials, is warranted to address additional controversies related to dysphagia in HNC patients.

Machine Learning and Nomogram Prognostic Modeling for 2-Year Head and Neck Cancer-Specific Survival Using Electronic Health Record Data: A Multisite Study.

There is limited knowledge of the prediction of 2-year cancer-specific survival (CSS) in the head and neck cancer (HNC) population. The aim of this study is to develop and validate machine learning models and a nomogram for the prediction of 2-year CSS in patients with HNC using real-world data collected by major teaching and tertiary referral hospitals in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Data collected in oncology information systems at multiple NSW Cancer Centres were extracted for 2,953 eligible adults diagnosed between 2000 and 2017 with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Death data were sourced from the National Death Index using record linkage. Machine learning and Cox regression/nomogram models were developed and internally validated in Python and R, respectively. Machine learning models demonstrated highest performance (C-index) in the larynx and nasopharynx cohorts (0.82), followed by the oropharynx (0.79) and the hypopharynx and oral cavity cohorts (0.73). In the whole HNC population, C-indexes of 0.79 and 0.70 and Brier scores of 0.10 and 0.27 were reported for the machine learning and nomogram model, respectively. Cox regression analysis identified age, T and N classification, and time-corrected biologic equivalent dose in two gray fractions as independent prognostic factors for 2-year CSS. N classification was the most important feature used for prediction in the machine learning model followed by age. Machine learning and nomogram analysis predicted 2-year CSS with high performance using routinely collected and complete clinical information extracted from oncology information systems. These models function as visual decision-making tools to guide radiotherapy treatment decisions and provide insight into the prediction of survival outcomes in patients with HNC.

The Post-treatment Impact on Quality of Life, Body Image, and Occupational Concerns among Head and Neck Cancer Patients

Introduction: Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) is the sixth most common cancer across globe, more common in Asian countries. HNC patients are at a significant risk of developing body image and functionality-related concerns, which in turn impact their overall Quality of Life (QoL). This study provides factual insights into the QoL of Indian male HNC patients three months after completing their treatment. Aim: To assess patients’ perceptions of self and overall QoL in context of body image and occupation. Materials and Methods: This mixed-method study included 32 male HNC patients and was conducted at a tertiary cancer centre in Ahmedabad, India, from March 2022 to April 2022. Patients who underwent surgery, with or without radiation therapy or chemotherapy, were included. The Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Head and Neck version (FACT-HN) and the Body Image Scale (BIS) were used as assessment tools. Qualitative responses were also recorded by the interviewer. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0, including both parametric and non parametric tests. Results: The mean age was 45.50 years. The overall QoL of the HNC population was found to be positive, with a mean score of 117.88±12.72. Higher scores indicated better QoL (total score range: 0-148). Similar trends were observed across all domains. Analysis of variance was conducted for three groups: ‘3-11 months’, ‘1-3 years’, and ‘more than three years’. A significant difference in mean HNC scores between these groups (p-value=0.004) was observed, with ‘3-12 months’ (mean=108) and ‘more than three years’ (mean=124.6) showing notable differences. QoL between these two groups was compared using the Kruskal-Wallis test, revealing significant differences in their physical, social, and HNC-specific index (HNCS). Approximately 43% of patients reported returning to work within 3-4 months post-treatment, while 46% experienced reduced work hours due to concerns related to functionality and appearance. Conclusion: This data highlights the subjective impact of physical, social, and head and neck-specific QoL issues on patients, particularly in the immediate post-treatment phase, which may persist for upto three years in some cases. Over time, patients’ overall QoL improves post-treatment.

Rehabilitation Interventions in Head and Neck Cancer: A Review

<h3>Objective(s)</h3> To investigate the evidence and quality of rehabilitation interventions on functional outcomes in head and neck cancer (HNC). <h3>Data Sources</h3> PubMed, EMBASE, and CINAHL electronic databases were searched for "head and neck neoplasms" and "rehabilitation" limited to English language and human studies from 5/1/2017 - 7/22/2020. Additional interventional studies from 1/1/1990 - 4/30/2017 were sourced from our previously published scoping review (Parke et al. 2019). <h3>Study Selection</h3> Included studies were interventional trials with majority HNC population and rehabilitation-specific interventions and outcomes. Exclusion criteria included surgical, dental, economic, or smoking interventions. Studies were screened for inclusion by two independent authors. Sixty-nine of 1176 studies retrieved met inclusion criteria. <h3>Data Extraction</h3> Pairs of authors independently extracted data and evaluated study quality with the PEDro tool. <h3>Data Synthesis</h3> Studies were organized by intervention category, population, setting, timing, and study quality. The largest intervention categories included jaw exercise (13 studies), swallow exercise (11), and whole body exercise (13). Most interventions occurred in the outpatient setting for oropharyngeal cancer. Timing was predominantly post-treatment in the restorative Dietz category (51). Median study sample size was 50 (range 15 to 399). Median study quality was 5 with no studies of excellent quality. Major limitations included lack of therapist blinding (97%), lack of concealed allocation (64%), lack of intention to treat analysis (59%), and high participant drop out (58%). <h3>Conclusions</h3> Most interventional trials in HNC rehabilitation are focused on restorative exercise for the jaw, swallow, or the whole body. Most studies have substantial methodological weaknesses. Higher quality interventional studies in HNC rehabilitation are needed. <h3>Author(s) Disclosures</h3> None.

Telehealth Interventions in Head and Neck Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review.

Head and neck cancer (HNC) and its treatments often result in adverse effects that impair a patient's quality of life. Although intensive rehabilitative strategies can be used, their applicability can be limited due to patient-specific and socioeconomic barriers. Telehealth interventions represent a possible novel approach to increase access to these services and improve posttreatment quality of life in the HNC population. The objective of this systematic review was to identify studies investigating telemedicine-based interventions for HNC patients to determine whether there is a consensus concerning the cost-effectiveness, clinical utility, and accessibility of this model for rehabilitation. PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and CINAHL were used to identify literature without time limit for publication. A critical appraisal of individual sources was conducted by 2 reviewers. Sixteen studies met inclusion criteria. Studies related to telehealth interventions in the HNC population are limited. Salient themes included feasibility of telehealth as an intervention, effects on self-management and knowledge, impact on quality of life, physical and psychiatric symptoms, and cost. Although the current literature presents promising data, indicating that telehealth interventions may be both effective and cost-efficient in the management of HNC patients, more research is needed to definitively elucidate their role in management. Telehealth interventions are valuable for clinicians as an alternative to expand access to care across the cancer continuum, to strengthen patients' knowledge and consequently their self-management, and to provide continuity of services as well as for remote monitoring of symptoms and response to treatment.

Body Image Scale: Evaluation of the Psychometric Properties in Three Indian Head and Neck Cancer Language Groups.

BackgroundBody image is a subjective concept encompassing a person’s views and emotions about their body. Head and neck cancer (HNC) diagnosis and treatment affects several psychosocial concepts including body image. Large numbers of HNC patients are diagnosed each year in India but there are no suitable measures in regional languages to assess their body image. This study assessed the psychometric properties of the Body Image Scale (BIS), a measure suitable for clinical and research use in HNC populations, translated into Tamil, Telugu and Hindi and compared body image distress between language groups.MethodsTranslated versions of BIS were completed by HNC patients recruited from three cancer centers across India one time only. Psychometric evaluation was conducted including factor analysis using principal component analysis and internal consistency reliability using Cronbach’s alpha. Patients completed the EORTC Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ) C-30 and EORTC QLQ HN-35 measures to enable exploration of convergent and discriminant validity. ANOVA was used to calculate difference in mean values for body image.ResultsOur sample included 621 HNC patients (Tamil = 205, Telugu = 216, Hindi = 200). Factor analysis revealed a one-factor solution and Cronbach’s alpha coefficients ranged between 0.891 and 0.969 indicating good reliability. Hypothesized correlations between similar and different constructs were as expected, supporting construct validity. On the BIS, we found a statistically significant difference (F = 11.0954, P < 0.05) between means of Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi groups, with higher body image scores in Telugu (M = 12.86; SD = 7.65) and Hindi groups (M = 12.52; SD = 7.36) indicating more symptoms/body image distress, when compared to Tamil population (M = 9.28; SD = 10.04).ConclusionThe reliability and validity of the three translated Indian versions of the BIS were maintained, providing a method for assessing body image of HNC population worldwide speaking Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi across the illness trajectory.

The effect of the Shaker head-lift exercise on swallowing function following treatment for head and neck cancer: Results from a randomized, controlled trial with videofluoroscopic evaluation.

BackgroundDysphagia is common following treatment for head and neck cancer (HNC) and intervention to improve swallowing function is warranted. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the Shaker head‐lift exercise (HLE) to improve dysphagia in HNC patients.MethodsPatients treated for HNC with radiochemotherapy and with subsequent dysphagia were randomly assigned to intervention (HLE, n = 25) and control (standard dysphagia management, n = 27) groups. Videofluoroscopic evaluation of penetration‐aspiration, initiation, residue, movement of selected structures, and self‐perceived swallowing function, before and after 8 weeks of treatment, were compared.ResultsAlthough adherence to training was high, no statistically significant differences in objectively measured swallowing function between the groups or within‐group changes were found. Self‐perceived swallowing function improved in the intervention group.ConclusionsIn this HNC population, neither HLE nor standard dysphagia management improved objectively measured swallowing function as evaluated after 8 weeks. Future research focusing on finding effective interventions for dysphagia is warranted.

Swallowing Exercise During Head and Neck Cancer Treatment: Results of a Randomized Trial

The diagnosis and treatment of head and neck cancer (HNC) can have substantial impact on swallowing function, nutritional balance, physical function and quality of life (QoL). Early initiated swallowing exercises are hypothesized to improve swallowing function in HNC patients. The aim was to investigate the effects of swallowing exercises and progressive resistance training (PRT) during radiotherapy on swallowing function, physical function and QoL in patients with pharynx-, larynx-, oral cavity cancer or unknown primary compared to usual care. In a multi-centre RCT participants were assigned to (a) twice-weekly PRT and daily swallowing exercises throughout treatment or (b) usual care. Outcomes were measured at end of treatment and 2, 6 and 12 months after. Primary outcome was penetration aspiration score (PAS). Data were analysed on an “intention-to-treat” basis by GEE logistic regression model, linear mixed effects model and cox regression. Of 371 invited HNC patients, 240 (65%) enrolled. Five participants were excluded. At 12 months follow-up, 59 (25%) participants were lost. Analyses showed significant effect on mouth opening, QoL, depression and anxiety at 12 months when comparing intervention to non-active controls. The trial found no effect on swallowing safety in HNC undergoing radiotherapy, but several positive effects were found on secondary outcomes when comparing to non-active controls. The intervention period may have been too short, and the real difference between groups is too small. Nevertheless, the need to identify long-lasting intervention to slow down or avoid functional deteriorations is ever more crucial as the surviving HNC population is growing.

Head and Neck Cancer in a Rural U.S. Population: Quality of Life, Coping, Health Care Literacy, and Access to Services.

Purpose The aim of this study was to explore the beliefs, access, and motivations of individuals with head and neck cancer (HNC) living in a rural community in the United States, regarding their speech and swallowing deficits. Method A convenience sample of nine patient participants with HNC and nine caregiver participants completed in-depth, semistructured interviews regarding their experiences with HNC diagnosis and treatment. The researchers utilized a thematic networks approach to analyze the qualitative data obtained. Results Primary results of the study were a set of common themes emerging from 735 units for analysis, arranged into 34 basic themes, nine organizing themes, and four global themes. The resulting networks centered around quality of life impact, coping, health literacy, and access. Direct quotes from the participants are utilized to illustrate response categories. Conclusions Individuals with HNC and their caregivers living in rural communities in the United States appear to represent a unique subset of the HNC population. While they present similarly in most areas, they display unique tendencies in the areas of psychological coping, health literacy, and access. Provision of practical, pertinent information that can be accessed by patients and caregivers alike outside the hospital is suggested to better serve this community.

The impact of timing and modalities of dental prophylaxis on the risk of 5-fluorouracil-related oral mucositis in patients with head and neck cancer: a nationwide population-based cohort study.

This study investigated the impact of dental prophylaxis on 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-related oral mucositis (OM) according to the head and neck cancer (HNC) locations and treatment times. A total of 13,969 HNC participants, including 482 5-FU-related OM subjects and 13,487 comparisons were enrolled from the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database for Catastrophic Illness Patients of Taiwan between 2000 and 2008. All subjects were stratified into subgroups based on the times to perform chlorhexidine use, scaling, and fluoride application before 5-FU administration. The dental prophylaxis related to 5-FU-related OM was estimated by multiple logistic regression and represented with odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Fluoride gel application and scaling significantly impacted on OM development (p < 0.001), and the joint effect of fluoride gel and scaling induced 5-FU-related OM (OR = 3.46, 95% CI = 2.39-5.01). The risk of OM was raised 2.25-fold as scaling within 3weeks before 5-FU-related chemotherapy (95% CI = 1.81-2.81), and a 3.22-fold increased risk of OM while fluoride gel was applied during 5-FU-related treatment (95% CI = 1.46-7.13). Dental prophylaxis significantly affected 5-FU-related OM in the HNC population. A short interval between dental scaling or fluoride application and 5-FU administration may be associated with higher prevalence of OM. Scaling simultaneously combined with chlorohexidine promoted 5-FU-related OM in specific HNC patients excluding the oral cancer and nasopharyngeal cancer population. Proper timing of the prophylactic dental treatments prior to 5-FU therapy could reduce the risk to develop 5-FU-related OM.

How Should We Approach Locally Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck Cancer Patients Ineligible for Standard Non-surgical Treatment?

Cisplatin has been established as one of the most important agents in multidisciplinary treatment for head and neck cancer (HNC). However, since HNC patients are often elderly and typically have several comorbidities, a limited number of patients can tolerate high-dose cisplatin in real-world HNC populations. We will provide a review of therapeutic alternatives to high-dose cisplatin-based treatment in the setting of definitive and postoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) or induction chemotherapy. Clinical criteria for CDDP ineligibility have been discussed in HNC. When considering cisplatin-based chemotherapy as part of a non-surgical approach, precise evaluation of the patient's physical condition, nutritional status, and comorbidities is needed. Upfront surgery is an important option with high curability, if a de-intensified non-surgical approach is estimated to be unavoidable. Although no prospective data are available regarding alternatives to definitive cisplatin-based combination therapy for patients undergoing a non-surgical approach, cetuximab, carboplatin, or split-dose cisplatin-based regimens may be employed for cisplatin-ineligible patients in clinical practice. The combination of immune checkpoint inhibitors with radiotherapy may be a promising novel approach, and some trials are currently targeting the specific cohort of patients ineligible for high-dose cisplatin. There are no standard treatments for patients ineligible for high-dose cisplatin. A personalized treatment strategy should be proposed based on the individual benefit-to-risk ratio of each treatment option in patients ineligible for the standard of care. Prospective clinical trials for cisplatin-ineligible patients with locally advanced HNC still need to be performed.

Returning to work after head and neck cancer.

There is a lack of evidence worldwide on return to work (RTW) in head and neck cancer (HNC), possibly because traditionally those suffering with it were typically at retirement age and survival rates were low. However, in the last 30 years, HNC survival rates have increased, resulting in more people living with the after-effects of treatment for longer, and many are of working-age. The HNC population is also changing because of a 20% increased incidence of oral and pharyngeal HNCs especially in the under 65 years of age, likely accounted for by the surge in human papilloma virus positive related HNCs. The literature suggests that people who have had treatment for HNC return to work less than other cancers. The knowledge base on RTW after HNC is emergent and conclusions are currently difficult to draw. The process of returning and remaining in work is complex, affected by multiple factors and interactions. There is little evidence about work-related experiences from the perspectives of HNC survivors. There is an urgent need for more in-depth exploration of the needs and concerns of HNC survivors returning to work after treatment, with the ultimate aim of work-related intervention development.

Initial psychometric testing of the Head and Neck Cancer Patient Self-Management Inventory (HNC-PSMI).

Head and neck cancer (HNC) and its treatment are associated with significant symptom burden and functional impairment. HNC patients must engage in intensive and complex self-management protocols to minimize acute and late treatment effects. Self-management among HNC patients is understudied due to the limited availability of disease-specific self-management measures. This article describes the initial psychometric testing of the HNC Patient Self-Management Inventory (HNC-PSMI), an instrument that characterizes self-management tasks in the HNC population. A cross-sectional survey design was used. One hundred HNC patients completed the HNC-PSMI, the Vanderbilt Head and Neck Cancer Symptom Survey plus General Symptom Survey, and the Profile of Mood States-Short Form. To evaluate the psychometric properties of the HNC-PSMI, the relevance of items, internal consistency of domain item responses, and the direction and strength of associations between domain scores and other measures were examined. There was variability both in the number of self-management tasks performed overall and in each domain as well as in the reported difficulty completing those tasks. Kuder-Richardson values for domains with > 3 items ranged from 0.61 to 0.86. Hypothesized associations were supported. Overall, the psychometric properties for the HNC-PSMI were acceptable. The HNC-PSMI can be used to advance an understanding of self-management requirements and challenges in HNC patients.

Predicting Swallowing Outcomes from Objective Videofluoroscopic Timing and Displacement Measures in Head and Neck Cancer Patients.

Radiation therapy with or without chemotherapy compromises swallowing efficiency and safety in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). The resulting dysphagia leads to overall morbidity, with altered diets, reduced nutritional intake, reduced quality of life, and potential interruption of curative cancer treatment. Despite well-documented radiation-related changes in swallowing physiology, scarce research exists on the potential clinical value for measurements of swallowing timing and displacement in this population. This study investigated the discriminatory value of quantitative timing and displacement parameters for the Functional Oral Intake Scale and Penetration Aspiration Scale scores using pre- and post-radiation videofluoroscopy data. Swallowtail Software Version 1 (Belldev Medical, Arlington Heights, IL) was used to obtain objective timing and displacement measurements from the pre- and post-radiation videofluoroscopy data for 31 patients who underwent radiation therapy, with or without chemotherapy, for head and neck cancer. The total pharyngeal transit time (BP2) (p < 0.000, r = 0.43) in pudding bolus trials and the maximal upper esophageal sphincter opening (PESMax/cm) (p = 0.001, r = 0.31) in thin bolus trials were discriminatory for Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS). Findings suggest that measurement of post-radiation changes using objective and quantitative parameters may offer some discriminatory value regarding future dysphagia risk and prognosis based on total pharyngeal transit time and degree of UES opening. In addition, the results suggest that different bolus types may offer different discriminatory values in HNC population, and that some timing and displacement variables may have discriminatory value for patients' diet levels independent from any aspiration risk.

The risk of second primary tumors in head and neck cancer: A systematic review.

Second primary tumors (SPTs) are a common cause of reduced life expectancy in patients treated for head and neck cancer (HNC). This phenomenon forms an area to be addressed during posttreatment follow-up. We conducted a systematic review of literature following PRISMA guidelines, from 1979 to 2019, to investigate incidence of SPTs, synchronous, and metachronous, in HNC population. Our review includes data of 456 130 patients from 61 articles. With a minimum follow-up of 22 months, mean incidence of SPTs was 13.2% (95% CI: 11.56-14.84): 5.3% (95% CI: 4.24-6.36) for synchronous SPTs and 9.4% (95% CI: 7.9-10.9) for metachronous SPTs. The most frequent site for SPTs was head and neck area, followed by the lungs and esophagus. Although with wide variations between studies, the rate of SPTs in HNC patients is high. Given the impact in the prognosis, we must develop strategies for the early diagnosis of SPTs.

Socioeconomic and Demographic Variation in Insurance Coverage Among Patients With Head and Neck Cancer After the Affordable Care Act

Health insurance status has a significant association with early diagnosis and stage at presentation, which are the most important predictors of survival among patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). Literature on the association of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) with changes in insurance status among patients with HNC remains limited. To our knowledge, no studies have evaluated changes in insurance rates across sociodemographic subgroups of patients with HNC. To assess the association of the implementation of the ACA with insurance status across socioeconomic and demographic subpopulations of patients with HNC. A retrospective cohort study using data from the National Cancer Database (NCDB), a hospital-based cancer registry (2011-2015) for adults diagnosed with a malignant primary HNC was carried out. The analyses were conducted from November 2018 through December 2018. Changes in the percentage of patients with insurance. A total of 131 779 patients with HNC were identified in the pre-ACA (77 071) and post-ACA (54 708) periods. Overall, 98 207 (74.5%) participants were men and 33 572 (25.5) were women, with 73 124 (55.5%) being aged between 50 to 64 years. There was a 2.68 percentage point decrease (PPD) (95% CI, 2.93-2.42) in the percentage of patients with HNC without insurance from the pre-ACA to the post-ACA period. Changes in the percentage of uninsured patients varied significantly by age, with the largest reduction in uninsured status among patients with HNC aged 18 to 34 years (5.12 PPD; 95% CI, 3.18-7.06) and the smallest reduction in uninsured among those aged 65 to 74 years (0.24 PPD; 95% CI, 0.03-0.45). There was a significantly greater reduction in uninsured status in low-income zip codes (3.45 PPD; 95% CI, 2.76-4.14) than in high-income zip codes (1.99 PPD; 95% CI, 1.63-2.36). There was a significant association between ACA implementation and percentage decrease in uninsured patients. Young adults and those residing in low-income zip codes experienced a significantly higher rate of insurance uptake compared with older adults and residents of high-income areas. This suggests that coverage expansions enacted through the ACA are not only associated with increased access to care among the broader HNC population, but that they may also yield a greater benefit among subpopulations with historically limited insurance coverage.