Perception of head and neck cancer quality of life within the medical world: a multicultural study

Head and neck cancer treatment outcome priorities: A multi-perspective concept mapping study

With the increasing focus on patient-centred care, this study sought to understand priorities considered by patients and healthcare providers from their experience with head and neck cancer treatment, and to compare how patients' priorities compare to healthcare providers' priorities. Group concept mapping was used to actively identify priorities from participants (patients and healthcare providers) in two phases. In phase one, participants brainstormed statements reflecting considerations related to their experience with head and neck cancer treatment. In phase two, statements were sorted based on their similarity in theme and rated in terms of their priority. Multidimensional scaling and cluster analysis were performed to produce multidimensional maps to visualize the findings. Two-hundred fifty statements were generated by participants in the brainstorming phase, finalized to 94 statements that were included in phase two. From the sorting activity, a two-dimensional map with stress value of 0.2213 was generated, and eight clusters were created to encompass all statements. Timely care, education, and person-centred care were the highest rated priorities for patients and healthcare providers. Overall, there was a strong correlation between patient and healthcare providers' ratings (r = 0.80). Our findings support the complexity of the treatment planning process in head and neck cancer, evident by the complex maps and highly interconnected statements related to the experience of treatment. Implications for improving the quality of care delivered and care experience of head and cancer are discussed.

Perception of survival/laryngeal preservation trade-off in advanced T-stage laryngeal cancer

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the perception of the survival/laryngeal preservation trade-off in advanced T-stage laryngeal cancer.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The Cochrane, PubMed, Embase, and Science Direct databases were searched using the keywords "cancer, neoplasms, trade-off. One hundred and eighty four articles were found; 176 of these, without data in the Abstract documenting the survival/laryngeal preservation trade-off for advanced T-stage laryngeal cancer, were excluded. Eight articles, totaling 1,052 interviewees, were read to document modalities of evaluation, trade-off thresholds, and variables influencing the perception of trade-off.

RESULTS

Evaluation of trade-off was based on responses in group discussions, interviews and questionnaires and on patient file analysis. One study reported that 28.2% of respondents could not make a decision between options, and in 4 studies 22% to 80% of respondents would not consider jeopardizing survival. A mean 2-3 year gain (range, 6 months to 5 years) in survival was required before preferring total laryngectomy to chemoradiotherapy. The percentage loss of disease-free survival tolerated by respondents who would consider a trade-off to preserve the larynx ranged from 5% to 100%, for a median 30%. Variables influencing trade-off comprised respondent status (patient/healthcare provider/healthy subject) and characteristics (job, having children) and treatment data (amount and modalities of information delivered, survival estimates after radiation therapy, health status after treatment). A time for reflection after diagnosis and good quality information were important for respondents.

CONCLUSION

Several consequences emerge from these data. The first is to consider induction chemotherapy, to give the patient time to make an informed choice. The second is to not to give up teaching total laryngectomy The third is to determine whether the team's own results match the information delivered to patients.

Randomized Trial Assessing the Impact of Routine Assessment of Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer

Simple Summary

The purpose of this research was to investigate the impact of routine assessment of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) on quality of life and satisfaction with care in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). A randomized controlled open-label clinical trial with 200 patients with HNC managed in four cancer centers in Eastern France was performed. In the intervention arm (regularly completed HRQoL questionnaires), HRQoL mean change was significantly improved at 2 years from baseline. Compared with the control arm, differences were not statistically significant, but minimal clinically important differences in favor of the intervention arm were found for HRQoL, satisfaction with waiting times, and satisfaction with accessibility. In patients with head and neck cancer undergoing treatments, routine assessment of HRQoL is a simple practice and may have HRQoL and satisfaction benefits.

Abstract

The impact of routine assessment of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) on satisfaction with care and the HRQoL of patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) treated with radiotherapy was assessed. Patients with HNC were randomly assigned to two arms, with stratification on sex, cancer localization, and stage of the disease. In the intervention arm, the patients completed the EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-H&N35 questionnaires first before randomization, then before each medical appointment during radiotherapy (7 weeks), and then every 3 months until 1 year and at 2 years thereafter. In the control arm, the EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-H&N35 questionnaires were completed before randomization and at 1 year and 2 years thereafter. The primary endpoint was mean change in HRQoL at score at 2 years from baseline assessed by EQ VAS from the EuroQol questionnaire. The secondary endpoint was mean change in satisfaction with care at 2 years from baseline assessed by QLQ-SAT32. Two hundred patients with head and neck cancers were involved in this study (mean age, 58.83 years (range, 36.56–87.89)), of whom 100 were assigned to the intervention arm and 100 to the control arm. Patients in the intervention arm were reported to have a statistically significant increase in EQ VAS at 2 years (p < 0.0001) and exceeded the minimal clinically important difference (mean change at 2 years from baseline = 10.46). In the two arms, mean differences between arms were not statistically significant, but minimal clinically important differences in favor of the intervention arm were found for EQ VAS (mean change difference (MD) = 5.84), satisfaction with care, in particular waiting times (MD = 10.85) and satisfaction with accessibility (MD = 6.52). Routine assessment of HRQoL improves HRQoL and satisfaction with care for patients with HNC treated with radiotherapy.

Recurrent oral squamous cell carcinoma-incorporating advance care planning in education and practice

This reflection describes a life-limiting case of oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) that required thoughtful management facilitated by an advance care plan (ACP). A 70-year-old female was diagnosed with a T4aN2bM0 biopsy-proven invasive, well-differentiated keratinizing SCC. Surgical wide-local excision included teeth #11-16 with left unilateral neck dissection, levels I-V. She was rehabilitated with maxillary obturator prosthesis and underwent chemoradiation therapy. Her course was complicated by dysphagia and trismus. She experienced multiple recurrences. At a certain point, negative margins could not be achieved without facial disfigurement. The patient, her husband, and providers decided together that further management would be palliative. Before the additional surgical procedures, she communicated a thorough ACP with her husband and providers who were prepared to facilitate difficult care decisions on her behalf. The patient passed away at home with hospice care at the age of 74. This motivated patient with oral SCC and impactful postmanagement complications appreciated the clarity of an ACP. Her values and goals of care were incorporated with ongoing communication and documentation of this plan, which was instrumental in facilitating her person-centered care. The providers apply lessons learned here in future practice and education of residents and students.

Quality of Life After Conservation Surgery for Laryngeal Cancer

Quality of life preservation has become an essential goal of treatment in the management of laryngeal carcinoma. Although established treatments of reference such as total laryngectomy and chemoradiation protocols have focused on survival and anatomic preservation of the larynx, they still generate considerable functional morbidity with detrimental effects on quality of life. Transoral and transcervical partial laryngectomy techniques can offer significant advantages when used prudently after proper patient selection. The growing relevance of those techniques in the management of advanced and recurrent laryngeal carcinoma deserves particular attention, with potential for improved quality of life without compromising oncologic outcomes.

[Which choice would the radiation oncologist consider if facing an advanced stage laryngeal cancer?]

PURPOSE

To analyse the therapeutic decision considered by radiation oncologists put in a position of being diagnosed with an advanced stage cancer of the larynx accessible either to a total laryngectomy or to an organ preservation protocol.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Prospective analysis based on an anonymous survey filled by 104 radiation oncologists.

RESULTS

A total of 30.7% of radiation oncologists surveyed did not consider any trade in their cure rate to preserve their larynx. The median percentage of cure that they were willing to trade was 10% (2-100%); and 0.9% of them were willing to trade 100% of their chance for cure in order to "avoid" total laryngectomy. A total of 16.3% of radiation oncologists would like to receive more information before making their decision. The additional information most frequently requested concerned the precise stage of the tumour and the potential remedial treatment in case of failure of the laryngeal preservation protocol. None of the analysed demographic variables influenced the choice to trade or not survival chance to preserve the larynx, the percentage of chance that radiation oncologists would consider exchanging, and/or the wish to receive additional information.

CONCLUSION

This prospective study highlights that larynx preservation protocol is not the main therapeutic goal shared by all radiation oncologists put in a position of being diagnosed with an advanced stage cancer of the larynx. Total laryngectomy should remain a treatment option that as organ preservation protocols to be proposed and discussed.

Otorhinolaryngologists' personal treatment preferences (total laryngectomy or laryngeal preservation) when faced with advanced stage laryngeal cancer

OBJECTIVE

To analyse the treatment options that otorhinolaryngologists would consider if faced with advanced stage laryngeal cancer amenable to total laryngectomy or an organ preservation protocol.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Prospective study conducted in a French Teaching Hospital based on questionnaires filled in by 163 otorhinolaryngologists in 2012, studying the percentage chance of cure that they would be prepared to trade-off to preserve their larynx, defining the additional information that they would like to receive and identifying any statistical associations between these parameters and various medical and socioeconomic variables.

RESULTS

A total of 42.3% of otorhinolaryngologists would not consider the slightest trade-off to preserve their larynx and preferred to undergo total laryngectomy. In the group of otorhinolaryngologists who would consider a larynx preservation protocol (57.6%), the percentage chance of cure that they would be willing to trade-off to preserve their larynx ranged between 5 to 100% (median: 15%) and 4.2% of them were willing to trade-off all chances of cure (100%) to avoid total laryngectomy. The percentage of otorhinolaryngologists who would not consider trading off the slightest chance of survival to preserve their larynx increased from 29.3 to 49.5% (P=0.01) when they participated in multidisciplinary consultation meetings. In the group of otorhinolaryngologists who would consider a larynx preservation protocol, the median percentage survival trade-off that they would consider in order to preserve their larynx (i) decreased from 20 to 10% (P=0.004) when they participated in multidisciplinary consultation meetings and (ii) increased regularly with their number of years of practice (P=0.03) and their age (P=0.025). Finally, 25.1% of otorhinolaryngologists wanted to receive additional information, although none of the variables analysed affected this desire for more information.

CONCLUSION

Treatment options considered by otorhinolaryngologists faced with advanced stage laryngeal cancer were almost equally divided between total laryngectomy and larynx preservation. Number of years of practice and regular participation in head and neck cancer multidisciplinary consultation meetings were variables that significantly influenced this choice.

Longitudinal quality of life in Turkish patients with head and neck cancer undergoing radiotherapy

PURPOSE

This study aims to assess the quality of life and to define its determinants in patients with head and neck cancer undergoing radiotherapy.

METHOD

This prospective study was performed in an outpatient clinic of radiation oncology with a sample of 54 consecutive patients. Interview forms-European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire and Head and Neck Module to measure quality of life, Radiation Therapy Oncology Group criteria to determine radiation toxicity, and Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment to assess nutritional status-were used to obtain personal and disease-related data before, at the end of radiotherapy, and 1 and 3 months post-therapy.

RESULTS

It was determined that various subscales of functional and symptom scales of quality of life were deteriorated at the end of radiotherapy and started to improve at 1 month after treatment. However, dry mouth and sticky saliva symptom scales did not follow the same pattern, and they took more time to improve. Quality of life (QoL) was found to be worse in younger age, higher education, higher income level, type of cancer, advanced stage, presence of tracheostomy, chemoradiation, higher dose of RT, bad nutritional status, and radiation toxicity.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results emphasize the vital need of support for head and neck cancer patients during radiotherapy, especially during the first month.

Toward Comprehensive Multidisciplinary Care for Head and Neck Cancer Patients

This article discusses how quality-of-life assessment in patients with head and neck cancer might be weighed against survival and how such assessment might be applied in clinical practice. While survival is understandably considered to be the outcome of primary interest, there are several clinical scenarios in which quality of life can be considered as a primary outcome. Quality-adjusted survival is also an important consideration and needs to be incorporated into the results of treatment. However, quality-of-life assessment has hitherto been virtually only a research tool and not been incorporated into clinical practice. Nowadays, speech pathologists and dietitians are integral to the multidisciplinary team that treats patients with head and neck cancer. The main point of this article is to provide a rationale for the proposition that the health psychologist—who is best able to understand and manage the psychosocial issues—should also be included as one of the team.