Factors predicting for patient refusal of head and neck cancer therapy

Preventing medication nonadherence: a framework for interventions to support early engagement with treatment

ABSTRACTMedication nonadherence is common and results in avoidable morbidity, mortality, and burdens on healthcare systems. This paper proposes a preventative approach to medication nonadherence. We consider existing evidence on the prevalence and determinants of nonadherence early in a patient's medication-taking journey, and map these to potential opportunities for intervention. Many patients stop taking a new medication soon after they are prescribed it, often not collecting the medication. Early patterns of nonadherence are linked to later nonadherence via processes such as habit formation and symptom experiences. Known predictors of nonadherence may be present before someone starts a new treatment, when patients experience disruption to their lives and identity due to illness. Healthcare professionals typically have contact with patients around this time. We argue that it may be possible to prevent medication nonadherence: at the population level; by optimising the prescription process; and through low- and high-intensity interventions for patients with identified early barriers. We give examples of specific interventions and tools that might be needed to operationalise this approach in practice and propose new directions for research to promote early engagement with medication to prevent nonadherence.

Patterns and Trends in Adjuvant Therapy for Major Salivary Gland Cancer

OBJECTIVE

To investigate adjuvant therapy indications, utilization, and associated survival disparities in major salivary gland cancer (MSGC).

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

The 2006 to 2017 National Cancer Database.

METHODS

Patients with surgically resected MSGC were included (N = 11,398). pT3-4 classification, pN2-3 classification, lymphovascular invasion, pathologic extranodal extension (pENE), and positive surgical margin (PSM) were considered indications for adjuvant radiotherapy (aRT). pENE and PSM were considered possible indications for adjuvant chemotherapy. Multivariable logistic and Cox regression models were implemented.

RESULTS

Among 6694 patients with≥ $\ge $ 1 indication for aRT, 1906 (28.5%) received no further treatment and missed aRT. Age, race, comorbidity status, facility type, and distance to reporting facility were associated with missed aRT (P < .025). Among 4003 patients with ≥1 possible indication for adjuvant chemoradiotherapy (aCRT), 914 (22.8%) received aCRT. Patients with pENE only (38.5%) and both pENE and PSM (44.0%) received aCRT more frequently than those with PSM only (17.0%) (P < .001). Academic facility was associated with aCRT utilization (P < .05). aCRT utilization increased between 2006 and 2017 in both academic (14.8% vs 23.9%) and nonacademic (8.8% vs 13.5%) facilities (P < .05). Among 2691 patients with ≥1 indication for aRT alone, missed aRT portended poorer OS (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.61, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.28-2.03, P < .001). Among 4003 patients with ≥1 possible indication for aCRT, aRT alone (HR: 1.02, 95% CI: 0.89-1.18, P = .780) and aCRT were associated with similar OS.

CONCLUSION

Missed aRT in MSGC occurs frequently and portends poorer OS. Further studies clarifying indications for aCRT are required.

Refusal of treatment among HER2-positive breast cancer patients in China: a retrospective analysis

Background

There is a need to update the understanding of treatment refusal among cancer patients in China, taking into account recent developments. This study investigated how public insurance coverage of the first breast cancer targeted therapy contributed to the changes in treatment refusal among HER2-positive breast cancer patients in China. And it intensively examined and discussed additional barriers affecting patient utilization of innovative anticancer medicines based on the types and reasons for treatment refusal.

Methods

This retrospective study included female breast cancer patients diagnosed as HER2-positive who received treatment at a provincial oncology center in southern China between 2014 and 2020. Multivariable analysis was conducted using a binary logistic regression model. Subgroup analysis was performed with the same regression model.

Results

Among the 1,322 HER2-positive breast cancer patients who received treatment at the study hospital between 2014 and 2020, 327 (24.55%) had ever refused treatment. Economic reasons were reported as the primary cause by 142 patients (43.43%). Patients diagnosed after September 2017, when the first breast cancer targeted therapy was included in the public health insurance, were less likely to refuse treatment (OR = 0.64, 95% CI:0.45 ~ 0.91, p = 0.01) compared to those diagnosed before September 2017. Patients enrolled in the resident health insurance were more likely to refuse treatment (OR = 2.43, 95% CI:1.77 ~ 3.35, p < 0.001) than those enrolled in the employee health insurance.

Conclusion

This study reveals a high rate of treatment refusal among HER2-positive breast cancer patients, primarily attributed to financial factors. The disparity in public health insurance benefits resulted in a heavier economic burden for patients with less comprehensive benefits. Furthermore, the study identified challenges faced by patients seeking quality-assured cancer care in underdeveloped regions in China. By addressing economic barriers, promoting accurate health information, and improving cancer care capacity across the country can reduce the rate of treatment refusal.

Refusal of Adjuvant Therapies and Its Impact on Local Control and Survival in Patients with Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcomas of the Extremities and Trunk

BACKGROUND

In soft tissue or bone sarcomas, multimodal therapeutic concepts represent the standard of care. Some patients reject the therapeutic recommendations due to several reasons. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of that rejection on both prognosis and local recurrence.

METHODS

Between 2012 and 2019, a total of 828 sarcoma patients were surgically treated. Chemotherapy was scheduled as a neoadjuvant, and adjuvant multi-agent therapy was performed following recommendations from an interdisciplinary tumor board. Radiotherapy, if deemed appropriate, was administered either in a neoadjuvant or an adjuvant manner. The recommended type of therapy, patient compliance, and the reasons for refusal were documented. Follow-ups included local recurrences, diagnosis of metastatic disease, and patient mortality.

RESULTS

Radiotherapy was recommended in 407 (49%) patients. A total of 40 (10%) individuals did not receive radiation. A reduction in overall survival and local recurrence-free survival was evident in those patients who declined radiotherapy. Chemotherapy was advised for 334 (40%) patients, 250 (75%) of whom did receive all recommended cycles. A total of 25 (7%) individuals did receive a partial course while 59 (18%) did not receive any recommended chemotherapy. Overall survival and local recurrence-free survival were reduced in patients refusing chemotherapy. Overall survival was worst for the group of patients who received no chemotherapy due to medical reasons. Refusing chemotherapy for non-medical reasons was seen in 8.8% of patients, and refusal of radiotherapy for non-medical reasons was seen in 4.7% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Divergence from the advised treatment modalities significantly impacted overall survival and local recurrence-free survival across both treatment modalities. There is an imperative need for enhanced physician-patient communication. Reducing treatment times, as achieved with hypofractionated radiotherapy and with therapy in a high-volume sarcoma center, might also have a positive effect on complying with the treatment recommendations.

Postoperative Radiation Therapy Refusal in Major Salivary Gland Cancers

OBJECTIVE

Major salivary gland cancers (MSGCs) are often treated with primary surgery followed by adjuvant therapy for high-risk pathology. Patients with these cancers may opt out of recommended postoperative radiation therapy (PORT) for many reasons and consequently may suffer worse outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

National Cancer Database.

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with MSGC from 2004 to 2016 were identified, and overall survival and risk factors for refusal of recommended PORT were analyzed based on demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical factors. Multivariable logistic regression and a Cox model were used to conduct the analysis.

RESULTS

211 out of 4704 qualifying patients (4.5%) refused recommended PORT. Multivariable analysis demonstrated increased PORT refusal for age >74 years (odds ratio OR 4.34, confidence interval [CI] [2.43-7.85]), Asian race (OR 2.25, CI [1.10-4.23]), and certain facility types (comprehensive cancer center, OR 2.39, CI [1.08-6.34]; academic research program, OR 3.29, CI [1.49-8.74]; and integrated network cancer program, OR 2.75, CI [1.14-7.7]). N2 stage was associated with decreased PORT refusal (OR 0.67, CI [0.45-0.98]). The 5-year overall survival for patients who received and refused PORT were significantly different at 65.8% and 53.8%, respectively (p < .001). When controlling for several factors, PORT refusal was independently associated with significantly lower overall survival (HR 1.54, CI [1.21-1.98]).

CONCLUSION

Patient refusal of recommended PORT in MSGC is rare, associated with various disease and socioeconomic factors, and may decrease overall survival. Our findings can assist clinicians in counseling patients and identifying those who may be more likely to opt out of recommended PORT.

Harmful impact of treatment refusal in T3-4M0 endolaryngeal squamous cell carcinoma candidates for total laryngectomy: A STROBE analysis

PURPOSE

To evaluate the consequences of treatment refusal in total laryngectomy (TL) candidates with T3-4M0 endolaryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective observational study was conducted in an inception cohort of 576 isolated T3-4M0 endolaryngeal SCC candidates for TL consecutively managed between 1970 and 2019 in a French university teaching hospital. The main endpoint was survival time and cause of death in 2 groups. Group A, 4.5% of the cohort, consisted of 26 patients who declined any laryngeal treatment. Group B consisted of 550 patients who accepted TL. Accessory endpoints were causes of TL refusal and associated variables. The STROBE guideline was applied. The significance threshold was set at P<0.005.

RESULTS

One-and 3-year actuarial survival estimates increased significantly (P<0.0001) from 39% and 15% in group A, to 83% and 63% in group B, respectively. In group A, 92% of causes of death implicated index SCC progression, whereas in group B intercurrent disease, metachronous second primary, locoregional and/or metastatic SCC progression and postoperative complications accounted for 37%, 31%, 29%, and 2%, respectively. The actuarial survival estimates within group A increased significantly (P=0.0003) from 0% at 1-year in patients managed with isolated supportive care to 56% in patients managed with chemotherapy (reaching 0% at 5years). Reasons for TL refusal were fear of surgery, refusal of tracheostoma, loss of physiologic phonation, and certain comorbidities. Age and chronologic period correlated significantly with TL refusal. Median age decreased (P<0.001) from 69years in group A to 58 years in group B. Percentage TL refusal increased (P<0.0001) from 2% to 11% before and after start 1990, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The current study determined loss of survival with refusal of any laryngeal treatment including TL, noted benefit of chemotherapy associated to supportive care, and discussed the possible contribution of immunotherapy.

Reproductive Results in Cancer Survivors after Fertility Sparing Management: The Need for the Standardization of Definitions

In fertility-sparing management (FSM), two different issues can be distinguished: the risk of recurrence/death and the chance of childbearing. Survival is the principal outcome in oncology, and definitions of overall survival and progression-free survival are therefore well defined and widely accepted. The introduction of FSM to clinical practice was determined by the desire of young cancer patients to still have children. Initially, in small groups of patients, any pregnancy and/or childbirth were considered successes. Nowadays, FSM occupies an important place in cancer treatment, with thousands of young women treated successfully. However, in contrast to survival, no definition has been established for evaluating the reproductive outcomes of FSM. This review article evaluates the current pregnancy and birth rates of cancer patients. Differences between fertility-sparing and conservative treatment are analyzed, and improper and confusing interchangeable applications of these terms are pointed out. Additionally, various reasons for choosing FSM as a treatment method-which are not directly related to fertility preservation (treatment mismatch)-are presented. Uniform definitions of reproduction after FSM should be established to enable the comparison of results and facilitate the counseling of patients regarding the chances of reproduction.

Disparities in refusal of surgery for gynecologic cancer

OBJECTIVE

To identify sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with refusal of gynecologic cancer surgery and to estimate its effect on overall survival.

METHODS

The National Cancer Database was surveyed for patients with uterine, cervical or ovarian/fallopian tube/primary peritoneal cancer treated between 2004 and 2017. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to assess associations between clinico-demographic variables and refusal of surgery. Overall survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Trends in refusal over time were evaluated using joinpoint regression.

RESULTS

Of 788,164 women included in our analysis, 5875 (0.75%) patients refused surgery recommended by their treating oncologist. Patients who refused surgery were older at diagnosis (72.4 vs 60.3 years, p < 0.001) and more likely Black (OR 1.77 95% CI 1.62-1.92). Refusal of surgery was associated with uninsured status (OR 2.94 95% CI 2.49-3.46), Medicaid coverage (OR 2.79 95% CI 2.46-3.18), low regional high school graduation (OR 1.18 95% CI 1.05-1.33) and treatment at a community hospital (OR 1.59 95% CI 1.42-1.78). Patients who refused surgery had lower median overall survival (1.0 vs 14.0 years, p < 0.01) and this difference persisted across disease sites. Between 2008 and 2017, there was a significant increase in refusal of surgery annually (annual percent change +1.41%, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple social determinants of health are independently associated with refusal of surgery for gynecologic cancer. Given that patients who refuse surgery are more likely from vulnerable, underserved populations and have inferior survival, refusal of surgery should be considered a surgical healthcare disparity and tackled as such.

Equity in adjuvant radiotherapy utilization in locally advanced head and neck cancer: A SEER-data based study

BACKGROUND

Not all patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer (HNC) who are eligible for adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) following upfront surgery appear to receive it.

METHODS

Data were obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Selected patients from 2009 to 2018 had locally advanced HNC, underwent upfront surgery, and were eligible for adjuvant RT. Multivariable logistic regression and chi-squared test were used to analyze available patient and tumor characteristics.

RESULTS

Of 12 549 patients, 84.5% underwent adjuvant RT, 15.5% did not. Characteristics associated with lowest adjuvant RT utilization included cancers of the larynx (p < 0.0001) and gingivae (p < 0.0001), age 80 and above (p < 0.0001), unpartnered status (p < 0.0001), and residence within a nonmetropolitan area (p < 0.0024).

CONCLUSIONS

Tumor subsite, age, partnered status, and rural/urban residence correlate with omission of adjuvant RT in locally advanced HNC.

Older adults' refusal speech act in cognitive assessment: A multimodal pragmatic perspective

This paper explores how older adults with different cognitive abilities perform the refusal speech act in the cognitive assessment in the setting of memory clinics. The refusal speech act and its corresponding illocutionary force produced by nine Chinese older adults in the Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Basic was annotated and analyzed from a multimodal perspective. Overall, regardless of the older adults' cognitive ability, the most common discursive device to refuse is the demonstration of their inability to carry out or continue the cognitive task. Individuals with lower cognitive ability were found to perform the refusal illocutionary force (hereafter RIF) with higher frequency and degree. Additionally, under the pragmatic compensation mechanism, which is influenced by cognitive ability, multiple expression devices (including prosodic features and non-verbal acts) interact dynamically and synergistically to help older adults carry out the refusal behavior and to unfold older adults' intentional state and emotion as well. The findings indicate that both the degree and the frequency of performing the refusal speech act in the cognitive assessment are related to the cognitive ability of older adults.

The impact of patient preference in the treatment algorithm for recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

The advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors for recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (RM-HNSCC) has revolutionized the standard of care approach in first-line treatment. The heterogeneity of disease presentation and treatment-related toxicities can be associated with suboptimal patient compliance to oncologic care. Hence, prioritizing quality of life and well-being are crucial aspects to be considered in tailoring the best treatment choice. The aim of our work is to present a short report on the topic of the patient’s preference in regard to treatment and its consequences on quality of life in the recurrent/metastatic setting. According to the literature, there’s an unmet need on how to assess patient attitude in respect to the choice of treatment. In view of the availability of different therapeutic strategies in first-line management of RM-HNSCC, increasing emphasis should be put on integrating patient preferences into the medical decision-making.

Determinants of Patient Refusal of Post-Operative Radiation Therapy in Sinonasal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Objectives Although adjuvant radiotherapy may be indicated in patients with sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SNSCC) following primary surgery, some patients choose to forgo recommended post-operative radiation (PORT). This study aimed to elucidate factors associated with patient refusal of recommended PORT in SNSCC and examine overall survival. Methods Retrospective analysis of patients with SNSCC treated with primary surgery from the National Cancer Database diagnosed between 2004 and 2016. A multivariable logistic regression model was created to determine the association between clinical or demographic covariates and likelihood of PORT refusal. Unadjusted Kaplan-Meier estimates, log-rank tests, and a multivariable Cox proportional hazard model were used to assess overall survival. Results 2231 patients were included in the final analysis, of which 1456 (65.3%) were male and 73 (3.3%) refused recommended PORT. Patients older than 74 years old were more likely to refuse PORT than those younger than 54 (OR 3.43, 95% CI: 1.84-6.62). Median survival among the entire cohort, those that received recommended PORT, and those that refused PORT was 83.0 months (95% CI: 74.6-97.1), 83.0 months (95% CI: 74.9-98.2), and 63.6 months (95% CI: 37.3-101.4). Refusal of PORT was not associated with overall survival (HR 0.99, 95% CI: 0.69-1.42). Conclusions PORT refusal in patients with SNSCC is rare and was found to be associated with several patient factors. The decision to forgo PORT is not independently associated with overall survival in this cohort. Further study is required to determine the clinical implications of these findings as the treatment decisions are complex.

Postoperative Radiation Therapy Refusal in Human Papillomavirus-Associated Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

Human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is a distinct clinical entity with good prognosis, unique demographics, and a trend toward treatment deintensification. Patients with this disease may opt out of recommended postoperative radiation therapy (PORT) for a variety of reasons. The aim of this paper was to examine factors that predict patient refusal of recommended PORT in HPV-associated OPSCC, and the association of refusal with overall survival.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective population-based cohort study of patients in the National Cancer Database.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients in the National Cancer Database diagnosed with OPSCC between January 2010 and December 2015. We primarily assessed overall survival and the odds of refusing PORT based on demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical factors. Analysis was conducted using multivariable logistic regression and multivariable Cox proportional hazards model.

RESULTS

A total of 4229 patients were included in the final analysis, with 156 (3.7%) patients opting out of recommended PORT. On multivariable analysis, patient refusal of PORT was independently associated with a variety of socioeconomic factors such as race, insurance status, comorbidity, treatment at a single facility, and margin status. Lastly, PORT refusal was associated with significantly lower overall survival compared to receipt of recommended PORT (hazard ratio 1.69, confidence interval 1.02-2.82).

CONCLUSIONS

Patient refusal of recommended PORT in HPV-associated OPSCC is rare and associated with variety of disease and socioeconomic factors. PORT refusal may decrease overall survival in this population. Our findings may help clinicians when counseling patients and identifying those who may be more likely to opt out of recommended adjuvant therapy.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3 Laryngoscope, 2021.

Machine learning models to predict length of stay and discharge destination in complex head and neck surgery

BACKGROUND

This study develops machine learning (ML) algorithms that use preoperative-only features to predict discharge-to-nonhome-facility (DNHF) and length-of-stay (LOS) following complex head and neck surgeries.

METHODS

Patients undergoing laryngectomy or composite tissue excision followed by free tissue transfer were extracted from the 2005 to 2017 NSQIP database.

RESULTS

Among the 2786 included patients, DNHF and mean LOS were 421 (15.1%) and 11.7 ± 8.8 days. Four classification models for predicting DNHF with high specificities (range, 0.80-0.84) were developed. The generalized linear and gradient boosting machine models performed best with receiver operating characteristic (ROC), accuracy, and negative predictive value (NPV) of 0.72-0.73, 0.75-0.76, and 0.88-0.89. Four regression models for predicting LOS in days were developed, where all performed similarly with mean absolute error and root mean-squared errors of 3.95-3.98 and 5.14-5.16. Both models were developed into an encrypted web-based interface: https://uci-ent.shinyapps.io/head-neck/.

CONCLUSION

Novel and proof-of-concept ML models to predict DNHF and LOS were developed and published as web-based interfaces.