Minimally important differences for interpreting European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 scores in patients with head and neck cancer

Estimating the minimally important difference for the EQ-5D-5L and EORTC QLQ-C30 in cancer

BACKGROUND

The minimal important difference (MID) is a useful tool to interpret changes in patients' health-related quality of life. This study aims to estimate MIDs for interpreting within-patient change for both components of the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire [EQ-Visual Analogue Scale (EQ-VAS) and utility index] and domains of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) for cancer patients.

METHODS

Data were obtained from the Cancer 2015 dataset, a longitudinal cohort of Australian cancer patients. Anchor-based approaches were used to estimate MIDs for the EQ-5D-5L index-based utility index [Australia and the United States (US) tariff sets], EQ-VAS scores, and the EORTC QLQ-C30. Clinical [Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status] and patient-reported (items 29 and 30 of the EORTC QLQ-C30 and the EQ-VAS) anchors were assessed for appropriateness by their correlation strength. Clinical change groups (CCGs) were defined a priori for improvement and deterioration based on estimates used in previous literature. MIDs were estimated via linear regression and distribution-based methods.

RESULTS

For the index-based utility scores in Australia, the anchor-defined MID estimates were 0.01 to 0.06 for improvement and - 0.04 to -0.03 for deterioration, with a weighted value of 0.03 for improvement and deterioration. The EQ-VAS MID estimate was 5 points for both improvement and deterioration. For the EORTC QLQ-C30, changes of at least 3.64 (improvement) and - 4.28 (deterioration) units on the physical functioning scale, 6.31 (improvement) and - 7.11 (deterioration) units on the role functioning scale, 4.65 (improvement) and - 3.41 (deterioration) units on the emotional functioning scale, and 5.41 (improvement) and - 5.56 (deterioration) units on the social functioning scale were estimated to be meaningful.

CONCLUSION

This study identified lower MIDs for the EQ-5D-5L utility index, EQ-VAS, and EORTC QLQ-C30 domain scores, than those reported previously. The use of a real-world cancer-specific panel dataset may reflect smaller MID estimates that are more applicable to cancer patients in the clinical practice, rather than using MIDs that have been estimated from clinical trials.

Chronic fatigue in long-term survivors of head and neck cancer treated with radiotherapy

BACKGROUND

There is lack of evidence on chronic fatigue (CF) following radiotherapy (RT) in survivors of head and neck cancer (HNC). We aimed to compare CF in HNC survivors > 5 years post-RT with a reference population and investigate factors associated with CF and the possible impact of CF on health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In this cross-sectional study we included HNC survivors treated in 2007-2013. Participants filled in patient-reported outcome measures and attended a one-day examination. CF was measured with the Fatigue Questionnaire and compared with a matched reference population using t-tests and Cohen's effect size. Associations between CF, clinical and RT-related factors were investigated using logistic regression. HRQoL was measured with the EORTC Quality of Life core questionnaire.

RESULTS

The median age of the 227 HNC survivors was 65 years and median time to follow-up was 8.5 years post-RT. CF was twice more prevalent in HNC survivors compared to a reference population. In multivariable analyses, female sex (OR 3.39, 95 % CI 1.82-6.31), comorbidity (OR 2.17, 95 % CI 1.20-3.94) and treatment with intensity-modulated RT (OR 2.13, 95 % CI 1.16-3.91) were associated with CF, while RT dose parameters were not. Survivors with CF compared to those without, had significantly worse HRQoL.

CONCLUSIONS

CF in HNC survivors is particularly important for female patients, while specific factors associated with RT appear not to play a role. The high CF prevalence in long-term HNC survivors associated with impaired HRQoL is important information beneficial for clinicians and patients to improve patient follow-up.

Adapted EXTREME regimen in the first-line treatment of fit, older patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (ELAN-FIT): a multicentre, single-arm, phase 2 trial

BACKGROUND

A standard treatment for fit, older patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is yet to be established. In the previous EXTREME trial, few older patients were included. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and tolerance of an adapted EXTREME regimen in fit, older patients with recurrent or metastatic HNSCC.

METHODS

This single-arm, phase 2 study was done at 22 centres in France. Eligible patients were aged 70 years or older and assessed as not frail (fit) using the ELAN Geriatric Evaluation (EGE) and had recurrent or metastatic HNSCC in the first-line setting that was not eligible for local therapy (surgery or radiotherapy), and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0-1. The adapted EXTREME regimen consisted of six cycles of fluorouracil 4000 mg/m2 on days 1-4, carboplatin with an area under the curve of 5 on day 1, and cetuximab on days 1, 8, and 15 (400 mg/m2 on cycle 1-day 1, and 250 mg/m2 subsequently), all intravenously, with cycles starting every 21 days. In patients with disease control after two to six cycles, cetuximab 500 mg/m2 was continued once every 2 weeks as maintenance therapy until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor was systematically administered and erythropoietin was recommended during chemotherapy. The study was based on the two-stage Bryant and Day design, combining efficacy and toxicity endpoints. The primary efficacy endpoint was objective response rate at week 12 after the start of treatment, assessed by central review (with an unacceptable rate of ≤15%). The primary toxicity endpoint was morbidity, defined as grade 4-5 adverse events, or cutaneous rash (grade ≥3) that required cetuximab to be discontinued, during the chemotherapy phase, or a decrease in functional autonomy (Activities of Daily Living score decrease ≥2 points from baseline) at 1 month after the end of chemotherapy (with an unacceptable morbidity rate of >40%). Analysis of the coprimary endpoints, and of safety in the chemotherapy phase, was based on the per-protocol population, defined as eligible patients who received at least one cycle of the adapted EXTREME regimen. Safety in the maintenance phase was assessed in all patients who received at least one dose of cetuximab as maintenance therapy. The study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01864772, and is completed.

FINDINGS

Between Sept 27, 2013, and June 20, 2018, 85 patients were enrolled, of whom 78 were in the per-protocol population. 66 (85%) patients were male and 12 (15%) were female, and the median age was 75 years (IQR 72-79). The median number of chemotherapy cycles received was five (IQR 3-6). Objective response at week 12 was observed in 31 patients (40% [95% CI 30-51]) and morbidity events were observed in 24 patients (31% [22-42]). No fatal adverse events occurred. Four patients presented with a decrease in functional autonomy 1 month after the end of chemotherapy versus baseline. During chemotherapy, the most common grade 3-4 adverse events were haematological events (leukopenia [22 patients; 28%], neutropenia [20; 26%], thrombocytopenia [15; 19%], and anaemia [12; 15%]), oral mucositis (14; 18%), fatigue (11; 14%), rash acneiform (ten; 13%), and hypomagnesaemia (nine; 12%). Among 44 patients who received cetuximab during the maintenance phase, the most common grade 3-4 adverse events were hypomagnesaemia (six patients; 14%) and acneiform rash (six; 14%).

INTERPRETATION

The study met its primary objectives on objective response and morbidity, and showed overall survival to be as good as in younger patients treated with standard regimens, indicating that the adapted EXTREME regimen could be used in older patients with recurrent or metastatic HNSCC who are deemed fit with use of a geriatric evaluation tool adapted to patients with head and neck cancer, such as the EGE.

FUNDING

French programme PAIR-VADS 2011 (sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, the Fondation ARC, and the Ligue Contre le Cancer), Sandoz, GEFLUC, and GEMLUC.

TRANSLATION

For the French translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

Long-term health-related quality of life in head and neck cancer survivors: A large multinational study

Head and neck cancer (HNC) patients suffer from a range of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) issues, but little is known about their long-term HRQoL. This study explored associations between treatment group and HRQoL at least 5 years' post-diagnosis in HNC survivors. In an international cross-sectional study, HNC survivors completed the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) quality of life core questionnaire (EORTC-QLQ-C30) and its HNC module (EORTC-QLQ-H&N35). Meaningful HRQoL differences were examined between five treatment groups: (a) surgery, (b) radiotherapy, (c) chemo-radiotherapy, (d) radiotherapy ± chemotherapy and neck dissection and (e) any other surgery (meaning any tumour surgery that is not a neck dissection) and radiotherapy ± chemotherapy. Twenty-six sites in 11 countries enrolled 1105 survivors. They had a median time since diagnosis of 8 years, a mean age of 66 years and 71% were male. After adjusting for age, sex, tumour site and UICC stage, there was evidence for meaningful differences (10 points or more) in HRQoL between treatment groups in seven domains (Fatigue, Mouth Pain, Swallowing, Senses, Opening Mouth, Dry Mouth and Sticky Saliva). Survivors who had single-modality treatment had better or equal HRQoL in every domain compared to survivors with multimodal treatment, with the largest differences for Dry Mouth and Sticky Saliva. For Global Quality of Life, Physical and Social Functioning, Constipation, Dyspnoea and Financial Difficulties, at least some treatment groups had better outcomes compared to a general population. Our data suggest that multimodal treatment is associated with worse HRQoL in the long-term compared to single modality.

Variability in Minimal Clinically Important Difference Calculation and Reporting in the Otolaryngology Literature

OBJECTIVE

Best practices for calculation of the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of outcome measures include the use of complementary methodologies (broadly classified as anchor-based and distribution-based) and reporting of the MCID's predictive ability. We sought to determine MCID calculation and reporting patterns within the otolaryngology literature.

METHODS

A systematic search strategy of Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science databases was developed and implemented to identify studies reporting the determination of an MCID for an outcome measure. Studies specifically within the otolaryngology literature (defined as journals classified as "otorhinolaryngology" in the Journal Citation Reports database) were included. All those journals were additionally searched for relevant articles.

RESULTS

There were 35 articles that met the inclusion criteria. Of these studies, 88.6% reported MCID of a patient-reported outcome measure and the remainder were for objective outcome measurements. Anchor-based methods were used by 82.9% of studies and distribution-based methods were used by 68.6% of studies. Of all studies, 31.4% utilized anchor-based methods alone, 17.1% utilized distribution-based methods alone, and 51.4% used both methods. Only 25.7% of studies reported the sensitivity (median: 60.8%, range: 40.5%-86.7%) and specificity (median: 80.4%, range: 63.5%-88.0%) of the MCID to detect patients experiencing clinically important change.

CONCLUSION

Deviation from best practices in MCID calculation and reporting exists within the otolaryngology literature, with almost half of all studies only using one method of MCID calculation and almost three-quarters not reporting the predictive ability (sensitivity/specificity) of the calculated MCID. When predictive ability is reported, however, MCIDs appear to be more specific than sensitive.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

NA Laryngoscope, 134:2059-2069, 2024.

Radiation-induced long-term dysphagia in survivors of head and neck cancer and association with dose-volume parameters

BACKGROUND

Although dysphagia is a common side effect after radiotherapy (RT) of head and neck cancer (HNC), data on long-term dysphagia is scarce. We aimed to 1) compare radiation dose parameters in HNC survivors with and without dysphagia, 2) investigate factors associated with long-term dysphagia and its possible impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and 3) investigate how our data agree with existing NTCP models.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study conducted in 2018-2020, included HNC survivors treated in 2007-2013. Participants attended a one-day examination in hospital and filled in patient questionnaires. Dysphagia was measured with the EORTC QLQ-H&N35 swallowing scale. Toxicity was scored with CTCAE v.4. We contoured swallowing organs at risk (SWOAR) on RT plans, calculated dose-volume histograms (DVHs), performed logistic regression analyses and tested our data in established NTCP models.

RESULTS

Of the 239 participants, 75 (31%) reported dysphagia. Compared to survivors without dysphagia, this group had reduced HRQoL and the DVHs for infrahyoid SWOAR were significantly shifted to the right. Long-term dysphagia was associated with age (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.03-1.10), female sex (OR 2.75, 95% CI 1.45-5.21), and mean dose to middle pharyngeal constrictor muscle (MD-MPCM) (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.03-1.09). NTCP models overall underestimated the risk of long-term dysphagia.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term dysphagia was associated with higher age, being female, and high MD-MPCM. Doses to distally located SWOAR seemed to be risk factors. Existing NTCP models do not sufficiently predict long-term dysphagia. Further efforts are needed to reduce the prevalence and consequences of this late effect.

[Patient-reported outcomes in head and neck cancer treatment: relevance, challenges, and benefit]

Next to overall survival, quality of life is becoming more and more pivotal for cancer patients. The various domains of quality of life are complex and have different value to each patient. However, not only patients but also health care professionals, the pharmaceutical industry, and regulatory bodies ask: How can quality of life be reliably ascertained in clinical trials? For this purpose, carefully developed and validated specific questionnaires are needed: the patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). A key challenge is to define how results based on PROMs can be used for shared decision-making. Next to clinical factors such as health and nutritional status, quality of life acts as a prognostic factor for overall survival in cancer. Thus, it is crucial to take quality of life into account in daily clinical practice.

The course of health-related quality of life in the first 2 years after a diagnosis of head and neck cancer: the role of personal, clinical, psychological, physical, social, lifestyle, disease-related, and biological factors

PURPOSE

The aim of this prospective cohort study was to estimate the relationship between the course of HRQOL in the first 2 years after diagnosis and treatment of head and neck cancer (HNC) and personal, clinical, psychological, physical, social, lifestyle, HNC-related, and biological factors.

METHODS

Data were used from 638 HNC patients of the NETherlands QUality of life and BIomedical Cohort study (NET-QUBIC). Linear mixed models were used to investigate factors associated with the course of HRQOL (EORTC QLQ-C30 global quality of life (QL) and summary score (SumSc)) from baseline to 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after treatment.

RESULTS

Baseline depressive symptoms, social contacts, and oral pain were significantly associated with the course of QL from baseline to 24 months. Tumor subsite and baseline social eating, stress (hyperarousal), coughing, feeling ill, and IL-10 were associated with the course of SumSc. Post-treatment social contacts and stress (avoidance) were significantly associated with the course of QL from 6 to 24 months, and social contacts and weight loss with the course of SumSc. The course of SumSc from 6 to 24 months was also significantly associated with a change in financial problems, speech problems, weight loss, and shoulder problems between baseline and 6 months.

CONCLUSION

Baseline clinical, psychological, social, lifestyle, HNC-related, and biological factors are associated with the course of HRQOL from baseline to 24 months after treatment. Post-treatment social, lifestyle, and HNC-related factors are associated with the course of HRQOL from 6 to 24 months after treatment.

Minimally important differences for interpreting EORTC QLQ-C30 change scores over time: A synthesis across 21 clinical trials involving nine different cancer types

INTRODUCTION

Early guidelines for minimally important differences (MIDs) for the EORTC QLQ-C30 proposed ≥10 points change as clinically meaningful for all scales. Increasing evidence that MIDs can vary by scale, direction of change, cancer type and estimation method has raised doubt about a single global standard. This paper identifies MID patterns for interpreting group-level change in EORTC QLQ-C30 scores across nine cancer types.

METHODS

Data were obtained from 21 published EORTC Phase III trials that enroled 13,015 patients across nine cancer types (brain, colorectal, advanced breast, head/neck, lung, mesothelioma, melanoma, ovarian, and prostate). Anchor-based MIDs for within-group change and between-group differences in change over time were obtained via mean change method and linear regression, respectively. Separate MIDs were estimated for improvements and deteriorations. Distribution-based estimates were derived and compared with anchor-based MIDs.

RESULTS

Anchor-based MIDs mostly ranged from 5 to 10 points. Differences in MIDs for improvement vs deterioration, for both within-group and between-group, were mostly within a 2-points range. Larger differences between within-group and between-group MIDs were observed for several scales in ovarian, lung and head/neck cancer. Most anchor-based MIDs ranged between 0.3 SD and 0.5 SD distribution-based estimates.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results reinforce recent claims that no single MID can be applied to all EORTC QLQ-C30 scales and disease settings. MIDs varied by scale, improvement/deterioration, within/between comparisons and by cancer type. Researchers applying commonly used rules of thumb must be aware of the risk of dismissing changes that are clinically meaningful or underpowering analyses when smaller MIDs apply.

Protocol of the optimal study: Optimization of polypharmacy in geriatric oncology - A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Polypharmacy is very common in older cancer patients and these patients are particularly vulnerable to drug-drug interactions and adverse drug reactions because they often receive chemotherapy and symptom-relieving agents.

METHODS

The primary aim of the randomized, controlled Optimization of Polypharmacy in Geriatric Oncology (OPTIMAL) trial is to test whether an advisory letter with the results of a comprehensive medication review conducted with the Fit fOR The Aged (FORTA) list to the caring physician in rehabilitation clinics improves the quality of life (QoL) of older cancer patients exposed to polypharmacy more than usual care. The FORTA list detects medication overuse, underuse, and potentially inappropriate drug use among older adults. In the oncology departments of approximately 10 German rehabilitation clinics, we aim to recruit 514 cancer patients (22 common cancers; diagnosis or recurrence requiring treatment in the last 5 years; all stages) who are ≥ 65 years old, regularly take ≥ 5 drugs, and have ≥ 1 medication-related problem. All necessary information about the patients will be provided to a pharmacist at the coordinating center (German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg), who will perform randomization (1:1) and conduct the medication review with the FORTA list. For the intervention group only, the results are sent by letter to the treating physician in the rehabilitation clinics, who shall discuss medication changes with the patient at the discharge visit, as well as implement them afterwards and disclose them in the discharge letter to the general practitioner. The control group gets the usual care provided in German rehabilitation clinics, which usually does not include a comprehensive medication review but can include medication changes. Patients will be blinded, as they cannot know whether proposed medication changes were part of the study or part of usual care. Study physicians cannot be blinded. The primary endpoint will be the EORTC-QLQ-C30 global health status/QoL score, assessed via self-administered questionnaires 8 months after baseline.

DISCUSSION

If the planned study shows that a medication review with the FORTA list improves the QoL of older cancer patients in oncological rehabilitation more than usual care, it would provide the necessary evidence to translate the trial's findings into routine care.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS): DRKS00031024.

Methodological and reporting standards for quality-of-life data eligible for European Society for Medical Oncology-Magnitude of Clinical Benefit Scale (ESMO-MCBS) credit

BACKGROUND

The European Society for Medical Oncology-Magnitude of Clinical Benefit Scale (ESMO-MCBS) has been developed to grade clinical benefit of cancer therapies. Improvement in quality of life (QoL) is considered relevant, especially in the non-curative setting. This is reflected by an upgrade of the preliminary ESMO-MCBS score if QoL is improved compared to the control arm or a downgrade if an improvement in progression-free survival is not paralleled by an improvement in QoL or overall survival. Given the importance of QoL for the final score, a need to ensure the robustness of QoL data was recognised.

DESIGN

A checklist was created based on existing guidelines for QoL research. Field testing was carried out using clinical trials that either received an adjustment of the preliminary ESMO-MCBS score based on QoL or had QoL as the primary endpoint. Several rounds of revision and re-testing of the checklist were undertaken until a final consensus was reached.

RESULTS

The final checklist consists of four items and can be applied if three prerequisites are met: (i) QoL is at least a secondary endpoint, (ii) evidence of reliability and validity of the instrument is provided, and (iii) a statistically and clinically significant improvement in QoL is observed. The four items on the checklist pertain to the (i) hypothesis, (ii) compliance and missing data, (iii) presentation of the results, and (iv) statistical and clinical relevance. Field testing revealed that a clear QoL hypothesis and correction for multiple testing were mostly lacking, while the main statistical method was always described.

CONCLUSIONS

Implementation of the ESMO-MCBS QoL checklist will facilitate objective and transparent decision making on QoL data within the ESMO-MCBS scoring process. Trials published until 1 January 2025 will have to meet the prerequisites and at least two items for crediting QoL benefit in the final ESMO-MCBS score. Trials published thereafter will have to meet all four items.

Caregivers of Neuromuscular Patients Living with Tracheostomy during COVID-19 Pandemic: Their Experience

Background: During a pandemic, tracheostomy management in neuromuscular disease (NMD) patients can be complex. Methods: Using a multicentre, multiple case study approach, we sought perspectives through semi-structured interviews via hybrid quali-quantitative analysis. The qualitative analysis involved a semi-structured interview and the quantitative analysis the completion of a battery of questionnaires. Aim: To investigate the caregivers’ experiences, burden and beliefs regarding tracheostomy during the Italian COVID-19 pandemic. The following instruments were administered: Connor and Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-25); Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II (AAQ-II); State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI); Langer Mindfulness Scale (LMS); Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI). Results: Fifty-three caregivers (62.3% female, mean age 52.2 (SD = 18.2)) participated in the study. The more resilient the carers, the more they were psychologically flexible (r = 0.380, p = 0.014) and able to cope adaptively with the emergency (r = 0.378, p < 0.006). Similarly, perceived control was higher the more resilient they were (r = 0.897, p < 0.001). The main emotions emerging were isolation and loneliness (15; 34.88%). The perception of tracheostomy meant that it could be seen as a lifesaver or as a condemnation. Similarly, the relationship with health professionals moves from satisfaction to a feeling of abandonment over the course of the pandemic. Conclusions: These findings offer a unique opportunity to understand the point of view of caregivers of NMD patients living with tracheotomy during the COVID-19 pandemic, when going to the hospital may have been hampered.

Self-efficacy and coping style in relation to psychological distress and quality of life in informal caregivers of patients with head and neck cancer: a longitudinal study

OBJECTIVE

In order to understand how informal caregivers of head and neck cancer (HNC) patients deal with the consequences of the disease, we investigated their self-efficacy and coping style in relation to symptoms of anxiety and depression (distress) and quality of life (QoL) over time. In addition, factors associated with self-efficacy and coping style were investigated.

METHODS

A total of 222 informal caregivers and their related HNC patients were prospectively followed as part from the multicenter cohort NETherlands QUality of life and Biomedical cohort studies In Cancer (NET-QUBIC). Self-efficacy and coping style were measured at baseline, and distress and QoL at baseline and 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after treatment.

RESULTS

Informal caregivers had a high level of self-efficacy comparable with patients. Caregivers used "seeking social support," "passive reacting," and "expression of emotions" more often than patients. Factors associated with self-efficacy and coping were higher age and lower education. Higher self-efficacy was related with better QoL and "active tackling" was associated with less depression symptoms. "Passive reacting" and "expression of emotions" were associated with higher psychological distress and reduced QoL.

CONCLUSION

Among informal caregivers of HNC patients, higher self-efficacy and "active tackling" were associated with better functioning over time, while "passive reacting" and "expression of negative emotions" were associated with worse functioning. Awareness of the differences in self-efficacy skills and coping and their relationship with QoL and psychological distress will help clinicians to identify caregivers that may benefit from additional support that improve self-efficacy and "active tackling" and reduce negative coping styles.

High weekly integral dose and larger fraction size increase risk of fatigue and worsening of functional outcomes following radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer

Introduction

We hypothesized that increasing the pelvic integral dose (ID) and a higher dose per fraction correlate with worsening fatigue and functional outcomes in localized prostate cancer (PCa) patients treated with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT).

Methods

The study design was a retrospective analysis of two prospective observational cohorts, REQUITE (development, n=543) and DUE-01 (validation, n=228). Data were available for comorbidities, medication, androgen deprivation therapy, previous surgeries, smoking, age, and body mass index. The ID was calculated as the product of the mean body dose and body volume. The weekly ID accounted for differences in fractionation. The worsening (end of radiotherapy versus baseline) of European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ)-C30 scores in physical/role/social functioning and fatigue symptom scales were evaluated, and two outcome measures were defined as worsening in ≥2 (WS2) or ≥3 (WS3) scales, respectively. The weekly ID and clinical risk factors were tested in multivariable logistic regression analysis.

Results

In REQUITE, WS2 was seen in 28% and WS3 in 16% of patients. The median weekly ID was 13.1 L·Gy/week [interquartile (IQ) range 10.2-19.3]. The weekly ID, diabetes, the use of intensity-modulated radiotherapy, and the dose per fraction were significantly associated with WS2 [AUC (area under the receiver operating characteristics curve) =0.59; 95% CI 0.55-0.63] and WS3 (AUC=0.60; 95% CI 0.55-0.64). The prevalence of WS2 (15.3%) and WS3 (6.1%) was lower in DUE-01, but the median weekly ID was higher (15.8 L·Gy/week; IQ range 13.2-19.3). The model for WS2 was validated with reduced discrimination (AUC=0.52 95% CI 0.47-0.61), The AUC for WS3 was 0.58.

Conclusion

Increasing the weekly ID and the dose per fraction lead to the worsening of fatigue and functional outcomes in patients with localized PCa treated with EBRT.

Health-related quality of life following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy versus perioperative chemotherapy and esophagectomy for esophageal cancer: a European multicenter study

Curative treatment for locally advanced esophageal cancer consists of (neo)adjuvant treatment followed by esophagectomy. Both neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and perioperative chemotherapy improve the 5-year overall survival rate compared with surgery alone. However, it is unknown whether these treatment strategies are associated with differences in long-term health-related quality of life (HRQL). The aim of this study is to compare long-term HRQL in patients after esophagectomy treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy or perioperative chemotherapy. Disease-free cancer patients having undergone esophagectomy and (neo)adjuvant treatment in one of the participating lasting symptoms after esophageal resection (LASER) study centers between 2010 and 2016, were identified from the LASER study dataset. Included patients completed the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire C30 (EORTC QLQ-C30), EORTC QLQ-OG25, and LASER questionnaires at least 1 year after the completion of treatment. Long-term HRQL was compared between patients treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy or perioperative chemotherapy, using univariable and multivariable regression and presented as differences in mean score. Among the 565 included patients, 349 (61.8%) received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, and 216 (38.2%) perioperative chemotherapy. Patients treated with perioperative chemotherapy reported more symptomatology for diarrhea (difference in means 5.93), reflux (difference in means 7.40), and odynophagia (difference in means 4.66). The differences did not exceed the 10 points to be of clinical relevance. No significant differences for the LASER key symptoms were observed. The observed differences in long-term HRQL are in favor of patients treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy compared with patients treated with perioperative chemotherapy; however, the differences were small. Patients need to be informed about long-term HRQL when considering allocation of (neo)adjuvant treatment.

Baseline MD Anderson Symptom Inventory Score is Strongly Associated With Patient-reported Acute and Late Toxicity Following (Chemo) Radiotherapy for Head and Neck Cancers

AIMS

Patient-reported outcomes measures (PROMs) are an increasingly recognised end point of radiotherapy studies. We hypothesised that the baseline PROMs score is the strongest predictor for acute and late scores after treatment. We assessed the strength of association of baseline MD Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI) scores, alongside other known factors for patient- or clinician-reported toxicity, with acute (6-week) and late (12-month) scores in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients following (chemo)radiotherapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective analysis of longitudinal MDASI scores for 247 patients receiving (chemo)radiotherapy for HNC via multivariable linear regression. The factors investigated were: baseline symptom score, age, sex, concurrent chemotherapy, disease stage, radiotherapy fractionation, prior definitive surgery and performance status. Patients with a baseline score >4 in any item were defined as symptomatic in that category.

RESULTS

Patients rated symptomatic for an MDASI item pre-treatment on average reported statistically (P < 0.0005) and clinically (>-1.5) significant reductions in scores 6 weeks and 12 months after (chemo)radiotherapy for all considered sub-items except taste, dryness of mouth and problems with teeth. Conversely patients asymptomatic at baseline reported a worsening of scores at both time points. Other investigated factors showed little association with changes in MDASI scores following treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data show that baseline MDASI scores are strongly associated with patient-reported toxicity 6 weeks and 12 months after (chemo)radiotherapy for HNC. Patients who are symptomatic at baseline can experience an early and durable benefit from treatment. This finding can inform discussions with patients before therapy and has implications for use of PROMs scores for the assessment of toxicity in randomised trials.

Learnings From Longitudinal Patient-Reported and Clinical Outcomes in Palliative Head and Neck Cancer Care

OBJECTIVE

Patients with palliative head and neck cancer experience many symptoms in a short period of time. Longitudinal data on patient-reported outcomes in this phase are lacking. The aim of this study is to use structurally obtained patient-reported outcome data combined with clinical patient data and obtain insight in patient-reported outcomes, survival, circumstances of death, and interventions and treatment during the palliative phase in order to improve the quality of end-of-life care and patient-centered counseling.

STUDY DESIGN

Longitudinal observational cohort study.

SETTING

Tertiary cancer center.

METHOD

Quality of life was prospectively collected using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C15-PAL. Tumor- and patient-specific data were retrospectively collected. Descriptive statistics, linear mixed models, and regression analyses were performed.

RESULTS

A significant deterioration was found in global health status, physical functioning, fatigue, dyspnea, appetite loss, and constipation over time. However, emotional functioning improved. Median survival was 5.1 months, and only a low percentage of in-hospital death was observed (7.8%). Higher global health status at intake was associated with prolonged survival.

CONCLUSION

Structural measurement of patient-reported outcome together with clinical outcomes provides unique insight, which enables improvement of patient-centered counseling and care.

Inferring meaningful change in quality of life with posterior predictive distribution: an alternative to standard error of measurement

OBJECTIVE

In the absence of population-based information, distribution-based meaningful change metrics have been previously found to perform similarly. Yet, it is unknown how a Bayesian approach derived from Posterior Predictive Distribution (PPD) of anticipated changes would compare against existing metrics.

METHODS

PPD defines meaningful change as change scores that exceed the amount expected from the posterior predictive distribution given a previous score. The PPD adjusts for common statistical phenomena that arise in a pre-test-post-test setting, such as regression to the mean and post-test drift. The PPD was compared to Reliable Change Index (RCI) and Gulliksen-Lord-Novick (GLN) methods using published real-world data and simulated hypothetical data, respectively.

RESULTS

Real-world data showed that the methods made similar classifications when the measurement reliability was above 0.80. When reliability was low at 0.50 and thus more susceptible to regression to the mean effects, PPD and GLN were able to correct for it but not the RCI. However, PPD was more conservative and sensitive to biased priors. The simulation study showed that the three methods performed similarly overall, but PPD was slightly better in detecting prevalent changes, e.g., at time 2 (against RCI at p < 0.0001; against GLN at p < 0.0001) and time 3 (p = 0.024, p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

When measurement reliability is high, as is frequent in HRQOL development efforts, the three methods performed similarly. At a cost of more conservative cutoffs and complex calculations, the Bayesian PPD nevertheless confers practical advantages when reliability is low. It may be worthy of further research and applications.

The efficacy of Kinesio taping on lymphedema following head and neck cancer therapy: a randomized, double blind, sham-controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to investigate the effectiveness of Kinesio taping for lymphedema following head and neck cancer therapy and its effect on patient compliance and quality of life.

METHODS

A total of 66 patients with lymphedema following head and neck cancer therapy were randomly allocated to the therapeutic Kinesio taping group (n = 33) and the sham Kinesio taping group (n = 33). All participants received manual lymphatic drainage, Kinesio taping, and home exercises for the first four weeks, and only home exercises for the second four weeks. The tape measurements, a scale of external lymphedema, a scale of the internal lymphedema, and quality of life were evaluated in both groups. The perceived discomfort consisting of limitation of daily living activities, pain, tightness, stiffness, and heaviness were also recorded.

RESULTS

When the group x time effect was evaluated, it was observed that external lymphedema was significantly reduced in both groups according to neck and face composite measurements (p < .001). However, in these measurements, a significant difference was found between the groups in favor of the KT group (p = .001, p = .032, respectively). At the end of the study, there was no significant difference in terms of internal lymphedema in both groups (p = .860). The quality of life parameters such as global health status and swallowing were significantly better in the Kinesio taping group (p < .001). There was no significant difference in the parameters of perceived discomfort between the two groups (p = .282, p = .225, p = .090, p = .155, p = .183, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Kinesio taping is effective in tape measurements and positively affects the quality of life in lymphedema following head and neck cancer therapy.

Clinically significant changes in health-related quality of life in head and neck cancer patients following intensive nutritional care during radiotherapy

PURPOSE

This study aimed to explore whether adherence to intensive nutritional care during radiotherapy would avoid a meaningful worsening in quality of life in head and neck cancer patients; and whether adherence was associated with better nutritional outcomes.

METHODS

Observational prospective study that assessed head and neck cancer patients treated with radiotherapy at a large oncology hospital, between August 2018 and April 2019. The main outcome was minimal clinically important difference in quality of life, assessed with EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ H&N35, between baseline and 12 weeks. To illustrate clinically significant changes in quality of life over timeby adherence, a heat map analysis was performed. We also evaluated nutritional outcomes.

RESULTS

Eighty patients were included, half of them (53.8%) were considered adherent. There were no significant difference in quality of life between groups at baseline, with the exception of swallowing (p = 0.029) and coughing (p < 0.01). After treatment, the heat map demonstrated that adherent patients had nonsignificant clinical change in function scales, while non-adherent patients had a clinically significant worsening in physical, cognitive and social function. The prevalence of malnutrition increased significantly only in non-adherent patients (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Adherence to intensive nutritional care may be able to avoid a meaningful worsening in quality of life and result in better nutritional outcomes in head and neck cancer patients. Our results may help to increase the awareness of the assessment of adherence and minimal clinically important difference in quality of life for research purposes and clinical practice.

Association of Deficits Identified by Geriatric Assessment With Deterioration of Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients Treated for Head and Neck Cancer

Importance

Accumulation of geriatric deficits, leading to an increased frailty state, makes patients susceptible for decline in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) after treatment for head and neck cancer (HNC).

Objective

To assess the association of single and accumulated geriatric deficits with HRQOL decline in patients after treatment for HNC.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Between October 2014 and May 2016, patients at a tertiary referral center were included in the Oncological Life Study (OncoLifeS), a prospective data biobank, and followed up for 2 years. A consecutive series of 369 patients with HNC underwent geriatric assessment at baseline; a cohort of 283 patients remained eligible for analysis, and after 2 years, 189 patients remained in the study. Analysis was performed between March and November 2020.

Interventions or Exposures

Geriatric assessment included scoring of the Adult Comorbidity Evaluation 27, polypharmacy, Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool, Activities of Daily Living, Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), Timed Up & Go, Mini-Mental State Examination, 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale, marital status, and living situation.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome measure was the Global Health Status/Quality of Life (GHS/QOL) scale of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30. Differences between patients were evaluated using linear mixed models at 3 months after treatment (main effects, β [95% CI]) and declining course per year during follow-up (interaction × time, β [95% CI]), adjusted for baseline GHS/QOL scores, and age, sex, stage, and treatment modality.

Results

Among the 283 patients eligible for analysis, the mean (SD) age was 68.3 (10.9) years, and 193 (68.2%) were male. Severe comorbidity (β = -7.00 [-12.43 to 1.56]), risk of malnutrition (β = -6.18 [-11.55 to -0.81]), and IADL restrictions (β = -10.48 [-16.39 to -4.57]) were associated with increased GHS/QOL decline at 3 months after treatment. Severe comorbidity (β = -4.90 [-9.70 to -0.10]), IADL restrictions (β = -5.36 [-10.50 to -0.22]), restricted mobility (β = -6.78 [-12.81 to -0.75]), signs of depression (β = -7.08 [-13.10 to -1.06]), and living with assistance or in a nursing home (β = -8.74 [-15.75 to -1.73]) were associated with further GHS/QOL decline during follow-up. Accumulation of domains with geriatric deficits was a major significant factor for GHS/QOL decline at 3 months after treatment (per deficient domain β = -3.17 [-5.04 to -1.30]) and deterioration during follow-up (per domain per year β = -2.74 [-4.28 to -1.20]).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this prospective cohort study, geriatric deficits were significantly associated with HRQOL decline after treatment for HNC. Therefore, geriatric assessment may aid decision-making, indicate interventions, and reduce loss of HRQOL.

Trial Registration

trialregister.nl Identifier: NL7839.

Minimally important differences for the EORTC QLQ-C30 in prostate cancer clinical trials

Background

The aim of the study was to estimate the minimally important difference (MID) for interpreting group-level change over time, both within a group and between groups, for the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) scores in patients with prostate cancer.

Methods

We used data from two published EORTC trials. Clinical anchors were selected by strength of correlations with QLQ-C30 scales. In addition, clinicians’ input was obtained with regard to plausibility of the selected anchors. The mean change method was applied for interpreting change over time within a group of patients and linear regression models were fitted to estimate MIDs for between-group differences in change over time. Distribution-based estimates were also evaluated.

Results

Two clinical anchors were eligible for MID estimation; performance status and the CTCAE diarrhoea domain. MIDs were developed for 7 scales (physical functioning, role functioning, social functioning, pain, fatigue, global quality of life, diarrhoea) and varied by scale and direction (improvement vs deterioration). Within-group MIDs ranged from 4 to 14 points for improvement and − 13 to − 5 points for deterioration and MIDs for between-group differences in change scores ranged from 3 to 13 for improvement and − 10 to − 5 for deterioration.

Conclusions

Our findings aid the meaningful interpretation of changes on a set of EORTC QLQ-C30 scale scores over time, both within and between groups, and for performing more accurate sample size calculations for clinical trials in prostate cancer.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-021-08609-7.

Association of patient-reported outcomes and ovarian cancer recurrence

BACKGROUND

The vast majority of patients with advanced ovarian cancer experience disease recurrence after primary treatment.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the diagnostic accuracy of repeated measurement of patient-reported outcomes and quality-of-life scores in relation to ovarian cancer recurrence.

METHODS

Patients with ovarian cancer were recruited to the PROMova study by the end of their primary treatment at eight centers in Denmark. The purpose of the PROMova study was to explore the applicability of repeated use of patient-reported outcomes, which consisted of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer generic questionnaire and the ovarian specific questionnaire. The patient-reported outcomes were completed 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 months after enrollment or until recurrence. The 3-month interval between completions was the period in which recurrence was assessed. Imaging and the biomarker CA125 were used as reference modality for recurrence. Mixed effects logistic regression was used to investigate the association between mean patient-reported outcome scores and recurrence. Receiver operating curves were used to establish cut-off scores. The diagnostic accuracy of patient-reported outcomes, including sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values was estimated based on the Youden index. For combined scales, diagnostic accuracy was investigated based on multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

The analysis included 196 patients with an overall recurrence rate of 50.5% and an overall mean time to recurrence of 302 days. With imaging as reference, patients with recurrence reported significantly lower global health, worse physical functioning, and more abdominal symptoms preceding recurrence. With CA125 as reference, global health, physical and emotional functioning were impaired. Despite the worsening of a number of symptoms prior to recurrence whichever reference modality was applied, the patient-reported outcome scores did not provide adequate diagnostic accuracy.

CONCLUSION

Repeated use of patient-reported outcomes during surveillance of ovarian cancer was not of diagnostic value. Future efforts should be directed at improving the administration of patient-reported outcomes as well as exploring the potential of using these outcomes as an indicator of clinical relevance.

Patient-reported quality of life and symptom burden measures in human papillomavirus associated oropharyngeal cancer - A review of the literature and PRO methodology

The emergence of human papillomavirus-associated oropharyngeal cancer (HPVOPC) has resulted in an explosion of clinical research offering reduced toxicity and improved health-related quality of life (HRQL) through treatment de-escalation. At the heart of this objective are patient-reported outcomes (PROs) which aim to quantify the patient experience, usually through the measurement of HRQL or symptom burden. A number of PRO measures (PROMs) are available to HNC researchers and selection of the optimal instrument relies on a detailed understanding of their content and psychometric properties matched to the clinical endpoint of interest. As PROMs become increasingly favoured as the primary or co-primary endpoints of interest in HNC clinical trials, particularly those focussed on HPVOPC, future treatment paradigms will be determined by these measures and it is imperative that they are applied with sophistication and rigor. This review draws attention to the limitations and challenges our specialty faces in PRO application, analysis and reporting. These shortfalls typically include a reliance on statistical rather than clinically relevant differences, multiple hypothesis testing, a lack of evidence-based minimal clinically important differences for the commonly used tools, as well as variations in PROM selection. The aim of this review is to provide: (1) an overview of PRO/PROM terminology and methodology in the HNC setting; (2) to provide a summary of HRQL and symptom burden reports in the HPVOPC literature; and (3) to draw attention to the unmet research need of refining PROM development, application and interpretation to guide our treatment decisions based on what matters to patients.

Effectiveness of physical activity interventions in improving objective and patient-reported outcomes in head and neck cancer survivors: A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effectiveness of physical activity interventions in improving objective and patient-reported outcomes in HNC survivors.

INTRODUCTION

Multiple guidelines recommend that head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors participate in regular physical activity. Physical activity is associated with improved outcomes and mortality in healthy individuals as well as in certain cancer populations. However, the effectiveness of physical activity interventions in HNC survivors is inadequately understood.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Our literature search through December 2018 identified 2,392 articles. After de-duplication, title and abstract review, full-text review and bibliographic search, 20 studies met all inclusion criteria. Inclusion criteria included any full-body physical activity intervention in HNC survivors that did not target discrete organ sites or functions (e.g. swallowing). Study cohorts included 749 predominantly male participants with a mean age range of 48-63 years. At their conclusion, physical activity interventions were associated with at least one significant improvement in an objective or patient-reported outcome in 75% of studies. Aerobic capacity and fatigue were the most commonly improved outcomes. None of the included studies evaluated associations with survival or recurrence. Although traditional aerobic and resistance interventions were more common, a greater proportion of alternative physical activity (yoga and Tai Chi) interventions demonstrated improved objective and patient-reported outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Physical activity interventions in HNC survivors often conferred some improvement in objective and patient-reported outcomes. Additional highly-powered, randomized controlled studies are needed to establish the optimal type, intensity, and timing of physical activity interventions as well as their impact on oncologic outcomes.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the quality of life of head and neck cancer survivors

BACKGROUND

Head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors are particularly vulnerable to the deleterious consequences of lockdown and social distancing. The psychosocial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on this group are still unknown, and we want to explore how their quality of life (QoL) has changed in this unique situation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An online survey, composed of pandemic-specific items, plus the EORTC QLQ-C30, was administered to a cohort of HNC survivors. Using previously published reference values as a control group, we have evaluated the impact of the pandemic on their QoL. We have also explored the differences between those who had received a total laryngectomy (LP, laryngectomized population) vs other HNC patients, in order to assess the role of tracheostomy in this regard.

RESULTS

One hundred and twenty-one HNC patients completed the survey. The scores of the physical (80.5 vs 85, p = 0.028), role (78 vs 84, p = 0.030), and emotional functioning (76 vs 81, p = 0.041) were significantly different in the two groups, with worse functioning in our patients. Comparing LP with the other HNC patients, social (76.6 vs 88.9, p = 0.008) and physical functioning (75.5 vs 86.1, p = 0.006) were significantly worse in the former group. LP also reported a greater perception that others are afraid to be close to them (1.67 vs 1.32, p = 0.020). No differences were found between LP with and without voice prosthesis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show how HNC patients are at high risk for a worsening in QoL because of the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic.

Minimally important differences for interpreting European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of life Questionnaire core 30 scores in patients with ovarian cancer

INTRODUCTION

Minimal important differences (MIDs) are useful for interpreting changes or differences in health-related quality of life scores in terms of clinical importance. There are currently no MID guidelines for the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) specific to ovarian cancer. This study aims to estimate MIDs for interpreting group-level change of EORTC QLQ-C30 scores in ovarian cancer.

METHODS

Data were derived from four EORTC published trials. Clinical anchors for each EORTC QLQ-C30 scale were selected using correlation strength and clinical plausibility. MIDs for within-group change and between-group differences in change over time were estimated via mean change method and linear regression respectively. For each EORTC QLQ-C30 scale, MID estimates from multiple anchors were summarized via weighted-correlation. Distribution-based MIDs were also examined as supportive evidence.

RESULTS

Anchor-based MIDs were determined for deterioration in 7 of the 14 EORTC QLQ-C30 scales assessed, and in 11 scales for improvement. Anchor-based MIDs for within-group change ranged from 4 to 19 (improvement) and - 9 to -4 (deterioration). Between-group MIDs ranged from 3 to 13 (improvement) and - 11 to -4 (deterioration). Generally, absolute anchor-based MIDs for most scales ranged from 4 to 10 points.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings will aid interpretation of EORTC QLQ-C30 scores in ovarian cancer and inform sample size calculations in future ovarian cancer trials with endpoints that are based on EORTC QLQ-C30 scales.