Follow-up in patients with oral cancer

Incidence and Predictors of Persistent Opioid Use in Survivors of Head and Neck Cancer Treated With Curative Radiation

PURPOSE

We sought to characterize the incidence of chronic opioid dependence among head and neck cancer survivors treated by radiation, as well as to identify patient and treatment factors associated with persistent use.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The medical records of patients with head and neck cancer who received radiation therapy from January 2012 to July 2016 were reviewed. All patients received 60 to 70 Gy with curative intent. Patients who progressed or died within 1 year were intentionally excluded. Opioid doses were calculated in morphine equivalent daily doses in milligrams (mg). Univariate and multivariate regression models were used to identify associations between demographic, medical, disease, and persistent opioid use.

RESULTS

Two hundred and sixty-one patients were included. The median follow-up was 39 months (range: 12 to 83 mo). Two hundred and eleven patients (80%) received opioids for pain control during radiation. The median morphine equivalent daily dose during treatment was 73.8 mg (range: 5 to 561 mg). Rates of persistent opioid use at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years from completion of radiation were 41.8%, 30.1%, and 26.0%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, only preradiation opioid use correlated with persistent opioid use at all 3 time points (P<0.05). Smoking history and a Charlson comorbidity index ≥2 predicted for persistent opioid use at some time points, but not all.

CONCLUSIONS

High rates of persistent opioid use exist in patients with head and neck cancer after radiation therapy. Early interventions to appropriately wean patients should be further investigated.

Direct Induced Effects of Standard and Modified Radiotherapy Protocol on Surface Structure of Hard Dental Tissue

Introduction

Radiotherapy is used to treat neo plasmatic lesions and the common side effects of this process are pain, swelling and sensitivity of mucous membranes in domain of radiation, reduced salivation, caries, and periodontal disease and, in total, low life quality. The purpose of this research was to estimate the outcome of direct irradiation on physical and surface characteristics of hard dental tissues.

Materials and methods

Twenty, caries free third molars were involved in the research. Prior to different submission protocols, tooth halves were randomly assigned to subject and control groups by using a draw method. The first group (n=20) was submitted to conventional irradiation protocol (2 Gy for 35 days), second group (n=20) was submitted to one powerful, exploratory dose of 70 Gy. Each sample served as its own control. Radiation was performed with a linear accelerator radiotherapy unit. The surface microhardness and roughness were measured at the beginning (initially), and upon completion of irradiation procedure. The average change in microhardness and roughness after different treatments was compared by t-test for independent samples. Normality was tested by the Shapiro-Wilk test.

Results

Significant differences were found after the standard radiation protocol and the exploratory dose of 70 Gy, with decreased mean microhardness and increased mean roughness (p<0.001) of both hard dental tissues. Enamel and dentin surface microhardness and roughness did not vary notably with regards to different irradiation protocols.

Conclusion

Head and neck conventional irradiation protocol leads to possible breakdown of enamel and dentin with reduced microhardness and increased surface roughness regardless of used irradiation protocol.

Advances in the Resection and Reconstruction of Midfacial Tumors Through Computer Assisted Surgery

Curatively intended oncologic surgery is based on a residual-free tumor excision. Since decades, the surgeon’s goal of R0-resection has led to radical resections in the anatomical region of the midface because of the three-dimensionally complex anatomy where aesthetically and functionally crucial structures are in close relation. In some cases, this implied aggressive overtreatment with loss of the eye globe. In contrast, undertreatment followed by repeated re-resections can also not be an option. Therefore, the evaluation of the true three-dimensional tumor extent and the intraoperative availability of this information seem critical for a precise, yet substance-sparing tumor removal. Computer assisted surgery (CAS) can provide the framework in this context. The present study evaluated the beneficial use of CAS in the treatment of midfacial tumors with special regard to tumor resection and reconstruction. Therefore, 60 patients diagnosed with a malignancy of the upper jaw has been treated, 31 with the use of CAS and 29 conventionally. Comparison of the two groups showed a higher rate of residual-free resections in cases of CAS application. Furthermore, we demonstrate the use of navigated specimen taking called tumor mapping. This procedure enables the transparent, yet precise documentation of three-dimensional tumor borders which paves the way to a more feasible interdisciplinary exchange leading e.g. to a much more focused radiation therapy. Moreover, we evaluated the possibilities of primary midface reconstructions seizing CAS, especially in cases of infiltrated orbital floors. These cases needed reduction of intra-orbital volume due to the tissue loss after resection which could be precisely achieved by CAS. These benefits of CAS in midface reconstruction found expression in positive changes in quality of life. The present work was able to demonstrate that the area of oncological surgery of the midface is a prime example of interface optimization based on the sensible use of computer assistance. The fact that the system makes the patient transparent for the surgeon and the procedure controllable facilitates a more precise and safer treatment oriented to a better outcome.

Postoperative quality of life and therapy-related impairments of oral cancer in relation to time-distance since treatment

PURPOSE

Oral cancer resection can cause physical and psychological impairments that influence the quality of life (QoL). Depending on the postoperative time-distance, the occurrence and intensity of these impairments may change. We evaluated the sequelae and changes in therapy-related impairments during the postoperative course to detect associations between the time since surgery and the presence of disorders.

METHODS

Data from a questionnaire completed by 1359 patients who underwent surgical treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma and were involved in a multicenter rehabilitation study of the German-Austrian-Swiss Cooperative Group on Tumors of the Maxillofacial Region (DÖSAK) that included 43 oral and maxillofacial clinics in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

Physical impairments, including those in appearance, mouth opening ability, ability to smell, gastric disorders, mandible mobility, breathing, and shoulder/arm mobility, were significantly associated with and increased with time-distance since surgery. Esthetic appearance most strongly correlated with the highest perception of worsening. Regarding psychological disorders, worry about tumor recurrence, depression, and worse prospects were significantly associated. Among the postoperative sequelae, fear of tumor recurrence decreased continuously; however, depression and worse prospects increased. The general QoL did not significantly differ overall during the postoperative course.

CONCLUSIONS

Therapy-related impairments change during the postoperative course based on the time-distance since surgery. The general QoL may not markedly vary; however, single impairments, to some extent, can increase or decrease.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

Continuous adaptation of supportive cancer therapy is required during follow-up to sufficiently address individual treatment needs.

Direct Radiotherapy-Induced Effects on Dental Hard Tissue in Combination With Bleaching Procedure

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of radiation and tooth bleaching on the physical and morphological properties of enamel and dentin on permanent teeth.

Materials and Methods: Eighty fresh, non-carious third molars were used in this study. Before cutting the crown in half, the teeth samples were randomly allocated to treatment and control groups by using a lottery method. The first group (n = 20) underwent standard radiation protocol (2 Gy/fraction/day, 5 days/week) with bleaching treatment afterward using 16% carbamide peroxide gel, the second group (n = 20) underwent standard radiation protocol with afterward bleaching treatment using 38% hydrogen peroxide, the third group (n = 20) underwent a short, one strong, experimental dose of 70 Gy with afterward bleaching treatment using 16% carbamide peroxide gel, and the fourth group (n = 20) underwent one strong, experimental dose of 70 Gy with afterward bleaching treatment using 38% hydrogen peroxide gel. Groups 5–8 (n = 20) served as control as they underwent only bleaching treatment. Vickers microhardness and surface roughness were performed before (initial) and after irradiation and before bleaching or after only bleaching. The effects of irradiation and bleaching on microhardness (or roughness) of enamel and dentin were analyzed in the repeated-measures ANOVA model.

Results: Enamel microhardness after experimental single 70-Gy irradiation or after standard radiation protocol and bleaching with 16 or 38% gel was not statistically significant from microhardness in the control group (p &gt; 0.05). There was a statistically significantly greater reduction in the average microhardness of enamel and dentin during bleaching with 38% gel compared to 16% for both radiation protocols (p &lt; 0.001). After experimental 70-Gy irradiation and bleaching, a 16% statistically significant increase in surface roughness was found for enamel (p = 0.006) and dentin (p = 0.018), while this was not recorded for 38% gel. There was a statistically significantly greater increase in the average roughness of enamel and dentin during bleaching with 38% gel compared to 16% (p &lt; 0.001) for both radiation protocols.

Conclusions: Directly induced radiation leads to potential damage of hard dental tissues, which can be further damaged by additional bleaching. If teeth whitening is necessary after irradiation, it is suggested to use lower concentrations of whitening gels.

Evaluation of Malnutrition and Quality of Life in Patients Treated for Oral and Oropharyngeal Cancer

Background

Oral and oropharyngeal cancer is a debilitating disease with high morbidity and mortality. Depending on the site and extent of the involvement of the cancer and the type of treatment modality, these patients can develop pain, trismus, xerostomia, dysphagia, and taste disturbances, compromising them socially and nutritionally. The aim of the study was to evaluate malnutrition and quality of life in patients treated for oral and oropharyngeal cancer. Methodology. A cross-sectional study was conducted which included 97 patients treated for oral and oropharyngeal cancer. The quality of life of the selected patients was assessed by using a validated European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer's Quality of Life Questionnaire, Head and Neck and Mandibular Function Impairment Questionnaire. Pre- and posttreatment weight of the patients were assessed, and weight loss of ≥10% of pretreatment weight was considered as malnutrition. The chi-square test was used to correlate the symptoms with the quality of life. A paired t test was used to assess the differences in weight before and after treatment, and a p value of <0.005 was considered as significant.

Results

The most commonly reported symptoms were xerostomia (93.81%), pain (81.44%), and dysphagia (76.3%). A total of 40.2% of the individuals in the study had malnutrition. Malnutrition was comparatively lower in the group who had nutritional supplements.

Conclusion

The quality of life in patients treated for oral and oropharyngeal cancer deteriorates immediately after the treatment; however, it significantly improves over time.

Cancer and Stress: Does It Make a Difference to the Patient When These Two Challenges Collide?

Simple Summary

Head and neck cancers are the sixth most common cancer in the world. The burden of the disease has remained challenging over recent years despite the advances in treatments of other malignancies. The very use of the word malignancy brings about a stress response in almost all adult patients. Being told you have a tumour is not a word anyone wants to hear. We have embarked on a study which will investigate the effect of stress pathways on head and neck cancer patients and which signalling pathways may be involved. In the future, this will allow clinicians to better manage patients with head and neck cancer and reduce the patients’ stress so that this does not add to their tumour burden.

Abstract

A single head and neck Cancer (HNC) is a globally growing challenge associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The diagnosis itself can affect the patients profoundly let alone the complex and disfiguring treatment. The highly important functions of structures of the head and neck such as mastication, speech, aesthetics, identity and social interactions make a cancer diagnosis in this region even more psychologically traumatic. The emotional distress engendered as a result of functional and social disruption is certain to negatively affect health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The key biological responses to stressful events are moderated through the combined action of two systems, the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal axis (HPA) which releases glucocorticoids and the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) which releases catecholamines. In acute stress, these hormones help the body to regain homeostasis; however, in chronic stress their increased levels and activation of their receptors may aid in the progression of cancer. Despite ample evidence on the existence of stress in patients diagnosed with HNC, studies looking at the effect of stress on the progression of disease are scarce, compared to other cancers. This review summarises the challenges associated with HNC that make it stressful and describes how stress signalling aids in the progression of cancer. Growing evidence on the relationship between stress and HNC makes it paramount to focus future research towards a better understanding of stress and its effect on head and neck cancer.

Fulfillment of patients' information needs during oral cancer treatment and its association with posttherapeutic quality of life

PURPOSE

Surgical therapy for oral cancer can lead to severe physical and psychological disorders that negatively impact patient quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between fulfillment of patients' information needs during oral cancer treatment and patients' perception of posttherapeutic disorders influencing QoL.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 1359 patients who were surgically treated for oral cancer using questionnaires administered during the multicenter rehabilitation study by the German-Austrian-Swiss Cooperative Group on Tumors of the Maxillofacial Region (DÖSAK). Patients and medical practitioners completed questionnaires following cancer treatment.

RESULTS

Approximately 37% of patients felt inadequately informed about possible physical and psychological consequences of surgery. In contrast, only 16% of patients felt they were given inadequate information about the operative procedure and possible complications, and with regard to tumor diagnosis and cancer disease, only 15% of patients. Significant correlations were found between lacking information and increased perception of posttherapeutic disorders, whereas correlations with tumor-specific and operation-related parameters were markedly lower. The patients with superior QoL after treatment stated more frequently, nearly independent of individual patient characteristics, that the information that they were given prior to therapy was adequate. Information concerning possible physical and psychological consequences of an operation, however, was frequently stated to be inadequate, independent of QoL.

CONCLUSION

Patients whose information needs concerning the diagnosis and treatment of oral cancer are adequately fulfilled may benefit in terms of their therapeutic outcome, experiencing less perception of posttherapeutic physical and psychological disorders and a superior QoL.

Physical and Psychological Impairments Associated with Mucositis after Oral Cancer Treatment and Their Impact on Quality of Life

BACKGROUND

Posttherapeutic mucositis is a common secondary effect of oral cancer treatment. Mucositis affects the oral mucosa, which leads to specific physical impairments in oral function and a negative impact on quality of life.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impairments associated with oral mucositis and their impact on posttherapeutic quality of life.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 1,652 patients treated for oral cancer during the multicenter rehabilitation study of the German-Austrian-Swiss Cooperative Group on Tumors of the Maxillofacial Region (DÖSAK), which included 43 clinics from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The analysis was based on questionnaires filled out by patients following treatment.

RESULTS

Approximately 10% of 1,652 patients included in our study had physical or psychological impairments due to increased posttreatment oral mucositis; this was mainly due to adjuvant radiotherapy or radiochemotherapy administered. Oral mucositis was significantly associated with specific physical impairments, especially xerostomia and pain (p = 0.000), which required supportive care and analgesia (p = 0.000). Additionally, impaired ingestion and speech significantly led to psychological disorders such as public avoidance behavior and social isolation (p = 0.001). Depressive coping of disease (p = 0.001) and concomitant depressive tendencies (p = 0.004) were highly associated with mucositis, which was accompanied by diminished general condition (p = 0.001), bleak future prospects (p = 0.006), and a reduction in quality of life (p = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

Minimizing mucositis-related impairments should be a main effort in oral cancer treatment to optimize patient outcome and improve quality of life after therapy.

Direct radiation-induced effects on dental hard tissue

Background

Radiation caries is a complication of radiotherapy characterized by enamel erosion and dentin exposure. The mechanisms of characteristic radiation caries formation are not well-understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the direct radiation-induced effects on dental hard tissue and investigate their role in the formation of radiation caries.

Methods

Sixty non-carious third molars were divided into three groups (n = 20), which would be exposed to 0 Gy, 30 Gy, and 60 Gy radiation, respectively. After radiation, microhardness and elastic modulus were measured at four depths by means of a Vickers microhardness tester and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The microstructure was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). X-ray diffraction and Raman microspectroscopy were used to determine crystal properties and protein/mineral (2931/960 cm^− 1) ratios.

Results

A statistically significant decrease in microhardness and elastic modulus values 50 μm from the dentino-enamel junction (DEJ) in enamel was revealed in the 30-Gy and 60-Gy groups. With the increasing dose, destruction of interprismatic substance and fissures at the DEJ-adjacent region were found. A greater reduction of crystallinity was revealed in enamel compared with dentin. Raman spectroscopic analysis showed a slight increase of the protein/mineral ratio for enamel following accumulated radiation, while the protein/mineral ratio for dentin was decreased.

Conclusions

Radiation could directly alter the mechanical properties, micro-morphology, crystal properties, and chemical composition of dental hard tissue. The early destruction of DEJ-adjacent enamel, combined with decreased crystallinity of enamel under radiation exposure, may be related to the formation of characteristic radiation caries.

The effectiveness of the follow-up of patients after surgery due to cancer of the head and neck

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the follow-up (FU) of patients after head and neck cancer treatment. Materials & methods: This is a retrospective cross-sectional study and concerns the analysis of outpatient records of 85 women and 355 men who reported at FU visits between 2011 and 2016 in ENT Department in the University Of Medical Sciences in Poznan, Poland. Results: The value of the FU scheme was confirmed by a high rate of recurrence detected in a medical examination (60%) and routine imaging studies (27%), as opposed to only 13% in spontaneous reports. Conclusion: The FU therapeutic profit in the form of high percentages of preclinical relapse at a reasonable cost is justified medically and socially.

Fabrication of a 3D Printing Definitive Obturator Prosthesis: a Clinical Report

INTRODUCTION

Digital technologies related to imaging and manufacturing provide the clinician with a wide variety of treatment options. Stereolithography (SLA) offers a simple and predictable way for an accurate reconstruction of congenital or acquired defects.

CLINICAL CASE

A 65-years old cancer patient with non- keratinized squamous cell carcinoma of left maxillary sinus came for a prosthetic clinical evaluation. A bilateral maxillectomy was performed and the treatment plan included definite obturator prosthesis for the upper arch. CT data and 3D planning software were used to create a 3D printing plastic model of the defect. A wax pattern of the hollow bulb was fabricated and cured with heat-cured silicone soft liner. A final impression was obtained with the hollow bulb placed intraorally. The master cast was duplicated and the new cast was invested and reflasked. The flasks were opened, wax was boiled out and some space was created in the internal part of the obturator. Transparent heat cured acrylic resin was sandwiched with, at the inner part of the bulb, improving the retention between the acrylic denture base and the silicone based soft lining material. The patient was then placed on a 6-month recall. The five-year follow up consists of a chair side relining, when needed, of the definite removable prostheses.

CONCLUSION

Maxillofacial surgery patients may develop postoperative complications such as trismus and pain. In these cases, the combination of digital technology and conventional techniques provide an accurate prosthetic restoration.

Speech Outcome in Oral Cancer Patients - Pre- and Post-operative Evaluation: A Cross-sectional Study

AIM

The tongue plays a major role in articulation. Speech outcome depends on the site of lesion, extent of resection, and flexibility of the remaining structures. The aim of this study is to evaluate the speech outcome measures such as sounds that are misarticulated and speech intelligibility and its connection to tumor site before and after surgery.

METHODOLOGY

Totally, 24 (12 pre- and 12 post-operative patients) patients who had buccal and tongue cancer underwent speech intelligibility rating and articulation screening.

RESULT

The results show that the speech outcome is worse in postoperative patients when compared to preoperative patients. The articulation errors produced by tongue cancer patients were more than the errors produced in buccal cancer patients. The type of reconstruction also affects the speech outcome.

CONCLUSION

The perceptual analysis of oral cancer patients showed specific articulation issues and reduced intelligibility of speech in regards to site of lesion and type of reconstruction surgery. To reduce the speech errors, effective rehabilitation is recommended. A comprehensive speech evaluation and analysis of error patterns would help us in planning the rehabilitative measures of speech which is the most important factor in re-establishing interpersonal communication and well-being of the individual.

Follow-up of oral cancer patients: three uneventful years may be enough

OBJECTIVE

To explore the possibility of shortening the length of follow-up from 5 to 3 years in patients who have undergone curative treatment of an oral squamous cell carcinoma.

STUDY DESIGN

The medical records of 225 patients who had undergone initial curative treatment at the VU University Medical Center in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, between 2004 and 2009 were analyzed.

RESULTS

In 96 patients (42.7%) a secondary event occurred. Eighty-six percent of the secondary events were detected within 3 years. In the fourth and fifth years, 14% of the secondary events were found, consisting mainly of second primary tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

Most secondary events occurred within the first 3 years of follow-up. Therefore, the case can be made for an altered regimen of follow-up beyond 3 years based on certain risk factors unique to the patient as well as the patient's ability to adequately report symptoms that may be associated with recurrent disease.

[Clinical and paraclinical follow-up after radiotherapy for head and neck cancer]

Head and neck cancer management often involves heavy multimodal treatments including radiotherapy. Despite the improvement of intensity-modulated radiation therapy, acute and late toxicities remain important. After such treatment, patients have to face different potential problems, depending on the post-therapeutic delay. In this way, short-term follow-up permits to appreciate the healing of acute toxicities and response to treatment. Long-term follow-up aims to recognize second primitive tumours and distant failure, and to detect and manage late toxicities. Medical and psychosocial supportive cares are essential, even after several years of complete remission. The objective of this article is to review the modalities of short-term and long-term follow-up of patients who receive a radiotherapy for head and neck cancer.

Oral cancer malnutrition impacts weight and quality of life

Diet is important for both quality of life (QoL) and survival of patients with oral cancer. Their intake of food is impeded by functional restrictions in chewing and swallowing. In the DÖSAK REHAB STUDY 1652 patients from 38 hospitals within the German-language area of Germany; Austria and Switzerland were examined with regard to functional and psychological variables having an impact on diet. Chewing and swallowing are correlated with mobility of the tongue and the mandible as well as opening of the mouth. Thirty five percent of the patients lost weight; 41% maintained their weight and 24% gained weight. The QoL of patients who were able to maintain their weight and of those who gained weight was significantly better than that of patients who lost weight. A normal diet was important for maintaining weight. Mashed food; liquid food and loss of appetite were closely associated with loss of weight; although it was possible for nutritional counseling and dietary support to be implemented particularly favorably in this respect. Due to problems with eating patients' strength deteriorated; thus restricting activity. Radiotherapy had a negative impact on diet and weight. It influenced sense of taste; dryness of the mouth; swelling and discomfort when ingesting food. Pain and scars in the region of the operation also cause patients to dislike hard; spicy and sour food. Support from a nutritional counselor in implementing a calorie-rich diet remedied this and such support needs to be integrated into patient management. The fact that a poor nutritional status is of such great importance is well-known; but what is often lacking is the systematic implementation of continued professional nutritional counseling over a long period of time; weight control and psycho-social support of the operated patients; particularly those who also have had radiotherapy.

A randomized clinical trial to evaluate the impact of a dental care program in the quality of life of head and neck cancer patients

OBJECTIVES

A randomized clinical trial (RCT) to evaluate the impact of dental care program on the quality of life (QOL) of head and neck cancer patients under oncological treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study design was a parallel RCT where 46 subjects with a diagnosis of head and neck primary neoplasy were randomly allocated to the control (CG) or test group (TG). Both groups received basic dental care but the TG received a complimentary care before and during, oncological therapy. Data related to general (WHOQOL-BREF) and specific (EORTC QLQ H&N 35) QOL were assessed before and 15 days after the conclusion of the oncological therapy.

RESULTS

The TG showed an improvement in the general and specific QOL, while the CG showed a worsening in these indexes but without significant difference. The variation between the initial and final measures in the TG shows a tendency of significant improvement along the time. A reduction in candidiasis (p < 0.05) and muccositis was observed in the TG.

CONCLUSION

In a short follow-up period, dental care was able to reduce damage from the oncological therapy especially related to muccositis and candidiasis, although the QOL was not significantly improved. However, a longer follow-up to measure the late side effects over the QOL of these patients is necessary.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Provision of continuous dental care for head and neck cancer patients can reduce deleterious side effects of the oncological treatment.

Post-therapeutic surveillance schedule for oral cancer: is there agreement?

INTRODUCTION

Patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma represent a diverse group, and the treatment these patients undergo also varies widely. Some patients undergo local excision alone while others require extensive surgery, often with adjuvant chemoradiotherapy. The post-therapeutic surveillance schedule for these patients tends to be a "one size fits all" formula for all head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients, which has often been dictated by institutional doctrine or a senior surgeon's dogma. The post-therapeutic needs and risks of a T1 oral cancer patient treated with surgery alone differ from those of a patient with advanced laryngeal carcinoma, and the follow-up regimen should be tailored to the specific patient's risk of loco-regional recurrence, distant metastasis, and other related medical issues.

RESOURCES AND MATERIALS

A total of 65 papers were identified, 18 of which either focused on follow-up strategy for oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma or their tabular data allowed these cases to be extracted. Internationally recognized cancer entities were also queried.

CONCLUSIONS

No international consensus was achieved about the follow-up strategies. The value of post-therapeutic surveillance schedule following oral cancer treatment is generally not in dispute, although patient-initiated symptom-driven visits can be effective in identifying tumor recurrence for oral cancer patients. The range of appointment interval schemes tends to identify a progressive escalation of visit intervals such that there are more visits in the first year than in the second, and fewer yet during the third. Patients may fail to comply with their clinic visit structure. Most references agree that follow-up beyond the third year is unnecessary and may waste medical resources as well as the time of both patient and surgeon. There is no agreement as to the need for or interval of imaging studies.

Oral complications of cancer and cancer therapy: from cancer treatment to survivorship

Answer questions and earn CME/CNE Oral complications resulting from cancer and cancer therapies cause acute and late toxicities that may be underreported, underrecognized, and undertreated. Recent advances in cancer treatment have led to changes in the incidence, nature, and severity of oral complications. As the number of survivors increases, it is becoming increasingly recognized that the aggressive management of oral toxicities is needed to ensure optimal long-term oral health and general well-being. Advances in care have had an impact on previously recognized oral complications and are leading to newly recognized adverse effects. Here, the authors briefly review advances in cancer therapy, including recent advances in surgery, oral care, radiation therapy, hematopoietic cell transplantation, and medical oncology; describe how these advances affect oral health; and discuss the frequent and/or severe oral health complications associated with cancer and cancer treatment and their effect upon long-term health. Although some of the acute oral toxicities of cancer therapies may be reduced, they remain essentially unavoidable. The significant impact of long-term complications requires increased awareness and recognition to promote prevention and appropriate intervention. It is therefore important for the primary oncologist to be aware of these complications so that appropriate measures can be implemented in a timely manner. Prevention and management is best provided via multidisciplinary health care teams, which must be integrated and communicate effectively in order to provide the best patient care in a coordinated manner at the appropriate time.

Head and neck cancer pain: systematic review of prevalence and associated factors

OBJECTIVES

Pain is a major symptom in patients with cancer; however information on head and neck cancer related pain is limited. The aim of this review was to investigate the prevalence of pain and associated factors among patients with HNC.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The systematic review used search of MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL databases to December 2011. Cancers of the oral mucosa, oropharynx, hypopharynx and larynx were included in this review with pain as main outcome. The review was restricted to full research reports of observational studies published in English. A checklist was used to assess the quality of selected studies.

RESULTS

There were 82 studies included in the review and most of them (84%) were conducted in the past ten years. Studies were relatively small, with a median of 80 patients (IQR 44, 154). The quality of reporting was variable. Most studies (77%) used self-administered quality of life questionnaires, where pain was a component of the overall scale. Only 33 studies reported pain prevalence in HNC patients (combined estimate from meta-analysis before (57%, 95% CI 43% - 70%) and after (42%, 95% CI 33% - 50%) treatment. Only 49 studies (60%) considered associated factors, mostly tumour- or treatment-related.

CONCLUSIONS

The study has shown high levels of pain prevalence and some factors associated with higher levels of pain. There is a need for higher quality studies in a priority area for the care of patients with head and neck cancer.

Rehabilitation: long-term physical and functional changes following treatment

OBJECTIVES

To describe the life altering issues that survivors of a head and neck cancer report post treatment and discuss multidimensional rehabilitation approaches.

DATA SOURCES

Published journal articles, literature reviews, research reports, book chapters.

CONCLUSION

Survivors and their family caregivers encounter many changes during the first 3 months following treatment for head and neck cancer, placing them at risk of multiple adjustment difficulties. Progressive weight loss, loss of energy, strength, muscle endurance and decreased functioning severely compromise healthy adjustment and quality of life.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Nurses can help patients and family identify survivorship issues to be managed at home. Planning, exploring, coaching, practicing skills with survivors and their family caregivers, providing specific information, and linking them with resources can help them bridge this transition into extended survivorship.

Neuropathic and nociceptive pain in head and neck cancer patients receiving radiation therapy

BACKGROUND

Pain is common in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients and may be attributed to the malignancy and/or cancer treatment. Pain mechanisms and patient report of pain in HNC are expected to include both nociceptive and neuropathic components. The purpose of this study was to assess the trajectory of orofacial and other pain during and following treatment, using patient reports of neuropathic pain and nociceptive pain and pain impact.

METHODS

124 consecutive HNC patients receiving radiation therapy (RT) (95 men, 29 women; mean age: 54.7 +/- 12.3 years) participated in a patient-reported outcome (PRO) assessment. Patients completed the McGill Pain Questionnaire three times during therapy and 3 months following study entry.

RESULTS

The majority of patients related their pain to the tumor and/or cancer treatment. Whereas 59% reported their pain to be less severe than they expected, 29% were not satisfied with their level of pain despite pain management during cancer therapy. Worst pain was 3.0 +/- 1.3 on a 0- to 5-point verbal descriptor scale. Pain intensity was present at entry, highest at 2-week follow-up, declining towards the end of treatment and persisting at 3-month follow-up. The most common neuropathic pain descriptors chosen were aching (20%) and burning (27%); nociceptive words chosen were dull (22%), sore (32%), tender (35%), and throbbing (23%), and affective/evaluative descriptors were tiring (25%) and annoying (41%). 57% of patients reported continuous pain, and combined continuous and intermittent pain was reported by 79% of patients.

DISCUSSION

This study provides evidence that patients with HNC experience nociceptive and neuropathic pain during RT despite ongoing pain management. The affective and evaluative descriptors chosen for head and neck pain indicate considerable impact on quality of life even with low to moderate levels of pain intensity. These findings suggest that clinicians should consider contemporary management for both nociceptive and neuropathic pain in head and neck cancer patients.

Oral cancer: a prosthodontic diagnosis

The prosthodontic literature is replete with articles addressing the reconstruction, psychological adaptation, prosthesis success, quality of life, need for careful follow-up, and many other issues related to the patient who has undergone surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy for oral malignant neoplasms. However, in the prosthodontic professional literature, there is a paucity of information related to the early diagnosis and referral of lesions that may represent premalignant or malignant neoplasia. This article will describe the rationale, epidemiology, and appearance of oral premalignant and malignant mucosal lesions as well as the state-of-the-art diagnostic tools currently available to prosthodontists to ensure that their patients are diagnosed at the earliest possible time.

CPA6, FMO2, LGI1, SIAT1 and TNC are differentially expressed in early- and late-stage oral squamous cell carcinoma--a pilot study

To identify novel genes that could be involved in oncogenesis of oral squamous cell carcinoma a microarray-based gene-expression analysis was performed using tumour samples from patients with low-stage (n=4) and high-stage (n=4) disease in a pilot study. Genes (601) were found to be significantly regulated in cancer tissue compared to adjacent intraindividual mucosa controls. Genes (25) were identified with differences in their regulation comparing samples from early-stage cancer with those from advanced disease. The gene expression pattern of 5 of 7 genes examined by real-time-PCR verified the results received from the microarray-experiment. Among these, FMO2, CPA6, TNC and SIAT1 were significantly upregulated in early disease stages. LGI1 gene expression was significantly enhanced in normal adjacent mucosa of patients with early-stage disease without showing a differential expression in carcinoma biopsies. With this pilot study several novel genes were identified, which could be related to early and late stage disease. Hypotheses from these findings are discussed and have to be confirmed in a larger study sample.

[On quality of life after surgical therapy of oral cancer - a retrospective multi-center study: the connection between dedentition, denture, quality of life, and dysphagia, and the resulting rehabilitation schemes]

PURPOSE

The surgical treatment of oral cancer results in functional and aesthetical impairments. Patients' quality of life is considerably impaired by oral symptoms resulting from therapy of oral cancer. In many cases the inevitable resection of the tumor, as well as the adjuvant radiochemotherapy will cause the destruction of physiologically and anatomically important structures. One focus of research was the specific rehabilitation of dental loss by functional dentures. Another was the course of 19 impairments (comprehension of speech for unknown others, comprehension of speech for familiar others, eating/swallowing, mobility of the tongue, opening range of the mouth, mobility of lower jaw, mobility of neck, mobility of arms and shoulders, sense of taste, sense of smell, appearance, strength, appetite, respiration, pain, swelling, xerostomia, halitosis).

METHODS

Commissioned by the German, Austrian and Swiss cooperative group on tumors of the maxillofacial region (DOSAK), data were collected in 3.894 questionnaires at 43 hospitals in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The catalogue comprised 147 items in 9 chapters. At the end of the enquiry, 1.761 anonymous questionnaires were returned by 38 hospitals. 1.652 of these could be evaluated regarding the question.

RESULTS

The sum score of the 19 impairments was highly increased immediately after the operation and recovered over the next 6 months, without, however, reaching the pre-surgery level. Of 1.652 patients, only 35% did not lose any teeth during therapy. 23% lost up to 5, 17% up to 10 teeth. A quarter of the patients lost more than 10 teeth. The more teeth were lost, the greater the decline of quality of life (p < or = 0.001), although this could be allayed by the functionality of the dentures (p < or = 0.001). There is a reciprocal dependence between the functionality of dental prosthetics and impairment by eating/swallowing (p < or = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients' quality of life after radical surgery of a carcinoma of the oral cavity depends not only on the functionality of dentures and the specificity of rehabilitation, but also from the initial findings, the extent and location of the resection, the chosen therapy, the general circumstances of the patient's life as well as their strategies of coping. These factors, however, unlike those of functionality of dental prosthesis and rehabilitation, are not modifiable.

A structured review and theme analysis of papers published on ‘quality of life’ in head and neck cancer: 2000–2005

Over the past 10 years, quality of life (QOL) has been increasingly recognised as an important outcome parameter in head and neck cancer. Validated questionnaires have emerged and there has been an increase in the number of papers published each year. The aim of this article is to review the literature over the past five years (2000-2005 inclusive), to identify papers reporting outcomes using patient self-competed questionnaires and group these into themes. The tabulated summary allows for the areas of health related quality of life research to be identified and to explore issues that are perhaps deficit in the literature. The three authors independently searched the literature published in the English language using the ISI search engine with cross-reference using Pub Med and Ovid. The search terms were; quality of life, questionnaire, and head and neck cancer. Studies were placed in to one of five themes. There were 165 studies identified. The numbers in each theme were predictors of QOL [Hassanein KA, Musgrove BT, Bradbury E. Functional status of patients with oral cancer and its relation to style of coping, social support and psychological status. Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2001;39:340-5.], functional outcome [Klug C, Neuburg J, Glaser C, Schwarz B, Kermer C, Millesi W. Quality of life 2-10 years after combined treatment for advanced oral and oropharyngeal cancer. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2002;31:664-9.], questionnaire development [Hanna E, Sherman A, Cash D, Adams D, Vural E, Fan CY, et al. Quality of life for patients following total laryngectomy vs chemoradiation for laryngeal preservation. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2004;130:875-9.], randomised clinical trials [Kanatas AN, Rogers SN. A national survey of health-related quality of life questionnaires in head and neck oncology. Ann R Coll Surg Engl 2004;86:6-10.], and reviews [Kanatas AN, Rogers SN. A national survey of health-related quality of life questionnaires in head and neck oncology. Ann R Coll Surg Engl 2004;86:6-10.]. Although many facets of HRQOL following head and neck cancer have been explored over the last five years the paper identifies issues where research is still lacking.

Orofacial pain in cancer: part II--clinical perspectives and management

Cancer-associated pain is extremely common and is associated with significant physical and psychological suffering. Unfortunately, pain associated with cancer or its treatment is frequently under-treated, probably due to several factors, including phobia of opioids, under-reporting by patients, and under-diagnosis by healthcare workers. The most common etiology of cancer pain is local tumor invasion (primary or metastatic), involving inflammatory and neuropathic mechanisms; these have been reviewed in Part I. As malignant disease advances, pain usually becomes more frequent and more intense. Additional expressions of orofacial cancer pain include distant tumor effects, involving paraneoplastic mechanisms. Pain secondary to cancer therapy varies with the treatment modalities used: Chemo-radiotherapy protocols are typically associated with painful mucositis and neurotoxicity. Surgical therapies often result in nerve and tissue damage, leading, in the long term, to myofascial and neuropathic pain syndromes. In the present article, we review the clinical presentation of cancer-associated orofacial pain at various stages: initial diagnosis, during therapy (chemo-, radiotherapy, surgery), and in the post-therapy period. As a presenting symptom of orofacial cancer, pain is often of low intensity and diagnostically unreliable. Diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of pain in cancer require knowledge of the presenting characteristics, factors, and mechanisms involved.

Chronic Pain in the Cancer Survivor: A New Frontier

OBJECTIVE

This monograph is intended to clarify the clinical problem of chronic pain in cancer patients.

DESIGN

A pertinent literature review on chronic pain syndromes in cancer patients was undertaken using Medline. Further, the treatment strategies for cancer versus chronic pain are contrasted and clarified.

RESULTS

With increasing cancer survivorship come new challenges in patient care. In the United States, the cancer-related death rate has dropped by 1.1% per year from 1993-2002. Seventy-five percent of children and two out of three adults will survive cancer, whereas 50 years ago just one out of four survived. The net effect of these trends and opportunities is a large and rapidly growing population of persons living longer with cancer and/or as cancer survivors. While agreement exists on the best strategies for assessment and treatment of most acute cancer pain syndromes, little consensus exists on the treatment of chronic pain in the patient with slowly progressive cancer or the cancer survivor.

CONCLUSIONS

The landscape of "cancer pain" is shifting quickly into a chronic pain situation in many instances, thereby blurring previous lines of distinction in treatment strategies most suited for "chronic" versus "malignant" pain. Adopting chronic pain treatment strategies including pharmacologic and other pain control techniques, rehabilitation care, and psychological coping strategies may lead to optimal outcomes. Lastly, as cancer evolves into a chronic illness, with co-morbid conditions, recurrent cancer, and treatment toxicities from repeated antineoplastic therapies, pain management challenges in the oncologic patient continue to increase in complexity.

Restrictions of food intake in patients with oral cancer

Oral squamous cell carcinoma and its treatment are associated with facial disfigurement and functional inabilities that can lead patients to restrict food intake. The current study examined 80 patients undergoing treatment for the disease in a large Brazilian hospital setting, aiming at the appraisal of covariates with prognostic value for the prevalence of food restriction. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified tumour size (adjusted odds ratio=19.32) and loss of tongue mobility (adjusted OR=5.51), controlled by the higher odds of females (adjusted OR=7.58) and patients living in crowded households (adjusted OR=4.01), as the most important clinical predictors of food restriction. These results are compatible with the hypothesis that an impaired functional status of the stomatognathic system is caused by large tumours and wide resections. The restriction of food intake in patients with oral cancer is multifactorial, and a complex causal pathway links it to the burden of disease. The knowledge of prognostic factors for nutritional depletion in cancer patients can instruct nutritional interventions in the context of planning treatment protocols aimed at improving quality of life.

Treatment results of patients with a squamous cell carcinoma of the buccal mucosa

The purpose of this study was to evaluate outcome and value of follow-up of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the buccal mucosa in patients treated at the Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, The Netherlands. A longitudinal cohort study was performed involving 32 patients treated with curative intent (surgery on indication followed by radiotherapy) for SCC of the buccal mucosa from 1987 to 2002, with a minimum follow-up of three years. The prognosis of SCC of the buccal mucosa is comparable to other sites of the oral cavity. The success rate of therapy for a local and/or regional recurrence is very limited. Patients with a second primary tumour (SPT) can be cured if the tumour is detected in an early stage. Routine follow-up used to detect local recurrence or SPT has almost no value after five years and seems of limited value after three years.

Comparative study of locking plates in mandibular reconstruction after ablative tumor surgery: THORP versus UniLOCK system

PURPOSE

This retrospective study compared 2 types of rigid locking plates (THORP and UniLOCK; Stratec Medical, Oberdorf, Switzerland) in 107 patients undergoing reconstruction for bridging mandibular defects following ablative tumor surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From January 1993 to December 2000, 107 patients were reconstructed following ablative tumor surgery with 57 THORP plates and 50 UniLOCK plates. Study follow-up ranged from 18 to 87 months (average, 32 months). Complications were categorized into delayed wound healing, infection, plate exposure, and plate fracture, taking into account the type and timing of reconstruction.

RESULTS

Overall type and number of complications show no statistically significant differences between THORP and UniLOCK groups. Infection was the most frequent type of complication (THORP, 30; UniLOCK, 32). Others included delayed wound healing (THORP, 13; UniLOCK, 12), plate exposure (THORP, 8; UniLOCK, 7), and plate fracture (THORP, 5; UniLOCK, 1). Plates were removed in 22 THORP and 11 UniLOCK plates. The most frequent reason for plate removal in both groups was infection. Other reasons for plate removal include tumor recurrence, plate fracture, plate exposure, or a combination of reasons.

CONCLUSIONS

THORP and UniLOCK plates do not present statistically significant differences in the parameters studied. Nevertheless, the UniLOCK group had slightly better results. Considering that the THORP system is much bulkier and its screws bigger, our results lead to the conclusion that bridging osteosynthesis with a 2.4 UniLOCK system is adequate for plate reconstruction of mandibular defects.

Eating ability in head and neck cancer patients after treatment with chemoradiation: A 12-month follow-up study accounting for dropout

BACKGROUND

Head and neck cancer patients treated with chemoradiation have difficulty eating a normal diet. This study was designed to characterize eating ability over 12 months after chemoradiation treatment. Analyses take patient dropout into account.

METHODS

Two hundred fifty-five patients with head and neck cancer treated with chemoradiation were followed for 12 months. Eating ability was analyzed using generalized linear model methods that accounted for non-ignorable dropout.

RESULTS

Eating ability was compromised immediately after treatment and improved over 12 months to near pretreatment levels. Ability to eat at most 50% of the diet orally did not return to baseline levels (p <.05). However, the percent of patients eating a normal diet did return to baseline levels. Accounting for dropout modified the results, but the pattern of significance was similar.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of head and neck cancer with chemoradiation has a significant effect on eating ability, which improves after 12 months after treatment.

Speech evaluation and swallowing ability after intra-oral cancer

In this study, four methods of postoperative speech evaluation are compared for 19 persons with oral cancers who have undergone oral surgery and/or radiotherapy. The Munich Intelligibility Profile was used for intelligibility testing and semiquantitative scoring by novice listeners. Expert ratings were done on the Therapy Outcome Measure (TOM) Phonological Disability form. For self-evaluation, the EORTC QLQ-C30 and the Head and Neck module was used. Swallowing function was scored on the TOM Dysphagia form. There was a high intercorrelation between the results of subjective speech evaluation by experts and non-experts and the intelligibility test, but no correlation with any of these methods could be shown for the self-evaluation by the participants. Voice quality seemed to have an influence on non-expert scores. Swallowing was a more severe problem for our group than speech impairment.