Depressive symptoms, smoking, drinking, and quality of life among head and neck cancer patients

Quality of Life and Depression Symptoms After Therapy De-Escalation in HPV+ Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Nonrandomized Controlled Trial

Importance

Despite interest in therapy de-escalation for survivors of human papillomavirus-mediated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPV-positive OPSCC), the association of de-escalated therapy with patient-reported quality of life (QoL) outcomes and burden of depressive symptoms remains unclear.

Objective

To identify associations between clinicopathologic and therapeutic variables with patient-reported QoL outcomes and depression symptom burden in patients with HPV-positive OPSCC, who were enrolled in a therapy de-escalation trial.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this nonrandomized controlled, open-label, curative-intent therapy de-escalation clinical trial in adults with stage I, II, and III HPV-positive OPSCC, patients were recruited from a high-volume head and neck oncology practice.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcomes of this study included quantitative, patient-reported QoL and depression symptoms per well-validated inventories. Patient-reported QoL was based on Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Head & Neck (FACT-HN) scores (range, 0-148; lower score indicates inferior QoL). Patient-reported depression-related symptom burden was based on Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology-Self-Report (QIDS-SR) scores (range, 0-27; a higher score indicates a higher burden of depression symptoms). Baseline clinicopathologic and treatment variables were paired with FACT-HN and QIDS-SR scores at baseline, 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months. Linear mixed-effect models with a random intercept were used for each participant and fixed effects for other measures. Regression coefficients are reported with 95% CIs.

Results

A total of 95 patients were followed up for a median (IQR) of 2.2 (1.6-3.2) years. Of these, 93 patients (98%) were male with a mean (SD) age of 60.5 (8.2) years. Overall, 54 participants (57%) had a history of current or former smoking, 47 (50%) underwent curative-intent surgery (with or without adjuvant therapy), and 48 (50%) underwent primary radiotherapy (with or without chemotherapy). The median (IQR) radiotherapy dose was 60 (60-70) Gy. Five deaths and 2 recurrence events were observed (mean [SD] recurrence interval, 1.4 [1.5] years). A higher radiotherapy dose was the only modifiable factor associated with inferior patient-reported QoL (lower FACT-HN) (coefficient, -0.66 [95% CI, -1.09 to -0.23]) and greater burden of depression-related symptoms (higher QIDS-SR) (coefficient, 0.11 [95% CI, 0.04-0.19]). With the 70-Gy dose as reference, improvements in FACT-HN and QIDS-SR scores were identified when patients received 51 to 60 Gy (coefficient, 12.75 [95% CI, 4.58-20.92] and -2.17 [-3.49 to -0.85], respectively) and 50 Gy or lower (coefficient, 15.03 [4.36-25.69] and -2.80 [-4.55 to -1.04]).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this nonrandomized controlled, open-label, curative-intent therapy de-escalation trial, a higher radiotherapy dose was associated with inferior patient-reported QoL and a greater burden of depression-related symptoms. This suggests opportunities for improved QoL outcomes and reduced depression symptom burden with a reduction in radiotherapy dose.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04638465.

Causes and Ways of Death in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer

Importance

There is limited literature on the exact causes and ways of death in patients with head and neck cancer. To provide optimal care, especially in the palliative phase, more information on this is needed.

Objective

To provide insights into the causes and ways of death among patients with head and neck cancer.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study included a consecutive population of patients who received a diagnosis of primary squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck between January 2006 and December 2013 who were treated in the Erasmus MC. Patient data were merged with nonpublic microdata from Statistics Netherlands. Follow-up time was specified as the date of diagnosis until death or December 3, 2019, whichever came first. The data were checked and reanalyzed in November 2023.

Main outcomes and Measures

Causes (eg, head and neck cancer, other cancer) and ways (eg, natural death, suicide) of death.

Results

A total of 1291 patients (59.2%; 342 women [26.5%]) died during follow-up (median [IQR] follow-up, 2.7 [1.2-5.6] years). The main cause of death was head and neck cancer (557 [43.1%]), followed by the competing cause of other cancers (344 [26.6%]). In total, 240 patients (18.6%) received palliative sedation and 70 patients (5.4%) euthanasia. Compared with patients with head and neck cancer as the underlying cause of death, lower odds ratios (ORs) were observed for receiving palliative sedation (OR, 0.32 vs 0.07; 95% CI, 0.22-0.46 vs 0.03-0.12) and euthanasia (OR, 0.22 vs 0.01; 95% CI, 0.11-0.41 vs 0-0.107) in patients with other causes of death. Patients with a middle and high income had higher ORs for receiving palliative sedation (OR, 1.46 vs 1.86; 95% CI, 1.05-2.04 vs 1.22-2.85) or euthanasia (OR, 2.25 vs 3.37; 95% CI, 1.18-4.3, 1.6-7.12) compared with low-income patients. Retired patients had lower ORs for receiving palliative sedation or euthanasia compared with employed patients (OR, 0.56 vs 0.44; 95% CI, 0.39-0.8 vs 0.24-0.82).

Conclusion and Relevance

The results of this cohort study suggest that more than half of the patients died of competing causes and palliative sedation and euthanasia were more common in patients with head and neck cancer as the underlying cause of death. Patients with a higher socioeconomic status had higher odds of receiving palliative sedation and euthanasia. These insights may support health care professionals in providing patient-centered care, especially for patients in the palliative phase.

Interventions to Reduce Psychosocial Burden in Head and Neck Cancer Patients: A Narrative Review

BACKGROUND

The diagnosis and treatment of head and neck cancer (HNC) is associated with several life-altering morbidities including change in appearance, speech, and swallowing, all of which can significantly affect quality of life and cause psychosocial stress.

COMMENTARY

The aim of this narrative review is to provide an overview of the evidence on psychosocial interventions for patients with HNC. Evidence regarding screening tools, psychological interventions, smoking and alcohol cessation, and antidepressant therapy in the HNC population is reviewed.

CONCLUSION

There is a large body of evidence describing various psychosocial interventions and several of these interventions have shown promise in the literature to improve psychosocial and health outcomes in the HNC population. Psychosocial interventions should be integrated into HNC care pathways and formal recommendations should be developed.

Unmet Needs and Receipt of Supportive Care Services in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Prior to Oncologic Treatment: A Prospective, Cross-Sectional Pilot Study

OBJECTIVE

To characterize the supportive care (SC) needs and receipt of SC services among head and neck cancer (HNC) patients prior to oncologic treatment and to explore the influence of social determinants of health on these outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Newly diagnosed HNC patients were surveyed via telephone prior to oncologic treatment between 10/2019 and 1/2021 using a prospective, cross-sectional, bi-institutional, pilot study design. The primary study outcome was unmet SC needs (Supportive Care Needs Survey-Short Form34 [SCNS-SF34]). Hospital type (university- vs county safety-net) was explored as an exposure. Descriptive statistics were performed using STATA16 (College Station, TX).

RESULTS

Among 158 potentially eligible patients, 129 were successfully contacted, 78 met the study criteria, and 50 completed the survey. The mean age was 61, 58% exhibited clinical stage III-IV disease, and 68% and 32% were treated at the university and county safety-net hospital, respectively. Patients were surveyed a median of 20 days after their first oncology visit and 17 days prior to initiation of oncology treatment. They had a median of 24 total needs (11 were met and 13 were unmet) and preferred to see a median of 4 SC services but received care from none. County safety-net patients had comparatively more unmet needs than university patients (14.5 vs 11.5, P = .04).

CONCLUSION

Pretreatment HNC patients at a bi-institutional academic medical center report a high number of unmet SC needs with corollary poor receipt of available SC services. Novel interventions to address this significant gap in care are needed.

Predictors of Quality of Life for Head and Neck Cancer Patients at an Academic Institution

Objective

Quality of life (QOL) is an important consideration in head and neck cancer (HNC) due to lasting disease and treatment-related toxicities. We performed a comprehensive review of predictors of QOL in this population, including distance to care.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study from 2017 to 2022.

Setting

Academic medical center.

Methods

QOL was quantified in patients treated for HNC utilizing the University of Washington Quality of Life and 20-Item Short Form surveys completed at subsequent clinic visits. Distance to treatment center and other demographic, socioeconomic, disease-specific, and behavioral data were analyzed.

Results

There were 176 patients in the cohort (69% male; mean age, 64 ± 10.8 years). There was no association between miles traveled and any of the QOL subscales. Marital status was the strongest predictor of QOL, significantly associated with 7/8 QOL domains and favoring those who were married. Other significant predictors of decreased QOL included emotional/physical abuse, current tobacco use, documented religious affiliation, and treatment involving surgery plus adjuvant therapy. A significant positive trend over time existed for multiple QOL subscales.

Conclusion

QOL is unchanged in patients who travel greater distances for care. QOL is more closely linked to factors such as marital status, physical/emotional abuse, tobacco use, religious affiliation, treatment intensity, and time following surgery. This highlights the importance of a strong support structure and the influence of certain socioeconomic and lifestyle factors on patients, with opportunities for screening and intervention throughout their cancer care.

Study protocol: randomised controlled trial of conditioned open-label placebo (COLP) for perioperative pain management in patients with head and neck cancer

INTRODUCTION

Patients with head and neck cancer have a substantial risk of chronic opioid dependence following surgery due to pain and psychosocial consequences from both the disease process and its treatments. Conditioned open-label placebos (COLPs) have been effective for reducing the dose of active medication required for a clinical response across a wide range of medical conditions. We hypothesise that the addition of COLPs to standard multimodal analgesia will be associated with reduced baseline opioid consumption by 5 days after surgery in comparison to standard multimodal analgesia alone in patients with head and neck cancer.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This randomised controlled trial will evaluate the use of COLP for adjunctive pain management in patients with head and neck cancer. Participants will be randomised with 1:1 allocation to either the treatment as usual or COLP group. All participants will receive standard multimodal analgesia, including opioids. The COLP group will additionally receive conditioning (ie, exposure to a clove oil scent) paired with active and placebo opioids for 5 days. Participants will complete surveys on pain, opioid consumption and depression symptoms through 6 months after surgery. Average change in baseline opioid consumption by postoperative day 5 and average pain levels and opioid consumption through 6 months will be compared between groups.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

There remains a demand for more effective and safer strategies for postoperative pain management in patients with head and neck cancer as chronic opioid dependence has been associated with decreased survival in this patient population. Results from this study may lay the groundwork for further investigation of COLPs as a strategy for adjunctive pain management in patients with head and neck cancer. This clinical trial has been approved by the Johns Hopkins University Institutional Review Board (IRB00276225) and is registered on the National Institutes of Health Clinical Trials Database.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT04973748.

Trajectory of Depression among Prostate Cancer Patients: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: While psychological difficulties, such as depression, among prostate cancer patients are known, their longitudinal burden remains understudied. We assessed the burden of depression across low-, intermediate- and high-risk prostate cancer groups, and the association between regret and long-term depression. Methods: Secondary analysis of data from a multi-centered randomized controlled study among localized prostate cancer patients was carried out. Assessments were performed at baseline, and at 3-, 6-, 12- and 24-month follow-up. Depression was assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) scale. A CES-D score ≥ 16 indicates high depression. Regret was measured using the regret scale of the Memorial Anxiety Scale for Prostate Cancer (MAX-PC). The proportion of patients with high depression was compared over time, for each risk category. Logistic regression was used to assess the association between regret, and long-term depression after adjusting for age, race, insurance, smoking status, marital status, income, education, employment, treatment, number of people in the household and study site. Results: The study had 743 localized prostate cancer patients. Median depression scores at 6, 12 and 24 months were significantly larger than the baseline median score, overall and for the three prostate cancer risk groups. The proportion of participants with high depression increased over time for all risk groups. Higher regret at 24-month follow-up was significantly associated with high depression at 24-month follow-up, after adjusting for covariates. Conclusions: A substantial proportion of localized prostate cancer patients continued to experience long-term depression. Patient-centered survivorship care strategies can help reduce depression and regret, and improve outcomes in prostate cancer care.

De-Novo Depression, Prophylactic Antidepressant, and Survival in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer

OBJECTIVE

To study the association between the development of moderate or greater depression during curative-intent therapy and overall survival (OS) in patients with stages II-IV head and neck cancer (HNC).

METHODS

In this secondary analysis of a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial, of 148 eligible participants diagnosed with stages II-IV HNC but without baseline depression, 125 were evaluable and were randomly allocated to prophylactic escitalopram oxalate (n = 60) or placebo (n = 65). Participants were followed for development of moderate or greater depression, using Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology-Self Report (QIDS-SR, range 0-27, score ≥11 indicated moderate or greater depression), and were stratified by demographics; cancer site and stage; and primary treatment modality (surgery with or without radiotherapy vs. radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy). Single variable and multivariable Cox proportional-hazard models were used to evaluate differences in OS.

RESULTS

Clinically significant depression developed in 22 of 125 patients (17.6%) during HNC treatment. The mean follow-up was 5.0 years (SD 2.4). OS was similar for patient groups, when stratified by development of moderate or greater depression (HR 0.54 [CI, 0.21-1.43]) or use of prophylactic antidepressant (HR 0.64 [CI, 0.34-1.21]).

CONCLUSION

There was no significant association between OS and development of moderate or greater depression in patients being treated for stages II-IV HNC, or between OS and use of prophylactic antidepressant escitalopram. Prophylactic antidepressant may be considered in patients with HNC for prevention of clinically significant depression and may offer improved quality of life outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

2 Laryngoscope, 133:856-862, 2023.

Addictions, Social Deprivation and Cessation Failure in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Survivors

AIM

To evaluate the evolution of addictions (tobacco and alcohol) and social precarity in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma survivors when these factors are addressed from the time of diagnosis.

METHODS

Addictions and social precarity in patients with a new diagnosis of HNSCC were assessed through the EPICES score, the Fagerström score, and the CAGE questionnaire. When identified as precarious/dependent, patients were referred to relevant addiction/social services.

RESULTS

One hundred and eighty-two patients were included. At the time of diagnosis, an active tobacco consumption was associated with alcohol drinking (Fisher's exact test, p < 0.001). Active smokers were more socially deprived (mean EPICES score = mES = 36.2 [±22.1]) than former smokers (mES = 22.8 [±17.8]) and never smokers (mES = 18.9 [±14.5]; Kruskal-Wallis, p < 0.001). The EPICES score was correlated to the Fagerström score (Kruskal-Wallis, p < 0.001). Active drinkers (mES = 34.1 [±21.9]) and former drinkers (mES = 32.7 [±21]) were more likely to be socially deprived than those who never drank (mES = 20.8 [±17.1]; Krukal-Wallis, p < 0.001). A Fagerström score improvement at one year was associated to a CAGE score improvement (Fisher's exact test, p < 0.001). Tobacco and alcohol consumption were more than halved one year after treatment. Patients who continued to smoke one year after diagnosis were significantly more likely to continue to drink (Fisher's exact test, p < 0.001) and had a significantly higher initial EPICES score (Kruskal-Wallis, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

At one year, addictions and social deprivation tend to improve when taken care of from the diagnosis. The most dependent patients and those with multiple frailties are at highest risk of cessation failure.

Perceptions of Facilitators and Barriers to Smoking Cessation Among Patients and Providers in a Cancer Center: A Single Institution Qualitative Exploratory Study

PURPOSE

Cancer patients who remain tobacco users have poorer outcomes, including increased mortality and decreased treatment tolerance; however, cessation post-diagnosis is challenging. Our formative research explored cessation-related perspectives among patients and staff at one National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center, to inform improving cessation services within oncology care.

METHODS

Using a descriptive phenomenological approach, a purposive sample of current cancer patients (n = 13) and cancer center physicians and cessation program staff (n = 9) were recruited to complete one-on-one audio-recorded in-depth qualitative interviews, to explore experiences providing or receiving cessation support, and perspectives on patients' readiness and needs regarding cessation. Thematic coding utilized Green's predisposing, enabling, and reinforcing framework to identify factors having positive, negative, or mixed impact on delivery of best-practices cessation services (ie, 5As) and patient cessation success.

RESULTS

Patients identified cancer diagnosis as a wake-up call, existing health problems, persistent healthcare providers, cost of cigarettes, and societal disapproval of smoking as factors facilitating quitting. Futility of quitting after a cancer diagnosis, cost and logistics of program participation, clinician time constraints, and lifetime addiction made quitting harder. Family, friends, stigma and motivation, and pharmacotherapies played mixed roles. Patients felt survivor-focused cessation programs, including stress management, could better enable quitting. Provider-anticipated problems with implementing cessation counseling included so-called "therapeutic nihilism" (ie, pessimism regarding cessation post-diagnosis), lack of training and standardized approaches, and time and documentation burden. Clinicians saw both policies and peer clinician "champions" as potentially increasing prioritization of cessation within oncology.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings highlight unmet needs for patients and providers regarding provision of effective cessation care. Despite survival benefit, cessation is still not standard within cancer care. Our results show that many patients would benefit from standardized programs where they are routinely asked about cessation. Providers would benefit from both structural enhancements and professional education to ensure that evidence-based cessation services tailored to cancer patients, are offered throughout treatment and survivorship.

Association of post-treatment longitudinal symptom severity clusters with subsequent survival in oropharyngeal cancer

BACKGROUND

Patients with cancer often experience multiple symptoms concurrently. We identified patient clusters based on longitudinal symptom severity trajectories in oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) and evaluated the potential clinical utility of this approach.

METHODS

A retrospective OPC patient cluster analysis using 6 months of symptom severity data from radiotherapy initiation. The clinico-demographic characteristics and overall survival of patients were compared between clusters.

RESULTS

We identified four clusters of patients differing in longitudinal symptom severity. Cluster A (n = 168) included patients with the mildest longitudinal symptoms, cluster B (n = 59) and cluster C (n = 63) were intermediate, and cluster D (n = 30) included patients with the worst symptoms. The clusters differed in their HPV status, ECOG performance status, smoking history, drinking history, treatment modality, and 5-year survival. These clusters separated symptom severity trajectories more distinctly than individual clinico-demographic characteristics.

CONCLUSIONS

Early symptom severity trajectory clustering revealed distinct patient clusters that were prognostic of overall survival.

Racial/Ethnic Differences in Health-Related Quality of Life Among Gay and Bisexual Prostate Cancer Survivors

Introduction

Prostate cancer treatment has established effects on the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of patients. While racial/ethnic differences in HRQOL have been explored in heterosexual patients, this is the first study to examine racial/ethnic differences in a cohort of sexual minority prostate cancer survivors.

Methods

We used data from the Restore-1 study, an online cross-sectional survey of sexual and gender minority (SGM) prostate cancer survivors in North America, to explore the association between race/ethnicity and HRQOL. General mental and physical HRQOL was assessed using the Short-Form Health Survey version 2 (SF-12). The frequency and distress of prostate cancer specific symptoms was assessed using the Expanded Prostate Cancer Composite (EPIC) scale. Multivariable linear regression was used to estimate mean differences in HRQOL between sexual minority men of color and their white, non-Hispanic counterparts after adjustment for pertinent demographic and medical characteristics.

Results

Among 190 participants, 23 (12%) self-identified as non-white and/or Hispanic. In unadjusted analysis, sexual minority men of color compared to their white counterparts reported worse HRQOL scores in the EPIC hormonal summary (73.8 vs. 81.8) and hormonal function (70.9 vs 80.5) domains. Clinically important differences between men of color and their white counterparts were seen in the EPIC bowel function (mean difference (MD): -4.5, 95% CI: -9.9, 0.8), hormonal summary (MD: -8.0, 95% CI: -15.6, -0.4), hormonal function (MD: -9.6, 95% CI: -17.6, -1.6), and hormonal bother (MD: -6.7, 95% CI: -14.4, 1.1) domains. After adjustment for covariates, clinically important differences persisted between men of color and white, non-Hispanic men on the hormonal summary (74.4 vs. 81.7), hormonal function (71.3 vs. 80.3), and hormonal bother (77.0 vs. 82.7) domains.

Conclusions

This exploratory study provides the first evidence that sexual minority men of color may have worse HRQOL outcomes compared to white, non-Hispanic sexual minority men following prostate cancer treatment.

Feasibility of Patient Navigation-Based Smoking Cessation Program in Cancer Patients

Continued smoking after a cancer diagnosis is causally associated with increased risks of all-cause and cancer-specific mortality, and of smoking-related second primary cancers. Patient navigation provides individualized assistance to address barriers to smoking cessation treatment and represents a promising bridge to smoking cessation in persons with cancer who smoke cigarettes. We conducted a single-arm interventional cohort study of current smokers identified through prospective health record screening and recruited from Penn State Cancer Institute outpatient clinics. Consented participants received two telephone intervention sessions and gain-framed messaging-based smoking cessation educational materials designed for persons with cancer. The primary study outcome was the feasibility of the patient navigation-based intervention; the secondary outcome was the engagement in smoking cessation treatment at the two-month follow-up. Of 1168 unique screened Cancer Institute patients, 134 (11.5%) were identified as current cigarette smokers. Among 67 patients approached at outpatient clinics, 24 (35.8%) were interested in participating, 12 (17.9%) were enrolled, eight (11.9%) completed the intervention sessions and study assessments, and six engaged in smoking cessation treatment. The participants expressed satisfaction with the intervention sessions (median = 8.5, scale 0–10). The low recruitment rates preclude patient navigation as a feasible method for connecting cancer patients to smoking cessation treatment resources.

Smoking Cessation Training and Treatment: Options for Cancer Centres

Patients who achieve smoking cessation following a cancer diagnosis can experience an improvement in treatment response and lower morbidity and mortality compared to individuals who continue to smoke. It is therefore imperative for publicly funded cancer centres to provide appropriate training and education for healthcare providers (HCP) and treatment options to support smoking cessation for their patients. However, system-, practitioner-, and patient-level barriers exist that hamper the integration of evidence-based cessation programs within publicly funded cancer centres. The integration of evidence-based smoking cessation counselling and pharmacotherapy into cancer care facilities could have a significant effect on smoking cessation and cancer treatment outcomes. The purpose of this paper is to describe the elements of a learning health system for smoking cessation, implemented and scaled up in community settings that can be adapted for ambulatory cancer clinics. The core elements include appropriate workflows enabled by technology, thereby improving both practitioner and patient experience and effectively removing practitioner-level barriers to program implementation. Integrating the smoking cessation elements of this program from primary care to cancer centres could improve smoking cessation outcomes in patients attending cancer clinics.

Attitudes Toward and Acceptability of Medical Marijuana Use Among Head and Neck Cancer Patients

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to understand the attitudes toward marijuana in HNC patients.

METHODS

A 17-question questionnaire regarding medical marijuana (MM) was distributed to HNC patients at a tertiary cancer center.

RESULTS

63 HNC patients completed the questionnaire. Patients that had used or were using marijuana described benefit with symptoms of headache, pain, nausea, and loss of appetite. 83% of all patients considered marijuana as treatment for cancer related pain and 67% as treatment for cancer related anxiety. About 70% of patients actively undergoing cancer treatment believed marijuana medications would help with symptoms during treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

By understanding how HNC patients perceive MM, HNC teams may be able to prescribe and educate their patients on MM.

Motivation to smoking cessation in head and neck cancer and dysplasia patients in confrontation with the attitudes of otorhinolaryngologists in delivering anti-smoking therapies

Objectives

The aim of the study was to determine the influence of oral, oropharyngeal, laryngeal and hypopharyngeal dysplasia and cancer diagnosis on motivation to smoking cessation in patients. Consecutively, we assessed the competence of ENT specialists in counseling anti-smoking therapies.

Methods

Questionnaire of expected support, Schneider motivation test and Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) were administered to 50 smoking patients. The online survey was collected from 152 ENT doctors.

Results

Mean FTND score was 4.58 and Heaviness of Smoking Index (HSI) was 3.1. Patients with oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer showed the greatest dependence to nicotine 7.67 and 5.25, respectively, and with hypopharyngeal cancer had the lowest 3.5, (p = 0.039). The ranges of HSI were significantly higher for younger patients (p = 0.036). 35 patients were adequately motivated to quit smoking, and their mean age was statistically higher (p = 0.05). Self-reported motivation to smoking cessation was 76%. Of 152 surveyed doctors, only 39% declared knowledge of the diagnostic and therapeutic cessation interventions. 75% showed interest in the training programs.

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.

Incidence of suicide among adolescent and young adult cancer patients: a population-based study

Background

As the survival rates of cancer patients continue to increase, most cancer patients now die of non-cancer causes. Several studies have been showing elevated suicide rates among patients with cancer. However, no large-scale study has thoroughly assessed the risk of suicide among adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients with cancer. This study was conducted to characterize suicide mortality among AYA patients in the US and identify risk factors associated with a higher risk of suicide.

Methods

Patients aged 15–39 years were residents of the US served by the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program, who were diagnosed with cancers from 1973 to 2015.

Results

We report that 981 of the 572,500 AYA patients with cancer committed suicide, for an age-, sex-, and race-adjusted suicide rate of 17.68/100,000 person-years. The rate of suicide was 14.33/100,000 person-years in the corresponding general population, giving a standardized mortality ratio (SMR) of 1.234 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.159–1.313]. Higher suicide rates were associated with male sex, white race, unmarried state, distant tumor stage, and single primary tumor. AYA patients with otorhinolaryngologic, gonad, stomach, soft tissue, and nasopharyngeal cancer were at the greatest risk of suicide compared with those with other types of cancer. In older patients (≥ 40 years), the risk was highest in those with lung, stomach, oral cavity and pharynx, larynx, and bone malignancies. SMRs were highest in the first 5 years after diagnosis for most types of cancer.

Conclusion

AYA patients with cancer in the US have over 20% higher the incidence of suicide of the general population, and most suicides occurred in the first 5 years following diagnosis. Suicide rates vary among patients with cancers of different anatomic sites. Further examination of the psychological experience of these young patients with cancer, particularly that of those with certain types of cancer, is warranted.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12935-021-02225-y.

The prognostic impact of depression or depressive symptoms on patients with head and neck cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

This systematic review and meta-analysis sought to assess the extent to which pretreatment depression or depressive symptoms are related to prognosis in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC).

METHODS

Medline, EMbase, Scopus, and The Cochrane Library databases were searched. A meta-analysis was done to generate a forest plot and pooled hazard ratio (HR) with 95% CI for overall survival (OS). RevMan 5.3 and Meta Essentials were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Based on seven studies involving 1743 patients, the results showed that HNC patients with pretreatment depression or depressive symptoms had worse OS than patients without depression or depressive symptoms, with an HR of 1.33, 95% CI 1.16-1.52, p = <0.0001. There is heterogeneity in the pooled summary effect (I²  = 80%, p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Pretreatment depression or depressive symptoms may indicate worse OS in patients with HNC. The pooled analysis demonstrated a statistically significant effect. These results were limited by mild heterogeneity.

Identifying Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) for Routine Surveillance of Physical and Emotional Symptoms in Head and Neck Cancer Populations: A Systematic Review

The aims of this review were to identify symptoms experienced by head and neck cancer (HNC) patients and their prevalence, as well as to compare symptom coverage identified in HNC specific patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Searches of Ovid Medline, Embase, PsychInfo, and CINAHL were conducted to identify studies. The search revealed 4569 unique articles and identified 115 eligible studies. The prevalence of reported symptoms was highly variable among included studies. Variability in sample size, timing of the assessments, and the use of different measures was noted across studies. Content mapping of commonly used PROMs showed variability and poor capture of prevalent symptoms, even though validation studies confirmed satisfactory reliability and validity. This suggests limitations of some of the tools in providing an accurate and comprehensive picture of the patient's symptoms and problems.

Substance use and mental health burden in head and neck and other cancer survivors: A National Health Interview Survey analysis

BACKGROUND

Tobacco dependence, alcohol abuse, depression, distress, and other adverse patient-level influences are common in head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors. Their interrelatedness and precise burden in comparison with survivors of other cancers are poorly understood.

METHODS

National Health Interview Survey data from 1997 to 2016 were pooled. The prevalence of adverse patient-level influences among HNC survivors and matched survivors of other cancers were compared using descriptive statistics. Multivariable logistic regressions evaluating covariate associations with the primary study outcomes were performed. These included 1) current cigarette smoking and/or heavy alcohol use (>14 drinks per week) and 2) high mental health burden (severe psychological distress [Kessler Index ≥ 13] and/or frequent depressive/anxiety symptoms).

RESULTS

In all, 918 HNC survivors and 3672 matched survivors of other cancers were identified. Compared with other cancer survivors, more HNC survivors were current smokers and/or heavy drinkers (24.6% [95% CI, 21.5%-27.7%] vs 18.0% [95% CI, 16.6%-19.4%]) and exhibited a high mental health burden (18.6% [95% CI, 15.7%-21.5%] vs 13.0% [95% CI, 11.7%-14.3%]). In multivariable analyses, 1) a high mental health burden predicted for smoking and/or heavy drinking (odds ratio [OR], 1.4; 95% CI, 1.0-1.9), and 2) current cigarette smoking predicted for a high mental health burden (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.2-2.3). Furthermore, nonpartnered marital status and uninsured/Medicaid insurance status were significantly associated with both cigarette smoking and/or heavy alcohol use (ORs, 1.9 [95% CI, 1.4-2.5] and 1.5 [95% CI, 1.0-2.1], respectively) and a high mental health burden (ORs, 1.4 [95% CI, 1.1 -1.8] and 3.0 [95% CI, 2.2-4.2], respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Stakeholders should allocate greater supportive care resources to HNC survivors. The interdependence of substance abuse, adverse mental health symptoms, and other adverse patient-level influences requires development of novel, multimodal survivorship care interventions.

Suicide after cancer diagnosis in South Korea: a population-based cohort study

OBJECTIVE

The present study aimed to determine whether the suicide risk increased after a cancer diagnosis.

DESIGN

Population-based cohort study.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

This study incorporated the National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort in South Korea. Of the 975 348 subjects, 39 027 with cancer and 936 321 who were cancer free participated between 2005 and 2013.

PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE

Suicide.

RESULTS

A total of 110 suicides (82 men, 28 women) were identified among these 39 027 subjects with cancer during a total of 127 184 person-years; among the 936 321 cancer-free subjects, 2163 suicides were reported during a total of 8 222 479 person-years. Cox proportional hazards models were used to compare all-cause and suicide mortalities after cancer diagnosis following adjustment for possible confounding covariates. After adjusting for factors related to suicide, we identified an elevated relative risk of suicide among patients with cancer (HR: 1.480, 95% CI: 1.209 to 1.812). Among men, the relative risk was substantially increased among patients with lip, oral cavity/pharyngeal, colon and rectal, pancreatic and lung cancers when compared with cancer-free subjects; whereas among women, the relative risk was substantially increased among patients with colon and rectal cancers.

CONCLUSION

Our study observed an increased risk of suicide among patients with cancer that varied according to the anatomical cancer site, even after accounting for clinical comorbidities and psychiatric illness. Our findings indicate a need for social support and suicide prevention strategies for patients with cancer.

Patterns of alcohol use among early head and neck cancer survivors: A cross-sectional survey study using the alcohol use disorders identification test (AUDIT)

OBJECTIVE

Alcohol use among survivors of head and neck cancer (HNC) negatively impacts patient outcomes and is an important risk factor for recurrent and second primary tumors. Despite recommendations from several cancer societies, alcohol consumption remains a common problem in this population.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was performed with the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) Self-Report questionnaire. Patients with HNC completed surveys at pre-treatment and follow-up appointments every 3-6 months for at least 2-years after treatment.

RESULTS

796 surveys were available for analysis. Most participants were male (75.7%) and had either oropharyngeal (34.5%) or laryngeal (16.7%) cancer. The percentage of alcohol drinkers decreased from 56.1% at pre-treatment to 40.4% at 0-3 months post-treatment, but then increased and surpassed baseline levels by 24 + months post-treatment (64.4%, p = 0.0079). Concurrently, moderate drinkers (AUDIT = 1 - 3) decreased from 34.2% at pre-treatment to 25.2% at 0-3 months post-treatment, but then increased and surpassed baseline levels at 24 + months post-treatment (39.7%, p = 0.0129). Trends among heavy (AUDIT > 3), and heaviest (AUDIT > 6) drinkers were similar, but not statistically significant. At 24 + months post-therapy, we observed a statistically significant increase in female users (39.1% to 63.2%, p = 0.0213) and moderate drinkers < 55 years old (43.4% to 61.9%, p = 0.0184).

CONCLUSION

Alcohol consumption in survivors of HNC transiently decreases in the immediate months after treatment, but then increases and remains largely stable by 24 months. This pattern is particularly concerning and highlights the need for timely interventions.

The State of the Science on Cancer Diagnosis as a "Teachable Moment" for Smoking Cessation: A Scoping Review

Theoretically, cancer diagnosis has potential to spur health behavior changes in physical activity, diet, substance use, medication adherence and the like. The Teachable Moment heuristic is a parsimonious, transtheoretical framework for understanding the conditions under which behavior change might occur, with constructs that include affective, cognitive, and social factors. Application of the Teachable Moment to smoking cessation after cancer diagnosis might aid selection of predictors in observational studies and inform how to optimally design interventions to promote quit attempts and sustain abstinence, as many smoking cessation interventions for cancer survivors do not yield positive outcomes. This scoping review of 47 studies that span nearly 20 years of literature examines measurement of the Teachable Moment constructs and what empirical support they have in explaining cancer survivors' smoking behavior. From this review, it appears the construct of affective response is more widely explored than risk perceptions, social role, and self-concept. Strong, negative affective responses (e.g., anxiety, general distress) may be a powerful contributor to continued smoking after cancer diagnosis. Risk perceptions may also play a role in smoking behavior, such that never and former smokers espouse stronger perceptions of smoking-related risks than current smokers. Finally, due to a paucity of studies, the role of cancer survivors' self-concept (e.g., identity as a "cancer survivor") and changes in their social role (e.g., employee, athlete) are unclear contributors to their smoking behavior. In summary, the Teachable Moment holds promise in its application to smoking cessation after cancer diagnosis, though more direct research is needed.

Exploratory study of functional and psychological factors associated with employment status in patients with head and neck cancer

BACKGROUND

Compared with other malignancies, head and neck cancer (HNC) increases the risk of not returning to work (RTW).

METHODS

Within a cross-sectional study, patients with HNC filled out the OncoFunction questionnaire, a version of the International Classification of Functioning Core Sets for HNC. In 231 patients below 65 years of age, associations of sociodemographic, clinical, functional, and psychological factors with employment and participation in rehabilitation program were explored.

RESULTS

Unemployed patients reported more swallowing difficulties and speaking problems. Being unemployed was associated with higher levels of depressive and anxiety symptoms, fatigue, and lower global health. Rehabilitation participation was not significantly associated with any of the assessed factors except for smoking.

CONCLUSIONS

Unemployed patients with HNC are more burdened than employed patients with HNC regarding clinical, psychological, and functional factors. These differences are more evident later in recovery. Rehabilitation participation was not associated with psychological and functional burden which indicates the need for tailored HNC rehabilitation programs.

The reliable predictors of severe weight loss during the radiotherapy of Head and Neck Cancer

Side effects of severe weight loss during radiation therapy and its definitive risk factors are the significant complexities of cancer treatment. This study aimed to identify the reliable predictors of severe weight loss during three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT) in head and neck cancer patients. Weight changes during radiotherapy were investigated on 87 patients. Tumor site, T-stage, BMI, age, smoking, treatment modality, and prior surgery were considered as effective factors. During the 3D-CRT, 78.7% of patients experienced weight loss (p<0.001). The risk of weight loss was higher in patients with cancer in the larynx and oral cavity. Severe weight loss (≥5% during the radiation course) was observed in 47.8% of patients. There was the highest risk of severe weight loss in patients undergoing chemoradiation therapy with previous surgical resection (83.3%). The incidence of severe weight loss in normal-weight patients compared to overweight patients was significant. Severe weight loss was more common at higher doses and in younger patients. BMI regardless of body composition is not a credible predictor. Advanced tumor stage and combined treatment modality in head and neck cancer patients which result in synergizing of treatment toxicities, can be used as the reliable risk factors of severe weight loss during radiotherapy.

Toxicities Caused by Head and Neck Cancer Treatments and Their Influence on the Development of Malnutrition: Review of the Literature

Malnutrition poses a significant problem for oncology patients, resulting in fatalities within this population. Patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) are at high risk, with up to 90% developing malnutrition. Common treatments used for HNC can often lead to adverse side effects, including oral health conditions, gastrointestinal upsets, and several metabolic changes. Consequently, treatments can cause inadequate nutritional intake, resulting in a reduction in energy consumption, and alterations in energy utilization, contributing to the development of malnutrition. Furthermore, the presence of these treatment toxicities, and the related malnutrition can lead to reduced quality of life, weight loss, and psychological distress. There are interventions available (nutritional, medicinal, and physical therapies) that have demonstrated potential effectiveness in reducing the severity of symptomatic toxicities, reducing the risk of malnutrition, and improving survival outcomes of patients with HNC. Based on the findings of this review, there is an urgent need for the implementation or continuation of multi-disciplinary strategies, as well as updated and improved guidelines to assist in the prevention and treatment of malnutrition caused by treatment-related toxicities in patients with HNC.

Comparison of prevalence and associated factors of depressive disorder between patients with head and neck cancer and those with lung cancer at a tertiary hospital in Taiwan: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

Depression is a common comorbidity in cancer patients. This study aimed to compare the prevalence and associated factors of depressive disorder between patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) and those with lung cancer (LC).

DESIGN

This study used a cross-sectional design with consecutive sampling.

SETTING

A medical centre (Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan).

PARTICIPANTS

Patients for the study were recruited from the HNC and LC outpatient clinic and inpatient ward from March 2016 to February 2018. Patients with HNC and LC were enrolled and assessed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI).

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was psychiatric diagnoses assessed using the MINI. The secondary outcomes were psychological well-being assessed using the Beck Anxiety Inventory, Taiwanese Depression Questionnaire, Brief Fatigue Inventory, Numeric Pain Rating Scale and the List of Threatening Experiences Questionnaire.

RESULTS

In total, 113 HNC patients and 104 LC patients were recruited for the study. The most common psychiatric comorbidity of HNC patients was alcohol use disorder (49.6%), followed by adjustment disorder (20.4%) and depressive disorder (11.5%). The most common psychiatric comorbidity of LC patients was depressive disorder (25.0%), followed by adjustment disorder (17.3%), alcohol use disorder (3.8%) and insomnia disorder (3.8%). Among HNC patients, a self-harm history was positively associated with depression (OR=11.91; 95% CI, 1.47 to 96.83), and a higher educational level was negatively associated with depression (OR=0.77; 95% CI, 0.66 to 0.91). Among LC patients, severity of stressor (OR=2.78; 95% CI, 1.50 to 5.15) and severity of anxiety (OR=1.18; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.34) were two significant factors associated with depression.

CONCLUSION

We reported the prevalence and associated factors of depression between patients with HNC and those with LC. Clinicians should be aware of this comorbidity and the associated risk factors, and conduct intervention programmes to prevent these cancer patients from developing depression.

Treatment challenges and support needs of underserved Hispanic patients diagnosed with lung cancer and head-and-neck cancer

Purpose: We explored the treatment challenges and support needs that Hispanic underserved lung cancer and head-and-neck cancer patients face while undergoing cancer treatment.Design: Qualitative design - ethnography.Sample: Using a sample of 29 participants, we conducted semi-structured interviews with nine lung cancer and head-and-neck cancer survivors and seven health care providers and focus group interviews with six caregivers and seven patient navigators.Method: Relevant themes were extracted with Ethnographic content analysis.Findings: Participants reported treatment challenges and support needs in four areas: medical, financial, socio-cultural, and mental health. Health care providers and navigators primarily identified medical and financial challenges that impact treatment adherence, while patients and caregivers expressed the need for support for mental health problems (i.e., depression, anxiety).Implications for psychosocial providers: Understanding the experiences of underserved Hispanic cancer survivors can aid in creating psychosocial interventions that successfully target treatment-related challenges and provide them with the support they need.

Identification of Baseline Characteristics Associated With Development of Depression Among Patients With Head and Neck Cancer: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

Patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) experience increased risk of depression and compromised quality of life. Identifying patients with HNC at risk of depression can help establish targeted interventions.

Objective

To identify factors that may be associated with the development of moderate or severe depression during treatment of HNC.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This is a retrospective, ad hoc, secondary analysis of prospectively collected data from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Patients were screened at academic- and community-based tertiary care HNC centers from January 2008 to December 2011. Of the 125 evaluable patients with stages II through IV HNC but without baseline depression, 60 were randomized to prophylactic antidepressant escitalopram oxalate and 65 to placebo at the time of the initial diagnosis. Data analyses were conducted from May 2016 to April 2017.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Depression outcomes were measured using Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology-Self Report (QIDS-SR) scores (range, 0-27 with a score of 11 or higher indicative of moderate or greater depression). Factors that may be associated with development of moderate or severe depression were assessed, including patient demographics; cancer site and stage; primary treatment modality (surgery or radiotherapy); history of depression or other psychiatric diagnosis; previous treatment of depression or suicide attempt, family history of depression, suicide, or suicide attempt; and baseline score on the QIDS-SR and clinician-rated QIDS instruments. Participants were stratified by study site, sex, cancer stage (early [stage II] vs advanced [stage III or IV]), primary modality of treatment (radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy vs surgery with or without radiotherapy), and randomization to placebo or escitalopram and balanced within these strata.

Results

The mean (SD) age of the 148 patients in the study population was 63.0 (11.9) years; 118 (79.7%) were men, and 143 (96.6%) were white. In the evaluable population of 125 patients, receiver operating characteristic analyses assessing the area under the curve for baseline QIDS-SR score (0.816; 95% CI, 0.696-0.935) and for initial radiotherapy-based treatment (0.681, 95% CI, 0.552-0.811) suggested that these 2 variables were associated with the likelihood of developing moderate or greater depression during the study period among patients who did not receive prophylactic antidepressants. The diagnostic sensitivity for identifying patients at risk of depression using the baseline QIDS-SR score improved to 100% at a threshold of 2 from 94% at a threshold of 4.

Conclusions and Relevance

Baseline symptoms and initial radiotherapy-based treatment may be associated with development of moderate or greater depression in patients with HNC. Patients with QIDS-SR baseline scores of 2 or higher may benefit the most from pharmacologic prophylaxis of depression.

Association of a Comprehensive Smoking Cessation Program With Smoking Abstinence Among Patients With Cancer

IMPORTANCE

Patients with cancer who smoke after diagnosis risk experiencing reductions in treatment effectiveness, survival rates, and quality of life, and increases in complications, cancer recurrence, and second primary cancers. Smoking cessation can significantly affect these outcomes, but to date comprehensive treatment is not widely implemented in the oncologic setting.

OBJECTIVES

To describe a potential model tobacco treatment program (TTP) implemented in a cancer setting, report on its long-term outcomes, and highlight its importance to quality patient care.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

A prospective cohort of smokers was treated in the TTP at a comprehensive cancer center from January 1, 2006, to August 31, 2015. Data analysis was performed from November 2017 to December 2018. Participants included 3245 patients (2343 with current cancer; 309 with previous cancer; 593 with no cancer history) drawn from a population of 5061 smokers referred for treatment in the TTP. Reasons for exclusion included follow-up for a noncancerous disease, no medical consultation, smoked less than 1 cigarette per day; or died before the 9-month follow-up.

EXPOSURES

Treatment consisted of an in-person medical consultation, 6 to 8 in-person and telephone follow-up counseling sessions, and 10 to 12 weeks of pharmacotherapy.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Primary outcome was 9-month 7-day point-prevalence abstinence evaluated using time-specific (3-, 6-, and 9-month follow-ups) and longitudinal covariate-adjusted and unadjusted regression models with multiple imputation, intention-to-treat, and respondent-only approaches to missing data. The Fagerström Test for Cigarette Dependence was used as a measure of dependence (possible range, 0-10; higher numbers indicate greater dependence).

RESULTS

Of the 3245 smokers, 1588 (48.9%) were men, 322 (9.9%) were of black race/ethnicity, 172 (5.3%) were of Hispanic race/ethnicity, and 2498 (76.0%) were of white race/ethnicity. Mean (SD) age was 54 (11.4) years; Fagerström Test for Cigarette Dependence score, 4.41 (2.2), number of cigarettes smoked per day, 17.1 (10.7); years smoked, 33 (13.2); and 1393 patients (42.9%) had at least 1 psychiatric comorbidity. Overall self-reported abstinence was 45.1% at 3 months, 45.8% at 6 months, and 43.7% at 9 months in the multiply imputed sample. Results across all models were consistent, suggesting that, in comparison with smokers with no cancer history, abstinence rates within this TTP program did not differ appreciably whether smokers had current cancer, were a cancer survivor, or had smoking-related cancers, with the exception of patients with head and neck cancer; the rates were higher at 9 months (relative risk, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.11-1.56; P = .001) and in longitudinal models (relative risk, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.08-1.42; P = .002).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this study, mean smoking abstinence rates did not differ significantly between patients with cancer and those without cancer. These findings suggest that providing comprehensive tobacco treatment in the oncologic setting can result in sustained high abstinence rates for all patients with cancer and survivors and should be included as standard of care to ensure the best possible cancer treatment outcomes.

A systematic review of substance use and substance use disorders in patients with cancer

OBJECTIVE

Few studies examined substance use in cancer patients. The aims of this systematic review were to summarize this evidence, identify methodological limitations, and provide future research directions.

METHOD

Articles on substance use in cancer (focused on illicit substance, opioid, and alcohol use) were searched in Medline, PsycINFO, and PsycARTICLES.

RESULTS

On the basis of inclusion criteria, 28 studies were reviewed. Twenty-one contained empiric data from 500,123 participants; seven were review or conceptual papers. All studies were published between 1995 and 2018. Quality assessment revealed relatively low risk of bias and high methodological quality. Five studies examined substance use or substance use disorder (SUD) broadly. Mean ages ranged from 17.6 to 74.7 years. Substance use rates ranged from 2% to 35%, with a median opioid rate of 18% and 25.5% for alcohol. Nine of the studies had samples comprised either mostly or exclusively of advanced cancer patients. Disease groups included breast, head & neck, and gastric cancer. None of the studies used a theoretical framework or model.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the prevalence of substance use in cancer patients, interventions are needed. Further theory-grounded studies are warranted to foster the translation of research into clinical practice and elucidate substance use management recommendations.

Advancing interdisciplinary research in head and neck cancer through a multicenter longitudinal prospective cohort study: the NETherlands QUality of life and BIomedical Cohort (NET-QUBIC) data warehouse and biobank

Background

Worldwide, over 500,000 people are diagnosed with head and neck cancer each year, a disease with major impact on life expectancy and quality of life. The purpose of the Netherlands Quality of life and Biomedical Cohort study (NET-QUBIC) is to advance interdisciplinary research that aims to optimize diagnosis, treatment, and supportive care for head and neck cancer patients and their informal caregivers.

Methods

Using an extensive assessment protocol (electronic clinical record form, patient reported outcome measures and fieldwork (interviews and physical tests)), clinical data and data on quality of life, demographic and personal factors, psychosocial (depression, anxiety, fatigue, pain, sleep, mental adjustment to cancer, posttraumatic stress), physical (speech, swallowing, oral function, malnutrition, physical fitness, neurocognitive function, sexual function), lifestyle (physical activity, nutrition, smoking, alcohol, drugs), and social factors (social function, social support, work, health care use, and costs) are collected and stored in the data warehouse. A longitudinal biobank is built with tumor tissue, blood and blood components, saliva samples, and oral rinses. An infrastructure for fieldwork and laboratory protocols is established at all participating centers. All patients fill out patient reported outcome measures before treatment and at 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months follow-up. The interviews, physical tests and biological sample collection are at baseline and 6, 12, and 24 months follow-up. The protocol for caregivers includes blood sampling and oral rinses at baseline and a tailored list of questionnaires, administered at the same time points as the patients. In total, 739 HNC patients and 262 informal caregivers have been included in 5 out of the 8 HNC centers in the Netherlands.

Discussion

By granting access to researchers to the NET-QUBIC data warehouse and biobank, we enable new research lines in clinical (e.g. treatment optimization in elderly patients), biological (e.g. liquid biopsy analysis for relapse detection), health related quality of life (e.g. the impact of toxicity on quality of life), and interrelated research (e.g. health related quality of life in relation to biomarkers and survival).

Exploration of coping styles in male patients with head and neck cancer: a prospective cohort study

Majority of head and neck cancer (HNC) patients are male, and more than 85% of patients with HNC have the habit of smoking and drinking. Due to the specific demographic characteristics, HNC patients are anticipated to have specific coping styles, affecting psychological distress, survival, and quality of life. We explored the subscales of the Mental Adjustment to Cancer (MAC) Scale in male patients with HNC, and then examined the correlation between revised subscales of the MAC scale and anxiety/depression. Participants were 150 male inpatients with HNC, and their demographic and medical data were obtained. Coping style was assessed by MAC scale. Anxiety and depression were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Out of 40 items in the original MAC scale, 19 items were excluded by factor analysis, and the remaining 21 items were divided into three factors: Negative Adjustment, Positive Adjustment, and Abandonment. Negative and Positive Adjustments were similar to the copings of mixed gender patients with heterogeneous cancers, and Abandonment was a new subscale specific to male patients with HNC. This subscale had a weak positive correlation with anxiety and depression. Male HNC patients revealed a specific coping style of Abandonment, related with psychological distress. We believe that an understanding of the Abandonment coping style revealed in our study will improve the psychological support offered to male patients with HNC.

Prevalence and Predictors of Sustained Smoking after a Cancer Diagnosis in Korean Men

Purpose

Although smoking has a significant impact on mortality and morbidity of cancer patients, many patients continue to smoke post-diagnosis. The purpose of this study was to investigate prevalence and predictors of sustained smoking among male cancer survivors.

Materials and Methods

The Korean National Health Insurance Service-National Health Screening Cohort database was used for this population-based, retrospective study. Study subjects were 15,141 men who were diagnosed with their first incident cancer between 2004 and 2011. Changes in smoking status before and after a cancer diagnosis were investigated. For patients who were current smokers pre-diagnosis, association between post-diagnosis sustained smoking and demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical variables were examined.

Results

Of the 4,657 pre-diagnosis smokers, 2,255 (48%) had quit after cancer diagnosis, while 2,402 (51.6%) continued to smoke. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, younger age at cancer diagnosis (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.37; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.21 to 1.55; p < 0.001), low socioeconomic status (aOR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.15 to 1.45; p ≤ 0.001), pre-diagnosis heavy smoking (aOR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.09 to 1.41; p=0.001), diagnosis of non-smoking–related cancer (aOR, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.42 to 1.96; p < 0.001), and high serum glucose level (aOR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.46; p=0.019) were associated with sustained smoking after a cancer diagnosis.

Conclusion

Almost half of the male smokers continue to smoke after a cancer diagnosis. Targeted interventions for smoking cessation should be considered for patients with younger age, low socioeconomic status, heavy smoking history, non-smoking–related cancer, and high blood glucose levels.

A review of the effects of tobacco smoking on cancer treatment: smoking cessation intervention should be integrated into the cancer care continuum

Background:

The adverse health effects associated with smoking tobacco have been well investigated, and its detrimental effects on cancer treatment outcomes, efficacy and quality of life (QOL) for cancer patients have also been well documented. Tobacco smoke contains many thousands of chemicals, including a plethora of carcinogens, and the exposure of human cells to these carcinogens, and their metabolic activation, is the main mechanism by which smoking-related cancer is initiated.

Materials and Methods:

This paper reports on a narrative review of recent studies in the field of effects of tobacco smoking on cancer treatment, including the effects of carcinogens in smoke on carcinogenesis, cell mutations and the immune system. The health effects of smokeless tobacco, effects of tobacco smoking on cancer treatment, and its impact on surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy are reported. The potential risks of second primary cancers or recurrence from tobacco use, the effects of second-hand smoking and cancer treatment, the impact of smoking on the QOL after cancer treatment and the need to integrate smoking cessation programs into the cancer care continuum are also reported.

Conclusions:

Tobacco use has a direct impact on cellular function by inhibiting apoptosis, stimulating proliferation and decreasing the efficacy of cancer treatment; therefore, quitting its use has the potential to improve treatment response rates and survival, as well as reduces the risk of developing second cancers and potentially improves the QOL after treatment. Smoking cessation is one of the most important interventions to prevent cancer and is also essential after the diagnosis of cancer to improve clinical outcomes. Due to the numerous benefits of smoking cessation, it should become a critical component of the cancer care continuum in all oncology programs – from prevention of cancer through diagnosis, treatment, survivorship and palliative care. Evidence-based smoking cessation intervention should be sustainably integrated into any comprehensive cancer program, and the information should be targeted to the specific benefits of cessation in cancer patients.

Overcoming Challenges in Multisite Trials

BACKGROUND

Conducting multisite studies has many challenges, including determining the geographic distance between sites, ensuring effective communication, monitoring intervention and data integrity, handling institutional policy variations, seeking institutional review board approval with unique site needs or complex subcontracts, and planning for additional costs.

OBJECTIVES

This article discusses common challenges in conducting multisite studies and identifies strategies to overcome these challenges using real-world examples from the literature, the authors' research studies, and their personal experiences.

METHODS

A summary of articles on multisite trials conducted within the past 10 years was explored to uncover common challenges in conducting multisite trials. To enrich the context, exemplars from authors' works are included. Based on literature and experience, strategies to combat challenges are summarized.

RESULTS

Unique issues related to multisite studies include site selection, use of epicenters/coordinating centers, hiring/managing staff, fidelity monitoring, institutional review board approval, statistical considerations, and approaches to authorship.

CONCLUSION

Addressing challenges a priori can improve scientific rigor, reproducibility, and evidence from multisite studies. Given the benefits to scientific rigor, reproducibility, and design, findings from multisite studies are more likely to provide evidence to transform clinical practice and influence policy.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Suicidal Ideation among Patients with Head and Neck Cancer: Longitudinal Study

OBJECTIVES

(1) Determine 1-year period prevalence of suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, and completed suicide among patients newly diagnosed with a first occurrence of head and neck cancer (HNC). (2) Characterize stability and trajectory of suicidal ideation over the year following cancer diagnosis. (3) Identify patients at risk of suicidal ideation.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective longitudinal study with 1-year follow-up.

SETTING

Three university-affiliated outpatient departments of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

The study comprised a representative sample of 223 consecutive patients who were newly diagnosed (<2 weeks) with a first occurrence of primary HNC, were ≥18 years old and able to consent, and had a Karnofsky Performance Scale score ≥60. Patients completed the Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation and Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV-TR Axis I Disorders.

RESULTS

Sixteen percent (15.7%) of patients with HNC were suicidal <1 year from diagnosis, with point prevalences of 8.1% <2 weeks, 14.8% at 3 months, 9.4% at 6 months, and 10.4% at 12 months; 0.4% committed suicide within 3 months, and 0.9% attempted suicide. An a priori comprehensive conceptual model revealed 2 predictors of 1-year period prevalence of suicidal ideation in HNC: psychiatric history ( P = .017, β = 2.1, 95% CI = 0.4-3.8) and coping with the diagnosis by using substances (alcohol/drugs; P = .008, β = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.16-1.06). All other predictors, including medical predictors, were nonsignificant. A clinical suicide risk assessment revealed low risk among 71.4% and medium to high risk among 28.6%.

CONCLUSION

Suicide prevention strategies are clearly needed as part of routine clinical care in head and neck oncology, as well as their integration into clinical practice guidelines for HNC.

The importance of incorporating smoking cessation into lung cancer screening

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States (U.S.) and is the second most common non-skin cancer among men and women, accounting for about 30% of cancer-related deaths. There is clear and accumulating evidence that continued tobacco use has multiple adverse effects on cancer treatment outcomes, including greater probability of recurrence, second primary malignancies, reduced survival, greater symptom burden, and poorer quality of life (QOL). Recent findings suggest an avenue to significantly mitigate the impact of smoking on lung cancer mortality rates through the use of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) lung cancer screening. Based on the reviewed evidence (type B), the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines of 2015 recommend screening combined with smoking cessation interventions for high-risk heavy smokers and recent quitters. These practice changes offer opportunities to develop novel smoking cessation strategies tailored to highly specific settings that aim to amplify the survivorship gains expected from screening alone. However, there is a paucity of research and data that speaks to the feasibility and efficacy of providing smoking cessation treatment specifically within the context of the LDCT lung cancer screening environment. While some studies have attempted to characterize the parameters within which smoking cessation interventions should be implemented in this context, further research is needed to explore relevant factors such as the format, components, and timing of interventions, as well as the influence of risk perceptions and results of the screening itself on motivation and ability to quit smoking.

Psychosocial Distress and Distress Screening in Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancer Treatment

Psychosocial distress screening (DS) for cancer and head and neck cancer (HNC) patients is rapidly becoming the standard of care. DS is of particular importance for patients with HNC, given their heightened incidence of distress, depression, anxiety, suicide, quality of life impacts, and negative medical outcomes. In the absence of DS, distress is frequently missed in oncology settings. However, when identified, distress is highly responsive to treatment, with cognitive behavioral and behavioral medicine interventions demonstrating evidence of efficacy. Multidisciplinary HNC teams are uniquely positioned to implement effective DS programs and treatment tailored to HNC patients' psychological and medical vulnerabilities.

Smoking, drinking, and depression: comorbidity in head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy

We aimed to determine the prevalence and co-occurrence of tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, and depressive symptoms among a sample of head and neck cancer (HNC) patients undergoing radiotherapy. A total of 307 HNC patients participated in a multi-site stepped-wedge randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluating the effectiveness of a dietitian-delivered health behavior intervention in patients with HNC undergoing radiotherapy. During week one of radiotherapy patients completed measures of smoking, alcohol consumption, and level of depression. Approximately one-fifth (21%) of patients had two or more co-occurring problems: current smoking, hazardous alcohol use, and/or likely presence of a major depressive episode (MDE). Approximately one-third (34%) of the sample were current smokers, one-third (31%) were drinking hazardously and almost one-fifth (19%) had likely cases of depression. Comorbidity of smoking, hazardous alcohol use, and MDE is high in HNC patients, and interventions need to address this cluster of cancer risk factors.

Compared characteristics of current vs. past smokers at the time of diagnosis of a first-time lung or head and neck cancer: a cross-sectional study

Background

Active smoking at the time of diagnosis of a first head & neck (H&N) or lung cancer is associated with a worse cancer outcome and increased mortality. However, the compared characteristics of active vs. former smokers at cancer diagnosis are poorly known.

Methods

In 371 subjects with a first H&N or lung cancer, we assessed: 1) socio-demographic features; 2) lifelong types of smoking; 3) alcohol use disorder identification test (AUDIT); 4) cannabis abuse screening test (CAST); and 5) Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). Using a multivariable regression model, we compared the profile of current smokers and past smokers.

Results

Current smokers more frequently exhibited H&N cancer (OR 3.91; 95% CI [2.00–6.51]; p <  0.0001) and ever smoking of hand-rolled cigarettes (OR 2.2; 95% CI [1.25–3.88]; p = 0.007). Among subjects with lung cancer (n = 177), current smoking was primarily associated with ever smoking of hand-rolled cigarettes (OR 2.88; 95% CI [1.32–6.30]; p = 0.008) and negatively associated with age (OR 0.92; 95% CI [0.89–0.96]; p <  0.001). Among subjects with H&N cancer (n = 163), current smokers exhibited a significantly greater AUDIT score (OR = 1.08; 95% CI [1.01–1.16]; p = 0.03).

Conclusion

At the time of diagnosis of the first lung or H&N cancer, current smoking is highly associated with previous type of smoking and alcohol drinking patterns.

Trial registration

NCT01647425; Registration date: July 23, 2012.

Survivorship Challenges and Information Needs after Radiotherapy for Oral Cancer

Oral cancer (OC) treatment can lead to considerable functional impairment, psychological distress, and decrements in quality of life. Given that limited information and support services are available for cancer survivors, many are turning to the Internet. However, little is known about the specific information and service needs of OC survivors. We conducted a descriptive study to (1) characterize the associations between OC survivor functional problems and distress and (2) describe the Internet use of OC survivors, their satisfaction with existing sources of information/support, and their unmet information and service needs. Ninety-three oral cancer survivors completed cross-sectional surveys within 1-year of completing radiotherapy. Clinical levels of distress were 10 % for depression and 16 % for anxiety. Dental health, smell, and range of motion problems were significant (p < .05) determinants of both depression and anxiety symptoms. Eighty-three percent of survivors used the Internet; most used it to obtain health-related information or support. Unmet information needs included how to live a healthy lifestyle after treatment (87 %), strategies for dealing with eating and speaking problems (81 %), and information about what to expect in terms of side effects after treatment (76 %). Findings suggest that interventions that teach survivors coping and problem-solving skills to manage and cope with functional impairments may help to alleviate distress. Results of this study support the need for psychoeducational interventions for this population and showcase the potential of the Internet as a feasible mode for future dissemination.

Psychosocial Issues in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer: an Updated Review with a Focus on Clinical Interventions

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

There are frequent and diverse psychosocial issues that afflict patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) across the illness trajectory, prompting a focus on clinical interventions to prevent and mitigate psychosocial distress. We sought to characterize current understanding on the cause, effects, and interplay of various psychosocial factors in HNC and summarize updated, evidence-based interventions.

RECENT FINDINGS

The psychosocial experience of patients with HNC is characterized by a disproportionately high incidence of depression, suicide, continued substance dependence/abuse, and distress related to relationship conflict, social isolation, disfigurement, and damage to self-image. As we move towards a more thorough understanding and greater appreciation of the relationship between HNC and patient quality of life (QoL), future research focuses on implementation of effective, accessible clinical interventions to alleviate psychosocial distress in this population.

Physical and emotional well-being and support in newly diagnosed head and neck cancer patient-caregiver dyads

The purpose of this study was to examine the physical and emotional well-being and social support in newly diagnosed head and neck cancer (HNC) patients and caregivers and identify sociodemographic, clinical, and behavioral risk factors associated with compromised well-being in patients and caregivers. Newly diagnosed HNC patients and their primary caregivers (N = 72 dyads) completed questionnaires before treatment assessing physical and mental well-being, depression, cancer worry, and open-ended support questions. Patients reported worse physical well-being than caregivers (p < 0.05) but similar levels of mental well-being. Caregivers reported providing emotional and instrumental support most frequently with an emphasis on nutrition and assistance with speech, appearance, and addictions. Both patients and their caregivers reported suboptimal mental well-being and depression. Smoking was associated with compromised well-being in patients, caregivers, and dyads. Compromised well-being in patients and their caregivers was more likely when patients were younger, had worse symptoms, and smoked/consumed alcohol (p < 0.05). While patients face more physical strain than caregivers, both equally confront emotional challenges. Results highlight risk factors for compromised well-being in both patients and their caregivers that should be assessed at diagnosis to guide identification of needed dyadic-focused supportive care resources.

Attitudes of oncology healthcare practitioners towards smoking cessation: A systematic review of the facilitators, barriers and recommendations for delivery of advice and support to cancer patients

OBJECTIVES

A systematic review of the literature was conducted. The review was conducted using a search of the literature for all years up to October 2016. Statements that identified facilitators, barriers or recommendations surrounding smoking cessation delivery were extracted and analogous statements aggregated to enable thematic analysis. After searching multiple databases and the application of exclusion and inclusion criteria, a total of 19 acceptable studies were identified.

KEY FINDINGS

Delivery of cessation by oncology professionals was impacted by their own knowledge and views, their perception of the benefits to patient health and by the workplace procedures within their institution.

CONCLUSION

Oncology practitioners worldwide face similar issues in delivering smoking cessation advice. By improving training programs that address the attitudes and beliefs which facilitate or block delivery of smoking cessation and by implementing systemic changes within cancer centres, delivery of smoking cessation should be enabled.

Hyperlipidemia and statins use for the risk of new-onset anxiety/depression in patients with head and neck cancer: A population-based study

Objective

Anxiety/depression is common among patients with head and neck cancer (HNC), and can negatively affect treatment compliance and outcome. The aim of this study was to assess the association between hyperlipidemia and the risk of new-onset anxiety/depression after the diagnosis of HNC and the influence of administering statins.

Methods

A matched longitudinal cohort study of 1632 subjects (408 HNC patients with preexisting hyperlipidemia and 1224 age- and sex-matched HNC patients without hyperlipidemia) was included and analyzed by using data from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database from January 1996 to December 2012. The incidence and hazard ratios (HRs) for the development of new-onset anxiety/depression were examined between the two groups. Cox proportional hazard regression was applied to estimate the relative risks of anxiety/depressive disorders adjusted for potential confounding factors. To estimate the risks of anxiety/depression in different sub-groups, a stratified analysis was also used.

Results

HNC patients with preexisting hyperlipidemia had a higher risk for comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disease (P <0.001). The incidence rate of anxiety/depression in the HNC patients with preexisting hyperlipidemia was also significantly higher than that among patients without hyperlipidemia (10.78% vs 7.27%, respectively; P = 0.03). A Cox regression model revealed that preexisting hyperlipidemia was an independent risk factor for anxiety/depression (aHR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.30–2.94). Statins use was protective against anxiety/depression among HNC patients with hyperlipidemia (aHR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.46–1.57), especially for individuals older than 65 years and for females.

Conclusions

Preexisting hyperlipidemia was associated with increased risk of new-onset anxiety/depression in the HNC patients. Statins use for HNC patients with hyperlipidemia could decrease the risk of anxiety/depression, especially for those older than 65 years and for female patients.