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Sprave T, Pfaffenlehner M, Stoian R, Christofi E, Rühle A, Zöller D, Fabian A, Fahrner H, Binder H, Schäfer H, Gkika E, Grosu AL, Heinemann F, Nicolay NH. App-Controlled Treatment Monitoring and Support for Patients With Head and Neck Cancer Undergoing Radiotherapy: Results From a Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e46189. [PMID: 37856185 PMCID: PMC10623226 DOI: 10.2196/46189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Head and neck cancers (HNCs) are very common malignancies, and treatment often requires multimodal approaches, including radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Patients with HNC often display a high symptom burden, both due to the disease itself and the adverse effects of the multimodal therapy. Close telemonitoring of symptoms and quality of life during the course of treatment may help to identify those patients requiring early medical support. OBJECTIVE The App-Controlled Treatment Monitoring and Support for Patients With Head and Neck Cancer (APCOT) trial aimed to investigate the feasibility of integrating electronic patient-reported outcomes (ePROs) in the treatment surveillance pathway of patients with HNC during the course of their radiotherapy. Additionally, the influence of app-based ePRO monitoring on global and disease-specific quality of life and patient satisfaction with treatment was assessed. METHODS Patients undergoing radiotherapy for histologically proven HNCs at the Department of Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Freiburg, Germany, were enrolled in this trial and monitored by weekly physician appointments. Patients were randomized between additional ePRO monitoring on each treatment day or standard-of-care monitoring. Feasibility of ePRO monitoring was defined as ≥80% of enrolled patients answering ≥80% of their daily app-based questions. Quality of life and patient satisfaction were assessed by the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ-C30), the head and neck cancer module (H&N35), and the validated Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire Short Form (PSQ-18) at the completion of treatment and compared between trial arms. RESULTS A total of 100 patients were enrolled in this trial, and 93 patients were evaluable. All patients (100%) in the experimental arm answered ≥80% of the ePRO questions during treatment, reaching the predefined threshold for the feasibility of ePRO monitoring (P<.001 in the binomial test). No clinical or patient-specific factor was found to influence feasibility. Global health and most domains of the general quality of life were comparable between trial arms, but an increased HNC-specific symptom burden was reported by patients undergoing ePRO surveillance. ePRO monitoring resulted in improved patient satisfaction regarding interpersonal manners (P=.01), financial aspects (P=.01), and time spent with a doctor (P=.01). CONCLUSIONS This trial demonstrated the feasibility of incorporating daily app-based ePRO surveillance for patients with HNC undergoing radiotherapy. Our data, for the first time, demonstrate that telemonitoring in this setting led to increased reporting of HNC-specific symptom burden and significantly improved several domains of patient satisfaction. Further analyses are needed to assess whether our findings hold true outside the context of a clinical trial. TRIAL REGISTRATION German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00020491; https://drks.de/search/en/trial/DRKS00020491.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Sprave
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Freiburg, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michelle Pfaffenlehner
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Statistics, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Freiburg Center for Data Analysis and Modelling, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Raluca Stoian
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Freiburg, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Eleni Christofi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Freiburg, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alexander Rühle
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Freiburg, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Central Germany, Partner Site Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Daniela Zöller
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Statistics, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Freiburg Center for Data Analysis and Modelling, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Alexander Fabian
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Freiburg, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Harald Fahrner
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Harald Binder
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Statistics, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Freiburg Center for Data Analysis and Modelling, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Henning Schäfer
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Freiburg, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Eleni Gkika
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Freiburg, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anca-Ligia Grosu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Freiburg, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Felix Heinemann
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Nils Henrik Nicolay
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Freiburg, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Central Germany, Partner Site Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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Sharma D, Gupta S, Koshy G, Sharma VK, Hooda A. Potential implications of mobile applications in oral cancer. J Cancer Res Ther 2023; 19:1691-1696. [PMID: 38376267 DOI: 10.4103/jcrt.jcrt_804_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT The modern era has observed vast technological advancements with a definite impact on the health sector. There has been an upsurge in mobile applications (mApps) used for varied purposes. Many mApps are available that target different arenas in dentistry including a range of oral health issues, the most important being oral cancer. These mApps with specific algorithms have been used for risk assessment, screening and diagnosis of oral potentially malignant and malignant disorders. Other benefits include remote consultation, timely referral, treatment of the disease, self monitoring and adherence to medications. Therefore, this review is designed to appraise the utility of mobile apps in oral cancer. The systematic research of the literature was done to find relevant articles regarding the development and applications of mApps in oral cancer by using specific research engines. PubMed, Cochrane and Clinical Key databases were searched electronically, irrespective of date of publication, with an assortment of several independent terms. A total of 423 articles were accessed, and screened. After applying the definite inclusion and exclusion criteria, 9 articles were finally selected which highlighted the impact of mApps in oral cancer. It was concluded that the potential of mobile applications could be harnessed judiciously to improve the screening, diagnosis and treatment of oral cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepti Sharma
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Christian Dental College and Hospital, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
| | - Shruti Gupta
- Department of Oral Anatomy, Post Graduate Institute of Dental Sciences, Rohtak, Haryana, India
| | - George Koshy
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Christian Dental College and Hospital, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
| | - Vishal Kumar Sharma
- Department of Orthodontics, Desh Bhagat Dental College, Mandi Gobindgarh, Punjab, India
| | - Anita Hooda
- Department of Oral Anatomy, Post Graduate Institute of Dental Sciences, Rohtak, Haryana, India
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Weiss ML, Domschikowski J, Krug D, Sonnhoff M, Nitsche M, Hoffmann W, Becker-Schiebe M, Bock F, Hoffmann M, Schmalz C, Dunst J, Fabian A. The impact of palliative radiotherapy on health-related quality of life in patients with head and neck cancer - Results of a multicenter prospective cohort study. Clin Transl Radiat Oncol 2023; 41:100633. [PMID: 37206410 PMCID: PMC10189372 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctro.2023.100633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Palliative radiotherapy for patients with head and neck cancer can be used to alleviate symptoms. Only a few studies have investigated its impact on patient-reported outcomes (PRO). Therefore, we conducted a prospective multicenter observational study. The primary objective was to assess changes in health-related quality of life (HrQoL) per PRO. Methods Eligibility criteria included i.) head and neck cancer and ii.) palliative radiotherapy indicated (EQD2Gy < 60 Gy). The primary follow-up date was eight weeks after radiotherapy (t8w). PRO measures included the EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-H&N43 and pain per Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Per protocol, five PRO domains were to be reported in detail as well as PRO domains corresponding to a primary and secondary symptom as determined by the individual patient. We defined a minimal important difference (MID) of 10 points. Results From 06/2020 to 06/2022, 61 patients were screened and 21 patients were included. Due to death or decline in health-status, HrQoL data was available for 18 patients at the first fraction and for eight patients at t8w. The MID was not met for the predefined domains in terms of mean values as compared from first fraction to t8w. Individually in those patients with available HrQoL data at t8w, 71% (5/7) improved in their primary and 40% (2/5) in their secondary symptom domain reaching the MID from first fraction to t8w, respectively. There was a significant improvement in pain per NRS in those patients with available data at t8w per Wilcoxon signed rank test (p = 0.041). Acute mucositis of grade ≥3 per CTCAE v5.0 occurred in 44% (8/18) of the patients. The median overall survival was 11 months. Conclusion Despite low patient numbers and risk of selection bias, our study shows some evidence of a benefit from palliative radiotherapy for head and neck cancer as measured by PRO.German Clinical Trial Registry identifier: DRKS00021197.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Luise Weiss
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Justus Domschikowski
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - David Krug
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Mathias Sonnhoff
- Center for Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, 28239 Bremen, Germany
| | - Mirko Nitsche
- Center for Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, 28239 Bremen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Hoffmann
- Radiotherapy & Radiation Oncology, Hospital Braunschweig, 38114 Braunschweig, Germany
| | | | - Felix Bock
- Department of Radiotherapy, University of Rostock, 18059 Rostock, Germany
| | - Markus Hoffmann
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, Germany
| | - Claudia Schmalz
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Jürgen Dunst
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Alexander Fabian
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, 24105 Kiel, Germany
- Corresponding author at: Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, 24105 Kiel, Germany.
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Janssen S, El Shafie RA, Ruder AM, Buergy D, Scafa D, Giordano FA, Nicolay NH, Vogel MME, Combs SE, Fahlbusch FB, Rades D, Käsmann L. Mobile applications in radiation oncology-current choices and future potentials. Strahlenther Onkol 2023; 199:337-349. [PMID: 36810957 PMCID: PMC9943039 DOI: 10.1007/s00066-023-02048-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To review existing scientific literature on mobile applications (apps) in the field of radiation oncology and to evaluate characteristics of commercially available apps across different platforms. METHODS A systematic review of the literature for publications presenting apps in the field of radiation oncology was carried out using the PubMed database, Cochrane library, Google Scholar, and annual meetings of major radiation oncology societies. Additionally, the two major marketplaces for apps, App Store and Play Store, were searched for available radiation oncology apps for patients and health care professionals (HCP). RESULTS A total of 38 original publications which met the inclusion criteria were identified. Within those publications, 32 apps were developed for patients and 6 for HCP. The vast majority of patient apps focused on documenting electronic patient-reported outcomes (ePROs). In the two major marketplaces, 26 apps were found, mainly supporting HCP with dose calculations. CONCLUSION Apps used in (and for) scientific research in radiation oncology are rarely available for patients and HCP in common marketplaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Janssen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.
- Private Practice of Radiation Oncology, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Rami A El Shafie
- Clinic of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Arne M Ruder
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Daniel Buergy
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Davide Scafa
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
| | - Frank A Giordano
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Nils H Nicolay
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Marco M E Vogel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
- Institute for Radiation Medicine (IRM), Department of Radiation Sciences (DRS), Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Stephanie E Combs
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
- Institute for Radiation Medicine (IRM), Department of Radiation Sciences (DRS), Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Fabian B Fahlbusch
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Dirk Rades
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Lukas Käsmann
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Partner Site Munich, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Munich, Germany
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Wilhelm C, Radeloff K, Scherzad A, Scheich M, Hagen R. [COVID-19: Collateral damage in head and neck oncology and preventive measures for future pandemics]. Laryngorhinootologie 2023; 102:104-110. [PMID: 36750111 DOI: 10.1055/a-2007-2002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
The start of the COVID-19 pandemic led to enormous challenges for global healthcare, as capacities and resources had to be made available quickly for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. As a result, restrictions had to be accepted, especially in the care of oncological patients. The collateral damage of these limitations inevitably also affects patients with head and neck cancer. This review article summarizes the development of tumor incidences during the pandemic, internationally developed guidelines for the care of patients with head and neck cancer and studies on the delay in oncological therapies and mortality. In addition, the effects on the mental health of the patients, the psychosocial consequences and ethical issues are examined. In perspective, preventive measures for such negative collateral effects in future pandemics are discussed using the example of a concept for application software (app)-based digital care for patients with head and neck cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Wilhelm
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Hals-, Nasen- und Ohrenkrankheiten, plastische und ästhetische Operationen, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Katrin Radeloff
- Universitätsklinik für Hals-Nasen-Ohrenheilkunde, Evangelisches Krankenhaus Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Agmal Scherzad
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Hals-, Nasen- und Ohrenkrankheiten, plastische und ästhetische Operationen, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Scheich
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Hals-, Nasen- und Ohrenkrankheiten, plastische und ästhetische Operationen, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Rudolf Hagen
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Hals-, Nasen- und Ohrenkrankheiten, plastische und ästhetische Operationen, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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Sprave T, Gkika E, Verma V, Grosu AL, Stoian R. Patient reported outcomes based on EQ-5D-5L questionnaires in head and neck cancer patients: a real-world study. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:1236. [PMID: 36447175 PMCID: PMC9710161 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-10346-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Health economic comparisons of various therapies are often based on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) using EQ-5D questionnaires within the framework of clinical trials. This real-world study prospectively evaluates the patient reported outcomes (PROs)-based HRQOL of head-and-neck (H&N) cancer patients undergoing modern radiotherapy (RT) to reflect PRO trajectories. METHODS All H&N cancer patients treated in our clinic between July 2019 and December 2020 who completed the self-reported validated EQ-5D-5L questionnaire (health state index (HI) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS)) at baseline, end of radiotherapy, and at each respective follow up (FU) were included. Descriptive analysis of clinical and sociodemographic data, the frequency and level of each dimension was conducted. To assess the significance of therapy-induced HRQOL changes within and between the group, a distribution-based approach was used. RESULTS Altogether, 366 participants completed a total of 565 questionnaires. For the whole cohort, HI at baseline was 0.804 (±0.208), 0.830 (±0.162) at RT completion, 0.812 (±0.205) at the first follow-up, and 0.769 (±0.224) at the second follow-up. The respective VAS values were 62.06 (±23,94), 66.73 (±82.20), 63.30 (±22.74), and 65.48 (±23.39). Females showed significantly lower HI values compared to males, but only at baseline (p = 0.034). Significantly lower HI values were also seen in patients with definitive RT as compared to adjuvant RT at baseline (p = 0.023), the second follow-up (p = 0.047), and the third follow-up (p = 0.010). As compared to outpatients, inpatients had significantly lower HI values at RT completion (p = 0.017), the second follow-up (p = 0.007), and the third follow-up (p = 0.031). Subgroup analyses by age (< 65 vs. ≥65) and smoking status (smokers vs. non-smokers) showed no difference at any time point. CONCLUSION PROs demonstrated detectability of time- and intra-/inter-group therapy-induced HRQOL changes. A further detailed exploration of EQ-5D-5L responsiveness for H&N cancer patients is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Sprave
- grid.7708.80000 0000 9428 7911Department of Radiation Oncology, Freiburg University Medical Center, Robert-Koch-Str. 3, 79106 Freiburg, Germany ,grid.7497.d0000 0004 0492 0584German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site Freiburg, German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Eleni Gkika
- grid.7708.80000 0000 9428 7911Department of Radiation Oncology, Freiburg University Medical Center, Robert-Koch-Str. 3, 79106 Freiburg, Germany ,grid.7497.d0000 0004 0492 0584German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site Freiburg, German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Vivek Verma
- grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA
| | - Anca-Ligia Grosu
- grid.7708.80000 0000 9428 7911Department of Radiation Oncology, Freiburg University Medical Center, Robert-Koch-Str. 3, 79106 Freiburg, Germany ,grid.7497.d0000 0004 0492 0584German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site Freiburg, German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Raluca Stoian
- grid.7708.80000 0000 9428 7911Department of Radiation Oncology, Freiburg University Medical Center, Robert-Koch-Str. 3, 79106 Freiburg, Germany ,grid.7497.d0000 0004 0492 0584German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site Freiburg, German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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The effect of navigation programme on the management of symptoms related to head and neck radiotherapy. Transpl Immunol 2021; 69:101488. [PMID: 34687909 DOI: 10.1016/j.trim.2021.101488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aims to determine the effect of navigation programme in the management of symptoms related to head and neck cancer (HNC) radiotherapy. METHODS This randomized, controlled and experimental study was conducted between November 2018 and March 2020 with the participation of 88 patients with HNC receiving radiotherapy. Referring to the pre-prepared randomization checklist, 41 people were randomized to the experimental group and 47 to the control group. While the standard treatment approaches of the hospital were applied to all patients, the patients in the experimental group were applied an additional nursing navigation program. At the beginning of the navigation program, the patients were given a 30-minute visual training on the first day of radiotherapy and a handbook related to the expected adverse effects. Throughout subsequent seven weeks, the patient continued to be followed up via phone reminders, providing daily counseling and a weekly follow-up. Patient identification form, CTCAE v5.0 toxicity criteria and EORTC QLQ-30, H&N35 assessment questionnaires were used in the study. The first result was the difference observed in quality of life scores at the beginning, middle and end of radiotherapy. RESULTS Data obtained from the study revealed that the quality of life scores (p < 0.05) improved while the navigation program reduced the severity of symptoms such as mucositis, dysphagia, oral pain and weight loss (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION It was concluded that navigation programme is an effective approach for patients receiving head and neck radiotherapy. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT04857749.
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Rühle A, Haehl E, Kalckreuth T, Stoian R, Spohn SKB, Sprave T, Zamboglou C, Gkika E, Knopf A, Grosu AL, Nicolay NH. Surviving Elderly Patients with Head-and-Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma-What Is the Long-Term Quality of Life after Curative Radiotherapy? Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13061275. [PMID: 33805662 PMCID: PMC7999122 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13061275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The effects of radiotherapy on the long-term quality of life (QoL) of surviving elderly HNSCC patients are not well understood, therefore, we analyzed QoL in this population. A cross-sectional analysis was performed at a tertiary cancer center to assess long-term QoL in elderly HNSCC patients. Eligible patients were ≥65 years at the time of treatment who had to be alive for ≥1 year after radiotherapy and without current anti-cancer treatment. QoL and patient satisfaction were assessed using the EORTC QLQ-C30, QLQ-H&N35 and ZUF-8 questionnaires, respectively, and treatment-related toxicities were graded according to CTCAE (Common Terminology Criteria of Adverse Effects) v.5.0. Seventy-four patients met the inclusion criteria, of which 50 consented to participate. Median time between radiotherapy and QoL assessment was 32 months (range 12-113). The QLQ-C30 global QoL median amounted to 66.7 points (interquartile range (IQR) 50.0-83.3), which was comparable to the age- and gender-adjusted German population (median 65.3). Median global QoL was similar between patients undergoing definitive (75.0, IQR 50.0-83.3) and adjuvant (chemo)radiotherapy (66.7, IQR 41.7-83.3, p = 0.219). HPV-positive HNSCC patients had superior global QoL after radiotherapy than their HPV-negative counterparts (p < 0.05), and concomitant chemotherapy did not influence the long-term QoL (p = 0.966). Median global QoL did not correspond with physician-assessed highest-graded chronic toxicities (p = 0.640). The ZUF-8 ranged at 29 points in median (IQR 27-31), showing high patient satisfaction. Surviving elderly HNSCC patients treated by radiotherapy exhibit a relatively high long-term global QoL which is a relevant information for clinicians treating elderly HNSCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Rühle
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Freiburg—University Medical Center Freiburg, Robert-Koch-Str. 3, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (A.R.); (E.H.); (T.K.); (R.S.); (S.K.B.S.); (T.S.); (C.Z.); (E.G.); (A.-L.G.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site Freiburg, German Cancer Research Center (dkfz), Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Erik Haehl
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Freiburg—University Medical Center Freiburg, Robert-Koch-Str. 3, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (A.R.); (E.H.); (T.K.); (R.S.); (S.K.B.S.); (T.S.); (C.Z.); (E.G.); (A.-L.G.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site Freiburg, German Cancer Research Center (dkfz), Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tobias Kalckreuth
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Freiburg—University Medical Center Freiburg, Robert-Koch-Str. 3, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (A.R.); (E.H.); (T.K.); (R.S.); (S.K.B.S.); (T.S.); (C.Z.); (E.G.); (A.-L.G.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site Freiburg, German Cancer Research Center (dkfz), Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Raluca Stoian
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Freiburg—University Medical Center Freiburg, Robert-Koch-Str. 3, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (A.R.); (E.H.); (T.K.); (R.S.); (S.K.B.S.); (T.S.); (C.Z.); (E.G.); (A.-L.G.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site Freiburg, German Cancer Research Center (dkfz), Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Simon K. B. Spohn
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Freiburg—University Medical Center Freiburg, Robert-Koch-Str. 3, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (A.R.); (E.H.); (T.K.); (R.S.); (S.K.B.S.); (T.S.); (C.Z.); (E.G.); (A.-L.G.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site Freiburg, German Cancer Research Center (dkfz), Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tanja Sprave
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Freiburg—University Medical Center Freiburg, Robert-Koch-Str. 3, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (A.R.); (E.H.); (T.K.); (R.S.); (S.K.B.S.); (T.S.); (C.Z.); (E.G.); (A.-L.G.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site Freiburg, German Cancer Research Center (dkfz), Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Constantinos Zamboglou
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Freiburg—University Medical Center Freiburg, Robert-Koch-Str. 3, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (A.R.); (E.H.); (T.K.); (R.S.); (S.K.B.S.); (T.S.); (C.Z.); (E.G.); (A.-L.G.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site Freiburg, German Cancer Research Center (dkfz), Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Eleni Gkika
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Freiburg—University Medical Center Freiburg, Robert-Koch-Str. 3, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (A.R.); (E.H.); (T.K.); (R.S.); (S.K.B.S.); (T.S.); (C.Z.); (E.G.); (A.-L.G.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site Freiburg, German Cancer Research Center (dkfz), Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andreas Knopf
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Freiburg—University Medical Center Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106 Freiburg, Germany;
| | - Anca-Ligia Grosu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Freiburg—University Medical Center Freiburg, Robert-Koch-Str. 3, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (A.R.); (E.H.); (T.K.); (R.S.); (S.K.B.S.); (T.S.); (C.Z.); (E.G.); (A.-L.G.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site Freiburg, German Cancer Research Center (dkfz), Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nils H. Nicolay
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Freiburg—University Medical Center Freiburg, Robert-Koch-Str. 3, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (A.R.); (E.H.); (T.K.); (R.S.); (S.K.B.S.); (T.S.); (C.Z.); (E.G.); (A.-L.G.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site Freiburg, German Cancer Research Center (dkfz), Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-761-270-94010
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