Pathways to cancer care after a suspected cancer diagnosis in the emergency department: a survey of emergency physicians across Ontario.

INTRODUCTION: Little is known about how patients are managed after a suspected cancer diagnosis through the emergency department. The objective of this study was to examine the ED management, specifically referral practices, for ten suspected cancer diagnoses by emergency physicians across Ontario and to explore variability in management by cancer-type and centre. METHODS: An electronic survey was distributed to emergency physicians across Ontario, asking about referral practices for patients who could be discharged from the ED with one of ten suspected cancer diagnoses. Options for referral included: in-ED consult, outpatient medical or surgical specialists, surgical or medical oncology, and specialized cancer clinics. Data were described using frequencies and proportions. Variance partition coefficients were calculated to determine variation in responses attributed to differences between hospitals, with physicians nested within hospitals. RESULTS: 262 physicians from 54 EDs responded. Across most cancers, emergency physicians would refer to surgical specialists for further work-up; however, this ranged from 30.2% for lung cancer to 69.5% for head and neck cancer. For patients with an unknown primary malignancy, most physicians would refer to internal medicine clinic (34.3%) or obtain an in-ED consult (25.0%). Few physicians would refer directly to surgical or medical oncology from the ED. Comments suggest this may be due to oncologists requiring tissue confirmation of malignancy. Most referrals to specialized clinics were for suspected lung (30.2%) or breast cancer (19.5%); however, these appear to only be available at some centres. Variance in referrals between hospitals was lowest for breast cancer (variance partition coefficient = 8.6%) and highest for unknown primary malignancies (variance partition coefficient = 29.8%). INTERPRETATION: Physician management of new suspected cancer varies between EDs and is specific to cancer type. Strategies to standardize access to cancer care in a timely and equitable way for patients with newly suspected cancer in the ED are needed.

RéSUMé: INTRODUCTION: On sait peu de choses sur la façon dont les patients sont traités après un diagnostic de cancer présumé par le service des urgences. Cette étude avait pour objectif d'examiner la gestion de l'urgence, plus particulièrement les pratiques d'aiguillage, pour 10 diagnostics de cancer présumés par des médecins urgentistes en Ontario et d'explorer la variabilité dans la gestion selon le type de cancer et le centre. MéTHODES: Un sondage électronique a été distribué aux médecins d'urgence de l'ensemble de l'Ontario, leur demandant quelles étaient les pratiques d'aiguillage pour les patients qui pourraient être libérés du service de réanimation avec un des 10 diagnostics de cancer présumés. Options de référence : consultation en salle d'urgence, spécialistes externes en médecine ou en chirurgie, oncologie chirurgicale ou médicale, cliniques spécialisées en cancer. Les données ont été décrites à l'aide de fréquences et de proportions. Les coefficients de partage des variances ont été calculés pour déterminer la variation des réponses attribuées aux différences entre les hôpitaux, les médecins étant nichés dans les hôpitaux. RéSULTATS: 262 médecins de 54 DE ont répondu. Dans la plupart des cas de cancer, les médecins d'urgence ont fait appel à des spécialistes en chirurgie pour poursuivre leurs travaux; toutefois, ce pourcentage allait de 30,2 % pour le cancer du poumon à 69,5 % pour le cancer de la tête et du cou. Pour les patients présentant une tumeur maligne primaire inconnue, la plupart des médecins se référaient à une clinique de médecine interne (34,3 %) ou obtiennent une consultation en salle d'urgence (25,0 %). Peu de médecins se réfèrent directement à l'oncologie chirurgicale ou médicale depuis le DE. Les commentaires suggèrent que cela pourrait être dû aux oncologues qui ont besoin d'une confirmation tissulaire de la malignité. La plupart des renvois vers des cliniques spécialisées étaient pour les cas suspects de cancer du poumon (30,2 %) ou du sein (19,5 %), mais ces services ne semblent être disponibles que dans certains centres. La variance des renvois entre les hôpitaux était la plus faible pour le cancer du sein (coefficient de partage de la variance = 8,6 %) et la plus élevée pour les tumeurs malignes primaires inconnues (coefficient de partage de la variance = 29,8 %). INTERPRéTATION: La prise en charge par le médecin des nouveaux cancers suspectés varie selon les DE et est propre au type de cancer. Des stratégies visant à normaliser l'accès aux soins oncologiques de façon équitable et en temps opportun pour les patients dont on soupçonne qu'ils ont un nouveau cancer dans la DE sont nécessaires.

Evaluating Perceptions of Head and Neck Surgeons on the Role of Single-Entry Models in Managing Surgical Waitlists in Ontario: A Qualitative Study.

BACKGROUND: Long surgical wait times have long plagued health systems in Canada and abroad. This backlog and associated strain on health human resources has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting surgeries of varying degrees of urgency across all surgical specialties, including head and neck surgery. Single-entry models (SEMs) are being increasingly studied as one possible strategy to help manage surgical wait times, and a growing number of health systems have implemented SEMs within departments such as otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. We sought to evaluate the views of head and neck surgeons at all 8 designated head and neck cancer centers across Ontario on the role of SEMs in managing surgical backlogs. RESULTS: We interviewed 10 Ontario head and neck surgeons on the role of SEMs in managing wait times within the field. The following themes were elicited from interview transcripts: (1) anticipated positive impact, (2) barriers to implementation, (3) patient experience, and (4) roadmap to implementation. Participants agreed that SEMs may have utility for certain types of surgeries if implemented to address local needs. They also believe this model would have the greatest impact if employed together with other approaches, such as increasing operating room time or nursing availability. CONCLUSION: Our results highlighted the necessity for a nuanced approach to single-entry model implementation in head and neck surgery. While participants recognized the utility of SEMs for high-volume and low-variation surgeries, participants remained divided on the optimal approach to triaging patients necessitating more complex oncologic treatments. Deliberate collaboration among stakeholder organizations and senior surgeons will be critical if SEMs are to succeed in an intricate and political healthcare environment.

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.

A novel guided approach to radiofrequency ablation of thyroid nodules: the Toronto Sunnybrook experience.

Introduction: Thyroid nodules are extremely common being detected by ultrasonography in up to 67% of the population, with current surgical tenet maintaining that lobectomy is required for large symptomatic benign nodules or autonomously functionally nodules resulting in a risk of hypothyroidism or recurrent laryngeal nerve injury even in high volume centres. The introduction of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has allowed thermal ablation of both benign and autonomously functioning thyroid nodules with minimal morbidity. The moving shot technique is the most well-established technique in performing RFA of thyroid nodules, and has proven to be safe, efficacious, accurate and successful amongst experienced clinicians. The purpose of this article to propose the use of a novel guide when performing RFA of thyroid nodules in clinical practice utilizing the moving shot technique. Methods: The technique proposed of RFA involves the use of a 10MHz linear ultrasound probe attached to an 18G guide which provides robust in line visualisation of a 7cm or 10cm radiofrequency probe tip (STARmed, Seoul, Korea) utilizing the trans isthmic moving shot technique. A geometric analysis of the guide has been illustrated diagrammatically. Results: The use of an 18G radiofrequency probe guide (CIVCO Infiniti Plus™ Needle Guide) maintains in line visualisation of the radiofrequency probe over a cross-sectional area up to 28cm2, facilitating efficient and complete ablation of conceptual subunits during RFA of thyroid nodules. Discussion: Radiofrequency ablation of thyroid nodules can be performed safely and effectively using the novel radiofrequency probe guide proposed which we believe potentially improves both accuracy and overall efficiency, along with operator confidence in maintaining visualisation of the probe tip, and hence we believe provides a valuable addition to the armamentarium of clinicians wishing to embark on performing RFA of thyroid nodules.

A multi-institutional feasibility lead-in trial of lymphatic mapping with SPECT-CT for evaluating contralateral disease in lateralized oropharynx cancer using 99m-technetium sulfur colloid.

BACKGROUND: Lymphatic mapping with SPECT-CT has been demonstrated to accurately define lymphatic drainage patterns in oropharyngeal cancer but there has yet to be a study demonstrating its feasibility across multiple institutions. METHODS: Twelve adult patients with lateralized oropharyngeal carcinoma (T1-T3) who were planned for definitive or adjuvant radiotherapy without contralateral nodal disease underwent injection of 99-m technetium sulfur colloid followed by static planar lymphoscintigraphy to verify tracer migration, and SPECT-CT acquired at 30 ± 15 min (optional) and 3 h (±1 h) (mandatory time-point). RESULTS: All 12 patients completed the study with 7/12 patients having the injections performed under local anesthetic and 5 patients requiring general anesthetic. There were no tracer migration failures and there were no serious adverse events or complications encountered. Four out of 12 patients (33%) showed contralateral drainage patterns. CONCLUSIONS: Lymphatic mapping with SPECT-CT of lateralized oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma can be performed safely across multiple institutions.

Proposed Quality Indicators for Aspects of Pediatric Acute Otitis Media Management.

BACKGROUND: The high incidence of pediatric acute otitis media (AOM) makes the implications of overdiagnosis and overtreatment far-reaching. Quality indicators (QIs) for AOM are limited, drawing from generalized upper respiratory infection QIs, or locally developed benchmarks. Recognizing this, we sought to develop pediatric AOM QIs to build a foundation for future quality improvement efforts. METHODS: Candidate indicators (CIs) were extracted from existing guidelines and position statements. The modified RAND Corporation/University of California, Los Angeles (RAND/UCLA) appropriateness methodology was used to select the final QIs by an 11-member expert panel consisting of otolaryngology-head and neck surgeons, a pediatrician and family physician. RESULTS: Twenty-seven CIs were identified after literature review, with an additional CI developed by the expert panel. After the first round of evaluations, the panel agreed on 4 CIs as appropriate QIs. After an expert panel meeting and subsequent second round of evaluations, the panel agreed on 8 final QIs as appropriate measures of high-quality care. The 8 final QIs focus on topics of antimicrobial management, specialty referral, and tympanostomy tube counseling. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence of variable and substandard care persists in the diagnosis and management of pediatric AOM despite the existence of high-quality guidelines. This study proposes 8 QIs which compliment guideline recommendations and are meant to facilitate future quality improvement initiatives that can improve patient outcomes.

Association between anaesthesia-surgery team sex diversity and major morbidity.

BACKGROUND: Team diversity is recognized not only as an equity issue but also a catalyst for improved performance through diversity in knowledge and practices. However, team diversity data in healthcare are limited and it is not known whether it may affect outcomes in surgery. This study examined the association between anaesthesia-surgery team sex diversity and postoperative outcomes. METHODS: This was a population-based retrospective cohort study of adults undergoing major inpatient procedures between 2009 and 2019. The exposure was the hospital percentage of female anaesthetists and surgeons in the year of surgery. The outcome was 90-day major morbidity. Restricted cubic splines were used to identify a clinically meaningful dichotomization of team sex diversity, with over 35% female anaesthetists and surgeons representing higher diversity. The association with outcomes was examined using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: Of 709 899 index operations performed at 88 hospitals, 90-day major morbidity occurred in 14.4%. The median proportion of female anaesthetists and surgeons was 28 (interquartile range 25-31)% per hospital per year. Care in hospitals with higher sex diversity (over 35% female) was associated with reduced odds of 90-day major morbidity (OR 0.97, 95% c.i. 0.95 to 0.99; P = 0.02) after adjustment. The magnitude of this association was greater for patients treated by female anaesthetists (OR 0.92, 0.88 to 0.97; P = 0.002) and female surgeons (OR 0.83, 0.76 to 0.90; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Care in hospitals with greater anaesthesia-surgery team sex diversity was associated with better postoperative outcomes. Care in a hospital reaching a critical mass with over 35% female anaesthetists and surgeons, representing higher team sex-diversity, was associated with a 3% lower odds of 90-day major morbidity.

Oropharyngeal Cancer Staging Health Record Extraction Using Artificial Intelligence.

Importance: Accurate, timely, and cost-effective methods for staging oropharyngeal cancers are crucial for patient prognosis and treatment decisions, but staging documentation is often inaccurate or incomplete. With the emergence of artificial intelligence in medicine, data abstraction may be associated with reduced costs but increased efficiency and accuracy of cancer staging. Objective: To evaluate an algorithm using an artificial intelligence engine capable of extracting essential information from medical records of patients with oropharyngeal cancer and assigning tumor, nodal, and metastatic stages according to American Joint Committee on Cancer eighth edition guidelines. Design, Setting, and Participants: This retrospective diagnostic study was conducted among a convenience sample of 806 patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Medical records of patients with staged oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas who presented to a single tertiary care center between January 1, 2010, and August 1, 2020, were reviewed. A ground truth cancer stage dataset and comprehensive staging rule book consisting of 135 rules encompassing p16 status, tumor, and nodal and metastatic stage were developed. Subsequently, 4 distinct models were trained: model T (entity relationship extraction) for anatomical location and invasion state, model S (numerical extraction) for lesion size, model M (sequential classification) for metastasis detection, and a p16 model for p16 status. For validation, results were compared against ground truth established by expert reviewers, and accuracy was reported. Data were analyzed from March to November 2023. Main Outcomes and Measures: The accuracy of algorithm cancer stages was compared with ground truth. Results: Among 806 patients with oropharyngeal cancer (mean [SD] age, 63.6 [10.6] years; 651 males [80.8%]), 421 patients (52.2%) were positive for human papillomavirus. The artificial intelligence engine achieved accuracies of 55.9% (95% CI, 52.5%-59.3%) for tumor, 56.0% (95% CI, 52.5%-59.4%) for nodal, and 87.6% (95% CI, 85.1%-89.7%) for metastatic stages and 92.1% (95% CI, 88.5%-94.6%) for p16 status. Differentiation between localized (stages 1-2) and advanced (stages 3-4) cancers achieved 80.7% (95% CI, 77.8%-83.2%) accuracy. Conclusion and Relevance: This study found that tumor and nodal staging accuracies were fair to good and excellent for metastatic stage and p16 status, with clinical relevance in assigning optimal treatment and reducing toxic effect exposures. Further model refinement and external validation with electronic health records at different institutions are necessary to improve algorithm accuracy and clinical applicability.

COVID-related disruptions to colorectal cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment could increase cancer Burden in Australia and Canada: A modelling study.

COVID-19 disrupted cancer control worldwide, impacting preventative screening, diagnoses, and treatment services. This modelling study estimates the impact of disruptions on colorectal cancer cases and deaths in Canada and Australia, informed by data on screening, diagnosis, and treatment procedures. Modelling was used to estimate short- and long-term effects on colorectal cancer incidence and mortality, including ongoing impact of patient backlogs. A hypothetical mitigation strategy was simulated, with diagnostic and treatment capacities increased by 5% from 2022 to address backlogs. Colorectal cancer screening dropped by 40% in Canada and 6.3% in Australia in 2020. Significant decreases to diagnostic and treatment procedures were also observed in Australia and Canada, which were estimated to lead to additional patient wait times. These changes would lead to an estimated increase of 255 colorectal cancer cases and 1,820 colorectal cancer deaths in Canada and 234 cases and 1,186 deaths in Australia over 2020-2030; a 1.9% and 2.4% increase in mortality, respectively, vs a scenario with no screening disruption or diagnostic/treatment delays. Diagnostic and treatment capacity mitigation would avert 789 and 350 deaths in Canada and Australia, respectively. COVID-related disruptions had a significant impact on colorectal cancer screening, diagnostic, and treatment procedures in Canada and Australia. Modelling demonstrates that downstream effects on disease burden could be substantial. However, backlogs can be managed and deaths averted with even small increases to diagnostic and treatment capacity. Careful management of resources can improve patient outcomes after any temporary disruption, and these results can inform targeted approaches early detection of cancers.

Length of Stay Prediction Models for Oral Cancer Surgery: Machine Learning, Statistical and ACS-NSQIP.

OBJECTIVE: Accurate prediction of hospital length of stay (LOS) following surgical management of oral cavity cancer (OCC) may be associated with improved patient counseling, hospital resource utilization and cost. The objective of this study was to compare the performance of statistical models, a machine learning (ML) model, and The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program's (ACS-NSQIP) calculator in predicting LOS following surgery for OCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective multicenter database study was performed at two major academic head and neck cancer centers. Patients with OCC who underwent major free flap reconstructive surgery between January 2008 and June 2019 surgery were selected. Data were pooled and split into training and validation datasets. Statistical and ML models were developed, and performance was evaluated by comparing predicted and actual LOS using correlation coefficient values and percent accuracy. RESULTS: Totally 837 patients were selected with mean patient age being 62.5 ± 11.7 [SD] years and 67% being male. The ML model demonstrated the best accuracy (validation correlation 0.48, 4-day accuracy 70%), compared with the statistical models: multivariate analysis (0.45, 67%) and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (0.42, 70%). All were superior to the ACS-NSQIP calculator's performance (0.23, 59%). CONCLUSION: We developed statistical and ML models that predicted LOS following major free flap reconstructive surgery for OCC. Our models demonstrated superior predictive performance to the ACS-NSQIP calculator. The ML model identified several novel predictors of LOS. These models must be validated in other institutions before being used in clinical practice. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 134:3664-3672, 2024.

A narrative review of oncologic emergencies in patients with head and neck cancers: initial management and the role of radiation therapy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Head and neck cancers (HNCs) encompass a complex group of malignancies with high morbidity, often leading to critical emergencies such as pain crises, airway obstruction and hemorrhage. This review aims to outline an evidence-based approach to the multidisciplinary management of HNC oncologic emergencies with a focus on the role of emergent radiotherapy (RT). METHODS: A literature search was performed using Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases with a focus on three common oncological emergencies using the following keywords: "head and neck cancer", "radiation OR radiotherapy", "pain", "bleeding OR haemorrhage", and "airway obstruction". All English language articles published up to April 2022 were screened to identify studies pertaining to the management of oncologic emergencies in HNC. KEY CONTENT AND FINDINGS: The management of oncologic emergencies in HNC present a unique set of challenges that require early recognition and aggressive treatment. In this narrative review, we summarize the evidence supporting the role of RT in the management of HNC patients presenting with pain crisis, malignant airway obstruction and acute haemorrhage. We demonstrate that while RT can be used as a primary or adjunct therapy, optimal management depends on the involvement of a multi-disciplinary team that includes head and neck surgeons, interventional radiology and palliative care. CONCLUSIONS: RT plays a critical role in the multidisciplinary management of HNC oncological emergencies. Further prospective and comparative studies are needed to assess optimal management strategies.

Stereotactic body radiotherapy for distant metastases to the head and neck.

PURPOSE: To report clinical outcomes for patients with metastatic disease to the head and neck (HN) treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). METHODS: A retrospective review of patients treated with SBRT to HN sites from 2012 to 2020 was conducted. Treatment indications included the following: oligometastases, oligoprogression, and control a dominant area of progression (DAP). Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate local control (LC), regional control (RC), overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS). Univariable (UVA) and multivariable analyses (MVA) were performed. Grade 3-4 acute and late toxicities were reported by the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v5.0. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients (58 lesions) were analysed with a median follow-up of 16 months. Primary sites included lung (25.0%), kidney (19.6%), breast (19.6%) and other (35.8%). SBRT indications were as follows: oligometastases (42.9%), oligoprogression (19.6%) and local control of a dominant area of progression (37.5%). Most patients received SBRT to a single neck node (n = 47, 81.0%). Median SBRT dose was 40 Gy (range 25-50 Gy) in five fractions, with a median biologically effective dose (BED10) of 72 Gy (range 37.5-100 Gy). One- and 2-year LC and RC rates were 97.6% and 72.7% as well as 100% and 86.7%, respectively. Median OS was 19.2 months (95% [CI] 14.8-69.4), and median PFS was 7.4 months (95% [CI] 5.2-11.9). The 1-year OS and PFS rates for oligometastases, oligoprogression and DAP were 95.8%, 63.6% and 38.1% (p = 0.0039) as well as 56.5%, 27.3% and 19.1% (p = 0.0004), respectively. On MVA, treatment indication and histology were predictive for OS, while indication and prior systemic therapy were predictive for PFS. Cumulative late grade 3 + toxicity rate was 11.3%, without grade 5 events. CONCLUSION: The use of SBRT for metastatic disease to the HN provided excellent LC rates with low rates of regional failure and an acceptable toxicity profile, highlighting its utility in these patients. Patients with oligometastatic disease had better OS and PFS than others.

Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy for Extracranial Oligometastatic Disease from Head and Neck Primary Cancers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is increasingly used to treat disease in the oligometastatic (OM) setting due to mounting evidence demonstrating its efficacy and safety. Given the low population representation in prospective studies, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of outcomes of HNC patients with extracranial OM disease treated with SBRT. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted with Cochrane, Medline, and Embase databases queried from inception to August 2022 for studies with extracranial OM HNC treated with stereotactic radiotherapy. Polymetastatic patients (>five lesions), mixed-primary cohorts failing to report HNC separately, lack of treatment to all lesions, nonquantitative endpoints, and other definitive treatments (surgery, conventional radiotherapy, and radioablation) were excluded. The meta-analysis examined the pooled effects of 12- and 24-month local control (LC) per lesion, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Weighted random-effects were assessed using the DerSimonian and Laird method, with heterogeneity evaluated using the I2 statistic and Cochran Qtest. Forest plots were generated for each endpoint. RESULTS: Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria (639 patients, 831 lesions), with twelve eligible for quantitative synthesis with common endpoints and sufficient reporting. Fourteen studies were retrospective, with a single prospective trial. Studies were small, with a median of 32 patients (range: 6-81) and 63 lesions (range: 6-126). The OM definition varied, with a maximum of two to five metastases, mixed synchronous and metachronous lesions, and a few studies including oligoprogressive lesions. The most common site of metastasis was the lung. Radiation was delivered in 1-10 fractions (20-70 Gy). The one-year LC (LC1), reported in 12 studies, was 86.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 79.3-91.9%). LC2 was 77.9% (95% CI: 66.4-86.3%), with heterogeneity across studies. PFS was reported in five studies, with a PFS1 of 43.0% (95% CI: 35.0-51.4%) and PFS2 of 23.9% (95% CI: 17.8-31.2%), with homogeneity across studies. OS was analyzed in nine studies, demonstrating an OS1 of 80.1% (95% CI: 74.2-85.0%) and OS2 of 60.7% (95% CI: 51.3-69.4%). Treatment was well tolerated with no reported grade 4 or 5 toxicities. Grade 3 toxicity rates were uniformly below 5% when reported. CONCLUSIONS: SBRT offers excellent LC and promising OS, with acceptable toxicities in OM HNC. Durable PFS remains rare, highlighting the need for effective local or systemic therapies in this population. Further investigations on concurrent and adjuvant therapies are warranted.

A scoping assessment of dental services at designated head and neck cancer centres in Ontario, Canada.

BACKGROUND: Dentists serve a crucial role in managing treatment complications for patients with head and neck cancer, including post-radiation caries and oral infection. To date, dental services for head and neck cancer patients in Ontario, Canada have not been well characterized and considerable disparities in allocation, availability, and funding are thought to exist. The current study aims to describe and assess the provision of dental services for head and neck cancer patients in Ontario. METHODS: A mixed methods scoping assessment was conducted. A purposive sample of dentist-in-chiefs at each of Ontario's 9 designated head and neck cancer centres (tertiary centres which meet provincially-set quality and safety standards) was invited to participate. Participants completed a 36-item online survey and 60-minute semi-structured interview which explored perceptions of dental services for head and neck cancer patients at their respective centres, including strengths, gaps, and inequities. If a centre did not have a dentist-in-chief, an alternative stakeholder who was knowledgeable on that centre's dental services participated instead. Thematic analysis of the interview data was completed using a mixed deductive-inductive approach. RESULTS: Survey questionnaires were completed at 7 of 9 designated centres. A publicly funded dental clinic was present at 5 centres, but only 2 centres provided automatic dental assessment for all patients. Survey data from 2 centres were not captured due to these centres' lack of active dental services. Qualitative interviews were conducted at 9 of 9 designated centres and elicited 3 themes: (1) lack of financial resources; (2) heterogeneity in dentistry care provision; and (3) gaps in the continuity of care. Participants noted concerning under-resourcing and limitations/restrictions in funding for dental services across Ontario, resulting in worse health outcomes for vulnerable patients. Extensive advocacy efforts by champions of dental services who have sought to mitigate current disparities in dentistry care were also described. CONCLUSIONS: Inequities exist in the provision of dental services for head and neck cancer patients in Ontario. Data from the current study will broaden the foundation for evidence-based decision-making on the allocation and funding of dental services by government health care agencies.

Lymph node yield: Impact on oncologic outcomes in oral cavity cancer.

BACKGROUND: Lymph node metastases are associated with poor prognosis in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC). In other cancers, clinical guidelines on the number of lymph nodes removed during primary surgery, lymph node yield (LNY), exist. Here, we evaluated the prognostic capacity of LNY on regional failure, locoregional recurrence, and disease-free survival (DFS) in patients with OCSCC treated by primary neck surgery. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study took place at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto, Canada and involved a chart review of all adult patients with treatment-naive OCSCC undergoing primary neck dissection. For each outcome, we first used the maximally selected rank statistics and an optimism-corrected concordance to identify an optimal threshold of LNY. We then used a multivariable Cox proportional hazards model to assess the association between high LNY (>threshold) and each outcome. RESULTS: Among the 579 patients with OCSCC receiving primary neck dissection, 61.7% (n = 357) were male with a mean age of 62.9 years (standard deviation: 13.1) at cancer diagnosis. When adjusting for sociodemographic and clinical factors, LNY >15 was significantly associated with improved DFS (adjusted HR [aHR]: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.54-0.98), locoregional recurrence (aHR: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.49-0.95), and regional failure (aHR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.39-0.93). CONCLUSIONS: Our study findings suggested high LNY to be a strong independent predictor of various patient-level quality of surgical care metrics. The optimal LNY we found (15) was lower than the conventionally recommended (18), which calls for further research to establish validity in practice.

COVID-19 pandemic impact on the potential exacerbation of screening mammography disparities: A population-based study in Ontario, Canada.

Strategies to ramp up breast cancer screening after COVID-19 require data on the influence of the pandemic on groups of women with historically low screening uptake. Using data from Ontario, Canada, our objectives were to 1) quantify the overall pandemic impact on weekly bilateral screening mammography rates (per 100,000) of average-risk women aged 50-74 and 2) examine if COVID-19 has shifted any mammography inequalities according to age, immigration status, rurality, and access to material resources. Using a segmented negative binomial regression model, we estimated the mean change in rate at the start of the pandemic (the week of March 15, 2020) and changes in weekly trend of rates during the pandemic period (March 15-December 26, 2020) compared to the pre-pandemic period (January 3, 2016-March 14, 2020) for all women and for each subgroup. A 3-way interaction term (COVID-19*week*subgroup variable) was added to the model to detect any pandemic impact on screening disparities. Of the 3,481,283 mammograms, 8.6 % (n = 300,064) occurred during the pandemic period. Overall, the mean weekly rate dropped by 93.4 % (95 % CI 91.7 % - 94.8 %) at the beginning of COVID-19, followed by a weekly increase of 8.4 % (95 % CI 7.4 % - 9.4 %) until December 26, 2020. The pandemic did not shift any disparities (all interactions p > 0.05) and that women who were under 60 or over 70, immigrants, or with a limited access to material resources had persistently low screening rate in both periods. Interventions should proactively target these underserved populations with the goals of reducing advanced-stage breast cancer presentations and mortality.

Oncologic Safety of Close Margins in Patients With Low- to Intermediate-Grade Major Salivary Gland Carcinoma.

Importance: Postoperative radiation therapy for close surgical margins in low- to intermediate-grade salivary carcinomas lacks multi-institutional supportive evidence. Objective: To evaluate the oncologic outcomes for low- and intermediate-grade salivary carcinomas with close and positive margins. Design, Setting, and Participants: The American Head and Neck Society Salivary Gland Section conducted a retrospective cohort study from 2010 to 2019 at 41 centers. Margins were classified as R0 (negative), R1 (microscopically positive), or R2 (macroscopically positive). R0 margins were subclassified into clear (>1 mm) or close (≤1 mm). Data analysis was performed from June to October 2023. Main Outcomes and Measures: Main outcomes were risk factors for local recurrence. Results: A total of 865 patients (median [IQR] age at surgery, 56 [43-66] years; 553 female individuals [64%] and 312 male individuals [36%]) were included. Of these, 801 (93%) had parotid carcinoma and 64 (7%) had submandibular gland carcinoma, and 748 (86%) had low-grade tumors and 117 (14%) had intermediate-grade tumors, with the following surgical margins: R0 in 673 (78%), R1 in 168 (19%), and R2 in 24 (3%). Close margins were found in 395 of 499 patients with R0 margins (79%), for whom margin distances were measured. A total of 305 patients (35%) underwent postoperative radiation therapy. Of all 865 patients, 35 (4%) had local recurrence with a median (IQR) follow-up of 35.3 (13.9-59.1) months. In patients with close margins as the sole risk factor for recurrence, the local recurrence rates were similar between those who underwent postoperative radiation therapy (0 of 46) or observation (4 of 165 [2%]). Patients with clear margins (n = 104) had no recurrences. The local recurrence rate in patients with R1 or R2 margins was better in those irradiated (2 of 128 [2%]) compared to observed (13 of 64 [20%]) (hazard ratio [HR], 0.05; 95% CI, 0.01-0.24). Multivariable analysis for local recurrence found the following independent factors: age at diagnosis (HR for a 10-year increase in age, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.06-1.67), R1 vs R0 (HR, 5.21; 95% CI, 2.58-10.54), lymphovascular invasion (HR, 4.47; 95% CI, 1.43-13.99), and postoperative radiation therapy (HR, 0.10; 95% CI, 0.04-0.29). The 3-year local recurrence-free survivals for the study population were 96% vs 97% in the close margin group. Conclusions and Relevance: In this cohort study of patients with low- and intermediate-grade major salivary gland carcinoma, postoperative radiation therapy for positive margins was associated with decreased risk of local recurrence. In isolation from other risk factors for local recurrence, select patients with close surgical margins (≤1 mm) may safely be considered for observation.

Interventions for Concerning Patient-Reported Outcomes in Routine Cancer Care: A Systematic Review.

IMPORTANCE: Collecting patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in routine cancer care improves patient-clinician communication, decision making, and overall patient satisfaction. Recommendations exist regarding standardized ways to collect, store, and interpret PRO data. However, evidence on incorporating PROs into cancer process of care, especially the type of HIs that are warranted after observing a concerning PRO and the effectiveness of these HIs are lacking. OBJECTIVE: This study summarizes HIs triggered after PRO completion and their effectiveness in improving patient outcomes for adults being treated for cancer types that are resource intensive and associated with high symptom burden [i.e., gastrointestinal (GI), lung, and head and neck cancer (HNC)]. Secondary outcomes included factors associated with poor implementation of PROs. EVIDENCE REVIEW: A literature search of peer-reviewed publications on MEDLINE, CINAHL Plus, APA PsycInfo, Scopus, and Cochrane was conducted following PRISMA guidelines from 1 January 2012, to 31 July 2022. Trial and real-world studies describing HIs after PRO completion for adult patients being treated for GI, lung, and HNC were included. Sixteen studies involving 144,496 patients were included. The Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist was used to assess risk of bias. FINDINGS: Of the 16 included studies, 5 included patients with HNC. Commonly used PRO measurement tools were the PRO-CTCAE and ESAS. Only three studies reported specific HIs delivered in response to concerning PROs and measured their effectiveness on patient outcomes. In all three studies, these HIs significantly improved cancer-related care. The most common HIs undertaken in response to concerning PROs were referrals to other specialists/allied healthcare professionals, medication changes, or self-management advice. Provider-related barriers to PRO measurement and delivery included the overwhelming number of alerts, the time required to address each PRO and the unclear role of healthcare providers in response to these alerts. Patient-related barriers included lower digital literacy and socioeconomic status, older age, rural living, and patients suffering from GI and HNC. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: This review highlights that PRO-triggered HIs are heterogenous and can improve patient quality of life. Further studies are necessary to determine the types of interventions with the greatest impact on patient care and outcomes.