Long-term functional outcomes in tumour stage T2 glottic carcinoma after radiotherapy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term functional outcomes in patients who received primary radiotherapy for tumour-node stage T2N0 glottic carcinoma, stratified for tumour extension. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed on patients who were treated with radiotherapy for T2N0 glottic carcinoma. Four questionnaires were used to measure different aspects of functional outcome. In addition, objective evaluation and perceptual analysis were performed. RESULTS: Fourteen patients were included in this study. The median time between the start of radiotherapy and assessment was 42 months (range, 26-143 months). Patients reported high-level functioning, with low symptom scores and good swallowing function, and showed a median dysphonia grade of 1.5. The median Voice Handicap Index-30 score was 17.5. CONCLUSION: Patients with T2N0 glottic carcinoma treated with radiotherapy had good long-term quality of life, with low symptom scores, good swallowing functioning and slightly elevated voice outcome parameters.

Patient-reported factors that influence the vestibular schwannoma treatment decision: a qualitative study.

PURPOSE: In cases of small- to medium-sized vestibular schwannomas, three management strategies can be opted for: active surveillance, surgery or radiotherapy. In these cases, the patient's preference is pivotal in decision-making. The aim of this study was to identify factors that influence a patient's decision for a particular management strategy. METHODS: A qualitative inductive thematic analysis was performed based on semi-structured interviews. Eighteen patients with small- to medium-sized vestibular schwannomas were interviewed. All patients were diagnosed or treated at one of the two participating university medical centers in the Netherlands. RESULTS: Ten themes were identified that influenced the decision, classified as either medical or patient-related. The medical themes that emerged were: tumor characteristics, the physician's recommendation, treatment outcomes and the perceived center's experience. The patient-related themes were: personal characteristics, anxiety, experiences, cognitions, logistics and trust in the physician. CONCLUSION: Knowledge of the factors that influence decision-making helps physicians to tailor their consultations to arrive at a true shared decision on vestibular schwannoma management.