Genetic predisposition to depression and inflammation impacts symptom burden and survival in patients with head and neck cancer: A longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVE: The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the contribution of genetic predispositions to depression and inflammation, as measured through polygenic risk scores, on symptom burden (physical and psychological) in patients with head and neck cancer in the immediate post-treatment period (i.e., at three months post-diagnosis), as well as on 3-, 6-, 12-, 24- and 36-month survival. METHODS: Prospective longitudinal study of 223 adults (72 % participation) newly diagnosed with a first occurrence of primary head and neck cancer, paired with genetic data (Illumina PsychArray), validated psychometric measures, Structured Clinical Interviews for DSM Disorders (SCID-I), and medical chart reviews. RESULTS: Symptom burden at 3 months was predicted by (R2 adj. = 0.38, p < 0.001): a baseline SCID-I Anxiety Disorder (b = 1.69, B = 0.23, 95%CI = 0.43-2.94; p = 0.009), baseline levels of HADS anxiety (b = 0.20, B = 0.29, 95%CI = 0.07-0.34; p = 0.003), the polygenic risk score (PRS) for depression (b = 0.66, B = 0.18, 95%CI = 0.003-1.32; p = 0.049), and cumulated dose of radiotherapy (b = 0.002, B = 0.46, 95%CI = 0.001-0.003; p < 0.001). When controlling for factors known to be associated with cancer survival, patients with a higher PRS associated with depression and inflammation, respectively, presented higher risk of death within 36 months (b = 1.75, Exp(B) = 5.75, 95%CI = 1.55-21.27, p = 0.009 and b = 0.14, Exp(B) = 1.15, 95%CI = 1.01-1.30, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Our results outline three potential pathways of symptom burden in patients with head and neck cancer: a genetic predisposition towards depression; an initial anxiety disorder upon being diagnosed with cancer or high levels of anxiety upon diagnosis; and a dose-related response to radiotherapy. One may want to investigate early interventions in these areas to alleviate symptom burden in patients faced with a life-threatening disease, as well as consider targeting genetic predisposition towards depression and inflammation implicated in survival. The high prevalence of distress in patients with head and neck cancer is an opportunity to study genetic predispositions, which could potentially be broadly generalized to other cancers and diseases.

Biopsychosocial Markers of Body Image Concerns in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer: A Prospective Longitudinal Study.

(1) Background: Patients and survivors of head and neck cancer (HNC) are at a high risk of developing body image concerns. Despite the prevalence of body image concerns in patients with HNC, there is a lack of longitudinal research exploring the wide array of its associated determinants. The current longitudinal study examined the determinants and longitudinal course of body image dissatisfaction in patients with HNC. (2) Methods: Patients participated in Structured Clinical Interviews and self-administered questionnaires at four time-points: (T1) upon cancer diagnosis, (T2) at 3 months post-diagnosis, (T3) at 6 months post-diagnosis, and (T4) at 12 months post-diagnosis. They also underwent a disfigurement rating on an objective scale. (3) Results: Two hundred and twenty-four patients participated in our study. Fourteen percent to twenty-eight percent of patients reported at least moderate body image concerns across time points, with the lowest rates at baseline and the highest at 3 months (T1). It was found that patients more predisposed to developing higher levels of body image concerns presented physical markers (i.e., advanced cancer stage, lower physical functioning, higher disfigurement), psychosocial markers (i.e., higher depression, higher anxiety, and higher levels of coping with denial), and health disparities (i.e., younger age, female sex, French language, and marital status, with divorced and widowers most affected). (4) Conclusions: The findings of this study highlight the multifaceted nature of body image concerns in patients with HNC and its biopsychosocial determinants. Clinicians should pay specific attention to these biopsychosocial markers in their clinics to predict high levels of body image concerns and tailor communication/refer for support accordingly.

Body Image Concerns in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer: A Longitudinal Study.

Objective: Head and neck cancer (HNC) treatments are known to significantly affect functionality and appearance, leading to an increased risk for body image disturbances. Yet, few longitudinal studies exist to examine body image in these patients. Based on a conceptual model, the current study aimed to determine, in patients newly diagnosed with HNC: (1) the prevalence, level, and course of body image concerns; (2) correlates of upon cancer diagnosis (pre-treatment) body image concerns; (3) predictors of immediate post-treatment body image concerns; and (4) association between body image concerns and levels of anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, support (i.e., satisfaction with support from physician, social/family wellbeing, and unmet support needs), and alcohol and drug misuse. Methods: Two hundred and twenty-three (participation rate = 72%), newly diagnosed with a primary HNC were assessed using structured clinical interviews and psychometric measures at three, and 6 months after diagnosis. Primary outcome was 3-month, as it was most salient to body image disturbance. Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted on the potential body image predictors, based on the model. Results: Sixty-eight percent of patients with HNC (n = 148 of 218) presented some level of body image concerns. Body image concerns at baseline (i.e., upon cancer diagnosis, pre-treatment) and post-treatment were significantly related and significantly increased from pre- to post-treatment. Immediately post-treatment (i.e., at 3 month follow-up), 89% (n = 132 of 148) presented some level of body image concerns. Correlates of body image concerns in patients with HNC at baseline included: physical symptom burden, difficulties with communication and eating, coping with the cancer diagnosis using denial, suicidal ideation, and having had a past anxiety diagnosis. When controlling for sociodemographic and medical variables, body image concerns in patients with HNC in the immediate post-treatment were predicted by: baseline body image, physical symptom burden, and neuroticism. Conclusion: This longitudinal study helps identify patients more susceptible to experience body image disturbance following head and neck cancer. Clinicians ought to pay special attention to body image concerns upon cancer diagnosis, physical symptom burden, and neuroticism, and may want to target these factors in future preventive interventions.

Psychosocial outcomes of human papillomavirus (HPV)- and non-HPV-related head and neck cancers: A longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVES: Human papillomavirus (HPV) has prompted a need to further investigate how this new biomarker changes the head and neck cancer (HNC) psychosocial landscape. This study aimed to: (a) characterize the sociodemographic, psychological, and social profiles of patients with HPV-positive versus -negative squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck; and (b) identify how HPV status contributes to anxiety and depression (primary outcome), quality of life (QoL), and sexuality needs. METHODS: We conducted a prospective longitudinal study of 146 patients newly diagnosed with oral, oropharyngeal, nasopharyngeal, and hypopharyngeal cancer. Seventy-nine patients were HPV-positive and 67 HPV-negative. Patients completed self-administered psychometric measures upon HNC and 3-month follow-up, and Structured Clinical Interviews for DSM Diagnoses. RESULTS: Patients with HPV-negative tumors generally presented with higher anxiety and depression and lower QoL immediately post-HNC diagnosis (<2 weeks) compared to HPV-positive cancers. A Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) immediately post-HNC diagnosis negatively affected patients' anxiety and depression and QoL levels upon diagnosis only when the cancer was HPV-positive. Immediately posttreatment, HPV status was not associated with outcomes. A previous history of suicidal ideation, and upon cancer diagnosis cigarette smoking, anxiety and depression, and feeling close to one's partner were instead explanatory. CONCLUSION: While patients with HPV-positive HNC generally present with initially lower psychological distress, their vulnerability immediately posttreatment indicates an equal need for support. Head and neck clinics may need to better address MDD, anxiety and depression, a prior history of suicidal ideation, health behavior change, and quality of relationships.

Longitudinal study indicating antecedent psychosocial vulnerability as predictor of anxiety disorders post-treatment in people with head and neck cancer.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to: (1) determine the contribution of pre-cancer psychosocial vulnerability as an independent predictor of anxiety disorder (AD) onset immediately post-treatment in patients diagnosed with a first occurrence of head and neck cancer (HNC), controlling for sociodemographics and medical variables; and (2) estimate prevalence of AD and identify trajectories from the moment of diagnosis to the immediate post-treatment (i.e., over a period of 3 months) in this population. METHODS: Two-hundred twenty-four consecutive patients (participation rate = 72%) newly diagnosed with a primary HNC were assessed with a structured clinical interview for a mental disorder, validated psychometric measures, and medical chart reviews. RESULTS: Twenty-five percent of patients presented a lifetime AD, 19.4% within 2 weeks of HNC diagnosis, and 16.6% immediately post-treatment; representing 26.7% of patients with AD at any timepoint from the moment of diagnosis to immediately post-treatment. Patients were more likely to present an AD immediately post-treatment when they: were diagnosed with advanced-stage cancer (OR = 3.40, p = 0.006), presented a upon cancer diagnosis AD (OR = 2.45, p = 0.008) and/or experienced childhood abuse (OR = 1.96, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Several AD trajectories may arise when patients are diagnosed with primary HNC. Health professionals should address AD and screen for risk factors (i.e., advanced stage cancer, AD upon cancer diagnosis, history of childhood abuse) as early as possible to assure optimal mental health care in this vulnerable population.

The role of brachytherapy for margin control in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of using peri-operative brachytherapy (BRTx) for positive/narrow margins present post primary surgical resection of oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC). METHODS: Prospective single-centre study of patients with OTSCC (T1-3, N0-3, M0) treated with resection of primary tumour ± regional nodal resection and intra-operative insertion of BRTx catheters. BRTx was administered twice daily at 40.8Gy/12Fr for 'Positive' (≤2 mm) margins, at 34Gy/10Fr for 'Narrow' (2.1-5 mm) margins, and not given for 'Clear' (> 5 mm) margins over the course of 5-6 days, 3-5 days post operatively. RESULTS: Out of 55 patients recruited 41 patients (74.6%) were treated with BRTx, as 12 patients had clear margins and 2 patients had unfavourable tumour anatomy for catheter insertion. EBRTx was avoided in 64.3% of patients. Overall Survival (OS) at 3 and 5 years was 75.6 and 59.1% respectively, while Disease Specific Survival (DSS) was 82.3 and 68.6% at 3 and 5 years respectively. Recurrence and survival outcomes were not associated with margin status or the use of or specific dose of BRTx on Cox regression analysis. Acute and late toxicity secondary to BRTx was minimal. CONCLUSIONS: The use of BRTx after primary OTSCC resection with positive/narrow margins ± EBRTx to the neck ± CTx achieves outcomes comparable to traditional treatment of surgery followed by re-resection or EBRTx ± CTx. Morbidity associated with oral cavity EBRTx or secondary resection and reconstruction is thus avoided. Both acute and late toxicity rates are low and compare favourably with other BRTx OTSCC studies. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Retrospectively registered. https://www.mcgill.ca/rcr-rcn/files/rcr-rcn/2017.06.05_rcn_hn.pdf . LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

Immediate post-treatment supportive care needs of patients newly diagnosed with head and neck cancer.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at identifying supportive care needs of patients with head and neck cancer (HNC-P) immediately post-treatment, finding early predictors of unmet needs, and contrasting how immediate post-treatment needs differed from needs in longer-term survivorship. METHODS: Prospective longitudinal study of 223 consecutive adults (313 approached; 72% participation) newly diagnosed with a first occurrence of primary HNC. Patients completed the Supportive Care Needs Survey-Short Form (SCNS), the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV, and other outcomes. Medical chart reviews were conducted. RESULTS: A total of 68% of patients (n = 145/223) completed the SCNS. The multiple linear regression indicated that when controlled for medical variables, patients presented higher levels of unmet needs when they presented with higher level of anxiety upon HNC diagnosis (p = 0.03), higher neuroticism (p = 0.03), and more stressful life events in the year pre-diagnosis (p = 0.01). Patients immediately post-treatment had a wider variety of unmet needs compared with those in extended survivorship, with psychological unmet needs most prevalent at both time points. Immediately post-treatment, patients needed more support regarding pain (p = 0.04) and worries about treatment results (p = 0.05), whereas patients in longer-term survivorship needed more support regarding anxiety (p = 0.02), changes in sexual relationships (p = 0.04), and fear of death and dying (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study identifies areas needing further development to improve quality of care for HNC-P in the immediate post-treatment period, as well as early determinants of unmet needs. HNC clinics may want to routinely screen for anxiety, neuroticism, and burden from other life events, to pro-actively address needs upon treatment completion and alleviate disease burden.

Contextual and historical factors for increased levels of anxiety and depression in patients with head and neck cancer: A prospective longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed at examining predictors of clinical anxiety and depressive symptoms in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) at 3, 6, and 12 months post-diagnosis, with a particular interest in contextual and historical factors. METHODS: Prospective longitudinal study of 219 consecutive patients newly diagnosed with a first occurrence of primary HNC, including psychometric measures, Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Diagnoses (SCID), and medical chart reviews. RESULTS: Point prevalence of clinical anxiety symptoms (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Anxiety subscale) was 32.0%, 21.9%, 12.1%, and 12.6% at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months; and clinical depressive symptoms on the Depression Subscale was 19.4%, 21.9%, 13.5%, and 9.2%, respectively. Predictors of anxiety and depressive symptoms included upon diagnosis SCID major depressive or anxiety disorder, stressful life events in previous year, neuroticism, and levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms upon cancer diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: This study emphasizes the predictive contribution of broader personal contextual and historical factors that increase psychological vulnerability in HNC and merit consideration.

Development and validation of the McGill body image concerns scale for use in head and neck oncology (MBIS-HNC): A mixed-methods approach.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to develop and validate a patient-reported outcome measure to evaluate body image concerns in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients. METHODS: Items were created using a combination of deductive (eg, US Food and Drug Administration Qualification of Clinical Outcome Assessments, literature review) and inductive approaches (eg, subject matter experts, HNC patients). Items were translated for use in both Canadian English and Canadian French using back-translation. A two-step empirical validation process using the Classical Test Theory (CTT) and Rasch Measurement Theory (RMT) was conducted with 224 and 258 HNC patients, respectively, having undergone disfiguring surgery within the past 3 years. RESULTS: Analyses suggest two subscales for MBIS-HNC: social discomfort (10 items) and negative self-image (11 items). The McGill Body Image Concerns Scale-Head and Neck Cancer (MBIS-HNC) is reliable with high internal consistency (0.98), high test-retest reliability over a two-week period (ICC = 0.88), moderate to high convergent validity (range r = 0.43-0.81), and divergent validity (range r = 0.12-0.15). RMT was used in addition to CTT. Disordered thresholds led to the modification of the number of response options, and items were deleted based on differential item functioning and high local dependency. Unidimensionality of both subscales and supporting a total score was confirmed. The measure was however characterized by the presence of an important floor effect, confirmed with poor targeting as demonstrated by the person-item threshold distribution. CONCLUSION: Evidence gathered from our theory-driven validation study using CTT and RMT provides practitioners and researchers with a useful and easy to use self-report measure.

Contribution of psychiatric diagnoses to extent of opioid prescription in the first year post-head and neck cancer diagnosis: A longitudinal study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine, within the first-year post-head and neck cancer (HNC) diagnosis, the contribution of past and upon HNC psychiatric diagnoses (ie, substance use disorder, major depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder) to the extent (ie, cumulated dose) of opioid prescription. METHODS: Prospective longitudinal study of 223 consecutive adults (on 313 approached; 72% participation) newly diagnosed (<2 weeks) with a first occurrence of primary HNC, including Structured Clinical Interviews for DSM-IV disorders, validated psychometric measures, and medical chart reviews. Opioid doses were translated into standardized morphine milligram equivalents (MME) using CDC guidelines. A model of variables was tested using multiple linear regression. RESULTS: Fifty-five percent (123/223) of patients received opioids at some point during the first 12 months post-HNC diagnosis, 37.7% (84/223) upon HNC diagnosis (pre-treatment), 40.8% (91/223) during treatments, and 31.4% (70/223) post-treatment. The multiple linear regression indicated that an AD (P = 0.04) upon HNC diagnosis in early stage contributes to cumulated MME dose in the first year post-HNC diagnosis. CONCLUSION: This study underlines how anxiety has important repercussions on the management of pain and illustrates the importance of screening for AD upon HNC diagnosis to allow for early prophylactic treatment and support.

Barriers to psychosocial oncology service utilization in patients newly diagnosed with head and neck cancer.

OBJECTIVES: While patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) are known to experience higher levels of anxiety and depression, they do not always use psychosocial oncology (PSO) services when available. This study aimed to investigate barriers to PSO service utilization in this patient population, with the goal of appropriately targeting outreach interventions. METHODS: A conceptual model based on the Behavioral Model of Health Services Use was tested in 84 patients newly diagnosed with a first occurrence of HNC followed longitudinally over 1 year, including variables collected through self-administered questionnaires, Structured Clinical Interviews for DSM (SCID-I), and medical chart reviews. RESULTS: Within the first-year post-diagnosis, 42.9% of HNC patients experienced clinical levels of psychological distress, with only 50% of these consulting PSO services (29% total). A logistic regression indicated that PSO utilization was increased when patients presented with advanced cancer (P = 0.04) and a SCID-I diagnosis of major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, or substance use disorder (P = 0.02), while there was an inverse relationship with self-stigma of seeking help (P = 0.03); these variables together successfully predicted 76.3% of overall PSO utilization, including 90.6% of non-users. CONCLUSIONS: Future outreach interventions in patients with HNC could address stigma in an attempt to enhance PSO integration into routine clinical care.

Feelings of Disenfranchisement and Support Needs Among Patients With Thyroid Cancer.

PURPOSE: To offer a better understanding of the experiences, preferences, and needs of patients with thyroid cancer. PARTICIPANTS & SETTING: 17 patients with thyroid cancer receiving treatment at a university-affiliated hospital in Montreal, Québec, Canada. METHODOLOGIC APPROACH: Interviews were conducted with patients, and descriptive phenomenology was used to explore patients' lived experience. FINDINGS: Coping with uncertainty was a major theme that emerged from interviews, with some of the main concerns being difficult treatment decisions, long surgery wait times, and fears about surgical complications, potential metastases, and death. Study participants reported that without a nurse and an interprofessional team, they would be lost in a system they believed minimized their illness and offered few resources to support them in a time of crisis. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Nurses must understand how the needs of individuals with thyroid cancer are often overlooked because of the good prognosis associated with the disease and should work to meet these information and support needs.

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, ß = 2.1, 95% CI = 0.4-3.8) and coping with the diagnosis by using substances (alcohol/drugs; P = .008, ß = 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.

CALCITONIN SECRETORY INDEX AND UNSUSPECTED NODAL DISEASE IN MEDULLARY THYROID CARCINOMA.

OBJECTIVE: Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a rare thyroid malignancy originating from parafollicular C-cells with the potential for aggressive behavior. The extent of lymph node (LN) dissection at the time of surgery is controversial, with different schools of thought prevailing. Some systematically perform LN dissections, whereas others base their decision on radiologic evidence of disease and some with the assistance of pre-operative calcitonin (CT) levels. METHODS: We retrospectively assessed the correlation between pre-operative CT levels and clinico-pathologic factors among 42 patients with MTC between 1994 and 2015. Furthermore, we refined the use of pre-operative serum CT levels and explored for the first time a test called the Calcitonin Secretory Index (CSI, ng/mL/mm). RESULTS: Pre-operative CT levels correlated independently with tumor size ( P<.0001), number of metastatic LNs ( P<.01), and increased rates of distant metastasis. The CSI better predicted early LN disease ( P<.045). Patients with early LN metastasis had a CSI >30 ng/mL/mm, a representative threshold above which the surgical cure declines considerably. CONCLUSION: In our experience, pre-operative CT levels and now the CSI appear as sensitive and specific risk stratification markers for MTC. Despite negative findings on dedicated pre-operative neck imaging in addition to total thyroidectomy, a CSI >30 ng/mL/mm would prompt bilateral central node dissection. Due to the small sample size, our study provides preliminary evidence of the value of CSI in clinical practice. ABBREVIATIONS: ANOVA = analysis of variance; ATA = American Thyroid Association; CSI = Calcitonin Secretory Index; CT = calcitonin; LN = lymph node; MTC = medullary thyroid carcinoma; ROC = receiver operating characteristic.

A screening algorithm for early detection of major depressive disorder in head and neck cancer patients post-treatment: Longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVE: The primary purpose of this study was to identify predictors of Major Depressive Disorder in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients in the immediate post-treatment period (ie, at 3 months post-diagnosis), with a focus on previously unexamined historical and contextual factors. METHODS: Prospective longitudinal study of 223 consecutive adults (72% participation) newly diagnosed with a first occurrence of primary HNC, including validated psychometric measures, Structured Clinical Interviews for DSM Disorders, and medical chart reviews. RESULTS: The 3-month period prevalence of Major Depressive Disorder was 20.4%; with point prevalences of 6.8% upon HNC diagnosis, 14.2% at 3 months, and 22.6% lifetime. Patients most susceptible to developing Major Depressive Disorder in the immediate post-treatment period: were diagnosed with advanced-stage cancer rather than early-stage cancer (O.R. = 4.94, P = 0.04), received surgery only (O.R. = 8.73, P = 0.04), presented a lifetime history of Anxiety Disorder on SCID-I (O.R. = 6.62; P = 0.01), and indicated higher pre-treatment levels of anxiety on the HADS (O.R. = 0.45, P = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results outline the predominant role of anxiety upon diagnosis as a precursor to post-treatment Major Depressive Disorder, suggesting the need for identification and prophylactic treatment of anxiety upon diagnosis in head and neck cancer patients. Further investigation into pathways by which pre-treatment anxiety predisposes to post-treatment Major Depressive Disorder in this population is warranted.

Thyroid cancer patients receiving an interdisciplinary team-based care approach (ITCA-ThyCa) appear to display better outcomes: Program evaluation results indicating a need for further integrated care and support.

BACKGROUND: Thyroid cancer (ThyCa) is generally associated with a favorable prognosis and excellent surgical outcomes. Consequently, its treatment is medically focused and current guidelines recommend interdisciplinary care including access to a nurse for complex cases alone. To date, no studies have evaluated the need for and impact of an Interdisciplinary Team-based Care Approach (ITCA-ThyCa) for general thyroid cancer patients, including a dedicated nurse as part of a larger interdisciplinary team, as well as patient-reported outcomes, as is recommended worldwide in cancer care. Our aim was to evaluate such a program. METHODS: The ITCA-ThyCa was evaluated within a quasi-experimental design using the Centers for Disease Control Framework for Program Evaluation, including process and outcome measures. Patients eligible were adults with a biopsy indicating confirmed or highly suspicious ThyCa (TNM-Classification + Bethesda score of V/VI). The intervention group (IG) received ITCA-ThyCa and the comparison group (CG), usual care alone. RESULTS: In our sample comprised of 200 participants (122 IG; 78 CG), ITCA-ThyCa patients appeared to show significantly better outcomes than CG patients, namely, higher levels of overall well-being (P = .001) and fewer physical (P = .003) and practical (P = .003) issues and concerns. More satisfied with their overall care (P = .028), including care coordination (P = .049), they reported their health care provider as more approachable (P = .007), respectful (P = .005), and trustworthy (P = .077; trend) and were more likely to recommend their hospital (P = .02). Ninety-eight percent of IG patients recommended ITCA-ThyCa. CONCLUSION: Data from our program illustrates that hospital resources should not be allocated based on medical trajectory alone and challenges the idea that ThyCa is "straightforward." ThyCa patients seem to experience symptom distress at a level comparable to-or exceeding-that of general oncological patients despite their promising medical outcomes, indicating that better integrated care and support are in order.

Clinical parameters predicting development of pulmonary malignancies in patients treated for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: As the locoregional control rates in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) have increased, these patients may suffer distant metastasis in a higher proportion of cases. Clinicopathological characteristics allowing prediction of high-risk profile would allow adapting posttreatment surveillance to individual risk. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients with HNSCC treated at the Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, between 1999 and 2008 was conducted for this study. RESULTS: The study included 428 patients with a mean follow-up of 65 months (±SEM 1.7). Eighty patients (18.6%) developed pulmonary malignancy during follow-up. In multivariate Cox-regression analysis, locoregional failure and current smoking were associated with higher risk of pulmonary malignancy (p < .001 and p = .008, respectively). CONCLUSION: Locoregional failure and smoking persistence are predictors of pulmonary malignancy in patients with HNSCC. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E1277-E1280, 2016.

Recovering function and surviving treatments are primary motivators for health behavior change in patients with head and neck cancer: Qualitative focus group study.

OBJECTIVE: Against medical advice, head and neck cancer (HNC) patients have been shown to continue to smoke and misuse alcohol post-diagnosis and treatment. This study aimed to better understand the barriers to and facilitators of health behavior change (HBC) in HNC patients. METHOD: We conducted nine focus groups following a standard protocol. Eligible patients were diagnosed less than three years previously with a primary HNC and selected using maximum variability sampling (gender, age, cancer stage, smoking, and alcohol misuse). Thematic analysis was conducted using NVivo 10 software. RESULTS: Participants were mostly men (79%), 65 years of age (SD = 10.1), and married/common-law (52%, n = 15). Mean time from diagnosis was 19 months (SD = 12.3, range = 5.0-44.5), and most had advanced cancer (65.5%, n = 19). Participants provided a larger than anticipated definition of health behaviors, encompassing both traditional (smoking, drinking, diet, exercise, UV protection) and HNC-related (e.g., dental hygiene, skin care, speech exercises, using a PEG, gaining weight). The main emerging theme was patient engagement, that is, being proactive in rehabilitation, informed by the medical team, optimistic, flexible, and seeking support when needed. Patients were primarily motivated to stay proactive and engage in positive health behaviors in order to return to normal life and reclaim function, rather than to prevent a cancer recurrence. Barriers to patient engagement included emotional aspects (e.g., anxiety, depression, trauma, demoralization), symptoms (e.g., fatigue, pain), lack of information about HBC, and healthcare providers' authoritarian approach in counseling on HBC. We found some commonalities in barriers and facilitators according to behavior type (i.e., smoking/drinking/UV protection vs. diet/exercise). SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: This study underlines the key challenges in addressing health behaviors in head and neck oncology, including treatment-related functional impairments, symptom burden, and the disease's emotional toll. This delicate context requires health promotion strategies involving close rehabilitative support from a multidisciplinary team attentive to the many struggles of patients both during treatments and in the longer-term recovery period. Health promotion in HNC should be integrated into routine clinical care and target both traditional and HNC-related behaviors, emphasizing emotional and functional rehabilitation as key components.

Computerized tomography based tumor-thickness measurement is useful to predict postoperative pathological tumor thickness in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Tumor thickness has been shown in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC) to be a predictor of cervical metastasis. The postoperative histological measurement is certainly the most accurate, but it would be of clinical interest to gain this information prior to treatment planning. This retrospective study aimed to compare the tumor thickness measurement between preoperative, CT scan, and surgical specimens . METHODS: We retrospectively included 116 OTSCC patients between 2001 and 2013. Thickness was measured on computer tomography imaging and again surgical specimens. RESULTS: The median age was 66 years. 62.8 % of patients were smokers with a mean of 31.4 pack-years. Positive nodal disease was reported in 41.2 %. Mean follow-up time was 33.1 months. The correlation between CT scan-based tumor thickness and surgical specimens based thickness was significant (Spearman rho = 0.755, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Tumor thickness assessed by CT scan may provide an accurate estimation of true thickness and can be used in treatment planning.

A survey on pulmonary screening practices among otolaryngology-head & neck surgeons across Canada in the post treatment surveillance of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Post treatment lung screening for head and neck cancer patients primarily focuses on the distant metastasis and a high rate of second primary can also be expected. The best screening tool and timing for this purpose is controversial. We sought out to assess the current practice and beliefs among Canadian Head and Neck Surgeons. METHODS: After Ethical Board approval, a nationwide survey was conducted through the Canadian Society of Otolaryngology (CSO) among head and neck surgeons regarding their practices for pulmonary screening in HNSCC patients. RESULTS: Our CSO survey among Otolaryngology-head and neck surgeons showed that 26 out of 32 respondents perform routine lung screen, out of which 23 (88%) feel that chest radiography should be preferred. The majority of respondents felt that lung screening could impact beneficially on mortality. For symptomatic patients, low-dose spiral CT was the preferred modality (48%), followed by PET/CT scan (14%) and sputum cytology (14%). In high-risk asymptomatic patients (current smoker, radiation exposure, family history and advanced HNSCC), 31% of respondents performed a CXR. The same percentage performed a low dose CT, while 19% relied on PET scan. A further 19% of respondents did not perform any screening in high-risk patients. Most respondents (77%) had more than 10 years practice since graduation from medical school and came from the provinces of Quebec, Ontario and Alberta. CONCLUSION: Chest radiography remains the preferred modality for lung screening and was believed to be impacting beneficially on lung mortality. The recent literature does not seem to be in agreement with those beliefs. Further studies to establish which modality is best and concurrent nation-wide education are warranted.