Organization of head and neck cancer rehabilitation care: a national survey among healthcare professionals in Dutch head and neck cancer centers.

PURPOSE: Head and neck cancer (HNC) treatment often leads to physical and psychosocial impairments. Rehabilitation can overcome these limitations and improve quality of life. The aim of this study is to obtain an overview of rehabilitation care for HNC, and to investigate factors influencing rehabilitation provision, in Dutch HNC centers, and to some extent compare it to other countries. METHODS: An online survey, covering five themes: organizational structure; rehabilitation interventions; financing; barriers and facilitators; satisfaction and future improvements, among HNC healthcare- and financial professionals of Dutch HNC centers. RESULTS: Most centers (86%) applied some type of rehabilitation care, with variations in organizational structure. A speech language therapist, physiotherapist and dietitian were available in all centers, but other rehabilitation healthcare professionals in less than 60%. Facilitators for providing rehabilitation services included availability of a contact person, and positive attitude, motivation, and expertise of healthcare professionals. Barriers were lack of reimbursement, and patient related barriers including comorbidity, travel (time), low health literacy, limited financial capacity, and poor motivation. CONCLUSION: Although all HNC centers included offer rehabilitation services, there is substantial practice variation, both nationally and internationally. Factors influencing rehabilitation are related to the motivation and expertise of the treatment team, but also to reimbursement aspects and patient related factors. More research is needed to investigate the extent to which practice variation impacts individual patient outcomes and how to integrate HNC rehabilitation into routine clinical pathways.

Disease course after the first recurrence of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma following (chemo)radiation.

PURPOSE: Recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) after chemoradiation is a challenging clinical problem. Salvage surgery (SS) is often extensive and mutilating. Oncological outcomes of SS are relatively well known, but little is published about the course of disease after the first recurrence, especially in patients without salvage possibilities. The aim of this study was to analyze the course of disease in patients with recurrent HNSCC after chemoradiation. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed and descriptively reported the disease course in 198 patients with recurrent HNSCC after chemoradiation in the time period after the first recurrence. We scored any type of event, salvage treatment, systemic treatment and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: Of the 198 patients with recurrent HNSCC, salvage surgery was attempted in 104 (53%). SS was more frequently given in patients with recurrent laryngeal cancer, isolated regional failure (p < 0.001) and HPV-positive disease (p = 0.09). The 2-year OS of the whole group was 31% and was significantly different by tumor site, type of failure and SS. HPV-positive disease and salvaged recurrences were significantly predictive for better survival. One third of that salvaged patients was still alive without second recurrence. Median survival in patients that received any palliative systemic treatment without surgery, compared to those were no treatment was given, was 6 and 3 months, respectively (p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Main factors influencing the course of disease in recurrent HNSCC are the possibilities for SS and HPV-status. Therefore, SS should always be considered and discussed. In patients without possibilities for SS, overall survival is 3-6 months.

Study protocol of a prospective multicenter study comparing (cost-)effectiveness of a tailored interdisciplinary head and neck rehabilitation program to usual supportive care for patients treated with concomitant chemo- or bioradiotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Since 2011, a tailored, interdisciplinary head and neck rehabilitation (IHNR) program, covered by the basic healthcare insurance, is offered to advanced head and neck cancer (HNC) patients in the Netherlands Cancer Institute (NKI). This program is developed to preserve or restore patients' functioning, and to optimize health-related quality of life (HRQoL). It applies an integrated approach to define patients' individual goals and provide rehabilitation care throughout the cancer care continuum. The aim of the current study is to assess the (cost-) effectiveness of the IHNR approach compared to usual supportive care (USC) consisting of monodisciplinary and multidisciplinary care in advanced HNC patients. METHODS: This multicenter prospective observational study is designed to compare (cost-)effectiveness of the IHNR to USC for advanced HNC patients treated with chemoradiotherapy (CRT) or bioradiotherapy (BRT). The primary outcome is HRQoL represented in the EORTC QLQ-C30 summary score. Functional HRQoL, societal participation, utility values, return to work (RTW), unmet needs (UN), patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes are secondary outcomes, assessed using the EORTC QLQ-H&N35, USER-P, EQ-5D-5 L, and study-specific questionnaires, respectively. Both patient groups (required sample size: 64 per arm) are requested to complete the questionnaires at: diagnosis (baseline; T0), 3 months (T1), 6 months (T2), 9 months (T3) and 12 months (T4) after start of medical treatment. Differences in outcomes between the intervention and control group will be analyzed using mixed effects models, Chi-square test and descriptive statistics. In addition, a cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) will be performed by means of a Markov decision model. The CEA will be performed using a societal perspective of the Netherlands. DISCUSSION: This prospective multicenter study will provide evidence on the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of IHNR compared to USC. RTW and societal participation, included as secondary outcomes, have not been studied sufficiently yet in cancer rehabilitation. Interdisciplinary rehabilitation has not yet been implemented as usual care in all centers, which offers the opportunity to perform a controlled clinical study. If demonstrated to be (cost-)effective, national provision of the program can probably be advised. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study has been retrospectively registered in the Netherlands Trial Registry on April 24th 2018 ( NTR7140 ).

Organ-preservation (chemo)radiotherapy for T4 laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer: is the effort worth?

PURPOSE: We aimed to analyze the oncological and functional outcomes of chemoradiation for T4 laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer. METHODS: Patients treated between 2008 and 2015 with chemoradiation (n = 39) were retrospectively analyzed for oncological and functional (laryngo-esophageal dysfunction-free survival, LED-FS) outcomes and compared with 32 consecutive patients treated primarily with total laryngectomy (TL). LED was scored as event in case of local failure, TL for any reason, persistent tracheotomy and/or feeding tube dependency 2 years after chemoradiation. RESULTS: The 5-year local control (LC) rates in the chemoradiation and TL groups were 64 and 87%, respectively (p = 0.030). The disease-free survival was 54 and 59% (p = 0.810), and overall survival (OS) was 46 and 47% (p = 1.00). In the chemoradiation group, the 5-year cumulative incidence of LED-FS was 46%, but was significantly worse in patients with poor pre-treatment laryngeal function, compared to those without (20% and 74%, respectively, p = 0.001). Furthermore, patients with LED have significantly worse OS compared to those without (32% and 65%, respectively, p = 0.041). Multivariate analysis showed that primary treatment type is significantly predictive for LC, while tumor site and extra-capsular extension were predictive for OS. Poor pre-treatment laryngeal function is the only significant predictive factor for LED. CONCLUSIONS: TL resulted in significantly better LC, as compared to chemoradiation in T4 laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer patients and the LED-FS is worse in patients with poor pre-treatment laryngeal function. These patients might benefit more from primary treatment with TL followed by radiotherapy. These issues should be taken into consideration, as patients are counseled about different primary treatment options.

FDG-PET/CT improves detection of residual disease and reduces the need for examination under anaesthesia in oropharyngeal cancer patients treated with (chemo-)radiation.

PURPOSE: Early detection of residual disease (RD) after (chemo)radiation for oropharyngeal (OPC) is crucial. Surveillance of neck nodes with FDG-PET/CT has been studied extensively, whereas its value for local RD remains less clear. We aim to evaluate the diagnostic value of post-treatment FDG-PET/CT in detecting local RD and the outcome of patients with local RD. METHODS: A cohort (n = 352) of consecutively treated OPC patients at our institute between 2010 and 2017 was evaluated. Patients that underwent FDG-PET/CT at 3 months post-treatment (n = 94) were classified as having complete (CMR) or partial metabolic response (PMR). PMR was defined as visually detectable metabolic activity above the background of surrounding normal tissues. Primary endpoint was diagnostic accuracy in detecting local RD. RESULTS: Local RD was seen in 19/352 patients (5%), all of them were HPV negative. The FDG-PET/CT had a sensitivity of 100% (8/8), specificity 85% (73/86), PPV 38% (8/21), NPV 100% (73/73), and accuracy 86%. Patients with local RD had significantly worse OS at 2 years, compared to those without (10 versus 88%, P < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, local RD remained a significant predictive factor for death with a hazard ratio of 11.9 (95% CI 5.8-24.3). The number of patients that underwent PET/CT increased over time (P < 0.001), whereas the number of patients that underwent EUA declined (P = 0.072). CONCLUSION: FDG-PET/CT has excellent performance for the detection of RD, with the sensitivity and negative predictive value approaching 100%. Due to these excellent results is examination under anaesthesia today in the vast majority of the PET-negative cases not necessary anymore.

Biological PET-guided adaptive radiotherapy for dose escalation in head and neck cancer: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: In recent years, the possibility of adapting radiotherapy to changes in biological tissue parameters has emerged. It is hypothesized that early identification of radio-resistant parts of the tumor during treatment provides the possibility to adjust the radiotherapy plan to improve outcome. The aim of this systematic literature review was to evaluate the current state of the art of biological PET-guided adaptive radiotherapy, focusing on dose escalation to radio-resistant tumor. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A structured literature search was done to select clinical trials including patients with head and neck cancer of the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx or larynx, with a PET performed during treatment used to develop biological adaptive radiotherapy by: 1) delineation of sub-volumes suitable for adaptive re-planning; 2) in-silico adaptive treatment planning; or 3) treatment of patients with PET based dose escalated adaptive radiotherapy. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Nineteen articles were selected, 12 articles analyzing molecular imaging signal during treatment and 7 articles focused on biological adaptive treatment planning, of which two were clinical trials. Studied biological pathways include metabolism (FDG), hypoxia (MISO, FAZA and HX4) and proliferation (FLT). CONCLUSIONS: In the development of biological dose adaptation in radiotherapy for head-neck tumors, many aspects of the procedure remain ambiguous. Patient selection, tracer selection for detection of the radio-resistant sub-volumes, timing of adaptive radiotherapy, workflow and treatment planning aspects are discussed in a clinical context.

Orthovoltage X-rays for Postoperative Treatment of Resected Basal Cell Carcinoma in the Head and Neck Area.

BACKGROUND: Surgery is the golden standard for treating basal cell carcinomas. In case of positive tumor margins or recurrent disease, postoperative adjuvant or salvaging therapy is suggested to achieve good local control. OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively report on local control and toxicity of postoperative radiotherapy by means of orthovoltage X-rays for residual or recurrent basal cell carcinoma after surgery in the head and neck area. METHODS: Sixty-six surgically resected residual or recurrent basal cell carcinomas of the head and neck region were irradiated postoperatively by means of orthovoltage X-rays at the Netherlands Cancer Institute between January 2000 and February 2015. RESULTS: After a median follow-up duration of 30.5 months, only 5 recurrences were reported. The 5-year local control rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 100%, 87%, and 87%, respectively. The 5-year local control rate was 92% for immediate postoperative radiotherapy of incompletely resected basal cell carcinomas, 90% for recurrences after 1 previously performed excision, and 71% for multiple recurrences, namely, a history of more than 1 excision ( P = .437). Acute toxicity healed spontaneously within 3 months. Late toxicities were mild. CONCLUSION: Radiotherapy by means of orthovoltage X-ray is an excellent alternative for re-excision in case of incompletely resected or recurrent basal cell carcinomas that are at risk of serious functional and cosmetic impairments after re-excision, with a 5-year local control rate of 87% and a low toxicity profile.

Radiation dose to the tongue and velopharynx predicts acoustic-articulatory changes after chemo-IMRT treatment for advanced head and neck cancer.

The aim of this study was to investigate to what extent changes in speech after C-IMRT treatment are related to mean doses to the tongue and velopharynx (VP). In 34 patients with advanced hypopharyngeal, nasopharyngeal, or oropharyngeal cancer, changes in speech from pretreatment to 10 weeks and 1 year posttreatment were correlated with mean doses to the base of tongue (BOT), oral cavity (OC) and tonsillar fossa/soft palate (VP). Differences in anteroposterior tongue position, dorsoventral degree of tongue to palate or pharynx constriction, grooving, strength, nasality, and laryngeal rise, were assessed by acoustic changes in three speech sounds that depend on a (post-) alveolar closure or narrowing (/t/, /s/, /z/), three with a tongue to palate/pharyngeal narrowing (/l/, /r/, /u/), and in vowel /a/ at comfortable and highest pitch. Acoustically assessed changes in tongue positioning, shape, velopharyngeal constriction, and laryngeal elevation were significantly related to mean doses to the tongue and velopharynx. The mean dose to BOT predicted changes in anteroposterior tongue positioning from pre- to 10-weeks posttreatment. From pretreatment to 1-year, mean doses to BOT, OC, and VP were related to changes in grooving, strength, laryngeal height, nasality, palatalization, and degree of pharyngeal constriction. Changes in speech are related to mean doses to the base of tongue and velopharynx. The outcome indicates that strength, motility, and the balance between agonist and antagonist muscle forces change significantly after radiotherapy.

Lymphedema and Trismus after Head and Neck Cancer, and the Impact on Body Image and Quality of Life.

BACKGROUND: To assess the prevalence of chronic lymphedema and trismus in patients > 6 months after head and neck cancer (HNC) treatment, and to explore how the severity of these conditions correlates with body image and quality of life. METHODS: The cross-sectional sample included 59 patients, treated for HNC between six months to three years ago. Physical measurements were performed to assess the presence of external lymphedema and trismus (<36 mm). Furthermore, participants completed two questionnaires regarding body image (BIS) and quality of life (UW-QoL V4). RESULTS: Lymphedema prevalence was 94.1% (95% CI 0.86-0.98), with a median severity score of 9 (range 0-24). Trismus prevalence in this sample was 1.2%. The median BIS score was 2, indicating a positive body image. The UW-QoL score showed a good QOL with a median of 100. Only the domain of saliva and overall related health had a lower median of 70 and 60, respectively. There was no correlation between lymphedema and body image (r = 0.08, p = 0.544). Patients with higher lymphedema scores reported poorer speech with a moderate correlation (r = -0.39, p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: Lymphedema is a highly prevalent, but moderately severe late side-effect of HNC with a limited impact on quality of life domains except for speech, in our cohort.

FGD-PET/CT three months after (chemo)radiotherapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma spares considerable number of patients from a salvage neck dissection.

PURPOSE: In the last decades FDG-PET/CT is increasingly used in combination with the standard diagnostic modalities (MRI + US-FNA) to identify residual neck disease (RND) after (chemo)radiotherapy for head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The purpose of the current study is to identify the impact of increasing use of FDG-PET/CT on the accuracy of patient selection for salvage neck dissection (SND). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2008 and 2022, 908 consecutive patients with node-positive HNSCC were treated with (chemo)radiotherapy in our institution. PRIMARY ENDPOINT: positive predictive value (PPV) of FDG-PET/CT for pathologic-confirmed RND (pRND) after SND, compared to the standard of care; MRI + US-FNA. Secondary endpoints: oncologic outcomes. RESULTS: Of the entire group, 130 patients (14 %) received SND. Of them only 53 patients (41 %) had pRND at the SND-specimens. The PPV of FDG-PET/CT for the detection of pRND was considerably better, compared to MRI + US-FNA; 89 % and 65 %, respectively. If FDG-PET/CT showed metabolic CR, these patients did not undergo SND. The NPV was 97.5 %, as only 2.5 % of these patients developed delayed regional failure. FDG-PET/CT considerably improved the accuracy of patient selection for SND, as significantly more patients treated in the second period, compared to first period of the study (n = 454 each) still had vital tumor at SND-specimen (53 % and 31 %, p = 0.008). Regional recurrence free-survival, DFS, OS and HNSCC-death were significantly worse in patients with pRND (p < 0.05) CONCLUSIONS: Incorporating FDG-PET/CT into the diagnostic pathway for the response evaluation after (chemo)radiotherapy significantly improved the accuracy of patient selection for SND and spared considerable number of patients (>20 %) from unnecessary SND. For patients with metabolic CR, SND can safely be omitted while for patients with no metabolic CR, SND is strongly advocated.

MR and CT based treatment planning for mTHPC mediated interstitial photodynamic therapy of head and neck cancer: description of the method.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Interstitial photodynamic therapy is a potentially important tool in the management of voluminous or deep-seated recurrent head and neck cancers. STUDY DESIGN/METHODS: The described treatment algorithm in this manuscript consists of the treatment simulation, implantation of light sources, verification, modification of the treatment plan if necessary, and illumination. The tumor is delineated on imaging sections (CT, MRI, and/or PET/CT) and the treatment is simulated by virtually introducing light sources to the tumor volume on specially modified brachytherapy software. This enables us to determine if the treatment is technically feasible, and information about approximate number and location of light sources necessary. Following implantation of catheters in which the light sources will be introduced, CT or MR scan is performed to verify the actual location of the implanted catheters. The verification-CT is imported to the software and co-registered with pre-treatment images to observe the deviations from the simulation. The simulation is run again with the actual position of the light sources to determine if any additional light sources are necessary and adaptation of the source length in order to cover the tumor volume (modification). Thereafter the tumor is illuminated. RESULTS: This method has the potential to help with identifying iPDT feasible patients by simulating before the actual treatment. The suboptimal placement of light sources can be identified and corrected. The simulations were documented and saved for subsequent evaluation of the technique. CONCLUSION: The proposed technique can help standardize and document iPDT.

Adaptive FDG-PET/CT guided dose escalation in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: Late toxicity and oncologic outcomes (The ADMIRE study).

Purpose: To report on the late toxicity and local control (LC) of head and neck cancer patients treated with adaptive FDG-PET/CT response-guided radiotherapy (ADMIRE) with dose escalation (NCT03376386). Materials and methods: Between December 2017 and April 2019, 20 patients with stage II-IV squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx, hypopharynx or oropharynx were treated within the ADMIRE study where FDG-PET/CT response-guided (Week 2&4) dose escalation was applied (total dose 70-78 Gy). Cisplatin or cetuximab was added to radiotherapy in case of T3-4 and/or N2c disease. To compare the LC and late toxicity of the study population, we used an external control group (n = 67) consisting of all eligible patients for the study (but not participated). These patients were treated in our institution during the same period with the current standard of 70 Gy radiotherapy. To reduce the effect of confounding, logistic regression analyses was done using stabilized inverse probability of treatment weighting (SIPTW). Results: After median follow-up of 40 and 43 months for the ADMIRE and control groups, the 3-year LC-rates were 74% and 78%, respectively (adjusted HR after SIPTW 0.80, 95 %CI 0.25-2.52, p = 0.70). The incidences of any late G3 toxicity were 35% and 18%, respectively. The adjusted OR for any late G3 toxicity was 5.09 (95 %CI 1.64-15.8, p = 0.005), for any late G ≥ 2 toxicity was 3.67 (95 %CI 1.2-11.7, p = 0.02), for persistent laryngeal edema was 10.95 (95% CI 2.71-44.29, p = 0.001), for persistent mucosal ulcers was 4.67 (95% CI 1.23-17.7, p = 0.023), and for late G3 radionecrosis was 15.69 (95 %CI 2.43-101.39, p = 0.004). Conclusion: Given the comparable LC rates with increased late toxicity in the ADMIRE group, selection criteria for future adaptive dose escalation trials (preferably randomized) need to be refined to include only patients at higher risk of local failure and/or lower risk of severe late toxicity.

The impact of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on late irradiation injury in oral microcirculation.

BACKGROUND: Late side effects of radiotherapy in patients with head and neck cancer (HNCPs) result in decreased tissue vascularity, a compromised healing capacity and spontaneous breakdown of tissue. The aim of this study was to examine the in vivo effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) on the microcirculation in irradiated oral tissue. METHODS: Using a handheld microscope, the effect of HBOT on oral mucosal microcirculation parameters was measured in 34 previously irradiated HNCPs prior to HBOT and at 4 weeks and 6 months posttreatment. RESULTS: A significant increase in mean buccal vessel density and decrease in buccal vessel diameter was found 6 months after HBOT compared to baseline, 22 ± 11 versus 25 ± 7 cpll/mm2 (p < 0.05) and 20 ± 4 versus 16 ± 5 µm (p < 0.05), respectively. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that oral microcirculation histopathology associated with irradiation is able to respond to HBOT by redirecting oral microcirculation parameters towards values consistent with healthy tissue.

The dosimetric and clinical advantages of the GTV-CTV-PTV margins reduction by 6 mm in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: Significant acute and late toxicity reduction.

PURPOSE: We aim to identify the dosimetric and clinical impact of reducing the total GTV-CTV-PTV margins in head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) treated with definitive (chemo)radiation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The acute and late toxicity and outcomes of 155 consecutive patients treated between February 2017 and March 2019 with GTV-CTV-PTV margins of 9 mm were compared to those of 155 consecutive patients treated with total margin of 15 mm margin, before April 2015. All patients were treated with VMAT with daily-image guidance using CBCT. RESULTS: Reducing the GTV-CTV-PTV by 6 mm resulted in significant reduction of total irradiated volume (PTV-total) by a median of 28.1% and significant reduction of doses to all salivary glands (largest reduction ipsilateral parotid gland; median -9.6 Gy) and constrictor muscle (-6.1 Gy) with subsequent reduction of the incidence of overall acute grade 3 toxicity (47.7% for 9 mm and 66.5% for 15 mm groups, p = 0.001), grade 3 mucositis (18.1% vs. 35.5%, p < 0.001) and feeding tube-dependency at the end of treatment (24.5% vs. 40%, p = 0.005). The incidence of late grade ≥ 2 xerostomia and dysphagia were also significantly lower in the 9 mm group (31.7% vs. 58.6% p < 0.001, and 15.4% vs. 26.7%, p = 0.04). The 2-year rates of loco-regional control, disease-free and overall survival were 78.8% vs.75.8%, 70.9% vs. 64.4%, and 83.8% vs. 67.6%, (p > 0.05, all). CONCLUSION: Reduction of the total GTV-CTV-PTV margins from 15 to 9 mm in HNSCC significantly reduced the irradiated volumes and the dose to salivary glands and constrictor muscle with significant reduction of radiation-related toxicity. The loco-regional control rates of both groups were comparable.

Disease outcome and associated factors after definitive platinum based chemoradiotherapy for advanced stage HPV-negative head and neck cancer.

BACKGROUND: Definitive concomitant cisplatin-based chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is the current gold standard for most patients with advanced stage head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) of the pharynx and larynx. Since previous meta-analysis on CRT outcomes in HNSCC have been reported, advances have been made in radiotherapy techniques and clinical management, while HPV-status has been identified as a strong confounding prognostic factor in oropharyngeal cancer. Here, we present real-world outcome data from a large multicenter cohort of HPV-negative advanced stage HNSCC treated with CRT using contemporary IMRT-based techniques. METHOD: Retrospective data were collected from a multicenter cohort of 513 patients treated with definitive concurrent platinum-based CRT with curative intent between January 2009 and August 2017. Only patients with HPV-negative advanced stage (III-IV) HNSCC were included. A prognostic model for outcome was developed based on clinical parameters and compared to TNM. RESULTS: Nearly half of the 513 patients (49%) had an oropharyngeal tumor, often locally advanced (73.3% T3-T4b) and with involvement of the regional lymph nodes (84%). Most patients (84%) received cisplatin as single agent. In total 66% received the planned number of cycles and 75% reached a cumulative cisplatin dose of ≥200 mg/m2. Locoregional control was achieved in 324 (63%) patients during follow-up, and no association with tumor sites was observed (p = 0.48). Overall survival at 5 year follow-up was 47%, with a better survival for laryngeal cancer (p = 0.02) compared to other sites. A model with clinical variables (gender, high pre-treatment weight loss, N2c/N3-stage and <200 mg/m2 dose of cisplatin) provided a noticeably stronger association with overall survival than TNM-staging (C- index 0.68 vs 0.55). Simultaneous Integrated Boosting (SIB) significantly outperformed Sequential Boosting (SEQ) to reduce the development of distant metastasis (SEQ vs SIB: OR 1.91 (1.11-3.26; p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Despite advances in clinical management, more than a third of patients with HPV-negative HNSCC do not complete CRT treatment protocols due to cisplatin toxicity. A model that consists of clinical variables and treatment parameters including cisplatin dose provided the strongest association with overall survival. Since cisplatin toxicity is a major obstacle in completing definitive CRT, the development of alternative and less toxic radiosensitizers is therefore warranted to improve treatment results. The association of RT-boost technique with distant metastasis is an important finding and requires further study.

Development and external validation of a prediction model for tube feeding dependency for at least four weeks during chemoradiotherapy for head and neck cancer.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Patients who receive chemoradiotherapy or bioradiotherapy (CRT/BRT) for locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (LAHNSCC) often experience high toxicity rates interfering with oral intake, causing tube feeding (TF) dependency. International guidelines recommend gastrostomy insertion when the expected use of TF exceeds 4 weeks. We aimed to develop and externally validate a prediction model to identify patients who need TF ≥ 4 weeks and would benefit from prophylactic gastrostomy insertion. METHODS: A retrospective multicenter cohort study was performed in four tertiary head and neck cancer centers in the Netherlands. The prediction model was developed using data from University Medical Center Utrecht and the Netherlands Cancer Institute and externally validated using data from Maastricht University Medical Center and Radboud University Medical Center. The primary endpoint was TF dependency ≥4 weeks initiated during CRT/BRT or within 30 days after CRT/BRT completion. Potential predictors were extracted from electronic health records and radiotherapy dose-volume parameters were calculated. RESULTS: The developmental and validation cohort included 409 and 334 patients respectively. Multivariable analysis showed predictive value for pretreatment weight change, texture modified diet at baseline, ECOG performance status, tumor site, N classification, mean radiation dose to the contralateral parotid gland and oral cavity. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve for this model was 0.73 and after external validation 0.62. Positive and negative predictive value for a risk of 90% or higher for TF dependency ≥4 weeks were 81.8% and 42.3% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We developed and externally validated a prediction model to estimate TF-dependency ≥4 weeks in LAHNSCC patients treated with CRT/BRT. This model can be used to guide personalized decision-making on prophylactic gastrostomy insertion in clinical practice.

Deterioration of Intended Target Volume Radiation Dose Due to Anatomical Changes in Patients with Head-and-Neck Cancer.

Delivered radiation dose can differ from intended dose. This study quantifies dose deterioration in targets, identifies predictive factors, and compares dosimetric to clinical patient selection for adaptive radiotherapy in head-and-neck cancer patients. One hundred and eighty-eight consecutive head-and-neck cancer patients treated up to 70 Gy were analyzed. Daily delivered dose was calculated, accumulated, and compared to the planned dose. Cutoff values (1 Gy/2 Gy) were used to assess plan deterioration in the highest/lowest dose percentile (D1/D99). Differences in clinical factors between patients with/without dosimetric deterioration were statistically tested. Dosimetric deterioration was evaluated in clinically selected patients for adaptive radiotherapy with CBCT. Respectively, 16% and 4% of patients had deterioration over 1 Gy in D99 and D1 in any of the targets, this was 5% (D99) and 2% (D1) over 2 Gy. Factors associated with deterioration of D99 were higher baseline weight/BMI, weight gain early in treatment, and smaller PTV margins. The sensitivity of visual patient selection with CBCT was 22% for detection of dosimetric changes over 1 Gy. Large dose deteriorations in targets occur in a minority of patients. Clinical prediction based on patient characteristics or CBCT is challenging and dosimetric selection tools seem warranted to identify patients in need for ART, especially in treatment with small PTV margins.

Cost-Effectiveness of Surgery Versus Organ Preservation in Advanced Laryngeal Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Treatment decision-making for patients with laryngeal cancer consists of a complex trade-off between survival and quality of life. For decision makers on coverage and guidelines, costs come in addition to this equation. Our aim was to perform a cost-effectiveness analysis of surgery (laryngectomy with or without radiotherapy) versus organ preservation (OP: radiotherapy, chemo- and/or bioradiation) in advanced laryngeal cancer patients from a healthcare perspective. METHODS: A cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted using a Markov model. For each modality, data on survival and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) were sourced from relevant articles in agreement with experts, and national benchmark cost prices were included regarding treatment, follow-up, adverse events, and rehabilitation. RESULTS: Total QALYs of the surgical approach (6.59) were substantially higher compared to the OP approach (5.44). Total lifetime costs were higher for the surgical approach compared to the OP approach, namely €95,881 versus €47,233. The surgical approach was therefore more effective and more costly compared to OP, resulting in an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of €42,383/QALY. CONCLUSION: Based on current literature, surgical treatment was cost-effective compared to OP in advanced laryngeal cancer within most willingness-to-pay thresholds. The study provides information on the survival adjusted for quality of life in combination with costs of two different approaches for advanced laryngeal cancer, relevant for patients, physicians, and policy makers. As financial toxicity is a relevant aspect in this population, collection of real-world data on country-specific costs and utilities is strongly recommended to enable further generalization. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A. Laryngoscope, 131:E509-E517, 2021.

Reduction of GTV to high-risk CTV radiation margin in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma significantly reduced acute and late radiation-related toxicity with comparable outcomes.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: We aim to retrospectively investigate whether reducing GTV to high-risk CTV margin will significantly reduce acute and late toxicity without jeopardizing outcome in head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) treated with definitive (chemo)radiation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between April 2015 and April 2019, 155 consecutive patients were treated with GTV to high-risk CTV margin of 10 mm and subsequently another 155 patients with 6 mm margin. The CTV-PTV margin was 3 mm for both groups. All patients were treated with volumetric-modulated arc therapy with daily image-guidance using cone-beam CT. End points of the study were acute and late toxicity and oncologic outcomes. RESULTS: Overall acute grade 3 toxicity was significantly lower in 6 mm, compared to 10 mm group (48% vs. 67%, respectively, p < 0.01). The same was true for acute grade 3 mucositis (18% vs. 34%, p < 0.01) and grade ≥ 2 dysphagia (67% vs. 85%, p < 0.01). Also feeding tube-dependency at the end of treatment (25% vs. 37%, p = 0.02), at 3 months (12% and 25%, p < 0.01), and at 6 months (6% and 15%, p = 0.01) was significantly less in 6 mm group. The incidence of late grade 2 xerostomia was also significantly lower in the 6 mm group (32% vs. 50%, p < 0.01). The 2-year rates of loco-regional control, disease-free and overall survival were 78.7% vs. 73.1%, 70.6% vs. 61.4%, and 83.2% vs. 74.4% (p > 0.05, all). CONCLUSION: The first study reporting on reduction of GTV to high-risk CTV margin from 10 to 6 mm showed significant reduction of the incidence and severity of radiation-related toxicity without reducing local-regional control and survival.

Patient-reported swallowing function after treatment for early-stage oropharyngeal carcinoma: Population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Single-modality treatment (surgery or radiotherapy [RT]) is a curative treatment option for early-stage oropharyngeal carcinoma (OPC) with comparable (excellent) oncological outcomes. This study aimed to compare self-reported swallowing function. METHODS: Participants with a T1-2N0-2bM0 OPC who were offered single-modality treatment and were recruited to the Head and Neck 5000 study were included. Prospectively collected self-reported swallowing function was compared between surgery and RT. RESULTS: Those offered RT (n = 150) had less favorable baseline characteristics than those offered surgery (n = 150). At 12-month follow up, RT participants reported more swallowing problems (35% vs 23%, RR 1.3; 95% CI 0.8-2.3, P = .277) in models adjusted for baseline characteristics. In those allocated to surgery who received adjuvant therapy (n = 78, 52%), the proportion with swallowing problems was similar to those allocated to RT alone. CONCLUSIONS: Participants offered surgery alone had similar mortality but improved swallowing, although this was not statistically significant. However, over half of participants offered surgery alone received surgery and adjuvant therapy.