Your browser doesn't support javascript.
loading
Patterns of care analysis for head & neck cancer of unknown primary site: a survey inside the German society of radiation oncology (DEGRO).
Müller von der Grün, Jens; Bon, Dimitra; Rödel, Claus; Balermpas, Panagiotis.
Affiliation
  • Müller von der Grün J; Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Theodor Stern Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany.
  • Bon D; Institut of Biostatistics and Mathematical Modeling, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
  • Rödel C; Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Theodor Stern Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany.
  • Balermpas P; German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
Strahlenther Onkol ; 194(8): 750-758, 2018 Aug.
Article in En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29761228
ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND:

Due to the absence of randomized trials, the optimal management for squamous cell cancer of unknown primary in the head and neck region (SCCHN CUP) remains controversial. Current strategies are based on retrospective studies, clinical experience, and institutional policies.

METHODS:

An anonymous questionnaire with a total of 24 questions was created and distributed by the use of an online version (Google Forms®, Google, Mountain View, CA, USA) as well as a printout version as equivalent option. An email with a link to the survey and the questionnaire as attachment was sent to 361 DEGRO(German Society of Radiation Oncology)-associated departments. Frequency distributions of responses for each question were calculated. The data were also analyzed by type of practice. Representativity of the sample size for the DEGRO was also evaluated.

RESULTS:

66 responses were received including answers from 20 (30%) university departments, 16 (24%) non-university institutions, and 30 (46%) radiation oncology practices. 95% of the participants routinely present these cases in an interdisciplinary tumor board and use intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) techniques for SCCHN CUP treatment. Surgery includes neck dissection in 83% and tonsillectomy in 73% of the cases. Human papilloma virus (HPV) status is routinely determined in 82% of the departments. Statistically significant differences between universities and institutions and clinics and practices could be found with respect to positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) utilization, indications for chemotherapy, radiotherapy volumes, and cumulative doses.

CONCLUSION:

Diagnostics and treatment for SCCHN CUP within the DEGRO remain heterogeneous. A prospective register trial with standard operation procedures is warranted to homogenize and possibly improve management.
Subject(s)
Key words

Full text: 1 Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Patient Care Management / Neoplasms, Unknown Primary / Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated / Head and Neck Neoplasms Type of study: Clinical_trials / Observational_studies / Prognostic_studies / Risk_factors_studies Limits: Humans Country/Region as subject: Europa Language: En Year: 2018 Type: Article

Full text: 1 Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Patient Care Management / Neoplasms, Unknown Primary / Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated / Head and Neck Neoplasms Type of study: Clinical_trials / Observational_studies / Prognostic_studies / Risk_factors_studies Limits: Humans Country/Region as subject: Europa Language: En Year: 2018 Type: Article