Current aspects of the quality of head and neck cancer care - survey of the Scandinavian Society for Head and Neck Oncology.

BACKGROUND: All Nordic countries have national cancer registries collecting data on head and neck cancer (HNC) incidence and survival. However, there is a lack of consensus on how other quality aspects should be monitored. AIMS: We conducted a web-based survey to find opportunities for quality control and improvement. METHODS: A web-based survey was sent to one otorhinolaryngology - head and neck (ORL-HN) surgeon, and one oncologist at each Nordic university hospital treating HNC. In total, 42 responses from all 21 university hospitals were included. RESULTS: In over half of the university hospitals, an oncologist, an ORL-HN surgeon, a pathologist, a radiologist, and a specialized nurse was always present at the multidisciplinary tumor board (MTB) meeting. Of 42 respondents 35 (83%) agreed that treatment delays were systematically recorded for each patient. Eleven of 21 (52%) oncologists agreed that side-effects of (chemo)radiotherapy were systematically recorded. Less than half of the respondents agreed that complications of surgery, and post-treatment quality of life (QOL) were systematically recorded. CONCLUSIONS: In the Nordic countries, the importance of HNC treatment timelines is well acknowledged. There is a lack of consensus on the composition of MTB meeting, and how treatment-related morbidity should be monitored outside clinical trials.

Enhancing the reliability of deep learning-based head and neck tumour segmentation using uncertainty estimation with multi-modal images.

Objective.Deep learning shows promise in autosegmentation of head and neck cancer (HNC) primary tumours (GTV-T) and nodal metastases (GTV-N). However, errors such as including non-tumour regions or missing nodal metastases still occur. Conventional methods often make overconfident predictions, compromising reliability. Incorporating uncertainty estimation, which provides calibrated confidence intervals can address this issue. Our aim was to investigate the efficacy of various uncertainty estimation methods in improving segmentation reliability. We evaluated their confidence levels in voxel predictions and ability to reveal potential segmentation errors.Approach.We retrospectively collected data from 567 HNC patients with diverse cancer sites and multi-modality images (CT, PET, T1-, and T2-weighted MRI) along with their clinical GTV-T/N delineations. Using the nnUNet 3D segmentation pipeline, we compared seven uncertainty estimation methods, evaluating them based on segmentation accuracy (Dice similarity coefficient, DSC), confidence calibration (Expected Calibration Error, ECE), and their ability to reveal segmentation errors (Uncertainty-Error overlap using DSC, UE-DSC).Main results.Evaluated on the hold-out test dataset (n= 97), the median DSC scores for GTV-T and GTV-N segmentation across all uncertainty estimation methods had a narrow range, from 0.73 to 0.76 and 0.78 to 0.80, respectively. In contrast, the median ECE exhibited a wider range, from 0.30 to 0.12 for GTV-T and 0.25 to 0.09 for GTV-N. Similarly, the median UE-DSC also ranged broadly, from 0.21 to 0.38 for GTV-T and 0.22 to 0.36 for GTV-N. A probabilistic network-PhiSeg method consistently demonstrated the best performance in terms of ECE and UE-DSC.Significance.Our study highlights the importance of uncertainty estimation in enhancing the reliability of deep learning for autosegmentation of HNC GTV. The results show that while segmentation accuracy can be similar across methods, their reliability, measured by calibration error and uncertainty-error overlap, varies significantly. Used with visualisation maps, these methods may effectively pinpoint uncertainties and potential errors at the voxel level.

Professional development through mentoring: Final evaluation of the pilot mentoring programme of the European society of radiotherapy and oncology.

The European SocieTy for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO) organized a one-year pilot mentoring programme. At evaluation after one year, both mentors and mentees scored the programme with a median score of 9 on a scale of 10. All of the mentors indicated that they wanted to participate again as mentors.

The influence of tumor volume on the risk of distant metastases in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Distant metastases (DM) in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) are in most circumstances non-curable. The TNM staging system is insufficient to predict the risk of DM. This study investigates if the DM risk can be predicted using a multivariate model including pre-treatment total tumor volume for both p16-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) and all other sites (other HNSCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study includes patients with localized pharyngeal and laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas treated with primary radiotherapy from 2008-2017 from three head and neck cancer centers. Patients were identified in the Danish Head and Neck Cancer (DAHANCA) database. Total (nodal and primary) tumor volume (Gross Tumor Volume, GTV) was extracted from local treatment planning systems. The GTV was grouped by volume (cm3) in four intervals and included in a multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression controlled for pre-selected clinical values incl. stage. RESULTS: The study includes 2,865 patients, of which 321 (11 %) had DM post-treatment. The risk of DM was assessed in a multivariate model based on 2,751 patients (p16-positive OPSCC: 1,032; and other HNSCC: 1,719). There was a significant association between GTV and the risk of DM, and in tumor volumes ≥ 50 cm3 hazard ratios of 7.6 (2.5-23.4) for p16-positive OPSCC and 4.1 (2.3-7.2) in other HNSCC were observed. CONCLUSION: Tumor volume is an independent risk factor for DM. The addition of total tumor volume to a predictive model is important to identify subgroups of HNSCC patients at high risk of DM.

Surgical treatment of the neck in patients with salivary gland carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Elective neck dissection (END) in patients with salivary gland carcinoma is controversial and there are no universally accepted guidelines. METHODS: Patients were identified from the Danish Head and Neck Cancer Group. Between 2006 and 2015, 259 patients with primary salivary gland carcinoma were treated with END. Variables potentially associated with regional metastases were analyzed using logistic regression. Neck recurrence-free survival was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: Occult metastases were found in 36 of the patients treated with END (14%) and were particularly frequent among patients with T3/T4 tumors and high-grade histology tumors. In multivariate analyses, high-grade histology and vascular invasion were associated with occult metastases. CONCLUSION: We recommend END of levels II and III for patients with high-grade or unknown histological grade tumors, and for T3/T4 tumors. Levels I, II, and III should be included in END in patients with submandibular, sublingual, or minor salivary gland carcinomas.

Prognostic scoring models in parotid gland carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The aim was to identify prognostic factors and test three prognostic scoring models that predicted the risk of recurrence in patients with parotid gland carcinoma. METHODS: All Danish patients with parotid gland carcinoma, treated with curative intent, from 1990 to 2015 (n = 726) were included. Potential prognostic factors were evaluated using Cox regression and competing risk analyses. The concordance of each prognostic model was estimated using Harrel's C index. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 344 men and 382 women, with a median age of 63 years. Age above 60 years, high grade histology, T3/T4 tumor, regional lymph node metastases, and involved surgical margins were all associated with a significant reduction in recurrence-free survival. The prognostic model that agreed best with actual outcomes had a C-index of 0.76. CONCLUSION: Prognostic scoring models may improve individualized follow-up strategies after curatively intended treatment for patients with parotid gland carcinoma.

Exploring implementation of the ESTRO Core Curriculum at the national level.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Global curricula exist across medical specialties however, the factors which influence their implementation are not well understood. The purpose of this study is to report the perceived factors that impact the implementation of the ESTRO Core Curriculum. METHODS: An anonymous, 37-item, survey was designed and distributed to the Presidents of the National Societies who have endorsed the ESTRO Core Curriculum (n = 29). The survey addressed perceptions about implementation factors related to context, process and curriculum change. The data was summarized using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Twenty-six (90%) National Societies completed the survey. One respondent perceived that the values of the training system of their country would be incompatible with the proposed ESTRO Core Curriculum. The most common contextual barriers to implementation was a lack of support from the government (57%), a lack of internal organizational support (35%) and a 'poor fit' between the ESTRO Core Curriculum and the broader political and economic context (35%). Perceived implementation process barriers included insufficient numbers of faculty (44%), poor coordination between the government and training institutions (48%), and a lack of an influential person leading the implementation (44%). Two barriers related to curriculum change were a lack of funding and lack of assessment tools. CONCLUSIONS: The content and values espoused in the ESTRO Core Curriculum are endorsed across diverse geopolitical and sociocultural regions. Barriers to curricular implementation are identified at the organizational and systems level and include insufficient teaching faculty, lack of coordination and the need for influential leadership.

The Danish Head and Neck Cancer database.

AIM OF THE DATABASE: The Danish Head and Neck Cancer database is a nationwide clinical quality database that contains prospective data collected since the early 1960s. The overall aim of this study was to describe the outcome of the national strategy for multidisciplinary treatment of head and neck cancer in Denmark and to create a basis for clinical trials. STUDY POPULATION: The study population consisted of all Danish patients referred for treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx, pharynx, oral cavity, or neck nodes from unknown primary or any histopathological type (except lymphoma) of cancer in the nasal sinuses, salivary glands, or thyroid gland (corresponding to the International Classification of Diseases, tenth revision, classifications C.01-C.11, C.30-C.32, C.73, and C.80). MAIN VARIABLES: The main variables used in the study were symptoms and the duration of the symptoms; etiological factors; pretreatment and diagnostic evaluation, including tumor-node-metastasis classification, imaging, histopathology, and laboratory tests; primary treatment with semidetailed information of radiotherapy, surgery, and medical treatment; follow-up registration of tumor status and side effects; registration of relapse and treatment thereof; and registration of death and cause of death. MAIN RESULTS: Data from >33,000 patients have been recorded during a period of >45 years. In this period, the outcome of treatment improved substantially, partly due to better treatment as a result of a series of continuous clinical trials and subsequent implementation in national guidelines. The database has furthermore been used to describe the effect of reduced waiting time, changed epidemiology, and influence of comorbidity and socioeconomic parameters. CONCLUSION: Half a century of registration of head and neck cancer treatment and outcome has created the basis for understanding and has substantially contributed to improve the treatment of head and neck cancer at both national and international levels.

Trends in cancer of the head and neck in the elderly in Denmark, 1980-2012.

BACKGROUND: Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC) comprises a variety of malignant tumors. Due to the rarity of each individual malignant entity, knowledge of epidemiological changes and trends over time may be derived from data compiled in regional and national registries. This study analyzed the development in incidence rates and mortality in elderly HNSCC patients in Denmark between 1980 and 2012 with specific attention to compliance to radiotherapy, the main treatment modality of HNSCC in Denmark. MATERIAL AND METHODS: HNSCC consisting of more than 25 patients per year over the age of 70 years were analyzed. This included cancer of the oral cavity defined as ICD-codes C00.3-4, C02-04, C05.0, C06; oropharynx as C01, C05.1-9, C09-10; and larynx as C32 recorded in the NORDCAN database. Additional data from the DAHANCA database was added to assess differences in compliance to treatment between younger and older patient groups. RESULTS: HNSCC was predominant in younger patients. Only 17% were older than 70 years. The median age was 60 years. Generally, incidence rates rose for cancer of the oral cavity and oropharynx between 1980 and 2012 and stabilized for laryngeal cancer. Mortality rates had a shallower increase, especially in younger age groups, which translated into improved age-specific survival rates. Compliance to radiotherapy was high for all age groups. Failure to receive at least 60 Gy during radical radiation treatment was 2.3% despite a significant increase in patients with poor WHO performance status over time. CONCLUSION: HNSCC is a rare disease in patients above 70 years accounting for only 17% of all HNSCC patients. Incidence rates increased over time, but age-specific survival rates improved, especially in younger patients. Failure rates to comply with radiation treatment, however, were low in both young and elderly patients.

Radiotherapy equipment and departments in the European countries: final results from the ESTRO-HERO survey.

BACKGROUND: Documenting the distribution of radiotherapy departments and the availability of radiotherapy equipment in the European countries is an important part of HERO - the ESTRO Health Economics in Radiation Oncology project. HERO has the overall aim to develop a knowledge base of the provision of radiotherapy in Europe and build a model for health economic evaluation of radiation treatments at the European level. The aim of the current report is to describe the distribution of radiotherapy equipment in European countries. METHODS: An 84-item questionnaire was sent out to European countries, principally through their national societies. The current report includes a detailed analysis of radiotherapy departments and equipment (questionnaire items 26-29), analyzed in relation to the annual number of treatment courses and the socio-economic status of the countries. The analysis is based on validated responses from 28 of the 40 European countries defined by the European Cancer Observatory (ECO). RESULTS: A large variation between countries was found for most parameters studied. There were 2192 linear accelerators, 96 dedicated stereotactic machines, and 77 cobalt machines reported in the 27 countries where this information was available. A total of 12 countries had at least one cobalt machine in use. There was a median of 0.5 simulator per MV unit (range 0.3-1.5) and 1.4 (range 0.4-4.4) simulators per department. Of the 874 simulators, a total of 654 (75%) were capable of 3D imaging (CT-scanner or CBCT-option). The number of MV machines (cobalt, linear accelerators, and dedicated stereotactic machines) per million inhabitants ranged from 1.4 to 9.5 (median 5.3) and the average number of MV machines per department from 0.9 to 8.2 (median 2.6). The average number of treatment courses per year per MV machine varied from 262 to 1061 (median 419). While 69% of MV units were capable of IMRT only 49% were equipped for image guidance (IGRT). There was a clear relation between socio-economic status, as measured by GNI per capita, and availability of radiotherapy equipment in the countries. In many low income countries in Southern and Central-Eastern Europe there was very limited access to radiotherapy and especially to equipment for IMRT or IGRT. CONCLUSIONS: The European average number of MV machines per million inhabitants and per department is now better in line with QUARTS recommendations from 2005, but the survey also showed a significant heterogeneity in the access to modern radiotherapy equipment in Europe. High income countries especially in Northern-Western Europe are well-served with radiotherapy resources, other countries are facing important shortages of both equipment in general and especially machines capable of delivering high precision conformal treatments (IMRT, IGRT).

Guidelines for equipment and staffing of radiotherapy facilities in the European countries: final results of the ESTRO-HERO survey.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In planning to meet evidence based needs for radiotherapy, guidelines for the provision of capital and human resources are central if access, quality and safety are not to be compromised. A component of the ESTRO-HERO (Health Economics in Radiation Oncology) project is to document the current availability and content of guidelines for radiotherapy in Europe. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An 84 part questionnaire was distributed to the European countries through their national scientific and professional radiotherapy societies with 30 items relating to the availability of guidelines for equipment and staffing and selected operational issues. Twenty-nine countries provided full or partial evaluable responses. RESULTS: The availability of guidelines across Europe is far from uniform. The metrics used for capital and human resources are variable. There seem to have been no major changes in the availability or specifics of guidelines over the ten-year period since the QUARTS study with the exception of the recent expansion of RTT staffing models. Where comparison is possible it appears that staffing for radiation oncologists, medical physicists and particularly RTTs tend to exceed guidelines suggesting developments in clinical radiotherapy are moving faster than guideline updating. CONCLUSION: The efficient provision of safe, high quality radiotherapy services would benefit from the availability of well-structured guidelines for capital and human resources, based on agreed upon metrics, which could be linked to detailed estimates of need.