The impact of survivorship care plans on adolescent and young adult head and neck cancer survivors and their primary care providers.

PURPOSE: A cross sectional study of adolescent and young adult (AYA) head and neck (H&N) cancer survivors was performed to assess late effects. Survivorship care plans (SCPs) were generated and evaluated by participants and their primary care providers (PCPs). METHODS: AYA H&N survivors who had been discharged over 5 years prior from our institution were assessed in recall consultation by a radiation oncologist. Late effects were assessed and individualized SCPS were created for each participant. Participants completed a survey evaluating the SCP. PCPs were surveyed before the consultation and after evaluating the SCP. RESULTS: 31/36 participants (86%) completed the SCP evaluation. The SCP was considered to be a positive experience for 93% of participants. Most of the AYA participants indicated that the information provided in the SCP helped them understand the need for follow-up to assess late effects (90%). The pre-consultation PCP survey response rate was 13/27 (48%) and only 34% were comfortable in providing survivorship care for AYA H&N cancer patients. The PCP response rate to the survey that accompanied the SCP was 15/27 (55%) and the majority (93%) reported that the SCP would be helpful to care for other AYA and non-AYA cancer survivors in their practice. CONCLUSIONS: Our research suggested that AYA head and neck cancer survivors valued the SCPs as did their PCPs. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: The introduction of SCPs is likely to help improve survivorship and transitioning of care from the oncology clinic to PCP in this population.

Population-based Long-term Outcomes for Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Nasal Cavity.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluates population-based outcomes of patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the nasal cavity treated in British Columbia. METHODS: A retrospective review of nasal cavity SCC treated from 1984 to 2014 was performed (n = 159). Locoregional recurrence (LRR) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated. RESULTS: The 3-year OS was 74.2% for radiation alone, 75.8% for surgery alone, and 78.4% for surgery and radiation ( P = 0.16). The 3-year LRR was 28.4% for radiation alone, 28.2% for surgery alone, and 22.6% for surgery and radiation ( P = 0.21). On multivariable analysis, surgery and postoperative radiation relative to surgery alone was associated with a lower risk of LRR (hazard ratio: 0.36, P = 0.03). Poor Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group status, node-positive, orbital invasion, smoking, and advanced age were associated with worse OS (all P <0.05). CONCLUSION: In this population-based analysis, multimodality treatment with surgery and adjuvant radiation were associated with improved locoregional control for SCC of the nasal cavity.

Patient-Reported Outcomes in Adolescent and Young Adult Head and Neck Cancer Survivors Treated with Radiotherapy.

Purpose: There are few studies of adolescent and young adult (AYA) head and neck (H&N) cancer survivors treated with radiotherapy. A recall of AYA H&N survivors was performed and this article evaluates their cross-sectional patient-reported outcomes. Methods: AYA H&N cancer survivors who had received radiotherapy in British Columbia between 1970 and 2010 participated in this study. Participants completed the Psychosocial Screen for Cancer-Revised (PSSCAN-R), Research and Development (RAND)-36 health-related quality of life, and the Vanderbilt Head and Neck Symptom Survey, version 2.0 (VHNSS 2.0), to evaluate late effects from treatment. Results: There were 36 participants in the study. Severe symptoms (greater than or equal to 4/10) were reported on the VHNSS 2.0 by 51% of participants for xerostomia, 35% for dysphagia, and 37% for dental/mucosal sensitivity. On the PSSCAN-R, 35% had moderate/high anxiety scores and 48% had moderate/high depression scores. The mean RAND-36 participant scores were as follows: physical functioning, 86.1; physical role functioning, 71.4; emotional role functioning, 75.1; energy/fatigue, 56.6; emotional well-being, 74.6; social functioning, 76.3; bodily pain, 71.7; and general health, 65.6. Conclusions: AYA survivors in our study reported significant late effects from H&N radiotherapy and high depression and anxiety scores, but generally high health-related quality of life. Prospective evaluation of psychosocial needs and H&N-related complications is warranted in this subgroup at high risk of late effects from treatment.

Cervical cancer patient reported gastrointestinal outcomes: intensity/volumetric modulated vs. 3D conformal radiation therapy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate gastrointestinal (GI) patient reported outcomes (PROs) in cervical cancer patients treated with definitive radiotherapy (RT), comparing 3D conformal RT (3DCRT) vs. intensity modulated/volumetric modulated arc therapy (IMRT/VMAT). METHODS: An analysis of patients treated with definitive RT between 2015-2018 was performed. GI PROs were prospectively collected at baseline, during RT (acute), ≤12 weeks after RT (subacute), and >12 weeks after RT (late). GI PROs evaluated three symptom domains: bowel problems (BPs), bowel bother (BB), and abdominal problems (APs). Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to investigate associations between mean changes of symptom scores with clinical and dosimetric variables. RESULTS: The cohort included 167 patients. A total of 100 (60%) patients were treated with IMRT/VMAT and 67 (40%) with 3DCRT. In the subacute phase, the mean change of symptom scores from baseline in 3DCRT vs. IMRT/VMAT were +0.9 vs. -1.15 (p=0.004) for BP, +2.18 vs. -0.10 (p=0.019) for BB, and +1.41 vs. -0.38 (p=0.021) for AP. Likewise, in the late phase, mean changes were +0.72 vs. -0.82 (p=0.014) for BP, +1.98 vs. -0.03 (p=0.008) for BB, and +1.29 vs. -0.31 (p<0.001) for AP. On multiple linear regression, use of 3DCRT vs. IMRT/VMAT was associated with greater mean changes in subacute BP (p=0.023) and late phase AP (p=0.019). A higher small bowel V50Gy was associated increased symptom scores in late AP (p=0.012). CONCLUSION: 3DCRT was associated with significantly greater worsening of GI PRO symptom scores in the subacute and late phase. These data support the ongoing use of IMRT/VMAT in routine practice.

pN0(i+) and pN1mi Breast Cancer: Treatment and Outcomes in Comparison With pN0 and pN1a in the Modern Era.

PURPOSE: Locoregional recurrence risk and the role of locoregional radiation therapy (LRRT) in pN0(i+) and pN1mi breast cancer are unclear. This study compares locoregional relapse-free survival (LRRFS) in patients with pN0(i+) and pN1mi relative to pN0 and pN1a disease and evaluates LRRFS according to locoregional treatment. METHODS AND MATERIALS: We studied 10,271 patients referred between 2006 and 2011 with newly diagnosed pT1-T2, pN0, pN0(i+), pN1mi, or pN1a, M0 breast cancer. Outcomes were 10-year Kaplan-Meier LRRFS, relapse-free survival (RFS), distant relapse-free survival, and breast cancer-specific survival. Multivariable analysis of LRRFS and RFS was performed in pN0(i+) and pN1mi cohorts. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 9.3 years. In patients with pN0 (n = 7492), pN0(i+) (n = 305), pN1mi (n = 619), and pN1a (n = 1855) disease, LRRT was used in 1.1%, 24.3%, 45.7%, and 71.1%, respectively. Ten-year outcomes were LRRFS 96%, 92%, 97%, and 96% (P < .001), distant RFS 94%, 91%, 90%, and 84% (P < .001), and breast cancer-specific survival 95%, 90%, 93%, and 87% (P < .001), respectively. Ten-year LRRFS for patients treated with breast-conserving surgery alone, with breast RT, and with LRRT were 81%, 93%, and 91% for patients with pN0(i+) (P = .16) and 94%, 96%, and 100% for patients with pN1mi (P = .02), respectively. Among patients treated with mastectomy, 10-year LRRFS with surgery alone and with LRRT were 93% and 100% for patients with pN0(i+) (P = .12) and 95% and 99% for patients with pN1mi (P = .09). On multivariable analysis of patients with pN0(i+) and pN1mi, systemic therapy was associated with improved LRRFS in patients with pN0(i+) (hazard ratio [HR], 0.2; [0.06-0.6]; P = .005) and patients with pN1mi (HR, 0.1; [0.03-0.5]; P = .006). In patients with pN1mi, LRRT was associated with a trend toward increased LRRFS (HR, 0.2; [0.03-1.1]; P = .07). LRRT was not significantly associated with improved RFS in pN0(i+) or pN1mi disease. CONCLUSIONS: In the era of sentinel node staging and modern systemic therapy, patients with pN0(i+) and PN1mi treated with LRRT experienced 10-year LRR risks ≤10% after breast-conserving surgery or mastectomy and RT. LRRT was associated with a trend toward increased LRRFS in pN1mi but not pN0(i+) disease.

Treatment and outcomes in undifferentiated and dedifferentiated endometrial carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: Undifferentiated and dedifferentiated endometrial carcinoma is a rare type of uterine malignancy. This study assesses disease characteristics, treatment and survival outcomes in patients with undifferentiated and dedifferentiated endometrial carcinoma treated at BC Cancer. METHODS: All patients diagnosed with undifferentiated and dedifferentiated endometrial carcinoma between 2000 and 2019 at BC Cancer were reviewed centrally. Clinical, pathologic, treatment and outcomes were reviewed retrospectively. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to evaluate overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Multivariable analysis was performed using Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients were included, 33% had undifferentiated carcinoma and 67% dedifferentiated carcinoma. Sixty-nine percent of those who had mismatch repair (MMR) testing of their tumor had an abnormal profile. The 5-year DFS was 80% (95% confidence interval [CI]=71%-89%) for stage I/II, 29% (95% CI=28%-40%) for stage III and 10% (95% CI 1%-19%) for stage IV. The 5-year OS was 84% (95% CI=75%-92%) for stage I/II, 38% (95% CI=26%-50%) for stage III and 12% (95% CI=1%-24%) for stage IV. Multivariate analysis showed that receiving adjuvant chemotherapy, adjuvant radiotherapy, lower stage and better Eastern Cooperative Group performance status were associated with improved DFS (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Patients with stage I/II undifferentiated and dedifferentiated endometrial carcinoma had excellent survival outcomes, those with stage III/IV had worse outcomes, similar to previously reported. Adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy were associated with improved DFS. MMR testing should be performed for these patients due to the high incidence of abnormal profiles.

A cross-sectional assessment of long-term effects in adolescent and young adult head and neck cancer survivors treated with radiotherapy.

PURPOSE: Adolescent and young adult (AYA) head and neck (H&N) cancer survivors are at risk of long-term complications. A cross-sectional study of survivors recalled for clinical evaluation was performed to evaluate late effects in this population. METHODS: Surviving patients who had been diagnosed with H&N cancer between the ages of 15 and 39 years and treated with radiation therapy (RT) in British Columbia between 1970 and 2010 were invited to participate in this study. Survivors were assessed in consultation by a radiation oncologist for a complete history and physical exam. Comprehensive data collection of subjective and objective late effects of RT and screening investigations were completed. RESULTS: Of 36 AYA H&N participants, the majority were female (61%), and the most common tumour sites were thyroid (28%), oropharynx (17%), salivary gland (14%) and larynx (14%). Dental extractions post treatment was performed for 33% and dental implants for 17%. The majority (72%) reported xerostomia, 50% had dysphagia to solids and 25% hearing loss. Of the non-thyroid cancer patients who underwent RT to their neck, 45% developed hypothyroidism. There were 28% of participants with asymptomatic carotid stenosis and 27% with thyroid nodules; all were diagnosed after recall screening. CONCLUSIONS: Survivors of AYA H&N cancer treated with RT reported numerous long-term complications. Comprehensive follow-up and screening guidelines should be established for this at-risk population. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: AYA H&N cancer survivors and their primary care practitioners should be educated on screening recommendations and the risk of late effects.

Patient-reported outcomes and complications during head and neck cancer radiotherapy before versus during the COVID-19 pandemic.

PURPOSE: This study compares patient-reported outcomes and treatment-related complications during radiotherapy before (August 2019-January 2020) versus during (March-Sept 2020) the COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The MD Anderson Symptom Inventory-head and neck module was used to assess curative intent in H&N cancer patients' symptoms during radiotherapy. RESULTS: There were 158 patients in the pre-pandemic cohort and 137 patients in the pandemic cohort. There was no significant difference in enteral feeding requirements between the cohorts (21% versus 30%, p = 0.07). Weight loss was higher during the pandemic (mean - 5.6% versus 6.8%, p = 0.03). On multivariate analysis, treatment during the pandemic was associated with higher symptom scores for coughing/choking while eating (2.7 versus 2.1, p = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS: Complication rates during H&N radiotherapy during the COVID-19 pandemic were similar at our institution relative to the pre-pandemic era, although weight loss was greater and patients reported more severe choking/coughing while eating.

External Beam Radiation Therapy in pT4 Well-Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: A Population-Based Study of 405 Patients.

PURPOSE: The benefit of external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) in locally advanced, well- differentiated thyroid cancer (WDTC) is uncertain. The purpose of this study is to evaluate locoregional recurrence (LRR), progression-free survival, and cause-specific survival (CSS) of patients with pT4 well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A population-based retrospective review was conducted of consecutive patients with pT4 WDTC (per the American Joint Committee on Cancer, 8th edition, criteria) treated provincially between 1985 and 2013. The primary endpoints were cumulative incidence of LRR and CSS. To account for the competing risks of death from other causes, a Fine-Gray's test was used. A Cox-proportional hazards model was used to analyze overall survival (OS). Multivariate models and propensity matching were used to account for the effects of covariates. RESULTS: A total of 405 patients were identified with a median follow-up time of 14.3 years for a total of 4209 person-years of follow up. The median age at the time of diagnosis was 53 years (range, 20-87). There were 211 patients (52%) who received EBRT. EBRT was associated with age ≥55 years (56% vs 35%; P < .001), airway involvement (42% vs 8%; P < .001), and R1/2 resection (81% vs 51%; P < .001). The 10-year outcomes for the non-EBRT and EBRT groups were 21.6% versus 11.4%, respectively, for LRR, 84.1% versus 93.1%, respectively, for CSS, and 85.7% versus 67.5%, respectively, for OS. On multivariate analysis, EBRT was associated with a lower rate of LRR (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.334; P < .001), but not associated with CSS (HR: 1.56; P = .142) nor OS (HR: 1.216; P = .335). After propensity score matching, the EBRT cohort had lower rates of LRR relative to the non-EBRT cohort (HR: 0.261; P = .0003), but there were no differences in CSS or OS. CONCLUSIONS: In this large, population-based analysis of patients with pT4 WDTC, EBRT was associated with lower rates of LRR, but no difference in CSS or OS.

Information Needs of Patients Diagnosed with Head and Neck Cancer Undergoing Radiation Therapy: a Survey of Patient Satisfaction.

Research suggests that the information needs of patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer can be particularly complex, given the frequent need for multidisciplinary treatments and resulting potential for profound functional impairments. This study was designed to identify head and neck cancer patients' reported informational needs and to evaluate their satisfaction with the written information they received. The study was divided into 2 phases: phase 1, prior to development of a new educational pamphlet, and phase 2, after its implementation. A survey was designed to evaluate several measures including content, amount, understanding, and timing of information delivery. It was distributed at two points during patients' treatment pathway for each phase: at their last radiation appointment and at their posttreatment follow-up appointment. Participant responses after the revised pamphlet indicated greater preparedness before their first treatment, as well as increased satisfaction with treatment option information. Most were satisfied with information timing, but about a third did indicate that additional information would have been helpful at variable time points. Open-ended responses demonstrated that overall, patients do still desire more information, particularly on side effect and self-care management information. While patients with head and neck cancer appear to be generally satisfied with the written information received, our findings suggest that there is still considerable variability in how the information is understood, when it should be delivered, and in which areas more would have been beneficial. These findings underscore the need to consider how best to balance available resources in order to provide more tailored yet comprehensive education for this group of patients.

Patient-reported outcome measures in patients undergoing radiotherapy for head and neck cancer.

OBJECTIVES: Head and neck (H&N) cancer patients experience significant acute side effects from treatment. This study evaluates prospectively collected patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in H&N patients undergoing radiotherapy (RT) to assess feasibility of electronically collecting PROs and to objectively document symptom acuity and trajectory during RT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: H&N patients undergoing radical RT at our multicentre institution completed a 12-item partial survey of the Vanderbilt Head & Neck Symptom Survey 2.0 prior to RT and weekly on RT. Between October 2016 and October 2018, 318 of 333 patients completed a baseline survey and at least one weekly survey. RESULTS: The average number of weekly questionnaires completed was 5 (range 1-8). The mean maximum symptom scores were highest for dysgeusia (5.8/10), pain (5.4/10), mucositis (4.8/10), weight loss due to swallowing (4.5/10) and mucus causing choking/gagging (4.3/10). On multivariate analysis, female gender, sinonasal, nasopharynx and oropharynx primaries were associated with a greater risk of moderate-severe pain (p < 0.05). Sinonasal, nasopharynx, oral cavity, oropharynx and thyroid primaries were associated with a greater risk of moderate-severe mucositis during radiation (p < 0.0001). Salivary gland, sinonasal, nasopharynx and oropharynx primaries and higher radiation dose were associated with a greater risk of moderate-severe dysgeusia (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Electronic PRO collection during H&N cancer RT is feasible. H&N cancer patients experience significant symptoms during RT, and the most severe symptoms reported were dysgeusia, pain and mucositis. Oropharynx cancer patients reported the highest symptom scores during RT.

Clinical features of head and neck cancer patients with brain metastases: A retrospective study of 88 cases.

OBJECTIVES: Brain metastases (BM) arising from head and neck cancer (HNC) are rare and not well characterized. This study aims to describe the clinicopathological features, treatments, prognostic factors, and survival in HNC patients with BM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Non-thyroid HNC patients referred to BC Cancer from 1998 to 2016 were retrospectively reviewed for BM. The Kaplan-Meier method, log-rank test, and Cox regression analysis were used to assess post-BM survival and prognostic factors. RESULTS: Out of 9432 HNC patients, 88 patients developed BM (0.9%, median follow-up 3.4 years). On average, the BM were diagnosed 18.5 months after the primary diagnosis and tended to arise after distant metastases to extracranial sites (85%) such as the lungs (78%). At BM presentation, 84% were symptomatic and two thirds had a poor performance status (ECOG ≥ 2, 68%). The median post-BM survival was 2.5 months (95% CI 2.1-3.3 months). On multivariable analysis, management of BM with radiotherapy (RT) alone (3.3 months, 95% CI 2.3-4.6, p = 0.005) and RT with surgery (4.4 months, 95% CI 2.8-6.9, p < 0.001) was associated with longer survival compared to best supportive care alone (1.4 months, 95% CI 1.0-2.0 months). Age, sex, performance status, sub-localization of the primary HNC, presence of extracranial metastases, and number of intracranial metastases were not associated with post-BM survival (all p ≥ 0.05). CONCLUSION: This is the largest study to date in BM from HNC. BM occur late in the course of HNC and carry a poor prognosis. Treatment with intracranial radiotherapy both with and without surgery was associated with improved survival.

Population-based outcomes by immunosuppressed status in patients undergoing radiotherapy for oropharyngeal cancer.

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of immunosuppression in patients with oropharynx head & neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is not well studied. This study evaluates disease characteristics and treatment outcomes in oropharynx SCC in patients with and without immunosuppression. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients treated with radiotherapy for oropharynx SCC at BC Cancer from 2011 to 2016 was performed. Survival outcomes were assessed using Kaplan-Meier methods and competing risk analysis. Multivariate analysis and propensity score matching were performed. RESULTS: There were 1077 patients, of which 5.8% (n = 62) had an immunosuppressive medical condition or were taking long-term immunosuppressive medication at diagnosis. Median follow-up was 3.3 years. Three year OS for patients without immunosuppression was 79.5% (95% Confidence Interval [CI] 76.8-82.0%) and for those with immunosuppression was 64.6% (95% CI 50.9-75.3%) (hazard ratio [HR] 1.78, 95% CI 1.18-2.68, p = 0.0062). The three year disease recurrence for patients without immunosuppression was 24.9% (95% CI 22.2-27.7%) and 44.4% (95% CI 31.5-56.6%) for those with immunosuppression (HR 2.12, 95% CI 1.45-3.11, p = 0.0001). Multivariate analysis of disease free survival (DFS) found that active smoking, advanced TNM stage, base of tongue subsite, p16 negative and unknown, no concurrent chemotherapy, higher Charlson Comorbidity Index, and lower radiation dose were also associated with worse DFS (all p < 0.05). Immunosuppressed patients had worse DFS relative to patients without immunosuppression, p < 0.001, HR 1.97 (95% CI 1.33-2.91). CONCLUSION: Immunosuppression was an independent predictor of worse DFS in this large cohort of patients with oropharynx SCC.

Primary organ preservation vs total laryngectomy for T4a larynx cancer.

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of consensus regarding the management of T4a larynx cancer. We evaluated the outcomes of organ preservation and laryngectomy for T4a laryngeal cancer. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patients with T4a larynx cancer at BC Cancer from 1984 to 2014 was performed. Outcomes in patients treated with surgery alone (Sx) (n = 47), surgery with adjuvant radiotherapy (Sx/RT) (n = 94), radiation alone (RT) (n = 152), and radiation with concurrent chemoradiotherapy (chemoRT) (n = 36) were compared. RESULTS: The 5-year overall survival (OS) was 40% for chemoRT, 34% for RT, 23% for Sx, and 45% for Sx/RT. On multivariate analysis (MVA), Sx/RT (hazard ratio [HR], 0.66; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.48-0.91) and chemoRT (HR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.26-0.72) were associated with better OS than RT alone (P = .001). Sx had similar OS compared to RT (HR, 1.17; 95% CI, 0.82-1.68). CONCLUSIONS: ChemoRT and Sx/RT were associated with better OS compared to single modality treatment. ChemoRT may be considered as an option for T4a larynx cancer.

Local Relapse After Breast-Conserving Therapy Versus Mastectomy for Extensive Pure Ductal Carcinoma In Situ ≥4 cm.

PURPOSE: The optimal treatment for patients with extensive pure ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) ≥4 cm is controversial. This study evaluates local relapse according to type of local therapy: mastectomy, breast-conserving surgery (BCS) alone, and BCS + radiation therapy (RT). METHODS AND MATERIALS: Subjects were female patients who received diagnoses of pure DCIS ≥4 cm between 1989 and 2010 and were referred to British Columbia Cancer. Clinicopathologic and treatment characteristics were compared between treatment cohorts. Local relapse (LR) was estimated using competing risk analysis. Multivariable analysis was performed using Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: Patients had the following treatments: 490 mastectomy, 38 BCS alone, and 192 BCS + RT. The 10-year cumulative incidence of LR was 16% after BCS (95% confidence interval [CI], 6-29%), 8% after BCS + RT (95% CI, 4-12%), and 2% after mastectomy (95% CI, 1-4%). On multivariable analysis, estrogen receptor-negative disease (hazard ratio [HR], 3.32; 95% CI, 1.08-10.18; P = .04) and positive margins (HR, 3.55; 95% CI, 1.56-8.05; P = .002) were associated with increased LR. BCS alone (HR, 7.87; 95% CI, 2.82-21.92; P < .0001), BCS + RT + no boost (HR, 3.80; 95% CI, 1.56-9.28; P = .003), and BCS + RT + boost (HR, 5.76; 95% CI, 2.59-12.83; P < .0001) were all associated with a higher risk of relapse relative to mastectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Mastectomy remains a standard local treatment option for extensive DCIS, but BCS + RT may also be reasonably considered in selected patients with a careful discussion of the benefits, side effects, and patient preferences.

Documentation and incidence of late effects and screening recommendations for adolescent and young adult head and neck cancer survivors treated with radiotherapy.

PURPOSE: A retrospective review of adolescent and young adult (AYA) head and neck cancer (HNC) patients treated with radiation therapy (RT) at British Columbia Cancer  was performed to determine the incidence of late toxicities, the documented late side effects discussed and the screening recommendations provided at the time of transfer of care to primary care providers (PCPs). METHODS: Charts (n = 162) were reviewed for all patients 15 to 35 years at diagnosis with HNC treated with RT from 1960 to 2010 who survived > 5 years after diagnosis. RESULTS: A discussion regarding the risk of long-term side effects was documented in the initial consultation for 85% of patients. The majority of patients (78%) developed > 1 documented late effect. The most common were xerostomia (44%), skin changes (28%), neck fibrosis (22%), nasal crusting (16%), epistaxis (16%), and dental decay (14%). In all, 20% were currently followed or were followed until they died. Of the 80% transferred to their PCP, 14% had a formal discharge summary. For those discharged from British Columbia Cancer, documented recommendations included regular dental care (34%) and screening for hypothyroidism (5%) and second malignancy (4%). CONCLUSIONS: The majority of AYA HNC patients treated with RT developed late side effects, and most PCPs were not sent a discharge summary outlining screening recommendations for delayed late effects. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: AYA HNC survivors treated with RT are at high risk for late effects and would benefit from a survivorship care plan outlining these risks and screening recommendations.

Early (90-day) mortality after radical radiotherapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: A population-based analysis.

BACKGROUND: A retrospective, population-based analysis of 90-day mortality in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck treated with radiotherapy was performed to determine the early mortality rate and associated risk factors. METHODS: Data were abstracted for all consecutive patients with cancer of the head and neck treated from 1998 to 2014 at the BC Cancer Agency with curative intent radiotherapy (n = 5658). Logistic regression analysis was used to determine factors associated with early mortality. RESULTS: The median age at diagnosis was 63 years. The mortality rate at 90 days after starting radiotherapy (RT) was 3.6% (n = 203/5658). The cause of death was attributed to head and neck cancer for 81% of patients. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that increasing age, oral cavity subsite, and advanced T and N classification were associated with an increased risk of early mortality (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The risk of early mortality was 3.6%. Elderly patients with advanced T and N classification had the highest risk of early mortality.

Visual Outcomes and Local Control After Fractionated Stereotactic Radiotherapy for Optic Nerve Sheath Meningioma.

PURPOSE: To review the outcomes of patients with optic nerve sheath meningiomas (ONSM) treated with fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy. METHODS: Patient characteristics, treatment, and outcomes were analyzed for all patients with primary and secondary ONSM treated from 2001 to 2012. Clinically significant visual acuity change was defined as a 2-line change on the Snellen eye chart from pre-fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy. RESULTS: Forty-one patients were treated: 23 patients with primary ONSM and 18 patients with secondary ONSM. The median age at diagnosis was 56 years. The median visual follow up was 3.8 years and the median radiologic follow up was 4.4 years. At diagnosis, 36% had normal vision (20/20-20/40), 10% had mild impairment (<20/40-20/60), 20% had moderate visual impairment (<20/60-20/200), 27% had severe impairment (<20/200), and 7% had no light perception. Common acute side effects were headache (32%) and nausea (15%); 15% of patients required corticosteroids during stereotactic radiotherapy. Chronic toxicities included retinopathy (7%), pituitary dysfunction (13%), chronic ocular pain (5%), and cataracts (2%). Visual acuity was stable in 65%, improved in 27%, and decreased in 8% of patients. Visual fields were stable in 70%, improved in 21%, and reduced in 9%. Actuarial 5-year local control rates were 100% for primary ONSM and 88% for secondary ONSM. Actuarial 5-year visual preservation rates were 100% for primary ONSM and 86% for secondary ONSM. CONCLUSIONS: Fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy for primary and secondary ONSM was well tolerated and provides excellent local control and visual preservation. Longer follow up is required to determine the risk of late ocular and pituitary sequelae.

Second malignancies after adjuvant radiation therapy for early stage breast cancer: is there increased risk with addition of regional radiation to local radiation?

PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to determine whether there was an increased risk of second malignancies (SM), particularly lung cancer, in early stage breast cancer patients treated with the addition of nodal fields to breast and/or chest wall radiation therapy (RT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Subjects were stage I/II female breast cancer patients 20 to 79 years of age, diagnosed between 1989 and 2005 and treated with adjuvant RT at our institution. Patients were included if they survived and did not have SM within 3 years of diagnosis. Standardized incidence ratios (SIR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated to compare SM incidence to cancer incidence in the general sex- and age-matched populations. Secondary malignancy risks in patients treated with local RT (LRT) to the breast/chest wall were compared to those in patients treated with locoregional RT (LRRT) to the breast/chest wall and regional nodes, using multivariate regression analysis (MVA) to account for covariates. RESULTS: The cohort included 12,836 patients with a median follow-up of 8.4 years. LRRT was used in 18% of patients. The SIR comparing patients treated with LRT to the general population was 1.29 (CI: 1.21-1.38). No statistically significant increased incidence of in-field malignancies (SIR, 1.04; CI: 0.87-1.23) and lung cancers (SIR, 1.06; CI: 0.88-1.26) was detected. The SIR comparing patients treated with LRRT to the general population was 1.39 (CI: 1.17-1.64). No statistically significant increased incidence of in-field malignancies (SIR, 1.26; CI: 0.77-1.94) and lung cancers (SIR, 1.27; CI: 0.76-1.98) was detected. On MVA comparing LRRT to LRT, the adjusted hazard ratio was 1.20 for in-field malignancies (CI: 0.68-2.16) and 1.26 for lung cancer (CI: 0.67-2.36). The excess attributable risk (EAR) to regional RT was 3.1 per 10,000 person years (CI: -8.7 to 9.9). CONCLUSIONS: No statistically significant increased risk of second malignancy was detected after LRRT relative to that for LRT. The upper limit of the EAR was approximately 1% at 10 years.

Canadian radiation oncologists' opinions regarding peer review: A national survey.

PURPOSE: To determine Canadian radiation oncologists' (ROs) views regarding the benefits, workload implications, and legal liability of the peer review quality assurance (QA) process. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A 26-item anonymous survey was electronically distributed to all current practicing ROs in Canada through the Canadian Association of Radiation Oncologists membership to obtain their opinions regarding peer review. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 145 (36%) of 404 ROs. Most (82%) reported their practice is moderately or very busy and more than two-thirds (69%) felt stressed by their workload. A peer review process is standard at 92% of respondents' institutions. The majority reported this consists of weekly meetings where ROs and other health care providers convene to review radiation treatment plans; some have tumor site-specific rounds while others have 1 meeting for all sites. Nearly all (97%) found this type of QA is beneficial for review of radical plans and 71% found it is beneficial for palliative plans. Incorporating peer review into their current work schedule for all sites was deemed by 37% of respondents to be not or slightly difficult, while 40% found it moderately difficult and 22% very or extremely difficult. The majority (91%) reported that creating a work code to document QA meetings would be helpful and 69% stated that extra resources such as scheduling protected time, designating other health care providers QA coordinators, and increasing overall RO manpower are needed to implement effective peer review. Over half (52%) felt documenting QA meeting minutes would increase legal liability. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of ROs who responded found that peer review is beneficial and participate in peer review for at least some of the tumor sites they treat. However, most stated that extra resources are required to effectively implement QA for all tumor sites in their current schedule.