Article
Otorhinolaryngology
Lisa Tuomi, Julia Magnusson-Sandkvist, Jonatan Fridolfsson, Daniel Arvidsson, Mats Borjesson, Caterina Finizia
Summary: This study aimed to investigate whether pre-treatment physical activity (PA) level in head and neck cancer (HNC) predicts long-term health-related quality of life (HRQL) at 12 months after treatment. The results showed that patients with higher pre-treatment PA levels had better physical function, role function, and less fatigue and pain at the 12 months follow-up. Higher pre-treatment PA levels were also associated with greater favorable change in HRQL measures.
HEAD AND NECK-JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES AND SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK
(2023)
Article
Otorhinolaryngology
Susan Aghajanzadeh, Lisa Tuomi, Therese Karlsson
Summary: This study aimed to prospectively assess the health-related quality of life (HRQL) of head and neck cancer (HNC) patients receiving radiotherapy treatment over a period of 5 years. The results showed a deterioration in HRQL at 3 months post-radiotherapy, with recovery in some domains at 12 months, but persistent deterioration in other domains up to 5 years post-RT. The study suggests that HRQL in HNC patients follows a pattern of short-term and long-term deterioration, as well as long-term improvements.
EUROPEAN ARCHIVES OF OTO-RHINO-LARYNGOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Jie Deng, John N. Lukens, Samuel Swisher-McClure, Joy C. Cohn, Bryan A. Spinelli, Ryan J. Quinn, Jesse Chittams, Erin McMenamin, Alexander Lin
Summary: This study investigated the feasibility and potential efficacy of photobiomodulation therapy for head and neck lymphedema, showing significant improvements in symptom burden and neck range of motion in patients. Future randomized controlled trials are needed to further assess the efficacy of PBM therapy for HNC-related lymphedema.
INTEGRATIVE CANCER THERAPIES
(2021)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Shirin Jalili, Ramin Ghasemi Shayan
Summary: Health assessment data is crucial for developing care plans and understanding patient needs. The Quality of Life of cancer patients is significantly impacted by the disease, with symptoms such as pain having a negative effect.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Yuan-Yuan Fang, Cheng-Ping Wang, Yen-Ju Chen, Pei-Jen Lou, Jenq-Yuh Ko, Jiu-Jenq Lin, Min-Ru Chen, Yeur-Hur Lai
Summary: The study aimed to assess the physical activity status, muscle strength, and flexibility of head and neck cancer survivors compared to national normative data, examine differences in physical activity subgroups, and explore the association between stretching exercises and cervical range of motion. Findings showed that HNC survivors had poorer fitness levels and engagement in physical activity, with those meeting WHO guidelines reporting better quality of life and muscle strength. Longitudinal research to investigate changes in fitness and barriers to physical activity compliance is recommended for enhancing the health and well-being of HNC patients.
SUPPORTIVE CARE IN CANCER
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Stephanie M. Ntoukas, Margaret L. McNeely, Hadi Seikaly, Daniel O'Connell, Kerry S. Courneya
Summary: The study aimed to explore the feasibility and safety of heavy lifting strength training (HLST) in head and neck cancer survivors (HNCS). The results showed that HLST led to meaningful improvements in muscular strength for survivors and no adverse events were reported. Future research should consider additional recruitment strategies and compare HLST to light-to-moderate intensity strength training (LMST) in this population.
SUPPORTIVE CARE IN CANCER
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Bethany A. Rhoten, Jessie Sellers, Breanna Baraff, Kelly H. Holler, Sheila H. Ridner
Summary: Patients with recurrent head and neck cancer prioritize healthcare provider recommendations and treatment success in treatment decision-making, future research should focus on rapidly identifying patient priorities at the time of recurrence diagnosis.
SUPPORTIVE CARE IN CANCER
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Adrian W. Midgley, Andrew R. Levy, Simon N. Rogers, Rachel C. Brooker, Valerie Bryant, Mary Gemma Cherry, Steven Lane, Michael M. Nugent, Ruth Price, Andrew G. Schache, Bridget Young, Joanne M. Patterson
Summary: The aim of this study is to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of introducing a remotely delivered, fully personalised, collaborative, and flexible exercise programme into the usual care pathway for head and neck cancer patients. The study will recruit 70 patients and assess the retention, uptake, and adherence to the exercise programme, as well as the impact on fatigue, quality of life, physical activity levels, and physical fitness. The results of this feasibility study will inform the design of a future randomised controlled trial.
Article
Oncology
Oumar Billa, Franck Bonnetain, Jerome Chamois, Angeline Ligey, Valerie Ganansia, Sophie Renard, Sophie Maillard, Magali Quivrin, Noemie Vulquin, Pierre Truntzer, Georges Noel, Philippe Maingon, Tienhan Sandrine Dabakuyo-Yonli
Summary: This study aimed to assess whether baseline health-related quality of life (HRQoL) scores could predict the occurrence of radiotherapy-related toxicities. Data from 200 patients enrolled in a randomized study were analyzed. Multivariable analyses showed that a 10-point improvement in physical, role, and social functioning was associated with a lower hazard of major toxicity, while a 10-point increase in dyspnea and loss of appetite was associated with an increased hazard of major toxicity.
SUPPORTIVE CARE IN CANCER
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Malin Berg, Ewa Silander, Mogens Bove, Leif Johansson, Jan Nyman, Eva Hammerlid
Summary: The aim of this study was to follow the development of fatigue among head and neck cancer patients prospectively and longitudinally. The study found that physical fatigue was the worst 3 months after treatment, while emotional and cognitive fatigue were the worst at diagnosis and at 3 months. After 1 year, all fatigue domains improved significantly, and the fatigue scores remained stable from 1 until 5 years after treatment. Depression and anxiety were predictors for chronic emotional fatigue, and local HN pain and swallowing problems were predictors for chronic physical fatigue.
Article
Otorhinolaryngology
M. Bryant Howren, Aaron Seaman, Grace L. Super, Alan J. Christensen, Nitin A. Pagedar
Summary: This study aimed to examine the prevalence and predictors of pain at 12 months postdiagnosis in head and neck cancer survivors. The results showed that depressive symptomatology and problem alcohol use were significant predictors of pain at 12 months postdiagnosis. The study highlights the importance of addressing pain in patients with head and neck cancer.
OTOLARYNGOLOGY-HEAD AND NECK SURGERY
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
David Macias, Brittany N. Hand, Patrik Pipkorn, Amy M. Williams, Steven S. Chang, Joseph Zenga, Marci L. Nilsen, Bethany A. Rhoten, Andrew T. Huang, Nosayaba Osazuwa-Peters, Stacey Maurer, Wendy Balliet, Hong Li, Kenneth J. Ruggiero, Katherine R. Sterba, Evan M. Graboyes
Summary: The study aimed to determine the cut-off score for Inventory to Measure and Assess Image disturbance - Head and Neck (IMAGE-HN) that identifies head and neck cancer patients with clinically relevant body image-related distress (BID). An IMAGE-HN score of >= 22 was found to be optimal, identifying patients with clinically relevant BID. Patients above this cut-off score showed significantly higher levels of depression and anxiety symptoms, as well as worse quality of life.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Aaron L. Zebolsky, Edgar Ochoa, Karam W. Badran, Chase Heaton, Andrea Park, Rahul Seth, P. Daniel Knott
Summary: The study aimed to understand aesthetic patient-reported outcomes and psychosocial quality of life after head and neck microvascular reconstruction. Results showed that postoperative adjuvant radiation was associated with increased aesthetic distress and decreased social functioning. Factors such as age, sex, relationship status, anxiety or depression history, defect location, and hospital stay were not significantly associated with aesthetic distress and social functioning scores.
Article
Oncology
Jatin P. Shah, Richard J. Wong
Summary: In the past five decades, significant technological advancements in imaging techniques and reconstructive surgery have greatly improved accurate assessment and treatment of tumors, leading to a better quality of life for patients.
JOURNAL OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Oumar Billa, Franck Bonnetain, Jerome Chamois, Angeline Ligey, Valerie Ganansia, Georges Noel, Sophie Renard, Sophie Maillard, Magali Quivrin, Noemie Vulquin, Pierre Truntzer, Tienhan Sandrine Dabakuyo-Yonli, Philippe Maingon
Summary: Routine assessment of HRQoL can significantly improve quality of life and satisfaction with care for patients with head and neck cancer, with potential clinical benefits in terms of HRQoL and satisfaction outcomes.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Femke Jansen, Ruud H. Brakenhoff, Rob J. Baatenburg de Jong, Johannes A. Langendijk, C. Rene Leemans, Robert P. Takes, Chris H. J. Terhaard, Jan H. Smit, Irma M. Verdonck-de Leeuw
Summary: This study investigates study retention and attrition among head and neck cancer patients and informal caregivers in the Netherlands Quality of Life and Biomedical Cohort Study. The results show high retention rates at two years follow-up, but there is some selection in terms of certain factors.
BMC MEDICAL RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Otorhinolaryngology
Vitoria Piai, Femke Jansen, Kristoffer Dahlslatt, Irma M. Verdonck-de Leeuw, Judith Prins, Rene Leemans, Chris H. J. Terhaard, Johannes A. Langendijk, Robert J. Baatenburg de Jong, Johannes H. Smit, Robert Takes, Roy P. C. Kessels
Summary: The study examined the prevalence of pretreatment deficits in head and neck cancer patients, finding rates of moderate-to-severe neurocognitive deficits ranging from 4% to 8%. Some patients reported high levels of cognitive failures and speech deficits, with speech functioning worse in larynx tumors.
HEAD AND NECK-JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES AND SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK
(2022)
Article
Otorhinolaryngology
Esther Deuning-Smit, Jose A. E. Custers, Spela Mirosevic, Robert P. Takes, Femke Jansen, Johannes A. Langendijk, Chris H. J. Terhaard, Robert J. Baatenburg de Jong, C. Rene Leemans, Johannes H. Smit, Linda Kwakkenbos, Irma M. Verdonck-de Leeuw, Judith B. Prins
Summary: This study assessed the course of fear of cancer recurrence in newly diagnosed head and neck cancer patients. It found that the majority of patients experience a decline in fear of cancer recurrence after diagnosis, but one in five patients continue to have persistent high fear of cancer recurrence up to 6 months post-treatment. Younger age, negative adjustment, passive coping, reassuring thoughts, and less avoidance were associated with higher levels of fear of cancer recurrence.
HEAD AND NECK-JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES AND SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Stijn van Weert, Matthijs Valstar, Birgit Lissenberg-Witte, Elisabeth Bloemena, Laura Smit, Jacqueline van der Wal, Marije Vergeer, Ludi Smeele, C. Rene Leemans
Summary: The aim of this study was to analyze prognosticators in acinic cell carcinoma (AciCC) in two head and neck referral centers in Amsterdam. The majority of AciCC cases were T1-T2, and the most affected organ was the parotid gland. The study found that AciCC of the head and neck, excluding high-grade transformation, had an excellent prognosis and acceptable long-term results.
Article
Oncology
Jens P. E. Schouten, Samantha Noteboom, Roland M. Martens, Steven W. Mes, C. Rene Leemans, Pim de Graaf, Martijn D. Steenwijk
Summary: This study introduces and evaluates an automatic segmentation pipeline for head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) using a multi-view CNN (MV-CNN). The results show that the MV-CNN produces reasonable segmentation results, especially on large tumors, but overestimation of the tumor volume reduces the overall performance. Further research is needed to decrease false positives and improve its value in treatment planning.
Article
Oncology
Roland M. Martens, Thomas Koopman, Cristina Lavini, Tim van de Brug, Gerben J. C. Zwezerijnen, J. Tim Marcus, Marije R. Vergeer, C. Rene Leemans, Remco de Bree, Pim de Graaf, Ronald Boellaard, Jonas A. Castelijns
Summary: Functional imaging parameters can accurately predict survival outcomes of locally-advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients, allowing for personalized treatment management and improved monitoring.
Review
Immunology
Maurice Duijvenvoorde, Sarah Derks, Idris Bahce, C. Rene Leemans, Rieneke Ven, Marieke F. Fransen
Summary: This review focuses on the tumor microenvironment in ICI-treated tumors of the same histological type, specifically carcinogen-induced squamous cell carcinoma within the aerodigestive tract at three locations.
CLINICAL & TRANSLATIONAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Svetlana Bazilainsky, Miri Cohen, Karen Holtmaat, Brach Erlich, Irma M. Verdonck-de Leeuw
Summary: This study aims to investigate differences in psychosocial function and quality of life (QoL) between cancer survivors and the general population in Europe, in relation to national economic status and personal factors. The findings suggest that cancer survivors in low GDP countries have poorer psychosocial function, higher levels of depression, and lower quality of life.
Article
Oncology
Aurora Ninfa, Femke Jansen, Antonella Delle Fave, Birgit I. Lissenberg-Witte, Nicole Pizzorni, Robert J. Baatenburg de Jong, Femke Lamers, C. Rene Leemans, Robert P. Takes, Christianus H. J. Terhaard, Antonio Schindler, Irma M. Verdonck-de Leeuw
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the change in social eating problems of head and neck cancer patients from diagnosis to 24 months after (chemo)radiotherapy, and its associations with swallowing, oral function, and nutritional status. The results showed that social eating problems worsened three months after treatment but improved to baseline levels up to 24 months. The change in social eating problems over time was associated with various factors such as swallowing, nutritional status, tumor subsite, age, muscle strength, hearing problems, and depressive symptoms.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Katherine J. Taylor, Cecilie D. Amdal, Kristin Bjordal, Guro L. Astrup, Bente B. Herlofson, Frederic Duprez, Ricardo R. Gama, Alexandre Jacinto, Eva Hammerlid, Melissa Scricciolo, Femke Jansen, Irma M. Verdonck-de Leeuw, Giuseppe Fanetti, Orlando Guntinas-Lichius, Johanna Inhestern, Tatiana Dragan, Alexander Fabian, Andreas Boehm, Ulrike Woehner, Naomi Kiyota, Maximilian Krueger, Pierluigi Bonomo, Monica Pinto, Sandra Nuyts, Joaquim C. Silva, Carmen Stromberger, Francesco Tramacere, Ayman Bushnak, Pietro Perotti, Michaela Plath, Alberto Paderno, Noa Stempler, Maria Kouri, Susanne Singer
Summary: This study investigated the long-term problems of head and neck cancer survivors. The most frequent problems reported were dry mouth, difficulty swallowing/eating, hoarseness/difficulty speaking, and pain in the head and neck. The use of chemo-radiotherapy compared to surgery alone increased the odds of reporting dry mouth and difficulty swallowing/eating, but decreased the odds of hoarseness/difficulty speaking and pain in the head and neck. Patients diagnosed with UICC stage IV had increased odds of reporting hoarseness/difficulty speaking. Laryngeal cancer survivors had lower odds of reporting dry mouth compared to oropharynx cancer survivors, but higher odds of hoarseness/difficulty speaking.
Article
Oncology
Margot A. Stone, Birgit I. Lissenberg-Witte, Remco de Bree, Jose A. Hardillo, Femke Lamers, Johannes A. Langendijk, C. Rene Leemans, Robert P. Takes, Femke Jansen, Irma M. Verdonck-de Leeuw
Summary: This study investigated changes in sexuality and sexual dysfunction in head and neck cancer patients in the first two years after treatment, specifically looking at the impact of different treatments. Results showed that patients treated with chemoradiation experienced a deterioration in sexuality and sexual dysfunction, with differences observed between men and women. Men reported changes in erectile function, orgasm, satisfaction with intercourse, and overall satisfaction, while women reported changes in desire, arousal, and orgasm. These findings provide important information for improving sexual care for head and neck cancer patients.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kira S. S. Van Hof, Arta Hoesseini, Maarten C. C. Dorr, Irma M. M. Verdonck-de Leeuw, Femke Jansen, C. Rene Leemans, Robert P. P. Takes, Chris H. J. Terhaard, Robert Jan Baatenburg de Jong, Aniel Sewnaik, Marinella P. J. Offerman
Summary: This prospective cohort study investigates the burden of caregiving for head and neck cancer patients among informal caregivers, and explores its impact on their distress and quality of life, as well as the relationship between caregivers and patients. The study reveals that caring for HNC patients imposes a significant burden on caregivers, which affects their psychological well-being and daily life, and highlights the interaction between caregivers and patients. Healthcare professionals are advised to include caregivers in counseling and support.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Angelina M. M. Santoso, Femke Jansen, Carel F. W. Peeters, Robert J. Baatenburg de Jong, Ruud H. Brakenhoff, Johannes A. Langendijk, C. Rene Leemans, Robert P. Takes, Chris H. J. Terhaard, Annemieke van Straten, Irma M. Verdonck-de Leeuw
Summary: This study analyzed data from newly diagnosed head and neck cancer (HNC) patients and found that poor sleep quality, fatigue, CRP, and IL-6 play an important role in the connections between psychoneurological symptoms and biomarkers of stress and inflammation.
Article
Oncology
Anouk S. Schuit, Karen Holtmaat, Veerle M. H. Coupe, Simone E. J. Eerenstein, Josee M. Zijlstra, Corien Eeltink, Annemarie Becker-Commissaris, Lia van Zuylen, Myra E. van Linde, C. Willemien Menke-van der Houven van Oordt, Dirkje W. Sommeijer, Nol Verbeek, Koop Bosscha, Rishi Nandoe Tewarie, Robert-Jan Sedee, Remco de Bree, Alexander de Graeff, Filip de Vos, Pim Cuijpers, Irma M. Verdonck-de Leeuw, Femke Jansen
Summary: Evidence on the cost-effectiveness of eHealth in palliative care is limited. Oncokompas, an eHealth application for self-management in cancer patients, was found to have non-significant impact on costs and slightly lower effectiveness in terms of quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) compared to care as usual among incurably ill cancer patients.
