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Machado B, Barroso T, Godinho J. Impact of Diagnostic and Treatment Delays on Survival and Treatment-Related Toxicities in Portuguese Patients With Head and Neck Cancer. Cureus 2024; 16:e53039. [PMID: 38410318 PMCID: PMC10895551 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.53039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Delays in diagnosis and initiation of treatment have a negative impact on the prognosis and survival of head and neck cancer (HNC) patients. These delays also involve more intensive treatments with greater toxicity, dysfunction, and morbidity. METHODS This was a retrospective observational study with patients diagnosed with HNC between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2021. The main objective was to estimate whether the time to diagnosis (TD) and time until treatment initiation (TIT) translated into changes in the patient's overall survival (OS). Multivariate data analysis was performed with the Cox regression model. Significance was considered for p<0.05. RESULTS A total of 139 patients were included in this study. Median TD was 126 days and median TIT was 43 days. No association between TD, TIT, treatment toxicity, and OS was found. Being a smoker was associated with a longer TD (p=0.05, hazard ratios {HR}=1.01). TIT was significantly shorter in higher grades (p=0.03, HR=0.57) and during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) (p=0.04, HR=0.57), but higher in larger disease (tumor {T}) (p=0.04, HR=1.39). A higher T (p=0.01, HR=2.67) and lymph node metastasis (nodes {N}) (p=0.02, HR=2.24) were identified as risk factors with a negative impact on OS, whereas grade was positively correlated (p=0.05, HR=0.32). CONCLUSIONS Even though there was no correlation between TD and TIT, and OS, action still needs to be taken to shorten these times. T and N remain negative predictive prognostic markers of HNC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara Machado
- Medical Oncology, Centro Hospitalar de Entre Douro e Vouga, Santa Maria da Feira, PRT
| | - Tiago Barroso
- Medical Oncology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, Lisbon, PRT
| | - Joana Godinho
- Medical Oncology, Centro Hospitalar de Entre Douro e Vouga, Santa Maria da Feira, PRT
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Lin CH, Yan JL, Yap WK, Kang CJ, Chang YC, Tsai TY, Chang KP, Liao CT, Hsu CL, Chou WC, Wang HM, Huang PW, Fan KH, Huang BS, Tung-Chieh Chang J, Tu SJ, Lin CY. Prognostic value of interim CT-based peritumoral and intratumoral radiomics in laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer patients undergoing definitive radiotherapy. Radiother Oncol 2023; 189:109938. [PMID: 37806562 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2023.109938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE We aimed to investigate the prognostic value of peritumoral and intratumoral computed tomography (CT)-based radiomics during the course of radiotherapy (RT) in patients with laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer (LHC). MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 92 eligible patients were 1:1 randomly assigned into training and validation cohorts. Pre-RT and mid-RT radiomic features were extracted from pre-treatment and interim CT. LASSO-Cox regression was used for feature selection and model construction. Time-dependent area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) analysis was applied to evaluate the models' prognostic performances. Risk stratification ability on overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression. The associations between radiomics and clinical parameters as well as circulating lymphocyte counts were also evaluated. RESULTS The mid-RT peritumoral (AUC: 0.77) and intratumoral (AUC: 0.79) radiomic models yielded better performance for predicting OS than the pre-RT intratumoral model (AUC: 0.62) in validation cohort. This was confirmed by Kaplan-Meier analysis, in which risk stratification depended on the mid-RT peritumoral (p = 0.009) and intratumoral (p = 0.003) radiomics could be improved for OS, in comparison to the pre-RT intratumoral radiomics (p = 0.199). Multivariate analysis identified mid-RT peritumoral and intratumoral radiomic models as independent prognostic factors for both OS and PFS. Mid-RT peritumoral and intratumoral radiomics were correlated with treatment-related lymphopenia. CONCLUSION Mid-RT peritumoral and intratumoral radiomic models are promising image biomarkers that could have clinical utility for predicting OS and PFS in patients with LHC treated with RT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Hsin Lin
- Proton and Radiation Therapy Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Linkou Medical Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
| | - Jiun-Lin Yan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Keelung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Taiwan; School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
| | - Wing-Keen Yap
- Proton and Radiation Therapy Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Linkou Medical Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
| | - Chung-Jan Kang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Medical College of Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
| | - Yun-Chen Chang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Medical College of Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
| | - Tsung-You Tsai
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Medical College of Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
| | - Kai-Ping Chang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Medical College of Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
| | - Chun-Ta Liao
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Medical College of Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
| | - Cheng-Lung Hsu
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Medical College of Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
| | - Wen-Chi Chou
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Medical College of Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
| | - Hung-Ming Wang
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Medical College of Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
| | - Pei-Wei Huang
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Medical College of Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
| | - Kang-Hsing Fan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, New Taipei Municipal Tucheng Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
| | - Bing-Shen Huang
- Proton and Radiation Therapy Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Linkou Medical Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Science, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
| | - Joseph Tung-Chieh Chang
- Proton and Radiation Therapy Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Linkou Medical Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Department of Radiation Oncology, Xiamen Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
| | - Shu-Ju Tu
- Department of Medical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Department of Medical Imaging and Intervention, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
| | - Chien-Yu Lin
- Proton and Radiation Therapy Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Linkou Medical Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
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Qiao H, Jiang F, Ning P, Zhao H, Zhao J, Zhang J. Safety Review of Radiotherapy for Tumor Patients with Implantable Cardiac Pacemaker. ACTA CARDIOLOGICA SINICA 2023; 39:807-816. [PMID: 38022419 PMCID: PMC10646601 DOI: 10.6515/acs.202311_39(6).20230828a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Permanent pacemaker implantation is one of the most effective treatments for chronic arrhythmia. However, there is a certain risk associated with radiation therapy in cancer patients with implantable cardiac pacemakers. To prevent radiotherapy-induced pacemaker failure, there are established medical guidelines for the use of pacemakers in patients undergoing radiotherapy. With advancements in science and technology, the variety of available pacemakers has considerably increased, and radiotherapy equipment has also been updated. Given the variations in irradiation methods and the types of radiation used in clinical practice, there is a pressing need for international consensus on the regulations governing the use of cardiac pacemakers in cancer patients. Currently, many countries lack clinical guidelines for radiotherapy in cancer patients with cardiac pacemakers. This review summarizes recent reports and studies from PubMed (National Center for Biotechnology Information) regarding the safety of radiotherapy in cancer patients with implanted cardiac pacemakers, and provides valuable insights for clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongmei Qiao
- Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Baoji High-Tech Hospital, Baoji City, 721000, Shanxi, China
| | - Fan Jiang
- Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Baoji High-Tech Hospital, Baoji City, 721000, Shanxi, China
| | - Peng Ning
- Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Baoji High-Tech Hospital, Baoji City, 721000, Shanxi, China
| | - Hui Zhao
- Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Baoji High-Tech Hospital, Baoji City, 721000, Shanxi, China
| | - Jie Zhao
- Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Baoji High-Tech Hospital, Baoji City, 721000, Shanxi, China
| | - Jinru Zhang
- Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Baoji High-Tech Hospital, Baoji City, 721000, Shanxi, China
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Bandyopadhyay A, Goswami U, Ghosh P, Das P, Mandal S. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy for locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma - Is it still relevant? A practice pattern survey among oncologists of India. J Cancer Res Ther 2023; 19:1316-1323. [PMID: 37787301 DOI: 10.4103/jcrt.jcrt_821_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Objectives Concurrent chemotherapy is the recommended treatment for locally advanced head and neck (H&N) squamous cell carcinoma, and neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) is debated with a few special indications. NACT for advanced head and neck cancer has been studied in clinical trials for more than 2 decades without clear demonstration of the benefit for loco regional tumor control or overall patient survival. Its benefit remains controversial in the absence of clear evidence to define its role. However, there is widespread use of NACT among oncologists. We conducted an online survey to find out the frequency, pattern, prevalence, and aims for use of NACT in locally advanced head and neck cancers among radiation, medical, and surgical oncologists. Materials and Methods Oncologists across India who expressed interest to participate in our survey were asked to complete a short online questionnaire designed to identify the current practice pattern of NACT in head and neck cancer. A mobile app-based questionnaire was sent to 200 oncologists across the country to assess the pattern of NACT use and to solicit their most frequent therapy approach for patients with locoregionally advanced head and neck cancer. Results One hundred and fifty (150) oncologists completed and returned the survey (75%), and 130 were finalized (94 radiation oncologists, 19 medical oncologists, and 17 surgical oncologists). The single most common treatment approach reported for patients with locoregionally advanced H&N cancer was that of sequential chemoradiation (61%), specifically NACT with the TPF regimen (78.5%), followed by radiation therapy. The primary objectives cited by respondents for the use of NACT included the desire to buy time for definitive treatment (20%) and to achieve R0 resection (19.2%). Use of NACT in most patients was more preferred by medical oncologists (21.1%) and radiation oncologists (19.1%) than surgical oncologists (11.8%). Thus, there is not much difference in perception in practice of NACT in radiation, medical, and surgical oncologists. A minimum of two cycles of NACT was preferred by more than half of the doctors (55.4%) with 59.6% radiation oncologists using it before further assessment. Conclusion Although level I evidence for inferior outcomes with NACT as compared to concurrent chemoradiation therapy is there, the use of NACT is quite common among various oncologists in the country because of reasons such as buying time for definitive treatment, achieving R0 resection, better outcome and survival, partial response, better tolerability, better distant control, LN size regression, down-staging of primary tumor, selection of chemosensitive patients, reducing the volume of the radiation field, and better tolerability of subsequent Chemoradiation (CTRT) intensity of subsequent chemoradiation therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anis Bandyopadhyay
- Department of Radiotherapy, NRS Medical College, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Uddiptya Goswami
- Department of Radiotherapy, NRS Medical College, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Poulomi Ghosh
- Department of Radiotherapy, NRS Medical College, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Priyanka Das
- Department of Radiotherapy, NRS Medical College, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Srikrishna Mandal
- Department of Radiotherapy, NRS Medical College, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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The effect of delayed treatment initiation on adverse events and recurrence in older head and neck cancer patients. Radiother Oncol 2022; 173:154-162. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2022.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Schoonbeek RC, de Jel DVC, van Dijk BAC, Willems SM, Bloemena E, Hoebers FJP, van Meerten E, Verbist BM, Smeele LE, Halmos GB, Merkx MAW, Siesling S, De Bree R, Takes RP. Fewer head and neck cancer diagnoses and faster treatment initiation during COVID-19 in 2020: A nationwide population-based analysis. Radiother Oncol 2021; 167:42-48. [PMID: 34915063 PMCID: PMC8667560 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2021.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Background Inevitably, the emergence of COVID-19 has impacted non-COVID care. Because timely diagnosis and treatment are essential, especially for patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) with fast-growing tumours in a functionally and aesthetically important area, we wished to quantify the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on HNC care in the Netherlands. Material and Methods This population-based study covered all, in total 8468, newly diagnosed primary HNC cases in the Netherlands in 2018, 2019 and 2020. We compared incidence, patient and tumour characteristics, primary treatment characteristics, and time-to-treatment in the first COVID-19 year 2020 with corresponding periods in 2018 and 2019 (i.e. pre-COVID). Results The incidence of HNC was nearly 25% less during the first wave (n = 433) than in 2019 (n = 595) and 2018 (n = 598). In April and May 2020, the incidence of oral cavity and laryngeal carcinomas was significantly lower than in pre-COVID years. There were no shifts in tumour stage or alterations in initial treatment modalities. Regardless of the first treatment modality and specific period, the median number of days between first visit to a HNC centre and start of treatment was significantly shorter during the COVID-19 year (26–28 days) than pre-COVID (31–32 days, p < 0.001). Conclusion The incidence of HNC during the Netherlands’ first COVID-19 wave was significantly lower than expected. The expected increase in incidence during the remainder of 2020 was not observed. Despite the overloaded healthcare system, the standard treatment for HNC patients could be delivered within a shorter time interval.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanne C Schoonbeek
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Dominique V C de Jel
- Dutch Institute for Clinical Auditing, Scientific Bureau, Leiden, The Netherlands; Netherlands Cancer Institute/Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Department of Head and Neck Oncology and Surgery, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Boukje A C van Dijk
- Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation (IKNL), Department of Research, Utrecht, The Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Epidemiology, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Stefan M Willems
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth Bloemena
- Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Pathology, The Netherlands
| | - Frank J P Hoebers
- Maastricht University Medical Centre Department of Radiation Oncology (MAASTRO), GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, The Netherlands
| | - Esther van Meerten
- Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Department of Medical Oncology, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Berit M Verbist
- Leiden University Medical Center, Department of Radiology, The Netherlands
| | - Ludi E Smeele
- Netherlands Cancer Institute/Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Department of Head and Neck Oncology and Surgery, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Netherlands
| | - György B Halmos
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Matthias A W Merkx
- Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation (IKNL), Department of Research, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Radboud University Medical Center, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Sabine Siesling
- Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation (IKNL), Department of Research, Utrecht, The Netherlands; University of Twente, Department of Health Technology and Services Research, Technical Medical Centre, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Remco De Bree
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Department of Head and Neck Surgical Oncology, The Netherlands
| | - Robert P Takes
- Radboud University Medical Center, Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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Lindberg J, Gurjar M, Holmström P, Hallberg S, Björk-Eriksson T, Olsson CE. Resource planning principles for the radiotherapy process using simulations applied to a longer vacation period use case. Tech Innov Patient Support Radiat Oncol 2021; 20:17-22. [PMID: 34703909 PMCID: PMC8524937 DOI: 10.1016/j.tipsro.2021.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Radiotherapy (RT) resources need to be used wisely to balance workload and patient throughput. There are no known strategies on how to plan resource use around longer vacation periods to avoid patient waiting times. We created a simulation model over the RT workflow to evaluate different scenarios for this purpose. MATERIALS AND METHODS The simulation model mimics a large modern RT department in Sweden. It was based on real data on patient referral patterns and resource use extracted from clinical systems (3666 treatment courses). Workshops with managers and staff were held to investigate nine different scenarios for the summer vacation period including one scenario to validate the model. Different capacity reductions, vacation period lengths and timing of the vacation periods between the preparatory part of the RT workflow and the treatment part were evaluated. RESULTS For an eight-week period, resource utilization was predicted to be high both before and after the vacation period regardless of timing. However, more patients would be waiting with completed preparations with simultaneous vacation periods than when the preparatory part started one-two weeks prior to the treatment part. With shorter vacation periods, treatment would require overtime during the vacation period with higher levels of patients waiting compared to an eight-week scenario. CONCLUSIONS Our proposed strategy aided managers to identify a preferred scenario for the summer vacation period with the preparatory part starting one-two weeks prior to the treatment part for an eight-week vacation period. This can help other RT departments to plan for similar situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesper Lindberg
- Medical Radiation Sciences, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Regional Cancer Centre West, Western Sweden Healthcare Region, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mrugaja Gurjar
- Medical Radiation Sciences, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Paul Holmström
- Medical Radiation Sciences, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Stefan Hallberg
- Regional Cancer Centre West, Western Sweden Healthcare Region, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Thomas Björk-Eriksson
- Regional Cancer Centre West, Western Sweden Healthcare Region, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Oncology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Caroline E Olsson
- Medical Radiation Sciences, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
- Regional Cancer Centre West, Western Sweden Healthcare Region, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Schoonbeek RC, Zwertbroek J, Plaat BEC, Takes RP, Ridge JA, Strojan P, Ferlito A, van Dijk BAC, Halmos GB. Determinants of delay and association with outcome in head and neck cancer: A systematic review. Eur J Surg Oncol 2021; 47:1816-1827. [PMID: 33715909 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejso.2021.02.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Head and neck cancers (HNC) are relatively fast-growing tumours, and delay in treatment initiation is associated with tumour progression and adverse outcome. An overview of factors contributing to delay can provide critical insights on necessary adjustments to optimize care pathways. This systematic review aims to identify factors associated with delay and summarize the effect of delay on oncological outcome measures. METHODS A search strategy was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines to search electronic databases for studies assessing the carepathway interval (days between first visit in head and neck oncology center and treatment initiation) and/or time-to-treatment-initiation interval (days between histological diagnosis and treatment initiation) and 1) determinants of delay and/or 2) effect of delay on outcome within these timeframes. Due to heterogeneity between included studies, a meta-analysis was not possible. RESULTS Fifty-two studies were eligible for quantitative analysis. Non-Caucasian race, academic setting, Medicaid/no insurance and radiotherapy as primary treatment were associated with delay. Advanced tumour stage was related to increased time-to-treatment initiation in the four common sites combined (oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, larynx). Separate determinants for delay in different tumour locations were identified. In laryngeal, oral cavity cancer and the four common HNC sites combined, delay in start of treatment is associated with decreased overall survival, although no cut-off time point could be determined. CONCLUSION Race, facility type, type of insurance and radiotherapy as primary treatment were associated with delay and subsequent inferior survival in the four common sites combined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanne C Schoonbeek
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Hanzeplein 1, 9713, GZ, Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Julia Zwertbroek
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Hanzeplein 1, 9713, GZ, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Boudewijn E C Plaat
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Hanzeplein 1, 9713, GZ, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Robert P Takes
- Radboud University Medical Center, Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - John A Ridge
- Fox Chase Cancer Center, Department of Surgical Oncology, Head and Neck Surgery Section, 333 Cottman Avenue, 19111, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Primož Strojan
- Institute of Oncology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Zaloška Cesta 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alfio Ferlito
- Coordinator of the International Head and Neck Scientific Group, Padua, Italy
| | - Boukje A C van Dijk
- Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation (IKNL), Department of Research, Godebaldkwartier 419, 3511, DT, Utrecht, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Epidemiology, Hanzeplein 1, 9713, GZ, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - György B Halmos
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Hanzeplein 1, 9713, GZ, Groningen, the Netherlands
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