PROMs – Predictors for recurrence in head and neck cancer patients? Implementing PROMs in daily clinical routine at a German municipal hospital

Introduction Both head and neck cancers and their treatment options have significant impact on certain body functions, most notably swallowing and speaking, and may thus impair the physical, emotional and social wellbeing of patients considerably. Patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) facilitate the diagnosis and early treatment of impairments. Moreover, several studies correlate quality of life with overall survival of head and neck cancer patients. However, only pretherapeutic quality of life, a very short follow-up or less known quality of life measures were considered.

Methods The implementation of PROMs in diagnostics, therapy and follow-up visits for head and neck cancer patients at a German municipal hospital is described.

Results Since 1st October 2022 newly diagnosed head and neck cancer patients were interviewed after informed consent at 5 different points in time with regard to quality of life, supportive needs, financial burden, psychological burden and swallowing ability. In addition to clinical routine the patients‘ swallowing ability is objectified by fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing and early and late toxicities after treatment are documented using CTCAE version 5.0. Patients are interviewed and examined at baseline before start of treatment and at follow-up visits 30 days, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years since start of treatment. Patients with both curative and palliative treatment modalities are included.

Conclusion  By means of implementing PROMs before treatment and in oncological follow-up of head and neck cancer patients not only their needs are identified and hence patient care is improved, but also data are collected for future analysis with regard to the possible role of PROMs as predictors of recurrence.

Publication History

Article published online:
12 May 2023