Preservation of the Larynx in Laryngeal and Hypopharyngeal Cancer

In the last decade the primary treatment of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer was shifted towards organ preservation, i.e. preservation of the larynx. The treatment of laryngeal cancer was changed from standard radiotherapy towards hyperfractionated radiotherapy. Hypopharyngeal cancer is nowadays mostly treated with a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy instead of primary surgery. Therefore, the greatest shift in treatment protocols found was for hypopharyngeal cancer. The goal of this thesis was in the first place to find out whether recurrent laryngeal cancer can be treated with preservation of the larynx and the consequences of organ preservation for the function of the “new” organ. The second goal of this thesis was to find out which treatment protocols are used in the Netherlands for hypopharyngeal cancer. Also, to find the consequences of chemoradiation protocols for surgical treatment of recurrent hypopharyngeal cancer. Chapter I is a general introduction of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer. The incidences of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer are mentioned. Furthermore, the biggest risk factors, being smoking and alcohol, are described. Especially, the effect of tobacco smoke on the development of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer is described. Tobacco smoke contains several substances, which can cause mutations in genes. The mutations deregulate several enzyme systems and cell regulation systems, which cause degeneration of squamous cell epithelium. An overview of the other chapters of this thesis is given. In Chapter II two partial laryngectomy techniques are described. The oncological and functional results of the endoscopic CO2 laser and the frontolateral partial laryngectomy for the treatment of the recurrent glottic laryngeal cancer are described. The indications of both techniques are mentioned. Both techniques have good oncological results and less functional problems were found. With the CO2 laser 44-58% of the patients are cured with preservation of the larynx; with the frontolateral partial laryngectomy 71% was cured. It is important to realize that in case of a new recurrence, a total laryngectomy can be performed without an extra risk of failure for therapy. Both partial laryngectomy techniques, CO2 laser and frontolateral partial laryngectomy, are good treatment modalities for recurrent glottic laryngeal cancer. However, the indications for the different techniques are important and should be followed strictly. In chapter III the functional and oncological results of the third partial laryngectomy technique, cricohyoidoepiglottopexy (CHEP), is described. With the CHEP 79% of the patients are cured with preservation of the larynx. In eight patients a Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) was performed to objectify problems swallowing. In none of the patients aspiration was found. Before and after the operation the voice was recorded and judged. After the operation the voice is worst. However, most patients are satisfied with there voice. The CHEP appears oncologically safe and functional for the treatment of recurrent glottic laryngeal cancer in selected patients. In chapter IV was investigated whether the quality of life is different after a partial laryngectomy versus a total laryngectomy for recurrent laryngeal carcinomas after radiotherapy. Also the voice of both groups of patients was judged. The quality of life was investigated with the EORTC Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ) – C30 Dutch version 3.0 and the EORTC – H & N 35 questionnaire. The only difference found was smell and taste related. The voice was judged with the Voice Handicap Index. No differences between the two groups were found. There are no big differences in quality of life after treatment with a partial or a total laryngectomy. This is mainly caused by the unexpected good quality of life after a total laryngectomy. In chapter V the treatment of hypopharyngeal cancer in the Netherlands is described. The treatment of hypopharyngeal cancer in the period 1985 – 1994 was investigated. The biggest group of patients was treated with radiotherapy alone or with combined radiotherapy and surgery. The overall 5-year disease-free survival after treatment with curative intention was 32%. The disease-free survival is better after combined surgery and radiotherapy. In chapter VI, the complications after salvage surgery in patients prior treated with radiotherapy alone or chemoradiation is described. The post-operative complication rate is significantly higher (92% vs. 50%) in the chemoradiation group. The most frequent complication found was a pharygocutaneous fistula. The quality of life, after a longer post-operative period, showed a significant difference in social functioning in disadvantage of the chemoradiation group. In the general discussion (chapter VII) the found results are discussed. The most important conclusion is that there is place for organ preservation therapy, but we must remain critical of indications and side effects of organ preservation protocols while we should realize that quality of life after total laryngectomy are not as poor as we might sometimes think

The first steps in the development of a cancer-specific patient-reported experience measure item bank (PREM-item bank):towards dynamic evaluation of experiences

Objective: Since the implementation of value-based healthcare, there has been a growing emphasis on utilizing patient-reported experience measures (PREMs) to enhance the quality of care. However, the current PREMs are primarily generic and static, whereas healthcare is constantly evolving and encompasses a wide variety of aspects that impact care quality. To continuously improve care requires a dynamic PREM. The aim of this study was to propose an item bank for the establishment of a dynamic and care-specific patient-reported evaluation. Methods: In co-creation with patients, a mixed methods study was conducted involving: (1) an explorative review of the literature, (2) a focus group analysis with (ex-)patients, (3) qualitative analyses to formulate themes, and (4) a quantitative selection of items by patients and experts through prioritization. Results: Eight existing PREMs were evaluated. After removing duplicates, 141 items were identified. Through qualitative analyses of the focus group in which the patient journey was discussed, eight themes were formulated: “Organization of healthcare,” “Competence of healthcare professionals,” “Communication,” “Information &amp; services,” “Patient empowerment,” “Continuity &amp; informal care,” “Environment,” and “Technology.” Seven patients and eleven professionals were asked to prioritize what they considered the most important items. From this, an item bank with 76 items was proposed. Conclusion: In collaboration with patients and healthcare professionals, we have proposed a PREM-item bank to evaluate the experiences of patients’ receiving cancer care in an outpatient clinic. This item bank is the first step to dynamically assess the quality of cancer care provided in an outpatient setting.</p

The first steps in the development of a cancer-specific patient-reported experience measure item bank (PREM-item bank):towards dynamic evaluation of experiences

Objective: Since the implementation of value-based healthcare, there has been a growing emphasis on utilizing patient-reported experience measures (PREMs) to enhance the quality of care. However, the current PREMs are primarily generic and static, whereas healthcare is constantly evolving and encompasses a wide variety of aspects that impact care quality. To continuously improve care requires a dynamic PREM. The aim of this study was to propose an item bank for the establishment of a dynamic and care-specific patient-reported evaluation. Methods: In co-creation with patients, a mixed methods study was conducted involving: (1) an explorative review of the literature, (2) a focus group analysis with (ex-)patients, (3) qualitative analyses to formulate themes, and (4) a quantitative selection of items by patients and experts through prioritization. Results: Eight existing PREMs were evaluated. After removing duplicates, 141 items were identified. Through qualitative analyses of the focus group in which the patient journey was discussed, eight themes were formulated: “Organization of healthcare,” “Competence of healthcare professionals,” “Communication,” “Information &amp; services,” “Patient empowerment,” “Continuity &amp; informal care,” “Environment,” and “Technology.” Seven patients and eleven professionals were asked to prioritize what they considered the most important items. From this, an item bank with 76 items was proposed. Conclusion: In collaboration with patients and healthcare professionals, we have proposed a PREM-item bank to evaluate the experiences of patients’ receiving cancer care in an outpatient clinic. This item bank is the first step to dynamically assess the quality of cancer care provided in an outpatient setting.</p

Quality of Life of Oligometastatic and Polymetastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients

Objective: Evidence suggests that distant metastasis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is a spectrum of disease. Previous studies show that oligometastasis has favorable survival compared with polymetastasis. The quality of life of patients with oligometastasis remains unknown. To further solidify the position of oligometastasis as a separate entity, we hypothesized that oligometastatic patients experience better quality of life than polymetastatic patients.Methods: Patients with distant metastasis were stratified into three groups: oligometastasis (≤3 metastatic foci in ≤2 anatomic sites), explosive metastasis (≥4 metastatic foci at one anatomic site), and explosive-disseminating metastasis (spread to ≥3 anatomic sites). Quality of life was assessed every 2 months post distant metastasis diagnosis. Results: Between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2021, a total of 161 patients with distant metastasis were identified, with a total of 397 measurements. In this group, 57 (35.4%) patients had oligometastasis, 35 (21.7%) patients had explosive metastasis, and 69 (42.9%) patients had explosive-disseminating metastasis. Their median post-distant metastasis survivals were 8.5 months, 3.2 months, and 3.2 months respectively (p &lt; 0.001). A significantly better overall quality of life was observed in the oligometastasis group compared with the polymetastatic groups (+0.75 out of 7, p &lt; 0.05). Furthermore, oligometastatic patients performed better in the subdomains of “physical functioning,” “fatigue,” and “pain.”. Conclusion: Results from this study underscore that subgroups exist regarding quality of life and survival within distant metastasis, with polymetastatic patients performing worse than oligometastatic patients. This highlights the significance of tailored interventions that consider the unique challenges faced by each metastatic group of patients. Level of Evidence: 3, retrospective cohort study Laryngoscope, 2024.</p

Head and neck cancer patients' preferences for individualized prognostic information: a focus group study

BACKGROUND: Head and Neck cancer (HNC) is characterized by significant mortality and morbidity. Treatment is often invasive and interferes with vital functions, resulting in a delicate balance between survival benefit and deterioration in quality of life (QoL). Therefore, including prognostic information during patient counseling can be of great importance. The first aim of this study was to explore HNC patients' preferences for receiving prognostic information: both qualitative (general terms like "curable cancer"), and quantitative information (numbers, percentages). The second aim of this study was to explore patients' views on "OncologIQ", a prognostic model developed to estimate overall survival in newly diagnosed HNC patients. METHODS: We conducted a single center qualitative study by organizing five focus groups with HNC patients (n = 21) and their caregivers (n = 19), categorized in: 1) small laryngeal carcinomas treated with radiotherapy or laser, 2) extensive oral cavity procedures, 3) total laryngectomy, 4) chemoradiation, 5) other treatments. The patients' perspective was the main focus. The interview guide consiste

Reconstruction of Partial Hypopharyngeal Defects following Total Laryngectomy:A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Various operative techniques exist to reconstruct partial hypopharyngeal defects following total laryngectomy. The current study aimed to investigate and compare complications and functional results following commonly used reconstructive techniques. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed using studies that investigated outcomes after the reconstruction of a partial hypopharyngeal defect. The outcomes of interest were fistulas, strictures, flap failure, swallowing function and postoperative speech. Results: Of the 4035 studies identified, 23 were included in this review. Four common reconstructive techniques were reported, with a total of 794 patients: (1) pectoralis major myocutaneous and (2) myofascial flap, (3) anterolateral thigh free flap and (4) radial forearm free flap. Fistulas occurred significantly more often than pectoralis major myocutaneous flaps (34%, 95% CI 23–47%) compared with other flaps (p &lt; 0.001). No significant differences in the rates of strictures or flap failure were observed. Pectoralis major myofascial flaps were non-inferior to free-flap reconstructions. Insufficient data were available to assess speech results between flap types. Conclusion: Pectoralis myocutaneous flaps should not be the preferred method of reconstruction for most patients, considering their significantly higher rate of fistulas. In contrast, pectoralis major myofascial flaps yield promising results compared to free-flap reconstructions, warranting further investigation.</p

Learnings From Longitudinal Patient-Reported and Clinical Outcomes in Palliative Head and Neck Cancer Care

Objective: Patients with palliative head and neck cancer experience many symptoms in a short period of time. Longitudinal data on patient-reported outcomes in this phase are lacking. The aim of this study is to use structurally obtained patient-reported outcome data combined with clinical patient data and obtain insight in patient-reported outcomes, survival, circumstances of death, and interventions and treatment during the palliative phase in order to improve the quality of end-of-life care and patient-centered counseling. Study Design: Longitudinal observational cohort study. Setting: Tertiary cancer center. Method: Quality of life was prospectively collected using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C15-PAL. Tumor- and patient-specific data were retrospectively collected. Descriptive statistics, linear mixed models, and regression analyses were performed. Results: A significant deterioration was found in global health status, physical functioning, fatigue, dyspnea, appetite loss, and constipation over time. However, emotional functioning improved. Median survival was 5.1 months, and only a low percentage of in-hospital death was observed (7.8%). Higher global health status at intake was associated with prolonged survival. Conclusion: Structural measurement of patient-reported outcome together with clinical outcomes provides unique insight, which enables improvement of patient-centered counseling and care.</p

Reconstruction of Partial Hypopharyngeal Defects following Total Laryngectomy:A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Various operative techniques exist to reconstruct partial hypopharyngeal defects following total laryngectomy. The current study aimed to investigate and compare complications and functional results following commonly used reconstructive techniques. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed using studies that investigated outcomes after the reconstruction of a partial hypopharyngeal defect. The outcomes of interest were fistulas, strictures, flap failure, swallowing function and postoperative speech. Results: Of the 4035 studies identified, 23 were included in this review. Four common reconstructive techniques were reported, with a total of 794 patients: (1) pectoralis major myocutaneous and (2) myofascial flap, (3) anterolateral thigh free flap and (4) radial forearm free flap. Fistulas occurred significantly more often than pectoralis major myocutaneous flaps (34%, 95% CI 23–47%) compared with other flaps (p &lt; 0.001). No significant differences in the rates of strictures or flap failure were observed. Pectoralis major myofascial flaps were non-inferior to free-flap reconstructions. Insufficient data were available to assess speech results between flap types. Conclusion: Pectoralis myocutaneous flaps should not be the preferred method of reconstruction for most patients, considering their significantly higher rate of fistulas. In contrast, pectoralis major myofascial flaps yield promising results compared to free-flap reconstructions, warranting further investigation.</p

Keys to successful implementation of routine symptom monitoring in head and neck oncology with “Healthcare Monitor” and patients' perspectives of quality of care

Background: Value-based health care is increasingly used to facilitate a systematic approach during follow-up of patients. We developed Healthcare Monitor (HM): a structure of electronic patient-reported outcome measures (ePROs) for the longitudinal follow-up of head and neck cancer (HNC) patients. This study shares key lessons from implementation and seeks to provide insight into how patients experience HM. Methods: We conducted a mixed-methods study using quantitative data from a nonrandomized retrospective survey of patients who received HM (n = 45) vs standard care (n = 46) and qualitative data from structured interviews (n = 15). Results: Implementation of HM included significant challenges. Finding common ground among clinicians, administrators, and IT staff was most important. Qualitative findings suggest that patients experienced better doctorpatient communication and increased efficiency of the consultation using HM. Patients felt better prepared and experienced more focus on critical issues. Quantitative analysis did not show significant differences. Conclusions: Integration of HM into routine care for HNC patients may have increased patient-centered care and facilitated screening of symptoms. However, future research is needed to analyze the potential benefits more extensively