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Therapy Testing in a Spheroid-based 3D Cell Culture Model for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Published on: April 20, 2018
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Patient-Reported Outcomes in Adolescent and Young Adult Head and Neck Cancer Survivors Treated with Radiotherapy
Sarah Nicole Hamilton1,2, Fuchsia Howard1, Sara Mahdavi1
1Department of Radiation Oncology, BC Cancer -Vancouver Centre, Vancouver, Canada.
Journal of Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology
|April 11, 2022
Summary
Adolescent and young adult (AYA) head and neck cancer survivors treated with radiotherapy reported significant late effects and high rates of anxiety and depression. Despite these challenges, they maintained a generally high quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiotherapy
- Survivorship
Background:
- Few studies focus on adolescent and young adult (AYA) head and neck (H&N) cancer survivors treated with radiotherapy.
- AYA survivors face unique challenges and potential long-term effects from treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the cross-sectional patient-reported outcomes of AYA H&N cancer survivors treated with radiotherapy.
- To assess late effects, quality of life, and psychosocial well-being in this population.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 36 AYA H&N cancer survivors treated with radiotherapy between 1970 and 2010 in British Columbia participated.
- Participants completed the Psychosocial Screen for Cancer-Revised (PSSCAN-R), RAND-36 health-related quality of life survey, and Vanderbilt Head and Neck Symptom Survey (VHNSS 2.0).
Main Results:
- High prevalence of severe symptoms: 51% xerostomia, 35% dysphagia, 37% dental/mucosal sensitivity.
- Significant psychosocial distress: 35% moderate/high anxiety, 48% moderate/high depression.
- Generally high health-related quality of life scores across various domains, with energy/fatigue and general health being lower.
Conclusions:
- AYA H&N cancer survivors treated with radiotherapy experience significant late effects and psychosocial distress.
- Despite challenges, overall health-related quality of life is generally high.
- Prospective evaluation of psychosocial needs and H&N complications is crucial for this high-risk subgroup.
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