Impact of mucositis on patient experience during treatment for head and neck cancer.

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Meetings

Abstracts

2008 ASCO Annual Meeting

Impact of mucositis on patient experience during treatment for head and neck cancer.

Sub-category:

Head and Neck Cancer

Category:

Head and Neck Cancer

Meeting:

2008 ASCO Annual Meeting

Abstract No:

17034

Citation:

J Clin Oncol 26: 2008 (May 20 suppl; abstr 17034)

Author(s):

V. K. Mehta, M. Abboud-Finch, J. A. Petersen, J. T. Marron

Abstract:

Background: To many patients, mucositis is a painful and debilitating adverse effect of cancer treatment. We studied the impact of mucositis on patients who had completed radiation therapy (RT) for head and neck (H&N) cancer using a web-based survey. Methods: Patients with H&N cancer who had registered to use NexCura's online NexProfiler^® Treatment Option Tool for H&N Cancer between Aug 2001 & Oct 2006 and previously opted to participate in surveys were invited to complete an online survey about their cancer treatment experiences. Of the 5,246 individuals invited, 233 completed the survey of 84 questions during a 4 week period in Jan-Feb 2007. All eligible patients had received RT as part of their treatment. Results: Of 233 respondents (74% male), 15% received RT alone and 85% received RT + chemotherapy. 86% completed treatment in 2001-2006. 77% of patients rated some form of mucositis as their most severe side effect of treatment. The most severe symptoms of mucositis reported were: mouth sores/ulcers, 21%; mouth soreness, 32%; throat soreness, 35%; dry mouth, 42%; change in taste or no taste, 36%; mouth pain/burning, 29%; difficulty/pain on swallowing, 27%. Hospitalization was needed for 54% of patients, in 24% of cases due to inability to eat or drink, or dehydration. 30% of patients were hospitalized for >5 days (13% for >10 days) and 34% of hospitalized patients were admitted via an ER. 60% of all patients required a PEG tube (9% of those for >12 mo), 16% a NG tube, and 18% TPN. 78% still have difficulty with swallowing certain foods. 91% of all patients lost more than 10 lb during treatment and 48% of those are still underweight. Conclusions: In a large post-treatment survey of H&N cancer patients, we found that mucositis is the most severe adverse effect affecting patients. Helping to alleviate these symptoms requires significant medical supervision and substantial resources.

Abstract Disclosures

Abstracts that were granted an exception in accordance with ASCO's Conflict of Interest Policy and are designated with a caret symbol (^) here and in the print version.

Associated Presentation(s):

No items found.

Other Abstracts in this Sub-Category:

		1. A phase II, randomized, non-comparative clinical trial of the effect of bevacizumab (BV) alone or in combination with irinotecan (CPT) on 6-month progression free survival (PFS6) in recurrent, treatment-refractory glioblastoma (GBM). Meeting: 2008 ASCO Annual Meeting Abstract No: 2010b First Author: T. F. Cloughesy Category: Head and Neck Cancer
		2. Concomitant chemoradiotherapy (CT/RT) vs neoadjuvant chemotherapy with docetaxel/cispaltin/5-fluorouracil (TPF) followed by CT/RT in locally advanced head and neck cancer. Final results of a phase II randomized study. Meeting: 2008 ASCO Annual Meeting Abstract No: 6000 First Author: A. Paccagnella Category: Head and Neck Cancer
		3. Cetuximab added to docetaxel, cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil Induction chemotherapy (C-TPF) in patients with newly diagnosed locally advanced head and neck cancer: A phase I study. Meeting: 2008 ASCO Annual Meeting Abstract No: 6001 First Author: R. B. Tishler Category: Head and Neck Cancer
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Abstracts by V. K. Mehta :

		1. Early experience with an electronic brachytherapy technique for intracavitary accelerated partial breast irradiation Meeting: 2008 Breast Cancer Symposium Abstract No: 244 First Author: V. K. Mehta Category: Treatment - Radiation and Radiobiology
		2. Impact of mucositis on patient experience during treatment for head and neck cancer. Meeting: 2008 ASCO Annual Meeting Abstract No: 17034 First Author: V. K. Mehta Category: Head and Neck Cancer
		3. Treatment breaks due to mucositis in patients with head and neck (H&N) cancer. Meeting: 2008 ASCO Annual Meeting Abstract No: 17024 First Author: S. Patel Category: Head and Neck Cancer
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Presentations by V. K. Mehta :

		1. Early experience with an electronic brachytherapy technique for intracavitary accelerated partial breast irradiation Meeting: 2008 Breast Cancer Symposium Presenter: Vivek K Mehta, MD Session: General Poster Session E (General Poster Session)
		2. Merit Award Meeting: 2001 ASCO Annual Meeting Award Recipient: Vivek K. Mehta, MD Session: Merit Award (Awards)
		3. Phase II Trial Of Preoperative Radiotherapy, Protracted Venous Infusion 5-fluorouracil And Weekly Cpt-11, Followed By Surgery For Ultrasound Staged T3/t4 Rectal Cancer Meeting: 2001 ASCO Annual Meeting Presenter: Vivek K. Mehta, MD Session: Gastrointestinal Cancer (General Poster)
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Educational Book Manuscripts by V. K. Mehta :

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