Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2008 ASCO Annual Meeting Proceedings (Post-Meeting Edition).
Vol 26, No 15S (May 20 Supplement), 2008: 17034
© 2008 American Society of Clinical Oncology

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Abstract

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

Swedish Cancer Institute, Seattle, WA; Nexcura - a Thomson Business, Seattle, WA

17034

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: Of233 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.

Author Disclosure

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