ESTRO 2024 - Abstract Book

S5635

RTT - Patient experience and quality of life

ESTRO 2024

Prospective monitoring for radiotherapy late effects in head and neck cancer patients

Hazel Clarke 1 , Laura Clifford 2 , Carol Cook 2 , Emma De Winton 3 , Pippa Lewis 3 , Fiona MacKay 2

1 Royal United Hospital, Radiotherapy, Bath, United Kingdom. 2 Royal United Hospital, ENT, Bath, United Kingdom. 3 Royal United Hospital, Oncology, Bath, United Kingdom

Purpose/Objective:

Late effects of radiotherapy is an increasing issue (5). As survivorship increases, more and more people are left dealing with the long term consequences of treatment (3). Often services only treat symptoms in isolation, rather than a whole person approach (4). The advent of radiotherapy late effects services allow for a more personalised approach to the management of these late effects. Head and neck cancer patients can be left with a significant late effects burden (2). These can be diverse and debilitating, and often tend to be progressive (6), so early interventions and management are crucial for improving outcomes. Having a dedicated prospective follow up service allows these symptoms to be identified and managed. Utilising a therapeutic radiographer to run the clinic allows for expert knowledge of the treatment delivered and the possible long term effects (1). This also reduces consultant workload, reducing pressure on an already stretched oncology service (7).

Material/Methods:

Inclusion criteria of the project was that the patient must have had radiotherapy treatment, be a year post treatment, and have a clear PET result, with no evidence of active disease.

Patients we proactively contacted 1 year post treatment. Patient reported outcomes (PROMs) were used to assess extend and type of late effect present (if any). Patients were then offered a telephone appointment to discuss the PROMs and supported as necessary.

Results:

In the first six months of the project, 24 patients were contacted. 21 patients responded to the PROMs provided and accepted the offer of a telephone appointment. 3 patients did not engage with the service.

A range of late effects were reported, with chewing/swallowing/eating problems being the most highly reported (85.7%), followed by xerostomia (81%) and skin problems (61.9%).

Patients were supported with a range of information to support them with managing their symptoms. Simple advice and guidance, referral to specialist services, and signposting to charities and reputable websites were all offered, with the option of continued follow up with the Late Effects clinic.