ESTRO 2025 - Abstract Book

S4197

RTT - Patient experience and quality of life

ESTRO 2025

References: 1. Bray F et al. Global cancer statistics 2022: GLOBOCAN estimates of incidence and mortality worldwide for 36 cancers in 185 countries. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians. 2024;74(3):229-63. 2. Conway DI, Hovanec J, Ahrens W, Ross A, Holcatova I, Lagiou P, et al. Occupational socioeconomic risk associations for head and neck cancer in Europe and South America: individual participant data analysis of pooled case-control studies within the INHANCE Consortium. J Epidemiol Community Health. 2021;75(8):779-87 3. Staniszewska S, Boardman F, Gunn L, Roberts J, Clay D, Seers K, et al. The Warwick Patient Experiences Framework: patient-based evidence in clinical guidelines. International Journal for Quality in Health Care. 2014;26(2):151-7

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Poster Discussion Health-Related Quality of Life in H&N Cancer Patients with RT late effects - First year service results Sabina Khan, Danielle Fairweather University College London Hospital, Radiotherapy/ Proton Beam Therapy/ Oncology, London, United Kingdom Purpose/Objective: Many Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) patients experience radiotherapy late effects that significantly impact on their health-related quality-of-life (HR-QOL), often without proper management by the right professionals. This is why in 2023, UCLH opened the first dedicated HNC late effects clinic to address both the physical and psychosocial needs of HNC survivors. We aim to educate patients treated and those who work within the patient treatment and rehabilitation about the possible late effects patients can experience, explore treatment options and self management tools. Material/Methods: As part of the referral process, the HR-QOL measure MDASI-HN, was utilised to assess symptom impact and health function. Within this study, we explore the trends in quality-of-life and symptom burden within the clinic’s patients, with the aim to tailor the service to the evolving needs of the patients. Each patient completed the MDASI-HN questionnaire, which has 28 items which are each scored out of 10. Results: To date, 50 out of 100 referrals have been reviewed in this novel clinic. Most impacting symptoms were Dry Mouth, Fatigue, Disturbed Sleep and Difficulty Swallowing. Thirty patients also reported not getting enjoyment out of life. There was a strong correlation between physical and psychosocial impacts causing feelings of distress and reducing life enjoyment. Subsequently, 100 referrals from the clinic were made to address symptom burden and improve quality of life. Of the 100 referrals made, 22% were to Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists. A further 10% were to Speech and Language therapists. Three patients were referred to Oncologists, where one case of recurrence was diagnosed.