Diagnosis to treatment interval and outcome in patients with locally-advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck in a veterans affairs medical center

Brian T. Brinkerhoff, Nicholas W. Choong, Becky L. Massey, Elizabeth M. Gore, Selim Y. Firat, Stuart J. Wong, Bruce H. Campbell, Ralph M. Schapira, Alexis M. Visotcky, Patrick M. Tripp

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Treatment of locally-advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) requires multi-disciplinary care often resulting in a prolonged diagnosis to treatment interval (DTI). This study aims to identify factors that influence DTI and to assess the impact of DTI on treatment outcomes. Methods: The medical records of 135 patients with SCCHN who were treated with definitive chemoradiotherapy between 2000 and 2009 at the Clement J Zablocki VA Medical Center were reviewed and analyzed. Results: Median DTI was 44 days. A Cox-Model identified that transfer patients had prolonged DTI. Longer DTI had a significant negative impact on overall survival (RR 1.009, p = 0.0386) but did not impact distant (RR 0.99, p = 0.89) or local control (0.99, p = 0.23). Conclusion: Increased DTI in patients with SCCHN results in a statistically significant negative survival impact. Efforts need to be directed to improving DTI and on expediting and streamlining the care of transfer patients.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)111-115
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Cancer Science and Therapy
Volume4
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - 2012
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Chemotherapy
  • Head and neck cancer
  • Radiotherapy
  • Treatment delay
  • Waiting time

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

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