When a patient is diagnosed with head and neck cancer, an intensive treatment regimen often follows, with a high risk of side effects and complications. It is important to assess which patients are at increased risk, to provide tailored treatment recommendations.
Previous research shows that chronological age alone is not a reliable predictor for adverse treatment outcomes. However, analysis of data from the Netherlands Cancer Registry in this dissertation of Linda Bras suggests that older patients are more likely to receive less intensive treatment, solely based on their chronological age.
A geriatric evaluation examines limitations in a patients’ physical health, psychological condition, and/or daily functioning. If limitations are present in multiple of these areas, we refer to the patient as vulnerable. This dissertation reveals that patients with head and neck cancer are more often vulnerable compared to patients with other types of cancer. Complications after surgery occur more often in these vulnerable patients. Although, severe side effects from radiation therapy are not seen more often. Vulnerable patients experience a lower quality of life after treatment for head and neck cancer, regardless of whether they undergo radiation therapy or surgery.
This research highlights the importance of performing a geriatric evaluation in patients with head and neck cancer. This allows them to be better informed about the risks of adverse treatment outcomes and to take this information into account when making decisions regarding their treatment. Further research is needed to determine whether targeted interventions following a geriatric evaluation can lead to improved treatment outcomes.
