Early Follow-Up in Head and Neck Cancer

Introduction Tumors in the Head and Neck region have a high rate of recurrence, especially within the first one and a half years of diagnosis. Despite this, there is no universal standard for the early follow-up treatment. This study describes the effect of implementing an early follow-up staging within the first half year after treatment.

Methods All head and neck tumor patients at the University of Greifswald Medical Center ENT department were offered an intial control panendoscopy with CT staging or a PET CT within the first six months after treatment concluded. Following ethics board approval patients treated between 2017 and 2019 were compared to patients treated before implementation from 2010 to 2016. The follow up was two years. Only patients who received curative treatment were included.

Results In 2010 – 2016 there were 488 patients and 114 recurrences within the first two years. In 2017 – 2019 there were 221 patients and 59 recurrences within the first two years. The median time to recurrence was 11,0 months in the first group and 8,3 months in the second group. The difference between the two groups is statistically significant [Log-Rank p = 0,0046]. In the years 2018 and 2019 106 of 163 patients participated in the early restaging program.

Conclusion Consistent restaging within the first half year after treatment accelerates the diagnosis of recurrence. A majority of patients comply with the suggestion and the earlier diagnosis of recurrence might improve subsequent treatment options.

Publication History

Article published online:
24 May 2022