Late effects of HNC treatment
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring the late side effects of head and neck cancer (HNC) treatment: the patient's perspective and pathway.
IRAS ID
317323
Contact name
Diane Sellstrom
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 9 months, 31 days
Research summary
Radiotherapy (RT) is used in the treatment of head and neck cancer (HNC). Early side effects are well documented but delayed side effects are not. In some patients, scarring of the mouth/throat can slowly develop, usually many years later which makes eating/drinking difficult and unsafe as food/drink can go down the wrong way. This can lead to chest infections, weight loss and reduced quality of life. Patients may not be able to work, fulfil caring duties or take part in social activities. Some need a breathing tubes (trachesotomy), a feeding tube (gastrostomy) or even removal of the voice box (laryngectomy) to manage these symptoms.
Patients are offered review appointments under their Consultant for 5 years after cancer treatment and are then discharged. Appointments become less frequent over time and are moved away from the multi-disciplinary clinic setting. Consequently, patients experiencing these symptoms can go undetected until there is a significant impact on physical health.
The study aims to explore patients’ experiences of late symptom development, the impact on their physical health and quality of life and their journey to accessing the relevant specialist advice. It is anticipated this will advance our understanding of the needs of this patient group and facilitate a review of pathways of care.
Patients who have experience of late-radiation induced side effects of head and neck cancer treatment will be invited to participate in an interview. Interviews will take place on the hospital site, at the local Maggie’s centre or virtually. Participants will be asked about their symptoms, how they have impacted on their life and what their experiences have been accessing healthcare support.
This study is part of a research secondment funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) North-East and North Cumbria (NENC) Applied Research Collaboration (ARC).REC name
South Central - Oxford A Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/SC/0148
Date of REC Opinion
16 May 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion