Journal Article

How do patients with head and neck cancer and low skeletal muscle mass experience cisplatin-based chemoradiotherapy? A qualitative study

Schaeffers, Anouk W. M. A., Smid, Ernst J., Speksnijder, Caroline M., de Bree, Remco, Westerink - van den Brink, Chantal F. M., Klomp, F. W. José, van Beers, Maartje A., Devriese, Lot A.

2024

Overview

Background Patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) face several physical, emotional, and psychological challenges throughout treatment. Cisplatin-based chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is an effective but toxic treatment, with an increased risk for toxicities in patients with low skeletal muscle mass (SMM). Consequently, these patients are anticipated to experience greater treatment-related difficulties. We aimed to explore the experiences of patients with HNSCC and low SMM regarding cisplatin-based CRT. Methods A descriptive qualitative study was conducted, interviewing seven patients 3 months after CRT using a topic guide. Thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews was conducted, to create a multi-dimensional understanding of patients’ experiences during and after cisplatin-based CRT. Results Prior to CRT themes included pre-treatment information, expectations towards treatment and trial, psychosocial circumstances, and supporting network. During CRT themes included toxicities, psychosocial impact, and supporting network. After CRT themes included reflection on period during CRT, psychosocial circumstances, informal support from networks and healthcare workers, and ongoing toxicities. Conclusion Most patients experience cisplatin-based CRT as a life-changing and distressing life event but cope through various strategies and supporting networks. Tailored counseling, ideally with on-demand consultations, is recommended. No differences were noted in patients’ perceptions of their cisplatin regimen.

• Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg,Springer,Springer Nature B.V
• Subject: Adaptation, Psychological / Adult / Aged / Antimitotic agents / Antineoplastic agents / Antineoplastic Agents - administration & dosage / Antineoplastic Agents - adverse effects / Antineoplastic Agents - therapeutic use / Cancer / Cancer patients / Care and treatment / Chemoradiotherapy - adverse effects / Chemoradiotherapy - methods / Chemotherapy / Cisplatin - administration & dosage / Experience / Female / Head & neck cancer / Head and Neck Neoplasms - psychology / Head and Neck Neoplasms - therapy / Health care / Health services / Humans / Interviews / Interviews as Topic / Life events / Male / Medical personnel / Medical treatment / Medicine / Medicine & Public Health / Middle Aged / Muscle, Skeletal / Muscles / Musculoskeletal system / Networks / Nursing / Nursing Research / Oncology / Oncology, Experimental / Pain Medicine / Patients / Psychosocial factors / Psychosocial therapy / Qualitative Research / Radiation therapy / Rehabilitation Medicine / Side effects / Social networks / Social Support / Squamous cell carcinoma / Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck - therapy / Symptom management