Swedish Translation and Cultural Adaptation of the Head and Neck Patient Symptom Checklist: An Instrument to Screen for Nutrition Impact Symptoms in Clinical Practice and Research.

Background: The Head and Neck Patient Symptom Checklist (HNSC) is a validated 2-part instrument used to ask patients with head and neck cancer about the nutrition impact symptoms they experience (part 1) and how these interfere with their eating (part 2).

Purpose: The purpose of this work was to translate and culturally adapt the HNSC into Swedish in accordance with the guidelines of the International Society for Health Economics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR).

Methods: The ISPOR guidelines include 10 steps, and these were thoroughly followed.

A Qualitative Study with Informal Caregivers and Healthcare Professionals for Individuals with Head and Neck Cancer on the Usage of AI Chatbots.

Informal caregivers (ICs), including the patient's spouse, close relatives, or friends, play an important role in caregiving individuals with head and neck cancer (HNC). AI-based chatbots might offer information and assistance related to caregiving. This study presents the viewpoints of ICs and healthcare professionals (HCPs) on using AI-based chatbots in caring for individuals with HNC.

The effect of internet-administered support (carer eSupport) on preparedness for caregiving in informal caregivers of patients with head and neck cancer compared with support as usual: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Informal caregivers (ICs) of patients with cancer provide essential and mainly uncompensated care. A self-perceived preparedness to care for the patient is associated with a lower caregiver burden, described as the extent to which caregiving is perceived as having adverse effects on IC functioning and well-being. ICs' well-being is associated with patient-perceived quality of care, suggesting that interventions to optimize ICs' health are essential in order to improve patient care.

Prognostic value of bone marrow and tumor F-FDG uptake on PET/CT in patients with oropharyngeal cancer and the interplay between inflammation and FDG uptake.

Aims: To examine the prognostic value of F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake in the bone marrow (BM) for disease recurrence and survival in patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OP-SCC). The secondary aims were to evaluate the prognostic value of PET/CT parameters for the primary oropharyngeal tumor and total tumor burden, and to assess the correlation between FDG uptake variables and serum inflammatory markers.

Methods: This was an observational study of 91 patients with OP-SCC who underwent pretreatment FDG-PET/CT.

Pretreatment fat-free mass index correlates with early death in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Background: A significant proportion of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are malnourished at diagnosis. In this study, we investigated how pretreatment body mass index (BMI) and fat-free mass index (FFMI) correlate with early death, and whether these measurements are useful markers of prognosis for risk stratification of head and neck cancer patients.

Methods: Patients (n = 404) with newly diagnosed, curable HNSCC and WHO performance status 0-2 were prospectively included and met with a study representative before treatment initiation, as well as up to four follow-up visits.

Mapping the impact of malnutrition as defined by the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition and nutrition impact symptoms on the possibility of returning to work after treatment for head and neck cancer.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate whether malnutrition or nutrition impact symptoms (NIS) affect the possibility of returning to work after treatment for head and neck cancer.

Methods: Patients of working age with head and neck cancer were followed up from treatment initiation to 3 months (n = 238), 1 year (n = 182), and 2 years (n = 130) after treatment completion. The observed decrease in the number of patients over time was due to retirement, lack of follow-up, or death.

Predicting Return to Work after Head and Neck Cancer Treatment Is Challenging Due to Factors That Affect Work Ability.

Striving to return to work is of great importance to many cancer survivors. The purpose of the study is to prospectively investigate the factors that hinder and facilitate return to work (RTW) at 3 and 12 months after the end of treatment in head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors and whether these factors influence the ability to continue working after treatment. Participants ( = 227) aged ≤ 65 years at diagnosis with HNC were included.

Perceptions of life and experiences of health care support among individuals one year after head and neck cancer treatment - An interview study.

Purpose: To examine how individuals treated for head and neck cancer perceive life one year after the end of treatment and how they experience supportive efforts from health care.

Methods: A semi-structured interview study of 21 patients was performed one year after the end of treatment. The patients gave their views concerning physical, psychological, and return-to-work issues, and their experiences concerning rehabilitative efforts from health care and particularly the contact nurse were captured.

Understanding the challenges and need for support of informal caregivers to individuals with head and neck cancer - A basis for developing internet-based support.

Purpose: Being an informal caregiver of an individual with head and neck cancer can be demanding. Still, informal caregivers can provide valuable support to patients throughout the disease trajectory. The aim of this study was to explore informal caregivers' views on their challenges and needs in attaining high preparedness for caregiving.

Positive Design Framework for Carer eSupport: Qualitative Study to Support Informal Caregivers of Patients With Head and Neck Cancer in Sweden.

Background: Informal caregivers of patients with head and neck cancer (HNC), such as the patient's spouse, other close relatives, or friends, can play an important role in home-based treatment and health care. Research shows that informal caregivers are usually unprepared for this responsibility and need support with taking care of patients and other daily life activities. These circumstances place them in a vulnerable position, and their well-being may be compromised.

Factors that affect quality of life for older people with head and neck cancer: A systematic review.

Purpose: Quality of life is a critical aspect in the management of older head and neck cancer patients. It needs to be considered alongside survival benefit, treatment burden, and longer-term outcomes. The purpose was to undertake a systematic review of empirical peer-reviewed studies with a primary focus on factors impacting quality of life for older head and neck cancer patients.

Loco-Regional Control and Sustained Difference in Serum Immune Protein Expression in Patients Treated for p16-Positive and p16-Negative Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

The main prognostic factors for patients with head and neck cancer are the tumour site and stage, yet immunological and metabolic factors are certainly important, although knowledge is still limited. Expression of the biomarker p16INK4a (p16) in oropharyngeal cancer tumour tissue is one of the few biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of head and neck cancer. The association between p16 expression in the tumour and the systemic immune response in the blood compartment has not been established.

Higher Risk of Recurrence in Patients Treated for Head and Neck Cancer with Low BMI and Elevated Levels of C-Reactive Protein.

This prospective study identifies high-risk groups for recurrence of head and neck cancer by BMI and circulating inflammatory response markers. Head and neck cancer patients from three Swedish hospitals were included ( = 272). Leukocyte and thrombocyte counts, CRP levels, and BMI were measured pre-treatment and post-treatment.

Longitudinal Changes in the Fatty Acid Profile in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer: Associations with Treatment and Inflammatory Response.

Studies on fatty acids (FAs) in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) are limited. We aimed to investigate the longitudinal changes of circulating FAs in patients with HNC and to examine potential correlations of FA changes with treatment. The secondary aims were to investigate correlations of FAs with cytokines and patient-related factors, and if any FAs correlated with disease recurrence or death.

Serum Proteomics in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer: Peripheral Blood Immune Response to Treatment.

In this real-world study, the aims were to prospectively evaluate the expression of inflammatory proteins in serum collected from head and neck cancer patients before and after treatment, and to assess whether there were differences in expression associated with treatment modalities. The mixed study cohort consisted of 180 patients with head and neck cancer. The most common tumor sites were the oropharynx ( = 81), the oral cavity ( = 53), and the larynx ( = 22).

Internet-based support for informal caregivers to individuals with head and neck cancer (Carer eSupport): a study protocol for the development and feasibility testing of a complex online intervention.

Introduction: It is strongly recommended that randomised controlled trials are preceded with an exploration of the needs of the target population and feasibility testing of the intervention. The present study protocol is set out to describe these steps in the development of a complex intervention.The past decades' transition of care from inpatient to outpatient settings has increased the complexity of caregivers' responsibilities, which they may not be prepared for.

Designing for Human Well-Being: A Case Study with Informal Caregivers of Individuals with Cancer.

Informal Caregivers such as a spouse, other close relatives or friends of cancer patients can play an essential role in home-based treatment and care. However, the informal caregivers might not be prepared for this responsibility, and they might have several unmet requirements for taking care of patients in the home environment. The informal caregivers' physical, social and psychological health is also profoundly affected due to the health conditions of their relatives.

Addressing symptoms that affect patients' eating according to the Head and Neck Patient Symptom Checklist.

Purpose: The purpose of this prospective study was to assess which nutritional impact symptoms (NIS) interfere with oral intake in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) and how the symptoms interfere with body weight loss, up to 1 year after treatment.

Methods: This was a prospective study of 197 patients with HNC planned for treatment with curative intention. Body weight was measured before the start of treatment, at 7 weeks after the start of treatment, and at 6 and 12 months after completion of treatment.

Circulating fatty acids in patients with head and neck cancer after treatment: an explorative study with a one-year perspective.

Background: Unintended weight loss and nutritional problems are often seen in patients with head and neck cancer, but changes in lipid metabolism are poorly studied.

Aim/objectives: The present study aimed to explore the longitudinal changes in circulating fatty acid (FA) composition in patients with head and neck cancer.

Materials And Methods: This study included 27 patients with head and neck cancer.

Mapping Health-Related Quality of Life, Anxiety, and Depression in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer Diagnosed with Malnutrition Defined by GLIM.

Patients with cancer deal with problems related to physical, psychological, social, and emotional functions. The aim was to investigate malnutrition defined by the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria in relation to health-related quality of life, anxiety, and depression in patients with head and neck cancer. This was a prospective observational research study with 273 patients followed at the start of treatment, seven weeks, and one year.

Mapping impact factors leading to the GLIM diagnosis of malnutrition in patients with head and neck cancer.

Background & Aims: In head and neck cancer, the combination of weight loss and elevated C-reactive protein levels means that patients have malnutrition as defined by the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM). This study aimed to identify impact factors for malnutrition as defined by the GLIM criteria among patients with head and neck cancer at the start of treatment and up to 12 months post-treatment.

Methods: In a prospective, observational study, patient, tumour, treatment, and nutritional data from 229 patients with head and neck cancer were collected at the start of treatment and at three follow-ups (7 weeks after the start of treatment and at 3 and 12 months after the termination of treatment).

Mapping the frequency of malnutrition in patients with head and neck cancer using the GLIM Criteria for the Diagnosis of Malnutrition.

Background & Aims: Patients with head and neck cancer are defined as high-risk patients for malnutrition, but the inconsistent practice of diagnosing malnutrition is a barrier in comparing studies and in assessing patients in clinical practice. The aim of the study was to describe the frequency of malnutrition over time in patients treated for head and neck cancer using the GLIM Criteria for the Diagnosis of Malnutrition.

Methods: Data from a prospective observational study on patients with head and neck cancer were used (n = 210).

Return to work after oropharyngeal cancer treatment-Highlighting a growing working-age population.

Background: To describe the frequency of patients returning to work after treatment for oropharyngeal cancer and to identify predictors and physical barriers that might interfere with the return to work process.

Methods: Cross-sectional study including 295 patients. Data were collected regarding work/sick leave situation at 1 month before diagnosis and 15 months after diagnosis.

Variations in concerns reported on the patient concerns inventory in patients with head and neck cancer from different health settings across the world.

Background: The aim was to collate and contrast patient concerns from a range of different head and neck cancer follow-up clinics around the world. Also, we sought to explore the relationship, if any, between responses to the patient concerns inventory (PCI) and overall quality of life (QOL).

Methods: Nineteen units participated with intention of including 100 patients per site as close to a consecutive series as possible in order to minimize selection bias.

Systemic Inflammatory Reaction in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer-An Explorative Study.

To assess the longitudinal pattern of pro-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors in serum up to 1 year following treatment for head and neck cancer. Patients with newly diagnosed, curable head and neck cancer were included ( = 30). The most common subsite was oropharynx ( = 13) followed by oral cavity ( = 9).