Description

This study is a prospective, longitudinal, non-interventional quality control registry focused on the application of simultaneous integrated boost intensity-modulated radiotherapy (SIB-IMRT) in the primary and adjuvant treatment of head and neck cancers. The primary objectives are to evaluate local and regional control rates, overall survival, tumor-specific survival, and metastasis-free survival. The study also aims to document acute and late treatment-associated toxicities, patient-reported quality of life, and recurrence patterns in relation to delivered radiation doses.

Patients with histologically confirmed malignancies of the head and neck region (excluding basal cell carcinoma) who are indicated for definitive or adjuvant radiotherapy or radiochemotherapy will be included. Treatment planning involves individualized IMRT/VMAT-based approaches with SIB techniques designed to escalate doses to high-risk tumor regions while sparing surrounding healthy structures, thereby reducing toxicity. The treatment is provided in compliance with national guidelines and inter-disciplinary tumor board recommendations.

Evaluation of Adverse Events The study employs the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaires-QLQ-C30 and H&N35-to systematically assess treatment-related adverse events (AEs) and their impact on quality of life. These standardized tools are administered at baseline, at the end of treatment, and during follow-up visits.

The EORTC QLQ-H&N35 questionnaire, specifically tailored for head and neck cancer patients, captures detailed information on a wide range of symptoms and treatment-related toxicities, including but not limited to:

Swallowing and Oral Function:

Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) Speech problems (articulation and clarity) Xerostomia (dry mouth) Sticky saliva

Sensory Impairments:

Altered taste and smell Hearing loss

Pain and Discomfort:

Pain in the mouth, throat, or jaw Soreness or discomfort in the treated area

Respiratory Symptoms:

Breathing difficulties Nasal congestion or discharge

Nutritional Challenges:

Difficulty eating or maintaining weight Nutritional supplementation requirements

Emotional and Social Impact:

Body image concerns Social functioning and isolation Financial burden associated with treatment

Other Common Toxicities:

Skin reactions in the irradiated area Fatigue and general physical discomfort These adverse events are graded using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE), enabling consistent reporting of the severity and frequency of toxicities.

Data Collection and Statistical Analysis The collected data will include baseline patient characteristics, treatment parameters, and longitudinal quality-of-life scores. Outcomes will be analyzed to identify correlations between reported toxicities, dosimetric parameters, and clinical outcomes, such as recurrence patterns and survival metrics.

The statistical methodology includes:

Descriptive statistics for baseline demographics and treatment variables. Kaplan-Meier estimates for survival analysis. Cox proportional hazards models to explore the influence of clinical and treatment-related factors on survival and recurrence.

Correlation analyses to assess the relationship between dosimetric variables and recurrence patterns.

Significance of the Study This study seeks to complement clinical trial data with real-world evidence on the implementation of SIB-IMRT in head and neck cancer treatment. By systematically capturing and analyzing treatment-related toxicities and quality-of-life metrics, the findings aim to refine therapeutic protocols, enhance patient outcomes, and inform strategies to mitigate adverse events. Moreover, the integration of recurrence pattern analysis and ontogenetic lymphatic mapping could offer valuable insights for future treatment planning.