GETTY causative factors adding that infection with the human papilloma virus ( HPV ) has , over the last 15 years or so , also become a recognised risk factor for throat cancer . She mentioned how head and neck cancers , particularly among those who smoke or misuse alcohol are more common in those belonging to a lower sociodemographic group . In contrast , those infected with HPV tend to be younger and more educated . Interestingly , she noted that in this latter group ‘ their tumours often respond better to the treatment and the side-effects are often less in this population .’
Q What was the rational for developing the guideline ?
A Professor Verdonck-de Leeuw noted that prior to developing the new guideline , the only other available was published in 2018 and was US-based . As there are inherent differences between the US and European healthcare systems , the US guidelines seem inappropriate for European clinicians and hence required an update . She added that ‘ in the US , most aftercare is provided within primary care whereas centralised care , as in Europe , seems better .’
The drive to develop the new guidelines came from the European Head and Neck Society and a steering committee within the society that organises the ‘ Make Sense campaign ’. The focus of the Campaign is not only to increase awareness of head and neck cancers but also to improve clinical practice . Consequently , the working group performed a literature review and produced the new
guideline . Professor Verdonck-de Leeuw explained that the literature review had identified a growing body of work on supportive care for patients , which was subsequently incorporated into the new guideline .
Q What would you say are the overarching principles of the guideline ?
A While the guideline contained a large number of recommendations such as an emphasis on the importance of patient surveillance to ensure that the cancer had either not undergone metastases or returned , equally relevant was an emphasis on the physical and pysycho-social aspects of care . As she explained , ‘ the care of cancer patients is so complicated and there are so many things that require attention .’ She considers that one of reasons why patients with head and neck cancers still have so many unmet needs is related to supportive care ‘ because not all of these topics can be addressed during visits to the clinic .’ It was necessary for clinicians to remain cognisant of the fact that patients are unique and the supportive care offered needs to be tailored to the individual .
A key recommendation is the importance of providing more tailored psycho-social support to patients , which prompts an enhanced ability to cope and to live their lives again after treatment . As she said , ‘ patients may continue to experience many difficulties such as swallowing problems , speech problems , fatigue , pain , or whatever , and it ’ s vital to address these symptoms .’ Furthermore , it is equally important to
hospitalpharmacyeurope . com | Issue 102 | 21