Abstract CN78
Background
A change in risks factors and developments in treatments has instigated an increase in survival rates following treatment for HNC (Cancer Research UK, 2019). The majority of patients with HNC who do recur, do so within the first 2 years (Grønhøj et al, 2018). The NHS Long Term Plan for Cancer states that following treatment each patient will move to a follow-up pathway that suits individual needs through Personalised Stratified Follow-up programmes (NHS England, 2019). In 2022, our institution initiated a PFU programme for patients with HNC.
Methods
All patients received intense monitoring and support during the initial 2 years after treatment. Patients who had received radical treatment and were disease free, had less than G2 treatment related toxicities and no risk factors of recurrence were referred to PFU. These patients were reviewed in the nurse led HNC PFU clinic, in which they received survivorship and health promotion support dependent on individual need, education in identifying signs of a cancer recurrence and appropriate methods of contacting their HN team. To ensure the programme innovations were safe, appropriate and patient centred, an Active Implementation Framework was used.
Results
Since January 2022, 23 patients have been transferred to PFU. 69% had been treated for oropharyngeal carcinoma, of whom 80% were associated with Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). 73% of patients have an overall staging of stage I or stage II cancer with the remaining patients having stage III according to TMN 8 classification. One patient contacted the HN team at 2 months following review in PFU clinic having identified pain in his neck, shortness of breath and fatigue. As per PFU protocol, he contacted the CNS team who performed triage and arranged a review with his oncologist within two weeks of symptom presentation. He was investigated with MRI and chest CT, both of which excluded recurrent disease.
Conclusions
PFU provides a potential alternative to the standardised intense follow-up programme that is used for all HNC patients. Extensive investigation into the implementation of the programme and the effectiveness are being undertaken prospectively to ensure the continued safety, well-being and experience of patients.
Clinical trial identification
Editorial acknowledgement
Legal entity responsible for the study
L. Dean.
Funding
Guy's Cancer Charity.
Disclosure
All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.