Priyanka Ghosh1, Ann A Lazar2, William R Ryan3, Sue S Yom4,5. 1. Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California San Francisco, 1600 Divisadero Street, Suite H-1031, San Francisco, CA, 94143-1708, USA. 2. Department of Preventive and Restorative Dental Sciences & Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA. 3. Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA. 4. Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California San Francisco, 1600 Divisadero Street, Suite H-1031, San Francisco, CA, 94143-1708, USA. yoms@radonc.ucsf.edu. 5. Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA. yoms@radonc.ucsf.edu.
Abstract
PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of warm-mist humidification during and after head and neck radiation therapy (HN RT) on quality of life (QOL), as measured by the M. D. Anderson Symptom Inventory-Head and Neck (MDASI-HN) HN score. A secondary aim was to compare QOL among compliers (≥60% of protocol-recommended usage) versus non-compliers. METHODS: Twenty patients self-administered a hand-held, self-sterilizing humidification device for a recommended time of at least 15 min twice daily for 12 weeks. Patients completed the MDASI-HN instrument at RT start, after 6 weeks, and after 12 weeks. Compliance was reported weekly. RESULTS: The average HN score at baseline was 1.7 (SD = 1.8) and increased to 6.0 (SD = 1.6) after 6 weeks; this increase was much higher than anticipated and the primary endpoint could not be reached. However, compliers had an average of nearly two less HN symptoms (-1.8, 95% CI -4 to 0.2; p = 0.08) than non-compliers at 6 weeks and fewer symptoms at 12 weeks as well (-0.9, 95% CI -2.9 to 1.2; p = 0.39). The most common terms patients used to describe humidification were "helpful" and "soothing." CONCLUSIONS: Compliance with humidification during RT was associated with fewer reported HN symptoms and a strong trend to better QOL. Improvements were seen from compliance with occasional required use of a portable, inexpensive device. Our findings support continued efforts to reduce barriers to humidification, as an intervention that should be considered for standard HN RT clinical practice.
PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of warm-mist humidification during and after head and neck radiation therapy (HN RT) on quality of life (QOL), as measured by the M. D. Anderson Symptom Inventory-Head and Neck (MDASI-HN) HN score. A secondary aim was to compare QOL among compliers (≥60% of protocol-recommended usage) versus non-compliers. METHODS: Twenty patients self-administered a hand-held, self-sterilizing humidification device for a recommended time of at least 15 min twice daily for 12 weeks. Patients completed the MDASI-HN instrument at RT start, after 6 weeks, and after 12 weeks. Compliance was reported weekly. RESULTS: The average HN score at baseline was 1.7 (SD = 1.8) and increased to 6.0 (SD = 1.6) after 6 weeks; this increase was much higher than anticipated and the primary endpoint could not be reached. However, compliers had an average of nearly two less HN symptoms (-1.8, 95% CI -4 to 0.2; p = 0.08) than non-compliers at 6 weeks and fewer symptoms at 12 weeks as well (-0.9, 95% CI -2.9 to 1.2; p = 0.39). The most common terms patients used to describe humidification were "helpful" and "soothing." CONCLUSIONS: Compliance with humidification during RT was associated with fewer reported HN symptoms and a strong trend to better QOL. Improvements were seen from compliance with occasional required use of a portable, inexpensive device. Our findings support continued efforts to reduce barriers to humidification, as an intervention that should be considered for standard HN RT clinical practice.
Entities:
Keywords:
Head and neck radiation therapy; Humidification; Quality of life
Authors: David I Rosenthal; Tito R Mendoza; Mark S Chambers; Joshua A Asper; Ibrahima Gning; Merrill S Kies; Randal S Weber; Jan S Lewin; Adam S Garden; K Kian Ang; Xin S Wang; Charles S Cleeland Journal: Head Neck Date: 2007-10 Impact factor: 3.147
Authors: David I Rosenthal; Tito R Mendoza; Mark S Chambers; V Shannon Burkett; Adam S Garden; Amy C Hessell; Jan S Lewin; K Kian Ang; Merrill S Kies; Ibrahima Gning; Xin S Wang; Charles S Cleeland Journal: Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys Date: 2008-05-22 Impact factor: 7.038