Factors Associated with Loss to Follow-up After Radiation Therapy for Head and Neck Cancer

Overview

Journal Head Neck

Specialties General Surgery
Oncology

Date 2022 Jan 26

PMID 35080075

Authors

John M Hoyle

Tanya A Correya

Kelly Kenzik

Liton Francisco

Sharon A Spencer

Christopher D Willey

James A Bonner

James W Snider

Drexell Hunter Boggs

William R Carroll

Smita Bhatia

Andrew M McDonald

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Objectives: Head and neck cancer (HNC) patients are at high risk for late occurring radiation-related morbidity and recurrence, necessitating close long-term medical surveillance. This study identified factors associated with becoming lost to follow-up (LTFU) at a comprehensive cancer center.

Materials And Methods: Patients were drawn from survivors who received radiation for HNC at a single institution between 2001 and 2018. LTFU was defined as living patients without a clinical encounter within 2 years of the data query.

Results: In total, 537 patients met the inclusion criteria and 57 (10.6%) were identified as LTFU. Individual comparisons identified time since completing radiation, non-White race and being unmarried as associated with LTFU. Multiple regression identified time since treatment and being unmarried as factors associated with LTFU. A decision tree correctly sorted 89.4% using time, distance, and marital status.

Conclusion: Time since radiation, distance to clinic, and being unmarried were factors associated with becoming LTFU.

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