Factors Affecting the Compliance
of Curative Intent Treatment in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer
Abstract
Objective: This study aims to investigate the factors that lead
to poor compliance in initiating the treatment in patients with newly
diagnosed head and neck cancers.
Design: Retrospective cohort study
Particpants: Data from a total of 271 patients were retrieved
and analyzed. After excluding patients with (1) multiple cancers (2)
inconclusive diagnoses, (3) rare primary cancer sites, such as the nasal
cavity, paranasal sinuses, or salivary glands and (4) primary site
unknown, a total of 194 patients were included in this study.
Main outcome measures: The variables included in the analysis
were age, gender, primary cancer site, T stage, N stage, M stage,
overall stage (I-IV), patient’s residential distance, and the impact of
COVID-19. Univariate and multivariate analyses were employed to evaluate
the significance of these variables in regard to affecting the time to
receiving on-time treatment based on the specialist’s suggestion.
Results: Upon multivariate analysis, the primary site, stage,
and residential distance were significantly associated with initial
compliance (P<0.05). The impact of COVID-19 showing a
borderline significance (p=0.137).
Conclusion: The primary site, overall stage, patient living
distance to the healthcare facility, and the impact of COVID-19 might
affect the compliance of initiating a curative-intent treatment in
patients with newly diagnosed head and neck cancers.