Results of implementation of a program of individual support of chemoradiation therapy in patients with head and neck tumors

The study objective is to improve quality of life in patients with oropharyngeal squamous-cell carcinoma during chemo/bioradiation therapy and at early stages after its completion which allows to perform the full extent of radiation within optimal treatment period.

Materials and methods. A retrospective analysis of data on 196 patients who underwent chemoradiation therapy between 2005 and 2016 was performed. The results were used to develop and implement a program of support for chemo/bioradiotherapy. The program was characterized by: 1. use of Russian hydrogel materials for local delivery of antibiotics and wound-healing, anesthetizing, anti-inflammatory medications; 2. new regimens of pain relief with differentiated pathogenetic approach and use of modern transdermal long-acting forms; 3. nutritional support at every treatment stage; 4. assurance of compliancy. To evaluate the program, prospective randomized controlled study was performed between January of 2017 and March of 2019 including 60 patients.

Results. Mucositis and dermatitis severity and changes in physical state associated with them, progression and duration of radiation did not significantly differ in the two groups. Use of the support program allowed to control adverse effects and to perform chemoradiotherapy to the full extent, at optimal time and with satisfactory quality of life.

Conclusion. The program of support of chemo/bioradiotherapy in combination with psychological support is effective both form the point of view of optimization of treatment and rehabilitation times and from the point of view of maintenance of high quality of life in patients.

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