Compliance to Multimodality Management in Locally Advanced Head and Neck Malignancies

Abstract

Background: Head and neck cancer is the eighth most common cancer globally and the third most common in India. It includes cancers of the oral cavity, oropharynx, nasopharynx, larynx, hypopharynx, paranasal sinuses, salivary glands and the ear. Most cases are managed using more than one treatment modality, including surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy. The prolonged course of multimodality management may influence patient compliance. Studying these factors can help improve treatment completion, reduce recurrence and enhance quality of life.

Objectives: To study compliance with multimodality management in patients with locally advanced head and neck malignancies and determine its association with various factors.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among patients diagnosed with locally advanced head and neck malignancies who received more than one treatment modality (surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy) at the institution between January 2022 and December 2022. Eligible patients were interviewed telephonically using a semi-structured questionnaire. Associations between variables were analysed using the chi-square test.

Results: Overall non-compliance was 20%. The only factor significantly associated with non-compliance was lack of confidence in the treatment regimen (p = 0.0279).

Conclusion: A statistically significant association was observed between treatment non-compliance and lack of confidence in the prescribed treatment regimen.