Malignant Head and Neck Neoplasm

In this clinical trial, patient reported outcome (PRO) assessment completion is compared between patients (undergoing systemic therapy for head and neck or lung cancer) who receive additional symptoms monitoring and evidence-based self-management strategies for those with elevated symptoms (intervention arm), and those who do not receive these (control arm). PRO measures are validated tools that capture health-related perspectives directly from the patient and are complementary to provider assessment. Timely completion of PRO assessments and symptoms management of moderate or severe symptoms are essential to improve quality of life and decrease unwanted health care utilization. However, only \~40% of patients complete PRO assessments in clinical settings. In addition, systemic therapy for cancer results in many symptoms (e.g., dry mouth, shortness of breath, constipation) not covered by the disease-general Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) measures. Patients in the control arm will receive the existing PROMIS assessments and a thank you message upon completion. Patients in the intervention arm will receive the PROMIS assessments in addition to nine Patient-Reported Outcome Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (PRO-CTCAE) most prevalent symptoms, and evidence-based self-management strategies Handbook for those with elevated symptoms. Patients in the intervention arm will enter their symptoms in a SMS text and they will be directed to the handbook for strategies to manage their elevated symptoms using a digital platform-Computerized Intervention Authoring System (CIAS)-integrated within the Epic electronic health records. Information gathered has the potential to influence cancer care practices on a larger scale, shaping policies and clinical practices to improve health outcomes for cancer patients and reducing the burden of cancer-related symptoms.

This study examines how the American College of Surgeons Geriatric Surgery Verification Program, also called the ACS GSV Program, is implemented at the James Cancer Hospital. The program is designed to improve surgical care for adults age 65 and older by helping care teams identify and address age-related needs before, during, and after surgery. Older adults with cancer may have concerns related to physical function, memory or thinking, medications, social support, and goals of care. If these needs are not recognized, patients may be at higher risk for complications, longer hospital stays, readmission, or discharge to a facility instead of home. The ACS GSV Program includes standards for geriatric surgery leadership, goals-of-care discussions, screening for age-related vulnerabilities, care plans for identified needs, age-friendly perioperative care, and regular review of surgical outcomes. This study will evaluate how well these standards are adopted across surgical oncology services and whether implementation is associated with better outcomes, such as shorter hospital stays, fewer complications, fewer readmissions, and improved discharge outcomes. The results may help improve surgical care workflows for older adults undergoing cancer surgery.

The main goal of this phase of the study is to determine if objectively assessed Physical Activity (PA) levels in advanced-cancer patients are associated with health care provider (HCP)-assessed ECOG performance status and overall survival. The purpose is to advance the evidence-base for incorporating objective assessment of Physical Activity (PA) in the context of performance status assessment in advanced cancer patients.

This clinical trial tests whether a peer support program is feasible for head and neck cancer patients. Social support at the time of diagnosis has been shown to improve head and neck cancer quality of life before and after treatment. However, not all patients have a strong social support system. Recent research has shown that peer support programs have the potential to address unmet social support needs among cancer patients. These programs involve cancer survivors (peer mentors) providing emotional and informational support to cancer patients (mentees) earlier in their disease course. Peer support programs may also reduce caregiver burden by providing an additional source of support for the patient. A one-on-one peer support program may be feasible for patients with head and neck cancer and their caregivers.