Multi-Domain Screening: Identification of Patient’s Risk Profile Prior to Head-and-Neck Cancer Treatment

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD), malnutrition, sarcopenia, and frailty often co-occur with head-and-neck cancer (HNC) and may affect treatment outcomes, but the presence, severity, and consequences of these phenomena vary from patient to patient. It is a challenge to predict which patients have a higher risk of these phenomena, and early identification using a ‘quick and easy’ multi-domain screening may allow us to obtain a more holistic view of the patient’s risk profile, enabling the prevention of complications and prehabilitation before the start of cancer treatment. The aim of our study was to identify the prevalence of the risk of OD, malnutrition, sarcopenia, and frailty and their co-occurrence in all newly diagnosed HNC patients. More than three quarters of the 128 patients were at risk for OD, malnutrition, sarcopenia, and/or frailty. The advanced cancer stage was related to an increased risk of OD and higher levels of distress. ABSTRACT: Background: Head-and-neck cancer (HNC) can give rise to oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD), malnutrition, sarcopenia, and frailty. Early identification of these phenomena in newly diagnosed HNC patients is important to reduce the risk of complications and to improve treatment outcomes. The aim of this study was (1) to determine the prevalence of the risk of OD, malnutrition, sarcopenia, and frailty; and (2) to investigate the relation between these phenomena and patients’ age, performance status, and cancer group staging. Methods: Patients (N = 128) underwent multi-domain screening consisting of the Eating Assessment Tool-10 for OD, Short Nutritional Assessment Questionnaire and BMI for malnutrition, Short Physical Performance Battery and Hand Grip Strength for sarcopenia, and Distress Thermometer and Maastricht Frailty Screening Tool for frailty. Results: 26.2%, 31.0%, 73.0%, and 46.4% of the patients were at risk for OD, malnutrition, sarcopenia, or frailty, respectively. Patients with an advanced cancer stage had a significantly higher risk of OD and high levels of distress prior to cancer treatment. Conclusions: This study identified the risk profile of newly diagnosed HNC patients using a standardized ‘quick and easy’ multi-domain screening prior to cancer treatment.