Carotid ultrasound to identify head and neck cancer survivors with high cardiovascular risk after radiation therapy: rationale and design of a prospective, cross-sectional pilot study.

ABSTRACT: Background: Radiation therapy is an integral component of treatment that can predispose to carotid artery stenosis (CAS) and increase the risk of cerebrovascular events for head and neck cancer survivors. The utility of screening for CAS with carotid ultrasound in asymptomatic head and neck cancer survivors is unclear.Methods: In this prospective, cross-sectional pilot study, 60 patients who have no evidence of cancer at least 2 years from completion of RT will undergo screening carotid ultrasound to identify patients with high risk of cardiovascular events.Results: Outcomes will include clinically significant CAS, carotid intima-media thickness, acceptability/feasibility of screening, barriers to care and preliminary data on changes to medical management because of sc

SUBMITTER: Hughes RT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11520544 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature