DeintensiF: Standard versus individualized deintensified follow-up after curative treatment in head and neck cancer: protocol of a randomized pilot study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Around 70% of head and neck cancer (HNC) cases are diagnosed in an advanced stage. Improvements in treatment have led to a cure rate of up to 80-90% for early-stage and 40-50% for advanced-stage disease. However, routine follow-up involves social and financial burdens, including frequent imaging associated with radiation exposure and costs. Currently, there is no consensus on the follow-up strategy after HNC treatment, and no conclusive evidence shows a survival advantage for routine follow-up over symptom-driven self-referrals. The DeintensiF study aims to provide robust evidence, comparing standard follow-up with a tailored deintensified approach. Additionally, it seeks to explore whether early detection of recurrence/second primary malignancy in asymptomatic patients

SUBMITTER: Mueller M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12083109 | biostudies-literature | 2025 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature