Barriers and Timely Postoperative Radiation Therapy in Head and Neck Cancer.

ABSTRACT:

Importance

Initiation of postoperative radiation therapy (PORT) within 6 weeks of surgery is associated with improved outcomes among patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. However, the relationship of barriers to care with timely PORT is unknown.

Objective

To categorize barriers to timely PORT, evaluate the association of barriers to care with initiation of timely PORT, and describe the primary reason for delay among patients without timely PORT.

Design, setting, and participants

This prospective cohort study at a US academic medical center included adults with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma undergoing curative-intent surgery with an indication for PORT. Patients were recruited for the study from May 19, 2020, to November 6, 2023.

Main outcomes

SUBMITTER: Nguyen MT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12426859 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature