From JAMAnetwork.com, published online November 4, 2021. doi:10.1001/jamaoto.2021.2824
by Michelle M. Chen, MD, MHSNicole M. Mott, BSJacquelyn Miller, MA; et al
What are otolaryngologists’ and radiation oncologists’ perspectives on deintensifying head and neck cancer surveillance?
In this qualitative study of 21 otolaryngologists and radiation oncologists, clinicians identified potential barriers to deintensifying surveillance, including patient and physician peace of mind, need to maintain a physician-patient relationship, and need to adequately manage treatment-associated toxic effects and other survivorship concerns.
These findings suggest that incorporation of surveillance and survivorship education in training, positive reframing of surveillance deintensification, and creation of virtual survivorship programs may address some barriers to deintensification.