Factors Affecting the Compliance of Curative-Intent Treatment in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer.

Objectives

This study aims to investigate the factors that lead to poor compliance in initiating the treatment in patients with newly diagnosed head and neck cancers.

Methods

A total of 193 patients from the head and neck cancer database dated from January 1, 2018 to September 30, 2020, were analyzed. Variables analyzed included age, gender, primary cancer site, T stage, N stage, M stage, overall stage (I-IV), patient's residential distance, and the impact of COVID-19. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess the significance of these variables in relation to the time to receiving on-time treatment as recommended by specialists.

Results

Upon multivariate analysis, the advanced stage and residential distance were significantly associated with initial compliance (P < .09). The impact of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and COVID-19 shows a borderline significance (P = .224 and P = .184).

Conclusions

The overall stage and patient living distance to the healthcare facility, patient with NPC, and the impact of COVID-19 might affect the compliance of initiating a curative-intent treatment in patients with newly diagnosed head and neck cancers.