Collaboration is the key to quality care.
Hoag’s Head and Neck Cancer Program is a comprehensive approach to
maximize quality of life for patients while expertly positioning Hoag
to take on the changing dynamics of these types of cancers.
Head and neck cancers were once most commonly diagnosed in patients upward
of age 70, and often in those with a history of alcohol or tobacco use.
Recently physicians have noted a rise in the number of cases of cancer
originating from the oral cavity, in the younger population, without any
history of high risk behaviors.
Diagnoses typically include squamous cell cancers of the paranasal sinuses,
nasal cavity, oral cavity, tongue, salivary glands, larynx, pharynx and thyroid.
Physicians in recent years have seen a sharp increase in the number of
cancer cases caused by the most common sexually transmitted disease in
the United States — the human papillomavirus (HPV).
“With the HPV-association, we’re seeing a dramatic rise in
head and neck cancers,” said Brian Kim, M.D., Hoag radiation oncologist.
“In order to properly manage patients, a multidisciplinary approach
to therapy is needed.”
This shift in demographics of head and neck cancer patients has been the
catalyst for Hoag to develop a unique, multi-faceted program that employs
the latest technology and expert physicians to treat the rapidly increasing
number of patients.
A panel of surgeons, radiologists, oncologists, nurse navigators, speech
pathologists and dietitians work together, and meet twice monthly, to
decide the best course for patients during and post-treatment.
By relying on expert and experienced surgeons who specialize in removing
cancer from the head and neck area, patients can trust their outcome will
be the best one possible.
“It’s an area that deals with the ability to eat, communicate,
express emotion, interaction and relationships,” said Timothy Kelley,
M.D., Head and Neck Cancer program director and oncologic surgeon. “It’s
a key part of being human. We look to restore their humanity and dignity,
while curing their cancer.”
For some patients, surgery is not the best option and radiation therapy
plays a much larger role in treatment.
Intensity-Modulated Radiation Treatment (IMRT) using Tomotherapy and Elekta
Agility, the latest in radiation therapy technology, allows oncologists
to better target cancer cells.
“It focuses the radiation dose to the desired areas and avoids the
normal tissue structures to prevent any long-term dryness of the mouth,”
Dr. Kim said. “Now, many patients are able to function normally
after treatment, which has been a big advancement in patients’ quality
of life.”
Head and neck cancer patients have high cure rates after surgery and radiation
treatment but often face challenges with nutrition, taste, swallowing
and speaking.
Unique at Hoag, upon initiation of treatment, patients meet with an oncology
nurse, speech pathologist and a registered dietitian. This allows the
team to identify any issues prior to treatment and to proactively minimize
problems with nutrition, speech or swallowing. Patients are followed by
this multidisciplinary team throughout their treatment to assure they
maintain their weight, which studies show helps people achieve better outcomes.
“What I see is truly patient-centered care,” said Rhonda Hjelm,
MSN, RN, OCN, head and neck cancer nurse navigator. “We can really
consistently follow each patient from diagnosis through survivorship.”
Helping patients navigate their appointments, getting them in contact with
support groups and working to ensure their treatment plan runs smoothly
is all part of Hoag’s dedication to comprehensive care.
“Hoag has a really well-rounded program,” Hjelm said. “With
this team collaboration, we can really enhance and improve patient care
and experience.”