In the United States, pharyngeal cancer has become the most common type of head and neck cancer, with 80 % of cases found in males. Although disparities in treatment delays have been observed in pharyngeal patients, less is known about how policies facilitate timely care. This study aimed to estimate the association between Medicaid expansion and delaying initiation of pharyngeal cancer treatment.
We extracted Surveillance, Epidemiological, End Results (SEER) case data to analyze pharyngeal cancers diagnosed between 2000 and 2018. The outcome of interest was a binary variable indicating if the patient initiated treatment two or more months after diagnosis. We conducted subgroup analyses by sex, marital status, and type of treatment received (surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, post-operative radiation, systemic therapy). We implemented the Matrix Completion algorithm to account for staggered rollout of Medicaid expansion within our difference-in-differences design.
Our sample included 79,433 patients diagnosed with pharynx cancer. Delayed treatment was lowest among married females receiving systemic therapy (5 %), and highest among married males and females not recommended to receive surgery (43 %). Generally, there was no association between Medicaid expansion and changes in delayed treatment. Subgroup analyses show that Medicaid expansion was associated with reduced treatment delays in unmarried females receiving systemic therapy (−4.5%-points), and married males receiving chemotherapy (Est. = −2.6%-points), radiotherapy (Est. = −3.1%-points), and married males not recommended to receive surgery (Est. = −4.6%-points).
Given the importance of timely pharyngeal cancer treatment, health systems must identify and address the drivers of treatment delays to advance cancer equity.
Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OPSCC) is a challenging subtype of head and neck cancer that traditionally has been associated with poor prognosis and high morbidity due to the limitations of conventional treatments such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Immune checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized OPSCC and other cancer therapies. ICIs that target the PD-1 and PD-L1 axis and CTLA-4 have altered cancer action by improving the immune system capacity to detect and kill cancer cells. This paper discusses the significant impact of ICIs like Pembrolizumab and Nivolumab, which have been approved for use in recurrent or metastatic OPSCC and have demonstrated remarkable efficacy in clinical trials. The integration of these therapies into clinical practice has been facilitated by the identification of biomarkers such as PD-L1 expression, which guides personalized treatment strategies. Moreover, ongoing research into combination therapies involving ICIs and other treatment modalities is poised which, leads for further improvement in patient outcomes. Despite the successes, challenges such as immune-related adverse events and resistance mechanisms remain, underscoring the need for continued innovation and exploration in the field. This review highlights the pivotal role of ICIs in redefining OPSCC treatment, offering new hope for sustained survival and improved quality of life.
Whether prosthetic rehabilitation significantly affects quality of life and functions of post maxillectomy patients.
Systematically analyze the effects of different types of obturators on post-maxillectomy patients focusing on quality of life and function.
An electronic search was conducted across four databases PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, and ScienceDirect in English language from January 1995 June 2024 using the key terms maxillectomy OR hemi-maxillectomy OR palatomaxillary defect OR Aramany OR Brown OR Okay AND obturator OR denture OR prosthetic AND flap OR surgery OR prosthetic rehabilitation. Additionally, a hand search was performed in the institutional library on Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, Journal of Indian Prosthodontic Society, Journal of Prosthodontics, International Journal of Prosthodontics and Indian Journal of Prosthodontic Research.
Seven articles were included in this systematic review. Patient scores from quality-of-life questionnaires and functional ability evaluations were compared across a total of 251 patients, including those with and without obturators. The evaluation included 3 prospective studies, 2 retrospective studies, 1 clinical study, and 1 randomized controlled trial. The results demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in both speech and quality of life for patients using maxillary obturators.
Obturator prostheses are not only improved the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) but also enhance overall function of the patient rehabilitated with maxillary oncological defects. They play a crucial role in orofacial rehabilitation by addressing functional and aesthetic challenges faced by individuals with such defects. This positive impact is likely due to the prostheses' ability to restore oral and facial functions, improve speech, and enhance self-esteem and social interactions.