Patient-reported outcomes and complications during head and neck cancer radiotherapy before versus during the COVID-19 pandemic

Purpose: This study compares patient-reported outcomes and treatment-related complications during radiotherapy before (August 2019–January 2020) versus during (March–Sept 2020) the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods: The MD Anderson Symptom Inventory-head and neck module was used to assess curative intent in H&N cancer patients’ symptoms during radiotherapy. Results: There were 158 patients in the pre-pandemic cohort and 137 patients in the pandemic cohort. There was no significant difference in enteral feeding requirements between the cohorts (21% versus 30%, p = 0.07). Weight loss was higher during the pandemic (mean − 5.6% versus 6.8%, p = 0.03). On multivariate analysis, treatment during the pandemic was associated with higher symptom scores for coughing/choking while eating (2.7 versus 2.1, p = 0.013). Conclusions: Complication rates during H&N radiotherapy during the COVID-19 pandemic were similar at our institution relative to the pre-pandemic era, although weight loss was greater and patients reported more severe choking/coughing while eating.