A "package solution" fast track program can reduce the diagnostic waiting time in head and neck cancer.

In 2007, a fast track program for patients with suspicion of head and neck cancer (HNC) was introduced in Denmark to reduce unnecessary waiting time. The program was based on so called "package solutions" including pre-booked slots for outpatient evaluation, imaging, and diagnostic surgical procedures. The purpose of this study is to present a model for fast track handling of patients suspicious of cancer in the head and neck region and to evaluate the effect of implementation on the diagnostic work up time. Patients with suspicion of HNC referred to the same university department of ENT Head and Neck Surgery during three comparable time intervals 2006-2007, 2007-2008, and 2011-2012 (groups 1-3) were investigated. We recorded the time from patient referral, to first consultation and final diagnosis. The first interval was before initiation of the "package solution", the second just after the introduction, and the third interval represents the current situation. The median time from referral to first consultation was reduced from eight calendar days in group 1 to only one day in groups 2 and 3 (p < 0.001). The combined median time from referral to the final cancer diagnosis decreased from 24 calendar days in group 1 to 7 and 10 days in groups 2 and 3, respectively (p < 0.005). The hit rate of finding malignancy was 41% in group 1, 49% in group 2, and 43% in group 3 with no difference among the groups (p = 0.13). The frequency of newly diagnosed HNC was 19% in group 1, 21% in group 2, and 17% in group 3 (p = 0.52). A "package solution" including pre-booked slots for diagnostic procedures is feasible and can significantly reduce the waiting time for patients with suspicion of HNC.

Prestimulation with recombinant human thyrotropin (rhTSH) improves the long-term outcome of radioiodine therapy for multinodular nontoxic goiter.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to evaluate the long-term outcome of recombinant human TSH (rhTSH)-augmented radioiodine ((131)I) therapy for benign multinodular nontoxic goiter. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 2002 and 2005, 86 patients with a multinodular nontoxic goiter were treated with (131)I in two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials. (131)I-therapy was preceded by 0.3 mg rhTSH (n = 42) or placebo (n = 44). In 2009, 80 patients completed a follow-up (FU) visit, including determination of thyroid volume, thyroid function, and patient satisfaction by a visual analog scale. RESULTS: In both groups, thyroid volume was further reduced from 1 yr to final FU (71 months). The mean goiter volume reductions obtained at 1 yr and final FU [59.2 ± 2.4% (sem) and 69.7 ± 3.1%, respectively] in the rhTSH group were significantly greater than those obtained in the (131)I-alone group (43.2 ± 3.7 and 56.2 ± 3.6%, respectively, P = 0.001 and P = 0.006), corresponding to a gain of 24% at final FU. At last FU the mean reduction in compression visual analog scale score was significantly greater in patients receiving rhTSH (P = 0.049). Additional therapy (thyroid surgery or (131)I) was required more often in the placebo group (nine of 44) compared with the rhTSH group (two of 42) (P = 0.05). The prevalence of hypothyroidism at 1 yr [9 and 43% in the placebo and rhTSH groups, respectively (P < 0.0001)] increased to 16 and 52%, respectively, at final FU (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Enhanced goiter volume reduction with rhTSH-augmented (131)I therapy improves the long-term reduction in goiter-related symptoms and reduces the need for additional therapy compared with plain (131)I therapy. Overall patient satisfaction is benefited, despite a higher rate of permanent hypothyroidism.