The Danish Head and Neck Cancer database

Abstract

Aim of the databaseThe Danish Head and Neck Cancer database is a nationwide clinical quality database that contains prospective data collected since the early 1960s. The overall aim of this study was to describe the outcome of the national strategy for multidisciplinary treatment of head and neck cancer in Denmark and to create a basis for clinical trials.Study populationThe study population consisted of all Danish patients referred for treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx, pharynx, oral cavity, or neck nodes from unknown primary or any histopathological type (except lymphoma) of cancer in the nasal sinuses, salivary glands, or thyroid gland (corresponding to the International Classification of Diseases, tenth revision, classifications C.01–C.11, C.30–C.32, C.73, and C.80).Main variablesThe main variables used in the study were symptoms and the duration of the symptoms; etiological factors; pretreatment and diagnostic evaluation, including tumor–node–metastasis classification, imaging, histopathology, and laboratory tests; primary treatment with semidetailed information of radiotherapy, surgery, and medical treatment; follow-up registration of tumor status and side effects; registration of relapse and treatment thereof; and registration of death and cause of death.Main resultsData from >33,000 patients have been recorded during a period of >45 years. In this period, the outcome of treatment improved substantially, partly due to better treatment as a result of a series of continuous clinical trials and subsequent implementation in national guidelines. The database has furthermore been used to describe the effect of reduced waiting time, changed epidemiology, and influence of comorbidity and socioeconomic parameters.ConclusionHalf a century of registration of head and neck cancer treatment and outcome has created the basis for understanding and has substantially contributed to improve the treatment of head and neck cancer at both national and international levels.

Rationale and design of a randomised controlled trial investigating the effect of multidisciplinary nutritional rehabilitation for patients treated for head and neck cancer (the NUTRI-HAB trial)

“…Participants will be recruited among respondents of a nationwide survey on late effects and health-related QOL in Danish patients treated for HNC 1-5 years following radiation therapy. The survey population was identified through The Danish Head and Neck Cancer Group's (DAHANCA) national clinical quality database [37].…”

Variation in Integrated Head and Neck Cancer Care: Impact of Patient and Hospital Characteristics

“…Other countries already have databases with the aim of improving quality of care and patient outcomes, such as the National Head and Neck Cancer Audit in the United Kingdom and the Danish Head and Neck Cancer database. 35,36 A difference with our database is that the DHNA relies on census-and evidence-based QIs from the 3 different perspectives of medical specialists, AHPs, and patients, whereas the other databases are mostly set up from an epidemiologic perspective and form a base for clinical trials. An epidemiologic database is not primarily intended for quality registration.…”

A prospective, multicenter DAHANCA study of hyperfractionated, accelerated radiotherapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

“…DAHANCA, The Danish Head and Neck Cancer Group, has through a series of consecutive, prospective trials improved primary radiotherapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) [1,2]. In the 1980's, loco-regional control was significantly increased by targeting hypoxia and adding the hypoxic radiosensitizer nimorazole to conventionally fractionated radiotherapy of 66-68 Gy in 5 weekly fractions of 2 Gy [3].…”