The impact of depression on survival of head and neck cancer patients: A population-based cohort study

Abstract

BackgroundDepression is common among patients with head and neck cancer, thereby affecting their survival rate. However, whether close monitoring of depression affects the survival outcomes of these patients is unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether depression treatment continuity after the diagnosis of cancer affects the survival of these patients.MethodsA total of 55,069 patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer in the Cancer Registration System database in Taiwan were enrolled. This cohort was followed from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2017. Furthermore, the patients were divided into four groups, namely, “no depression,” “pre-cancer only,” “post-cancer only,” and “both before and after cancer,” on the basis of the diagnosis of depression and the duration of the follow-up period in the psychiatric clinic. Further, the Cox proportional hazard model was applied to estimate the hazard of death for the four groups.ResultsA total of 6,345 (11.52%) patients were diagnosed with depression in this cohort. The “pre-cancer only” group had a lower overall survival (HR = 1.18; 95% CI = 1.11–1.25) compared with the “no depression” group. Moreover, the “post-cancer only” group had better overall survival (HR = 0.88; 95% CI = 0.83–0.94) compared with the “no depression” group, especially in advanced-stage patients. Patients who were diagnosed with depression before cancer and had continuous depression treatments after the cancer diagnosis had better overall survival (HR = 0.78; 95% CI = 0.71–0.86) compared with patients who had treatment interruptions.ConclusionPatients with pre-cancer depression had poorer survival outcomes, especially those who did not receive psychiatric clinic visits after their cancer diagnosis. Nonetheless, in patients with advanced-stage cancer, depression treatment may improve overall survival.

Use of ketamine for depression and suicidality in cancer and terminal patients: Review of current data

“…Patients with both cancer and depression have been shown to have a reduced ability to cope with emotional distress, leading to a decreased quality of life, nonadherence to medical treatment and decreased survival rates [29] , [30] . Additionally, depression is associated with an impaired immune response [29] and an increased perception of pain which may increase lengths of hospital stays, reduce drug efficacy and further decrease overall health outcomes [31] .…”

Enhancing quality of life in head and neck cancer patients: a comparative analysis of 3D exoscope-assisted surgery vs. traditional approaches

“…Moreover, the long-term consequences of radiotherapy (RT), such as xerostomia, dysphagia, alterations in taste, and hypothyroidism, are well-documented in the literature ( 29 ). These challenges, often accompanied by social withdrawal and emotional distress, necessitate a comprehensive evaluation for informed treatment decisions ( 30 ). The importance of considering the QOL has recently gained prominence in the decision-making process for treating individuals with HNC ( 7 , 31 ).…”

Trajectory of Depression among Prostate Cancer Patients: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Among patients living with other types of cancers, such as breast cancer [ 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 ], head and neck cancer [ 38 , 39 , 40 ], and esophageal cancer [ 41 , 42 ], depression and anxiety were found to be the most common problems, and were associated with impaired outcomes [ 40 , 43 , 44 , 45 ]. The research focusing on the association between depression and regret among cancer patients is limited.…”