Recurrence detection in head and neck cancer: a systematic review of routine follow-up practices and clinical implications
Routine follow-up beyond two years for detecting asymptomatic recurrences is unlikely to significantly improve early diagnosis or survival. Potential downsides include anxiety prior to visits, societal costs, and burden on healthcare systems and ecosystems. Limiting routine follow-up to two years can be considered unless patients cannot be educated on recurrence-related symptoms. Ensuring accessible care in case of needs or symptoms is crucial.
Authors
- Robert Paul Takes (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4784-0499)
- Juan Pablo Rodrigo (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3063-0890)
- György B. Halmos (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2460-2260)
- Alfio Ferlito (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8247-8002)
- Cecile van de Weerd (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4046-4646)
- Vincent Vander Poorten (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1341-829X)
- Sandra Nuyts (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5540-4796)
- Julia J. van Tol‐Geerdink (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1692-4262)
- Rosella Hermens (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7624-7120)
- Jonathan J. Beitler (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6833-6430)
- Remco de Bree
- J.H.A.M. Kaanders
- T B Echternach
Institutions
- University Medical Center Groningen (NL)
- Radboud University Nijmegen (NL)
- Emory University (US)
- Universidade de São Paulo (BR)
- Radboud University Medical Center (NL)
- University Medical Center Utrecht (NL)
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology (BE)
- Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (NL)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ES)
- International Rectifier (United Kingdom) (GB)
- KU Leuven (BE)
Publication Details
- Journal
- European Journal of Surgical Oncology
- Published
- 2025-11-04
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejso.2025.110505
- Citations
- 1
- Primary Topic
- Head and Neck Cancer Studies
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 1.85