Supportive care in oral cancer patients: a prospective longitudinal study at a german university hospital

BACKGROUND: Supportive therapeutic interventions aimed at improving outcome quality in oncological patients are key components of perioperative medicine. The present study aims to analyze the use of supportive therapeutic interventions in the pre-, peri-, and postoperative phases in patients with oral cavity carcinomas, as well as the corresponding temporal development of patient-specific resilience and satisfaction. METHODS: This prospective longitudinal study included patients with oral cavity carcinomas who underwent surgery at a university-based oncology center between 2022 and 2025. Patient-specific resilience (RS-11 questionnaire), utilization of supportive therapies (yes/no/irregular), and satisfaction with nine domains of life were assessed. A final survey was conducted four months after surgery (T3) and compared with results from the preoperative (T1) and postoperative inpatient (T2) phases. RESULTS: A total of 30 patients were enrolled in the study. The average time from diagnosis to treatment was 21 days (max: 35d; min: 9d). The average RS-11 score was 5.7 (T1: 5.3; T2: 4.6). Compared to the preoperative baseline, there was a statistically significant decrease in satisfaction in the domains of physical activity (T1: p = 0.01; T2: p = 0.53) and enjoyment of food (T1: p = 0.01; T2: p < 0.001). Three patients received regular psycho-oncological support (T1: n = 0; T2: n = 23). Seven patients reported regular participation in sports programs (T1: n = 2; T2: n = 21). Three patients received speech therapy (T1: n = 1; T2: n = 17). DISCUSSION: The present results indicate that only a small proportion of patients continue to regularly utilize the supportive therapies initiated in the immediate postoperative period four months after surgery. At the same time, there is a significant decline in satisfaction with physical activity and the ability to enjoy eating when compared to preoperative assessments. Although the greatest needs for supportive therapies were identified during hospitalization, persistent postoperative impairments should be addressed through more consistent use of supportive care in the early outpatient follow-up phase. The structural framework conditions for the use of innovative therapy methods such as perioperative immunotherapy must also be taken into account.