HEAD AND NECK CANCER SURVIVORSHIP: NEUROLOGICAL AND CARDIOVASCULAR LONG-TERM EFFECTS

Abstract

Head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors are increasingly facing long-term health complications beyond tumor remission, particularly in the domains of neurological and cardiovascular health. This study comprehensively investigates the persistence and incidence of these late effects in HNC survivors by integrating both quantitative analysis and clinical records across multiple care centers. A cohort of 420 post-treatment survivors, monitored for up to 10 years, was analyzed using both cross-sectional and longitudinal methods. The results highlight that approximately 34% of patients developed mild to moderate cognitive impairments, with memory loss and decreased executive functioning being most prevalent. Neurological assessments indicated significantly increased risks of peripheral neuropathy and radiotherapy-induced demyelination, particularly in patients who received concurrent chemoradiation therapy.

On the cardiovascular side, 41% of participants experienced complications ranging from hypertension to ischemic heart disease. Statistical modeling revealed that radiation exposure to carotid arteries and long-term systemic inflammation were major predictive factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) development post-treatment. A notable correlation was found between neurocognitive decline and elevated inflammatory biomarkers (p < 0.01), underscoring a possible mechanistic overlap between neurological and cardiovascular effects. Additionally, socioeconomic disparities played a significant role in post-treatment follow-up adherence and management outcomes.

Figures and tables included in the study provide detailed breakdowns of prevalence, risk stratification, and comparative outcomes by treatment modality, age, and comorbidity index. Overall, the findings underscore the need for a cross-specialty survivorship model that includes routine neurocardiac monitoring, integrated rehabilitation services, and individualized survivorship care planning to improve long-term quality of life for HNC survivors.