Cutaneous Squamous Cell CarcinomaNCT05482880
Decisional Conflicts, Health-related QoL and Satisfaction With Care in High-risk cSCC in the Head-neck Region
An observational study of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck, run by Maastricht University Medical Center at 2 sites in Netherlands.
Trial summary
Patient reported outcomes in patients with high-risk cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in the head-neck region are an important part of the complex care for these patients. Health-related quality of life, decision conflicts in the choice of treatment and satisfaction with care have not yet been sufficiently studied in… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck, Squamous Cell Carcinomas
- What is being tested?
- Regular care with additionally administration of questionnaires
- How many people
- 78 participants
- Where
- 2 sitesNetherlands
- Study dates
- 28 Feb 2022to 1 Dec 2024
- Phase
- Observational
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 years and older
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Study population: Patients are selected by the treating physicians from multidisciplinary consultation in the secondary/tertiary centers Maastricht UMC+ and Radboud UMC.
Who may be able to join
- patients diagnosed with a cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma located in the head-neck area (including patients with metastatic or recurrence disease)
- requiring a multidisciplinary approach
- assessed at the department of dermatology of Maastricht UMC+ or Radboud UMC OR discussed in the multidisciplinary consultation in Maastricht UMC+ or Radboud UMC
- and for which treatment of the tumor (primary tumor or metastatic/recurrence) takes places in the Maastricht UMC+ of Radboud UMC
- willing to participate voluntarily in the study
Who cannot join
- patients younger than 18 years
- patients with inadequate understanding of the Dutch language
- patients with cognitive impairment or otherwise unable to complete the questionnaires
Trial locations and contacts
2 sites in 1 country.
Netherlands2 sites
Maastricht University Medical Center +
Maastricht, Limburg
Radboud UMC
Nijmegen, Gelderland
About this study
Official title: Decisional Conflicts, Health-related Quality of Life and Satisfaction With Care in High-risk Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma in the Head-neck Region: Validated Questionnaires
Patient reported outcomes in patients with high-risk cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in the head-neck region are an important part of the complex care for these patients. Health-related quality of life, decision conflicts in the choice of treatment and satisfaction with care have not yet been sufficiently studied in this patient group.
Read the detailed description
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the second most common form of skin cancer worldwide after basal cell carcinoma. It involves approximately 20% of all cutaneous malignancies and its incidence is still increasing. In 2020, nearly 15,000 cSCCs were reported in the Netherlands, of which approximately 50% concerned patients aged 75 years or older. UV radiation is the main risk factor for development of a cSCC, therefore the majority of cSCCs are localized to the sun-exposed skin in the head-neck region. cSCCs have a metastatic rate of 2.6-5% and recurrence rate of 1.9-3.7%, with rates increasing in high-risk cSCCs. The increasing incidence, advanced age, the (often) high-risk localization in the head-neck area (given functional and cosmetic importance) and the possible high risk of metastasis result in complex care, especially in stage T2 to T4 cSCCs, also known as high-risk cSCCs.
Patient-reported outcomes and health related quality of life (HRQoL) are important outcomes in the care for high-risk cSCCs in the head-neck region (HNcSCCs). Previous research is limited regarding the impact of cSCCs on QoL in patients with high-risk HNcSCCs , as is research on decision conflicts in the choice of treatment. The PROFILES registry (Arts, 2019) investigated QoL and satisfaction with care in 215 patients with keratinocyte carcinomas in the head-neck region. However, the majority of the patients had basal cell carcinoma (81%); only 23 patients had cSCC. Besides, no distinction was made in high or low risk cSCC. Finally, quality of life and patient satisfaction questionnaires were not administered until at least one year after diagnosis.
Other studies of QoL in cSCC patients do not distinguish stage and/or location of the tumor, involve small study populations, or only use oncological questionnaires rather than disease-specific questionnaires.
In conclusion, there is little scientific research on health related quality of life, decision conflicts in the choice of treatment and satisfaction with care in specific patients with high-risk HNcSCCs.
- Conditions
- Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck, Squamous Cell Carcinomas, Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck, Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Skin, Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck
- Being tested
- Regular care with additionally administration of questionnaires
- Keywords
- High-risk cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, Health-related quality of life, Decisional conflicts, Satisfaction with care, Head-neck region, Multidisciplinary care
- Medical subject headings
- Carcinoma, Squamous Cell, Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck, Skin Neoplasms, Patient Satisfaction
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Regular care with additionally administration of questionnairesOther
Patients receiving regular care. In addition, validated questionnaires are administered at two measurement points:
- after the multidisciplinary consultation, a baseline questionnaire*, the decision conflict scale and the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire are administered by phone.
- 1 month after completion of the treatment program (care pathway) the EQ-5D-5L, the BaSQoL and the EORTC IN-PATSAT32 questionnaires will be administered by phone.
Completing the questionnaires takes about 30 minutes each time.
*Baseline questionnaire: gender, age, marital status, education level, World Health Organization (WHO) performance status, presence of informal care, stage and treatment of cSCC, history of skin cancer, presence of current other skin cancer, and average travel time to hospital.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| head-neck cutaneous Squamous cell carcinomas | Patients with high risk cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head-neck area receiving regular, multidisciplinary care. Receives: Other: Regular care with additionally administration of questionnaires |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Decisional conflict
Decisional conflicts expressed as mean total and domain scores on the Decisional Conflict Scale (DCS) questionnaire.
The DCS questionnaire consist of 16 items related to decision conflicts. Items are given a score value of 0 (strongly agree), 1 (agree), 2 (neither agree or disagree), 3 (disagree) and 4 (strongly disagree). The total score can be calculated by summarize all scores, dividing by 16 and then multiplying by 25. The total score ranges from 0 to 100. A higher score correlates with a higher decisional conflict.
The 5 domain subscores are: uncertainty (3 items), informed (3 items), values clarity (3 items), support (3 items) and effective decision (4 items). The subscores can be calculated by summarize the (3 or 4) items, dividing by the number of items (3 or 4) and then multiplying by 25. The subscores range from 0 to 100 where a higher score correlates with a higher decisional conflict.
Measured: At the start (before treatment) of the care pathway.
Health-related quality of life
Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) expressed as mean total/domain scores on the EuroQol five-dimensional (5D) five-level (5L) (EQ-5D-5L) questionnaire.
The EQ-5D-5L consist of 5 dimensions (mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression). Each dimension has 5 response levels (no, slight, moderate, severe or extreme problems) resp. coded from 1 to 5. The EuroQol-visual analogue scale records the overall health on a vertical visual analogue scale (0 to 100). Example: a response of 77 is coded 77. A higher score indicates a better health status).
Measured: At the start (before treatment) of the care pathway.
Health-related quality of life
Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) expressed as mean total/domain scores on the EuroQol five-dimensional (5D) five-level (5L) (EQ-5D-5L) questionnaire.
The EQ-5D-5L consist of 5 dimensions (mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression). Each dimension has 5 response levels (no, slight, moderate, severe or extreme problems) resp. coded from 1 to 5. The EuroQol-visual analogue scale records the overall health on a vertical visual analogue scale (0 to 100). Example: a response of 77 is coded 77. A higher score indicates a better health status).
Measured: At 1 month after completion of the care pathway.
Health-related quality of life
HRQoL expressed as mean total/domain scores on the Basal and Squamous Cell Carcinoma QoL (BaSQoL) questionnaire.
The BaSQoL consist of 5 scales: behaviour, diagnosis/treatment, worries, appearance and other people. Items are scored: 0 (not at all), 1 (a little), 2 (quite a bit), 3 (very much). An average score per scale will be calculated (the sum of all scores within one scale, divided by the number of items) resulting in a scale score of 0 to 3. A higher score indicates a higher influence of skin cancer on daily life.
Measured: At 1 month after completion of the care pathway.
Satisfaction with care
Satisfaction with care expressed as mean total and domain scores on the EORTC IN-PATSAT32 (patient satisfaction) questionnaire.
The EORTC IN-PATSAT32 is composed of 11 multi-item scales (including doctors' and nurses' interpersonal skills, technical skills, information provision and availability, and other hospital personnel kindness/helpfulness and information giving, waiting time and access) and 3 single item scales (including exchange of information, comfort/cleanliness and general satisfaction). All of the scales and single-item measures range in score from 0 to 100. A high scale score represents a high level of satisfaction with care.
Measured: Once during the care pathway: 1 month after completion of the care pathway.
Secondary outcomes (6)
Difference in decisional conflict outcomes between centers
Differences in decisional conflict outcome measures (primary outcome 1) between Maastricht University Medical Center+ and Radboud University Medical Center, expressed as mean total/domain scores on the Decisional Conflict Scale (DCS) questionnaire.
The DCS questionnaire consist of 16 items related to decision conflicts. Items are given a score value of 0 (strongly agree), 1 (agree), 2 (neither agree or disagree), 3 (disagree) and 4 (strongly disagree). The total score can be calculated by summarize all scores, dividing by 16 and multiplying by 25 (total score range 0-100). A higher score correlates with a higher decisional conflict. The subscores are: uncertainty (3 items), informed (3 items), values clarity (3 items), support (3 items) and effective decision (4 items). The subscores can be calculated by summarize the items, dividing by the number of items and multiplying by 25. The subscores range from 0-100; a higher score correlates with a higher decisional conflict.
Measured: At the start (before treatment) of the care pathway.
Difference in health-related quality of life outcomes between centers
Differences in health-related quality of life outcome measures (primary outcome 2) between Maastricht University Medical Center+ and Radboud University Medical Center. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) expressed as mean total/domain scores on the EuroQol five-dimensional (5D) five-level (5L) (EQ-5D-5L) questionnaire.
The EQ-5D-5L consist of 5 dimensions (mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression). Each dimension has 5 response levels (no, slight, moderate, severe or extreme problems) resp. coded from 1 to 5. The EuroQol-visual analogue scale records the overall health on a vertical visual analogue scale (0 to 100). Example: a response of 77 is coded 77. A higher score indicates a better health status).
Measured: At the start (before treatment) of the care pathway.
Difference in health-related quality of life outcomes between centers
Differences in health-related quality of life outcome measures (primary outcome 3) between Maastricht University Medical Center+ and Radboud University Medical Center. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) expressed as mean total/domain scores on the EuroQol five-dimensional (5D) five-level (5L) (EQ-5D-5L) questionnaire.
The EQ-5D-5L consist of 5 dimensions (mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression). Each dimension has 5 response levels (no, slight, moderate, severe or extreme problems) resp. coded from 1 to 5. The EuroQol-visual analogue scale records the overall health on a vertical visual analogue scale (0 to 100). Example: a response of 77 is coded 77. A higher score indicates a better health status).
Measured: At 1 month after completion of the care pathway.
Difference in health-related quality of life outcomes between centers
Differences in health-related quality of life outcome measures (primary outcome 4) between Maastricht University Medical Center+ and Radboud University Medical Center. HRQoL expressed as mean total/domain scores on the Basal and Squamous Cell Carcinoma QoL (BaSQoL) questionnaire.
The BaSQoL consist of 5 scales: behaviour, diagnosis/treatment, worries, appearance and other people. Items are scored: 0 (not at all), 1 (a little), 2 (quite a bit), 3 (very much). An average score per scale will be calculated (the sum of all scores within one scale, divided by the number of items) resulting in a scale score of 0 to 3. A higher score indicates a higher influence of skin cancer on daily life.
Measured: At 1 month after completion of the care pathway.
Difference in satisfaction with care outcomes between centers
Differences in satisfaction with care outcome measures (primary outcome 5) between Maastricht University Medical Center+ and Radboud University Medical Center. Satisfaction with care expressed as mean total and domain scores on the EORTC IN-PATSAT32 (patient satisfaction) questionnaire.
The EORTC IN-PATSAT32 is composed of 11 multi-item scales (including doctors' and nurses' interpersonal skills, technical skills, information provision and availability, and other hospital personnel kindness/helpfulness and information giving, waiting time and access) and 3 single item scales (including exchange of information, comfort/cleanliness and general satisfaction). All of the scales and single-item measures range in score from 0 to 100. A high scale score represents a high level of satisfaction with care.
Measured: At 1 month after completion of the care pathway.
Change from baseline health-related quality of life after treatment
The difference in HRQoL before and after treatment, expressed by mean total and domain scores on the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire.
The EQ-5D-5L consist of 5 dimensions (mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression). Each dimension has 5 response levels (no, slight, moderate, severe or extreme problems) resp. coded from 1 to 5. The EuroQol-visual analogue scale records the overall health on a vertical visual analogue scale (0 to 100). Example: a response of 77 is coded 77. A higher score indicates a better health status).
Measured: Twice during the care pathway: at the start (before treatment) and 1 month after completion of the care pathway.
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted1 Aug 2022
- Study start28 Feb 2022
- Primary completion1 Nov 2023
- Study completion1 Dec 2024
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (13)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Cutaneous Squamous Cell CarcinomaStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Maastricht University Medical CenterThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Observational
- Observational model
- Cohort
- Time perspective
- Prospective
- Enrolment
- 78 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Maastricht University Medical Center
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- K Mosterd, MD, PhD, Principal investigator, Maastricht University Medical Center
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT05482880
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- METC 2018-2918-A-2
- Status last verified
- Dec 2025
- First submitted
- 26 Jul 2022
- Last updated
- 6 Jan 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided
Publications
Stratigos AJ, Garbe C, Dessinioti C, Lebbe C, Bataille V, Bastholt L, Dreno B, Fargnoli MC, Forsea AM, Frenard C, Harwood CAlpha, Hauschild A, Hoeller C, Kandolf-Sekulovic L, Kaufmann R, Kelleners-Smeets NW, Malvehy J, Del Marmol V, Middleton MR, Moreno-Ramirez D, Pellecani G, Peris K, Saiag P, van den Beuken-van Everdingen MHJ, Vieira R, Zalaudek I, Eggermont AMM, Grob JJ; European Dermatology Forum (EDF), the European Association of Dermato-Oncology (EADO) and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC). European interdisciplinary guideline on invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the skin: Part 1. epidemiology, diagnostics and prevention. Eur J Cancer. 2020 Mar;128:60-82. doi: 10.1016/j.ejca.2020.01.007. Epub 2020 Feb 26.
PubMed 32113941Stratigos AJ, Garbe C, Dessinioti C, Lebbe C, Bataille V, Bastholt L, Dreno B, Concetta Fargnoli M, Forsea AM, Frenard C, Harwood CA, Hauschild A, Hoeller C, Kandolf-Sekulovic L, Kaufmann R, Kelleners-Smeets NWJ, Malvehy J, Del Marmol V, Middleton MR, Moreno-Ramirez D, Pellecani G, Peris K, Saiag P, van den Beuken-van Everdingen MHJ, Vieira R, Zalaudek I, Eggermont AMM, Grob JJ; European Dermatology Forum (EDF), the European Association of Dermato-Oncology (EADO) and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC). European interdisciplinary guideline on invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the skin: Part 2. Treatment. Eur J Cancer. 2020 Mar;128:83-102. doi: 10.1016/j.ejca.2020.01.008. Epub 2020 Feb 26.
PubMed 32113942Kallini JR, Hamed N, Khachemoune A. Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin: epidemiology, classification, management, and novel trends. Int J Dermatol. 2015 Feb;54(2):130-40. doi: 10.1111/ijd.12553. Epub 2014 Nov 27.
PubMed 25428226Que SKT, Zwald FO, Schmults CD. Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: Incidence, risk factors, diagnosis, and staging. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2018 Feb;78(2):237-247. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2017.08.059.
PubMed 29332704Mourouzis C, Boynton A, Grant J, Umar T, Wilson A, Macpheson D, Pratt C. Cutaneous head and neck SCCs and risk of nodal metastasis - UK experience. J Craniomaxillofac Surg. 2009 Dec;37(8):443-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jcms.2009.07.007. Epub 2009 Aug 27.
PubMed 19713116Brantsch KD, Meisner C, Schonfisch B, Trilling B, Wehner-Caroli J, Rocken M, Breuninger H. Analysis of risk factors determining prognosis of cutaneous squamous-cell carcinoma: a prospective study. Lancet Oncol. 2008 Aug;9(8):713-20. doi: 10.1016/S1470-2045(08)70178-5. Epub 2008 Jul 9.
PubMed 18617440Brougham ND, Dennett ER, Cameron R, Tan ST. The incidence of metastasis from cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and the impact of its risk factors. J Surg Oncol. 2012 Dec;106(7):811-5. doi: 10.1002/jso.23155. Epub 2012 May 16.
PubMed 22592943Schmults CD, Karia PS, Carter JB, Han J, Qureshi AA. Factors predictive of recurrence and death from cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: a 10-year, single-institution cohort study. JAMA Dermatol. 2013 May;149(5):541-7. doi: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2013.2139.
PubMed 23677079van Egmond S, Wakkee M, Droger M, Bastiaens MT, van Rengen A, de Roos KP, Nijsten T, Lugtenberg M. Needs and preferences of patients regarding basal cell carcinoma and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma care: a qualitative focus group study. Br J Dermatol. 2019 Jan;180(1):122-129. doi: 10.1111/bjd.16900. Epub 2018 Sep 23.
PubMed 29927480Arts LPJ, Waalboer-Spuij R, de Roos KP, Thissen MRTM, Scheijmans LJ, Aarts MJ, Oerlemans S, Lybeert MLM, Louwman MWJ. Health-Related Quality of Life, Satisfaction with Care, and Cosmetic Results in Relation to Treatment among Patients with Keratinocyte Cancer in the Head and Neck Area: Results from the PROFILES Registry. Dermatology. 2020;236(2):133-142. doi: 10.1159/000502033. Epub 2019 Aug 21.
PubMed 31434078Chren MM, Sahay AP, Bertenthal DS, Sen S, Landefeld CS. Quality-of-life outcomes of treatments for cutaneous basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. J Invest Dermatol. 2007 Jun;127(6):1351-7. doi: 10.1038/sj.jid.5700740. Epub 2007 Feb 15.
PubMed 17301830Wang AY, Palme CE, Wang JT, Morgan GJ, Gebski V, Gilchrist J, Veness MJ. Quality of life assessment in patients treated for metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. J Laryngol Otol. 2013 Jul;127 Suppl 2:S39-47. doi: 10.1017/S0022215113000303. Epub 2013 Mar 5.
PubMed 23458083Abedini R, Nasimi M, Noormohammad Pour P, Moghtadaie A, Tohidinik HR. Quality of Life in Patients with Non-melanoma Skin Cancer: Implications for Healthcare Education Services and Supports. J Cancer Educ. 2019 Aug;34(4):755-759. doi: 10.1007/s13187-018-1368-y.
PubMed 29705894
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 6 Jan 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Decisional Conflicts, Health-related Quality of Life and Satisfaction With Care in High-risk Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma in the Head-neck Region: Validated Questionnaires
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT05482880
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- METC 2018-2918-A-2
- Conditions
- Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck, Squamous Cell Carcinomas, Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck, Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Skin, Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck
- Keywords
- High-risk cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, Health-related quality of life, Decisional conflicts, Satisfaction with care, Head-neck region, Multidisciplinary care
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 78 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Maastricht University Medical CenterUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 28 Feb 2022 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 1 Nov 2023 (actual)
- Study completion
- 1 Dec 2024 (actual)
- First posted
- 1 Aug 2022 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Patient reported outcomes in patients with high-risk cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in the head-neck region are an important part of the complex care for these patients. Health-related quality of life, decision conflicts in the choice of treatment and satisfaction with care have not yet been sufficiently studied in this patient group.
Detailed description
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the second most common form of skin cancer worldwide after basal cell carcinoma. It involves approximately 20% of all cutaneous malignancies and its incidence is still increasing. In 2020, nearly 15,000 cSCCs were reported in the Netherlands, of which approximately 50% concerned patients aged 75 years or older. UV radiation is the main risk factor for development of a cSCC, therefore the majority of cSCCs are localized to the sun-exposed skin in the head-neck region. cSCCs have a metastatic rate of 2.6-5% and recurrence rate of 1.9-3.7%, with rates increasing in high-risk cSCCs. The increasing incidence, advanced age, the (often) high-risk localization in the head-neck area (given functional and cosmetic importance) and the possible high risk of metastasis result in complex care, especially in stage T2 to T4 cSCCs, also known as high-risk cSCCs.
Patient-reported outcomes and health related quality of life (HRQoL) are important outcomes in the care for high-risk cSCCs in the head-neck region (HNcSCCs). Previous research is limited regarding the impact of cSCCs on QoL in patients with high-risk HNcSCCs , as is research on decision conflicts in the choice of treatment. The PROFILES registry (Arts, 2019) investigated QoL and satisfaction with care in 215 patients with keratinocyte carcinomas in the head-neck region. However, the majority of the patients had basal cell carcinoma (81%); only 23 patients had cSCC. Besides, no distinction was made in high or low risk cSCC. Finally, quality of life and patient satisfaction questionnaires were not administered until at least one year after diagnosis.
Other studies of QoL in cSCC patients do not distinguish stage and/or location of the tumor, involve small study populations, or only use oncological questionnaires rather than disease-specific questionnaires.
In conclusion, there is little scientific research on health related quality of life, decision conflicts in the choice of treatment and satisfaction with care in specific patients with high-risk HNcSCCs.
Study design
- Observational model
- Cohort
- Time perspective
- Prospective
- Number of arms
- 1
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| head-neck cutaneous Squamous cell carcinomas | – | Other: Regular care with additionally administration of questionnairesPatients with high risk cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head-neck area receiving regular, multidisciplinary care. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
- Study population
- Patients are selected by the treating physicians from multidisciplinary consultation in the secondary/tertiary centers Maastricht UMC+ and Radboud UMC.
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- patients diagnosed with a cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma located in the head-neck area (including patients with metastatic or recurrence disease)
- requiring a multidisciplinary approach
- assessed at the department of dermatology of Maastricht UMC+ or Radboud UMC OR discussed in the multidisciplinary consultation in Maastricht UMC+ or Radboud UMC
- and for which treatment of the tumor (primary tumor or metastatic/recurrence) takes places in the Maastricht UMC+ of Radboud UMC
- willing to participate voluntarily in the study
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- patients younger than 18 years
- patients with inadequate understanding of the Dutch language
- patients with cognitive impairment or otherwise unable to complete the questionnaires
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Regular care with additionally administration of questionnairesPatients receiving regular care. In addition, validated questionnaires are administered at two measurement points: 1. after the multidisciplinary consultation, a baseline questionnaire*, the decision conflict scale and the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire are administered by phone. 2. 1 month after completion of the treatment program (care pathway) the EQ-5D-5L, the BaSQoL and the EORTC IN-PATSAT32 questionnaires will be administered by phone. Completing the questionnaires takes about 30 minutes each time. *Baseline questionnaire: gender, age, marital status, education level, World Health Organization (WHO) performance status, presence of informal care, stage and treatment of cSCC, history of skin cancer, presence of current other skin cancer, and average travel time to hospital. | Other | head-neck cutaneous Squamous cell carcinomas |
Primary outcome
Decisional conflict
Time frame: At the start (before treatment) of the care pathway.
Decisional conflicts expressed as mean total and domain scores on the Decisional Conflict Scale (DCS) questionnaire. The DCS questionnaire consist of 16 items related to decision conflicts. Items are given a score value of 0 (strongly agree), 1 (agree), 2 (neither agree or disagree), 3 (disagree) and 4 (strongly disagree). The total score can be calculated by summarize all scores, dividing by 16 and then multiplying by 25. The total score ranges from 0 to 100. A higher score correlates with a higher decisional conflict. The 5 domain subscores are: uncertainty (3 items), informed (3 items), values clarity (3 items), support (3 items) and effective decision (4 items). The subscores can be calculated by summarize the (3 or 4) items, dividing by the number of items (3 or 4) and then multiplying by 25. The subscores range from 0 to 100 where a higher score correlates with a higher decisional conflict.
Health-related quality of life
Time frame: At the start (before treatment) of the care pathway.
Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) expressed as mean total/domain scores on the EuroQol five-dimensional (5D) five-level (5L) (EQ-5D-5L) questionnaire. The EQ-5D-5L consist of 5 dimensions (mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression). Each dimension has 5 response levels (no, slight, moderate, severe or extreme problems) resp. coded from 1 to 5. The EuroQol-visual analogue scale records the overall health on a vertical visual analogue scale (0 to 100). Example: a response of 77 is coded 77. A higher score indicates a better health status).
Health-related quality of life
Time frame: At 1 month after completion of the care pathway.
Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) expressed as mean total/domain scores on the EuroQol five-dimensional (5D) five-level (5L) (EQ-5D-5L) questionnaire. The EQ-5D-5L consist of 5 dimensions (mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression). Each dimension has 5 response levels (no, slight, moderate, severe or extreme problems) resp. coded from 1 to 5. The EuroQol-visual analogue scale records the overall health on a vertical visual analogue scale (0 to 100). Example: a response of 77 is coded 77. A higher score indicates a better health status).
Health-related quality of life
Time frame: At 1 month after completion of the care pathway.
HRQoL expressed as mean total/domain scores on the Basal and Squamous Cell Carcinoma QoL (BaSQoL) questionnaire. The BaSQoL consist of 5 scales: behaviour, diagnosis/treatment, worries, appearance and other people. Items are scored: 0 (not at all), 1 (a little), 2 (quite a bit), 3 (very much). An average score per scale will be calculated (the sum of all scores within one scale, divided by the number of items) resulting in a scale score of 0 to 3. A higher score indicates a higher influence of skin cancer on daily life.
Satisfaction with care
Time frame: Once during the care pathway: 1 month after completion of the care pathway.
Satisfaction with care expressed as mean total and domain scores on the EORTC IN-PATSAT32 (patient satisfaction) questionnaire. The EORTC IN-PATSAT32 is composed of 11 multi-item scales (including doctors' and nurses' interpersonal skills, technical skills, information provision and availability, and other hospital personnel kindness/helpfulness and information giving, waiting time and access) and 3 single item scales (including exchange of information, comfort/cleanliness and general satisfaction). All of the scales and single-item measures range in score from 0 to 100. A high scale score represents a high level of satisfaction with care.
6 secondary outcomes
Difference in decisional conflict outcomes between centers
Time frame: At the start (before treatment) of the care pathway.
Difference in health-related quality of life outcomes between centers
Time frame: At the start (before treatment) of the care pathway.
Difference in health-related quality of life outcomes between centers
Time frame: At 1 month after completion of the care pathway.
Difference in health-related quality of life outcomes between centers
Time frame: At 1 month after completion of the care pathway.
Difference in satisfaction with care outcomes between centers
Time frame: At 1 month after completion of the care pathway.
Change from baseline health-related quality of life after treatment
Time frame: Twice during the care pathway: at the start (before treatment) and 1 month after completion of the care pathway.
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 6 Jan 2026.
- Background: PubMed 32113941Stratigos AJ, Garbe C, Dessinioti C, Lebbe C, Bataille V, Bastholt L, Dreno B, Fargnoli MC, Forsea AM, Frenard C, Harwood CAlpha, Hauschild A, Hoeller C, Kandolf-Sekulovic L, Kaufmann R, Kelleners-Smeets NW, Malvehy J, Del Marmol V, Middleton MR, Moreno-Ramirez D, Pellecani G, Peris K, Saiag P, van den Beuken-van Everdingen MHJ, Vieira R, Zalaudek I, Eggermont AMM, Grob JJ; European Dermatology Forum (EDF), the European Association of Dermato-Oncology (EADO) and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC). European interdisciplinary guideline on invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the skin: Part 1. epidemiology, diagnostics and prevention. Eur J Cancer. 2020 Mar;128:60-82. doi: 10.1016/j.ejca.2020.01.007. Epub 2020 Feb 26.
- Background: PubMed 32113942Stratigos AJ, Garbe C, Dessinioti C, Lebbe C, Bataille V, Bastholt L, Dreno B, Concetta Fargnoli M, Forsea AM, Frenard C, Harwood CA, Hauschild A, Hoeller C, Kandolf-Sekulovic L, Kaufmann R, Kelleners-Smeets NWJ, Malvehy J, Del Marmol V, Middleton MR, Moreno-Ramirez D, Pellecani G, Peris K, Saiag P, van den Beuken-van Everdingen MHJ, Vieira R, Zalaudek I, Eggermont AMM, Grob JJ; European Dermatology Forum (EDF), the European Association of Dermato-Oncology (EADO) and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC). European interdisciplinary guideline on invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the skin: Part 2. Treatment. Eur J Cancer. 2020 Mar;128:83-102. doi: 10.1016/j.ejca.2020.01.008. Epub 2020 Feb 26.
- Background: PubMed 25428226Kallini JR, Hamed N, Khachemoune A. Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin: epidemiology, classification, management, and novel trends. Int J Dermatol. 2015 Feb;54(2):130-40. doi: 10.1111/ijd.12553. Epub 2014 Nov 27.
- Background: PubMed 29332704Que SKT, Zwald FO, Schmults CD. Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: Incidence, risk factors, diagnosis, and staging. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2018 Feb;78(2):237-247. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2017.08.059.
- Background: PubMed 19713116Mourouzis C, Boynton A, Grant J, Umar T, Wilson A, Macpheson D, Pratt C. Cutaneous head and neck SCCs and risk of nodal metastasis - UK experience. J Craniomaxillofac Surg. 2009 Dec;37(8):443-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jcms.2009.07.007. Epub 2009 Aug 27.
- Background: PubMed 18617440Brantsch KD, Meisner C, Schonfisch B, Trilling B, Wehner-Caroli J, Rocken M, Breuninger H. Analysis of risk factors determining prognosis of cutaneous squamous-cell carcinoma: a prospective study. Lancet Oncol. 2008 Aug;9(8):713-20. doi: 10.1016/S1470-2045(08)70178-5. Epub 2008 Jul 9.
- Background: PubMed 22592943Brougham ND, Dennett ER, Cameron R, Tan ST. The incidence of metastasis from cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and the impact of its risk factors. J Surg Oncol. 2012 Dec;106(7):811-5. doi: 10.1002/jso.23155. Epub 2012 May 16.
- Background: PubMed 23677079Schmults CD, Karia PS, Carter JB, Han J, Qureshi AA. Factors predictive of recurrence and death from cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: a 10-year, single-institution cohort study. JAMA Dermatol. 2013 May;149(5):541-7. doi: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2013.2139.
- Background: PubMed 29927480van Egmond S, Wakkee M, Droger M, Bastiaens MT, van Rengen A, de Roos KP, Nijsten T, Lugtenberg M. Needs and preferences of patients regarding basal cell carcinoma and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma care: a qualitative focus group study. Br J Dermatol. 2019 Jan;180(1):122-129. doi: 10.1111/bjd.16900. Epub 2018 Sep 23.
- Background: PubMed 31434078Arts LPJ, Waalboer-Spuij R, de Roos KP, Thissen MRTM, Scheijmans LJ, Aarts MJ, Oerlemans S, Lybeert MLM, Louwman MWJ. Health-Related Quality of Life, Satisfaction with Care, and Cosmetic Results in Relation to Treatment among Patients with Keratinocyte Cancer in the Head and Neck Area: Results from the PROFILES Registry. Dermatology. 2020;236(2):133-142. doi: 10.1159/000502033. Epub 2019 Aug 21.
- Background: PubMed 17301830Chren MM, Sahay AP, Bertenthal DS, Sen S, Landefeld CS. Quality-of-life outcomes of treatments for cutaneous basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. J Invest Dermatol. 2007 Jun;127(6):1351-7. doi: 10.1038/sj.jid.5700740. Epub 2007 Feb 15.
- Background: PubMed 23458083Wang AY, Palme CE, Wang JT, Morgan GJ, Gebski V, Gilchrist J, Veness MJ. Quality of life assessment in patients treated for metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. J Laryngol Otol. 2013 Jul;127 Suppl 2:S39-47. doi: 10.1017/S0022215113000303. Epub 2013 Mar 5.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Undecided
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
K Mosterd, MD, PhD principal investigator
Maastricht University Medical Center
2 sites in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
An observational study of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck, run by Maastricht University Medical Center at 2 sites in Netherlands.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 3 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 6 Jan 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 2 sites in Netherlands. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Decisional conflict (time frame: At the start (before treatment) of the care pathway.). The study lists 5 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT05482880, which also lists 13 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 6 Jan 2026.