(0639) Effective Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancer Care With Mixed Reality: A Preliminary Study

Introduction: The majority of head and neck cancer patients are treated with multimodal treatment. Post-surgery, patients' cases are routinely discussed at weekly multidisciplinary tumor boards (MDT), where appropriate adjuvant treatment is recommended. However communication between various specialties involved is challenging, due to difficulty in spatial visualization and orientation of surgical specimen margins. This makes it difficult for clinicians to recommend the most appropriate subsequent treatment.

Recently mixed reality head mounted devices have been reported to improve 3D visualization of anatomy. Hence we aimed to use mixed reality head mounted device (Microsoft HoloLens) to aid in visualization of head and neck cancers, to improve communication between members of the MDT.

Methods: This was a preliminary study. Patients who underwent surgical resection had their resection specimens 3D-scanned (Einstein Pro HD scanner), and these object image files were uploaded on the HoloLens platform together with their preoperative CT imaging. A simulated MDT was carried out with head and neck surgeons, radiation oncologist, radiologists, and pathologists. Clinicians were surveyed on the utility of the mixed reality device within 24 hours prior to and after the simulated MDT. The survey results were reported on a scale of 1-5, 5 being most effective.

Results: In the pre-MDT survey, clinicians rated a mean score of 3.8/5 on the effectiveness of communication during MDT. Clinicians also rated a mean score of 3.7/5 on their satisfaction with the existing method of viewing pathology specimens during MDT, for them to make an appropriate treatment recommendation. Post-MDT, clinicians reported a mean score of 4/5 on the effectiveness of the use of HoloLens for communication. Clinicians also reported a mean score of 4.2/5 on being able to make a more informed MDT recommendation with the use of HoloLens.

Conclusions: Mixed reality device (Microsoft HoloLens) has the potential to improve communication between members of the MDT, to facilitate treatment recommendations and planning for patients.