Prevalence and Outcomes of Head and Neck versus Non-Head and Neck Second Primary Malignancies in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: An Analysis of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Database

Abstract

Background/aims: Patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are at risk for second primary malignancies (SPMs). The prevalence, distribution, and patient survival in head and neck versus non-head and neck SPMs are not fully elucidated. The objective of this study was to quantify the rate of SPMs in patients with HNSCC.

Methods: This is a population-based cohort study using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Prevalence and location of SPMs, and survival data were analyzed.

Results: There were 58,363 HNSCC patients, and the prevalence of HNSCC and non-HNSCC SPMs was 3.0% (1,746) and 8.8% (5,109), respectively. Overall survival (OS) was higher in patients with HNSCC SPMs compared to non-HNSCC SPMs (p < 0.001), with no difference in disease-specific survival. Patients with SPMs in the lung and esophagus had a worse OS (p < 0.001), and patients with SPMs in the prostate and breast had a better OS (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: In HNSCC patients who develop SPMs, nearly 75% are non-HNSCC SPMs. Patients with non-HNSCC SPMs have a lower OS. Future clinical practice guidelines should take the risks and locations of SPM development into consideration for screening.