A New Survival Score for Patients Scheduled for Palliative Irradiation of Locally Advanced Carcinoma of the Head-and-Neck

Abstract

Background/aim: Patients with advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head-and-neck (SCCHN) may be assigned to palliative irradiation. A survival score was developed for this group to support treatment personalization.

Patients and methods: Seventy-eight patients who received palliative irradiation for SCCHN and had complete data regarding performance score, pre-radiotherapy hemoglobin levels, and main tumor site were included in this retrospective study. Six-month survival rates of these factors were divided by 10 (factor scores) and added for each patient (total patient scores).

Results: Total patient scores ranged between 8 and 15 points. Three groups were designed based on the 6-month survival rates, namely 8-9 (n=15), 11-13 (n=36), and 14-15 (n=27) points. Six-month survival rates were 13%, 28%, and 63%, and median survival times were 1, 2, and 11 months (p=0.001).

Conclusion: A new survival score including three prognostic groups was developed. This new tool can help physicians when designing personalized treatments for patients with SCCHN scheduled for palliative irradiation.

Keywords: Survival score; carcinoma of the head-and-neck; palliative irradiation; personalized treatment.