Published in:
01-11-2012 | Original Article
Analysis of ECOG performance status in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients: association with sociodemographical and clinical factors, and overall survival
Authors:
Gefter Thiago Batista Corrêa, Gabriela Alencar Bandeira, Bruna Gonçalves Cavalcanti, Francis Balduíno Guimarães Santos, João Felício Rodrigues Neto, André Luiz Sena Guimarães, Desirée Sant’Ana Haikal, Alfredo Maurício Batista De Paula
Published in:
Supportive Care in Cancer
|
Issue 11/2012
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Abstract
Purpose
In the present study, we analyzed sociodemographical and clinical factors, and the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG-PS) scale in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients. We evaluated the impact of a range of variables on overall survival.
Methods
We investigated a sample of HNSCC patients (n = 671), using sociodemographical and clinical information, and survival data collected from a review of epidemiological, clinical, and treatment reports. Statistical associations were analyzed by bivariate and multivariate statistical tests. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results
Of patients 85.4% recorded good ECOG-PS scores. Poor ECOG-PS scores were associated with the covariates indicative of dysphagia [odd ratios (OR) = 2.660, CI 95% = 1.661–4.260, p = 0.000] and large-size malignant disease (T3–T4; OR = 5.337, CI 95% = 2.251–12.652, p = 0.000). Overall survival analysis revealed that ECOG-PS scores (OR = 1.879, CI 95% = 1.162–3.038, p = 0.010), tumor size (OR = 1.665, CI 95% = 1.035–2.680, p = 0.036), and the presence of cervical metastasis (OR = 3.145, CI 95% = 2.008–4.926, p = 0.000) were independent predictors.
Conclusion
Evaluation of physical consumption in head and neck cancer patients at diagnosis may indicate a more aggressive type of malignant disease. Thus, the ECOG-PS scale may help to identify HNSCC patients in need of rapid referral, who may benefit from specific therapeutic and rehabilitative interventions.