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Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology

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01-03-2021 | Metastasis | Original Article – Clinical Oncology

Risk stratification of postoperative recurrence in hypopharyngeal squamous-cell carcinoma patients with nodal metastasis

Authors: Hanqing Lin, Tian Wang, Yu Heng, Xiaoke Zhu, Liang Zhou, Ming Zhang, Yong Shi, Pengyu Cao, Lei Tao

Published in: Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology | Issue 3/2021

Abstract

Purpose

To explore lymph node-related risk factors and investigate the benefit of different adjuvant therapy strategies in hypopharyngeal squamous-cell carcinoma (HPSCC) patients with nodal metastasis (N +).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review covering 266 HPSCC patients with nodal metastasis. Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox proportional hazard models were utilized to evaluate recurrence-free survival (RFS) and independent risk factors.

Results

pT3-T4, extranodal extension, lymphovascular invasion, and lower lymph node involvement were high-risk factors leading to poorer RFS in N + HPSCC patients. Patients were classified into three groups based on the recursive-partitioning analysis (RPA). Postoperative chemoradiation significantly improved RFS in patients in the high-risk group (p < 0.001). For patients in the low- and intermediate-risk groups, the application of adjuvant therapies showed no significant benefit on RFS (p = 0.74 and 0.53, respectively).

Conclusions

The novel risk stratification for N + HPSCC patients can predict the risk of postoperative recurrence effectively. Adjuvant chemoradiation is preferred for patients in the high-risk group as it lowers risk of recurrence. Conversely, for patients in the low- and intermediate-risk groups, regular observation and follow-up strategies are a valid form of treatment.

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Title: Risk stratification of postoperative recurrence in hypopharyngeal squamous-cell carcinoma patients with nodal metastasis
Authors: Hanqing Lin
Tian Wang
Yu Heng
Xiaoke Zhu
Liang Zhou
Ming Zhang
Yong Shi
Pengyu Cao
Lei Tao
Publication date: 01-03-2021
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Metastasis
Hypopharyngeal Cancer
Hypopharyngeal Carcinoma
Published in: Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology / Issue 3/2021
Print ISSN: 0171-5216
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1335
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00432-020-03337-0

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