A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Non-curative treatment of patients with oral tongue squamous-cell carcinoma
Authors: Mroueh R, Haapaniemi A, Saarto T, Grönholm L, Grénman R, Salo T, Mäkitie AA
Publication year: 2019
Journal: Head and Neck
Volume: 276
Issue: 2
First page : 2039
Last page: 2045
Number of pages: 7
ISSN: 0937-4477
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-019-05456-y
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/40419116
Purpose
Late-stage OTSCC is associated with poor overall survival (OS). Non-curative treatment approach aims to improve quality of life and prolong survival of patients deemed incurable. The purpose of this study was to investigate the used non-curative treatment modalities for OTSSC and patient survival.
MethodsAll patients diagnosed with OTSCC and treated with non-curative intent at the HUS Helsinki University Hospital (Helsinki, Finland) during the 12-year period of 2005–2016 were included. Survival analysis after the non-curative treatment decision was conducted using the Kaplan–Meier method in this population-based study.
ResultsEighty-two patients were identified. A non-curative treatment decision was made at presentation without any previous treatment in 26 patients (7% of all patients diagnosed with OTSCC during the study period). Palliative radiotherapy was administered to 24% of all patients. The average survival time after the non-curative treatment decision was 3.7 months (median 2 and range 0–26).
ConclusionsDue to the short mean survival time after decision for treatment with non-curative intent, and the notable symptom burden in this patient population, a prompt initiation of all non-curative measures is warranted.
Downloadable publication This is an electronic reprint of the original article. |