Abstract
ObjectivesThe number of patients with connective tissue disorders or organ transplants, who are on glucocorticoids and/or immunosuppressive drugs, is increasing. A diagnosis of cancer in these patients is problematic, as the number of available treatment options is limited. This is because of an increased potential for the proliferation of cancer cells and metastasis due to depressed immune function. In this study, we investigated clinical outcomes in patients on immunosuppressive therapy, who subsequently developed oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 12 patients identified to be on long-term glucocorticoid and/or immunosuppressive agents, who had undergone surgery for OSCC between January 2008 and March 2017. Controls were reviewed the patients not on long-term glucocorticoid and/or immunosuppressive agents in the same periods. ResultsImmunosuppressive therapy was an independent risk factor for distant metastasis (odds ratio, 7.654; P < 0.05). The 5-year overall survival rate was lower in patients who were on immunosuppressive therapy than in those who were not; neutrophil-to-lymphocyte, lymphocyte-to-monocyte, and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratios were also significantly worse in patients on immunosuppressive therapy (all P < 0.05). ConclusionPatients on long-term immunosuppressive therapy have a relatively poor survival and are at a high risk of distant metastasis.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
More From: Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Medicine, and Pathology
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.