P55 Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the head and neck: risk factors of overall and recurrence-free survival

Abstract

Background Head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (HNCSCC) although rarely fatal has significant adverse public health effects due to high medical costs, compromised quality of life, functional impairment, and other serious consequences. The present longitudinal cohort study of HNCSCC was designed to determine whether certain clinical-pathologic features of HNCSCC are associated with reduced overall and recurrence-free survival, as suggested by previous data. Patients The cohort sample consisted of 315 consecutive patients presenting with primary only HNCSCC of the head and neck. Life-table analysis and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were performed. Multivariate Cox's proportional hazards regression models were used to assess the effects of covariates on the length of the interval. Results There were 145 male and 170 female Caucasian patients. At the time of analysis, 222 patients were alive. The mean follow-up time of a patient after enrolment has been 46.1 months (range, 12–115 months). Broder's differentiation grade, perineural involvement, presence of inflammation and T-stage were independent adjusted predictors for overall survival. pT and N-stage, inflammation and perineural involvement were significant predictors for recurrence-free survival while adjuvant irradiation was associated with a 92% reduced risk for recurrence. Life-table analysis showed that 87 and 69% study patients were free from recurrence at years 3 and 5 respectively. Conclusion Patients with cutaneous HNCSCC should be enrolled in a long-term follow-up protocol. After excision in negative margins, patients with HNCSCC should be referred to specialized multidisciplinary oncology clinics for counseling on adjuvant radiotherapy and follow-up.