A new scoring-system for estimating overall survival after radiotherapy of recurrent head and neck cancers

Background/Aim: Locoregional recurrences of head and neck cancers are often associated with a poor overall survival (OS). Outcomes may be improved with individualized treatments considering a patient’s lifespan. A specific scoring system for estimating OS prognoses is presented. Patients and Methods: In a preceding study of these 60 patients, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance score (ECOG 0-1 versus 2, p=0.002) and N-stage (N0-1 versus N2, p=0.004) were identified as independent predictors of OS. Results: In the current study, the following scoring points were assigned: ECOG performance score 2=0 points, ECOG performance score 0-1=1 point, N2=0 points, N0-1=1 point. Patient scores were 0, 1 or 2 points with 3-year OS rates of 0%, 46% and 83%, respectively (p<0.0001). On multivariable analysis, differences remained significant (p<0.0001). Conclusion: This new scoring system includes three groups of patients with significantly different OS prognoses and can assist physicians when designing individualized therapy for locoregional recurrences of head and neck cancer.