Palliative radiotherapy for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head-and-neck region

Christian Staackmann, Steven E. Schild, Dirk Rades*

*Corresponding author for this work
2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background/Aim: Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is a common type of skin cancer. Options for palliative treatment include systemic agents and radiotherapy. Selection of a radiation regimen should consider the patient’s survival prognosis. This study aimed to identify prognostic factors of survival after palliative radiotherapy for cSCC of the head-and-neck. Patients and Methods: Ten factors were analyzed for survival in 12 patients including age, gender, tumor site, histological grade, primary tumor stage, lymph node involvement, distant metastases, upfront surgery, radiation dose and completion of radiotherapy. Results: On univariate analysis, improved survival was significantly associated with lower histological grade (better differentiation) (p=0.022), no distant metastases (p=0.040) and completion of radiotherapy (p=0.014). In the multivariate analysis, lower histological grade (risk ratio=6.05, p=0.100) and completion of radiotherapy (risk ratio=4.87, p=0.115) showed trends. Conclusion: Predictors of survival were identified that can help design individual treatments. Patients require optimal supportive care as completion of radiotherapy was associated with better survival.

Original languageEnglish
JournalIn Vivo
Volume35
Issue number4
Pages (from-to)2283-2288
Number of pages6
ISSN0258-851X
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 08.2021

Research Areas and Centers

  • Centers: University Cancer Center Schleswig-Holstein (UCCSH)
  • Research Area: Luebeck Integrated Oncology Network (LION)

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Palliative radiotherapy for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head-and-neck region'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this