Outcomes in N3 Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Role of Upfront Neck Dissection

Angela Boros, Pierre Blanchard, Arlette Dade, Philippe Gorphe, Ingrid Breuskin, Caroline Even, France Nguyen, Eric Deutsch, François Bidault, François Janot, Stephane Temam, Haitham Mirghani, Yungan Tao

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    6 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Objectives: We investigated the prognostic factor of N3 head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), including the role of upfront neck dissection (UFND) before radiotherapy (RT). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of consecutive N3 HNSCC patients treated with curative intent RT. Results: In the study, 323 N3 HNSCC patients were included. Of those, 125 patients (39%) had UFND. Median follow-up was 3.9 years (0–14.8 years). Overall survival (OS) at 5 years was 31.2%, and progression-free survival (PFS) was 26%. In the multivariate analysis, OS was improved in PS 0, T1-2 tumors, patients receiving concurrent chemotherapy, never or former smokers, and UFND. UFND was strongly associated with increased OS (45.7% vs. 21.2%, P <.001), and PFS (P <.001). Regardless of neck node size, UFND improved survival (P =.001 for ≤ 7 cm and P =.004 for > 7 cm). Conclusion: UFND could improve treatment outcomes in N3 HNSCC, especially for non-oropharyngeal cancer, regardless of neck node size. Level of Evidence: 2B Laryngoscope, 131:E844–E850, 2021.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)E846-E850
    JournalLaryngoscope
    Volume131
    Issue number3
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 1 Mar 2021

    Keywords

    • Head and neck cancer
    • N3
    • chemoradiotherapy
    • neck dissection

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