Abstract
Background: There is a paucity of data regarding head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) and N3 nodal disease. Methods: Retrospective analysis of patients with N3 HNSCC identified in the National Cancer Database (NCDB) was performed. Results: We identified 4867 patients with N3 HNSCC treated with primary surgery or chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Propensity-adjusted median survival was 54.2 and 44.8 months for surgery and CRT, respectively (P =.06). Oropharyngeal primary subsite demonstrated a survival advantage with surgery versus CRT with propensity-adjusted median survivals of 86.0 and 61.9 months, respectively (P <.05). Conclusion: Management of N3 HNSCC relies largely on CRT. Patients with N3 nodal disease with nonoropharyngeal primary tumors exhibit 5-year overall survival approaching 30% independent of initial treatment modality. Patients with oropharyngeal primaries exhibit improved outcomes with surgery largely influenced by the human papillomavirus (HPV)-negative subset. These data represent the most comprehensive analysis of N3 HNSCC outcomes and serves as a foundation for future research and clinical management.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 2159-2170 |
Number of pages | 12 |
Journal | Head and Neck |
Volume | 39 |
Issue number | 11 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Nov 1 2017 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- head and neck cancer
- N3 nodal staging
- National Cancer Database
- radiation
- surgery
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Otorhinolaryngology