Work

Surveillance of de novo head and neck cancer in liver transplant recipients allows an early diagnosis: a retrospective analysis of a surveillance program

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction: head and neck cancer is a common and severe complication than can occur after liver transplantation. However, it is unclear whether surveillance can help detect and prevent this type of cancer in liver transplant recipients. Patients and methods: We retrospectively examined 119 transplanted patients who had a smoking history above 20 pack-years. These patients underwent yearly evaluations by an ear-nose-throat specialist. Results: Twelve of them (10.1%) were diagnosed with head and neck cancer. The most significant risk factor for developing head and neck cancer was having been transplanted for alcoholic liver disease. Of the 12 diagnosed cases, six cases were diagnosed at an early-intermediate stage (stages 0-II), five were at an advanced stage (including one patient who was diagnosed at his first surveillance visit and two who did not attend the surveillance visits), and tumor stage was unknown in one case. Three patients had cancer recurrences, all of them had continued smoking after their initial diagnosis. The five-year actuarial survival rate after the diagnosis of head and neck cancer was 65.6%. Discussion: Annual surveillance for head and neck cancer may allow for early diagnosis and better survival rates after cancer diagnosis.

Source: Frontiers in Oncology

DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2025.1465123

Authors: Ivan Zambrano, Juan Alcalde, Mercedes Iñarrairaegui, Fernando Rotellar, J. Ignacio Herrero

Institutions: Universidad de Navarra, Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Navarre Institute of Health Research, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas

Language: English

Topic: Head and Neck Cancer Studies

Subfield: Otorhinolaryngology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801