Work

External Validation of Pre‐Treatment Primary Tumor Volume as a Prognostic Factor in Head and Neck Cancer Treated With (Chemo)Radiotherapy

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Primary tumor volume (GTVp) is a key prognostic factor in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) treated with radiotherapy. We aimed to externally validate this association and assess its relevance in other head and neck sites. METHODS: Patients from the RADCURE dataset were analyzed using Cox regression for local failure, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Subgroup analyses included HPV status, chemotherapy use, and separate evaluations for hypopharyngeal and laryngeal cancers. Model performance was assessed using the concordance index (C-index). RESULTS: Among 1286 OPSCC patients, increasing GTVp was associated with a higher risk of local failure and reduced PFS and OS, consistent across HPV and chemotherapy subgroups. Similar associations were observed in hypopharyngeal (n = 157) and laryngeal (n = 803) cancers. Model performance was strong (C-index up to 0.82). CONCLUSION: Primary tumor volume is a robust prognostic factor across head and neck cancer sites, supporting risk stratification in curative radiotherapy.

Source: Head & Neck

DOI: 10.1002/hed.70315

Authors: Gabriel Adrian, Andre Haraldsson Änghede, Lachlan McDowell, Maria Gebre‐Medhin

Institutions: Lund University, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Skåne University Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Head and Neck Cancer Studies

Subfield: Otorhinolaryngology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,760