Definitive intensity-modulated radiotherapy or surgery for early oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma: Propensity-score-matched, nationwide, population-based cohort study

Comparing the clinical outcomes of initial surgery and primary definitive radiotherapy with a dosage of 6600 cGy or higher in cT1-2N0M0 oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma: A nationwide cohort study

BACKGROUND

To compare the clinical outcomes of two treatment modalities, initial surgery and primary definitive radiotherapy (RT), in Taiwanese patients diagnosed with cT1-2N0M0 oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC).

METHODS

Between 2011 and 2019, we analyzed data for 13,542 cT1-2N0M0 patients who underwent initial surgery (n = 13,542) or definitive RT with a dosage of at least 6600 cGy (n = 145) for the treatment of OCSCC. To account for baseline differences, we employed propensity score (PS) matching, resulting in two well-balanced study groups (initial surgery, n = 580; definitive RT, n = 145).

RESULTS

Before PS matching, the 5-year disease-specific survival (DSS) rates were 88% for the surgery group and 58% for the RT group. After PS matching, the 5-year DSS rates of the two groups were 86% and 58%, respectively. Similarly, the 5-year overall survival (OS) rates before PS matching were 80% for the surgery group and 36% for the RT group, whereas after PS matching, they were 73% and 36%, respectively. All these differences were statistically significant (p < 0.0001). A multivariable analysis identified treatment with RT, older age, stage II tumors, and a higher burden of comorbidities as independent risk factors for both DSS and OS. We also examined the 5-year outcomes for various subgroups (margin ≥5 mm, margin <5 mm, positive margins, RT combined with chemotherapy, and RT alone) as follows: DSS, 89%/88%/79%/63%/51%, respectively, p < 0.0001; OS, 82%/79%/68%/39%/32%, respectively, p < 0.0001.

CONCLUSIONS

In Taiwanese patients with cT1-2N0M0 OCSCC, a remarkably low proportion (1.1%) completed definitive RT. A significant survival disparity of 30% was observed between patients who underwent initial surgery and those who received definitive RT. Interestingly, even patients from the surgical group with positive surgical margins exhibited a significantly superior survival compared to those in the definitive RT group.

Comparing the Oncologic Outcomes of Proton Therapy and Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

PURPOSE

To compare the oncologic outcomes between proton therapy and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients undergoing curative radiotherapy (RT).

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

We studied HNSCC patients who underwent curative-intent RT from 2015 to 2019, comparing the oncologic outcomes of proton therapy and IMRT. Our national retrospective HNSCC cohort study involved three institutes with proton therapy and 17 institutes (medical center levels) with IMRT in Taiwan. We utilized the Taiwan Cancer Registry Database to collect medical data for this study. We classified patients into two groups based on treatment method: Group 1 received IMRT, while Group 2 received proton therapy. 3:1 propensity score matching was performed to minimize the impact of potential confounders. Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate oncologic outcomes.

RESULTS

This study of 60,485 patients with HNSCC found that proton therapy was associated with better overall and cancer-specific survival and lower locoregional recurrence rates than IMRT. After matching, 982 patients were analyzed, with well-balanced factors. Proton therapy was a significant predictor of all-cause mortality, cancer-specific death, and locoregional recurrence (LRR). Patients who received proton therapy had significantly lower risks of all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio, aHR=0.43), cancer-specific death (aHR=0.44), and LRR (aHR=0.61) than those who received IMRT.

CONCLUSION

Proton therapy is associated with superior outcomes in terms of overall survival, cancer-specific survival, and locoregional recurrence rates compared to IMRT in patients with HNSCC. These results provide valuable evidence for clinicians and patients in decision-making regarding the choice of radiation therapy for HNSCC.

Investigating sarcopenia, physical activity, and inflammation biomarkers in newly diagnosed oral cancer patients during curative treatment: A prospective longitudinal study

Objective

This prospective longitudinal study aimed to investigate changes in sarcopenia, physical activity, and inflammation biomarkers in patients with oral cavity cancer during curative treatment and explore their association with treatment outcomes.

Methods

Patients newly diagnosed with oral cavity cancer who underwent primary surgery with (chemo)radiation therapy were included. Along with physical activity and inflammatory markers, sarcopenia was assessed using a 5-time chair stand test, hand grip strength, and skeletal muscle index (SMI). Data were collected before operation and after 3 months (T₂) and 6 months after operation. Logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models were used to identify predictors of treatment outcomes.

Results

Out of 56 patients, 21 (37.5%) had sarcopenia. SMI score, physical activity, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) showed significant changes after surgery, with exacerbation at T₂. Patients with sarcopenia exhibited a significant decrease in SMI scores at T₂. Advanced cancer stage and sarcopenia were associated with treatment-related dysphagia (odds ratio [OR] ​= ​3.01, P ​= ​0.034; OR ​= ​7.62, P ​= ​0.018). Sarcopenia (OR ​= ​3.02, P ​= ​0.002) and NLR (OR ​= ​5.38, P ​< ​0.001) were significantly associated with infections. Pretreatment SMI independently predicted poor survival outcomes (hazard ratio ​= ​7.00, P ​= ​0.005).

Conclusions

Identifying patients with oral cavity cancer, sarcopenia, and high NLR levels can ensure prompt education and vigilant monitoring, potentially improving treatment outcomes and patient well-being during curative treatment.

Association between Preexisting Sleep Disorders and Oncologic Outcome in Patients with Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Nationwide Propensity Score-Matched Population-Based Cohort Study

Purpose: To investigate the effects of preexisting sleep disorders on the oncologic outcomes of patients receiving standard treatments for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Methods: The patients recruited from the Taiwan Cancer Registry Database who had received surgery for stage I−IVB OSCC. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to analyze all-cause mortality, locoregional recurrence (LRR), and distant metastasis (DM). The patients were categorized into those with and without sleep disorders (Groups 1 and 2, respectively) through propensity score matching. Results: In the multivariate Cox regression analysis, the adjusted hazard ratios for all-cause mortality, LRR, and DM for Group 1 compared with Group 2 were 1.19 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04−1.36; p = 0.011), 1.47 (95% CI: 1.23−1.75; p < 0.001), and 1.15 (95% CI: 1.02−1.44; p = 0.025), respectively. Conclusion: OSCC patients with sleep disorders demonstrated poorer oncologic outcomes than did those without sleep disorders. Therefore, before OSCC surgery, patients with OSCC should be screened for preexisting sleep disorders because they may serve as predictors for survival in these patients. Future studies investigating the survival benefits of pharmacological and behavioral treatments for sleep problems in patients with OSCC are warranted.

Effect of Pre-Existing Sarcopenia on Oncological Outcomes for Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma Undergoing Curative Surgery: A Propensity Score-Matched, Nationwide, Population-Based Cohort Study

Purpose: The effect of pre-existing sarcopenia on patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) remains unknown. Therefore, we designed a propensity score-matched population-based cohort study to compare the oncological outcomes of patients with OCSCC undergoing curative surgery with and without sarcopenia. Patients and Methods: We included patients with OCSCC undergoing curative surgery and categorized them into two groups according to the presence or absence of pre-existing sarcopenia. Patients in both the groups were matched at a ratio of 2:1. Results: The matching process yielded 16,294 patients (10,855 and 5439 without and with pre-existing sarcopenia, respectively). In multivariate Cox regression analyses, the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR, 95% confidence interval [CI]) of all-cause mortality for OCSCC with and without pre-existing sarcopenia was 1.15 (1.11−1.21, p < 0.0001). Furthermore, the aHRs (95% CIs) of locoregional recurrence and distant metastasis for OCSCC with and without pre-existing sarcopenia were 1.07 (1.03−1.18, p = 0.0020) and 1.07 (1.03−1.20, p = 0.0148), respectively. Conclusions: Pre-existing sarcopenia might be a significant poor prognostic factor for overall survival, locoregional recurrence, and distant metastasis for patients with OCSCC undergoing curative surgery. In susceptible patients at a risk of OCSCC, sarcopenia prevention measures should be encouraged, such as exercise and early nutrition intervention.

Risk of Re-Rupture, Vasospasm, or Re-Stroke after Clipping or Coiling of Ruptured Intracranial Aneurysms: Long-Term Follow-Up with a Propensity Score-Matched, Population-Based Cohort Study

Scarce evidence is available in Asia for estimating the long-term risk and prognostic factors of major complications such as re-rupture, vasospasm, or re-stroke for patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) undergoing endovascular coil embolization or surgical clipping. This is the first head-to-head propensity score-matched study in an Asian population to demonstrate that endovascular coil embolization for aneurysmal SAH treatment is riskier than surgical clipping in terms of re-rupture, vasospasm, or re-stroke. In addition, the independent poor prognostic factors of vasospasm or re-stroke were endovascular coil embolization, male sex, older age (≥65 years; the risk of vasospasm increases with age), hypertension, congestive heart failure, diabetes, previous transient ischemic attack, or stroke in aneurysmal SAH treatment. Background: To estimate the long-term complications and prognostic factors of endovascular coil embolization or surgical clipping for patients with ruptured aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Methods: We selected patients diagnosed with aneurysmal SAH between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2017. Propensity score matching was performed, and Cox proportional hazards model curves were used to analyze the risk of re-rupture, vasospasm, and re-stroke in patients undergoing the different treatments. Findings: Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of re-rupture for endovascular coil embolization compared with surgical clipping was 1.36 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.17–1.57; p < 0.0001). The aHRs of the secondary endpoints of vasospasm and re-stroke (delayed cerebral ischemia) for endovascular coil embolization compared with surgical clipping were 1.14 (1.02–1.27; p = 0.0214) and 2.04 (1.83–2.29; p < 0.0001), respectively. The independent poor prognostic factors for vasospasm and re-stroke were endovascular coil embolization, male sex, older age (≥65 years; risk increases with age), hypertension, congestive heart failure, diabetes, and previous transient ischemic attack or stroke. Interpretation: Endovascular coil embolization for aneurysmal SAH carries a higher risk than surgical clipping of both short- and long-term complications including re-rupture, vasospasm, and re-stroke.

Population-based comparative survival analysis of surgery with or without adjuvant radiotherapy and non-operative primary radiotherapy in patients with early-stage oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma

Purpose

Although recent clinical guidelines do allow primary radiotherapy for selected patients with early-stage oral tongue cancer, there has been little knowledge on the treatment outcomes of non-operative radiotherapy using modern treatment techniques. This study evaluated recent prognostic differences between primary radiotherapy and surgical resection in T1‒2N0 oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with T1‒2N0 oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. After propensity score matching, the disease-specific survival of primary radiotherapy and surgery was compared.

Results

From a total of 8,458 patients initially identified, we defined matched cohorts: cohort A, comparing surgery alone vs. primary radiotherapy (n = 230 vs. 230), and cohort B, comparing surgery plus adjuvant radiotherapy vs. primary radiotherapy (n = 230 vs. 230). The 7-year disease-specific survival rates were 77% vs. 35% (cohort A) and 65% vs. 35% (cohort B) (P < 0.001 for all comparisons). Primary radiotherapy was independently associated with worse disease-specific survival in both cohorts A (hazard ratio 4.06; 95% confidence interval 2.53‒6.52) and B (hazard ratio 2.81; 95% confidence interval 1.96‒4.04). Time-course hazard rate function plots showed a distinct short-term risk increment in disease-specific mortality in the primary radiotherapy group.

Conclusion

In the contemporary treatment era, the use of radiotherapy as a definitive treatment resulted in an inferior prognosis in patients with T1‒2N0 oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma. The present population-based data suggest that primary radiotherapy cannot be used as an alternative to surgical management and it needs to be avoided as much as possible in early-stage tumors.

Long-term survival outcomes and prognostic factors related to ruptured intracranial aneurysms: A comparison of surgical and endovascular options in a propensity score-matched, nationwide population-based cohort study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

To determine the long-term survival outcomes of and prognostic factors for survival in patients with a ruptured intracranial aneurysm (RIA) who underwent endovascular coil embolization or surgical clipping.

METHODS

We selected patients who had received a diagnosis of RIA between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2017. Propensity score matching was performed, and Cox proportional hazards model curves were plotted to analyze all-cause mortality in patients undergoing different treatments.

RESULTS

The matching process yielded a final cohort of 8102 patients (4051 and 4051 in endovascular coil embolization and surgical clipping groups, respectively) who were eligible for inclusion. In multivariate Cox regression analyses, the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for endovascular coil embolization compared with surgical clipping were 0.87 (95% CI, 0.79-0.97). The aHRs for the ages of 65 to 74, 75 to 84, and ≥85 years compared with the ages of 20 to 64 years were 1.82 (95% CI, 1.60-2.07), 3.35 (95% CI, 2.93-3.84), and 6.99 (95% CI, 5.51-8.86), respectively. Surgical clipping; old age; male sex; treatment during 2011 to 2013; presence of diabetes, congestive heart failure, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, or end-stage renal disease; history of stroke or transient ischemic attack; Charlson Comorbidity Index ≥2; attendance of nonacademic hospitals; and low income were significant independent prognostic factors for poor survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with surgical clipping, endovascular coil embolization led to more favorable survival outcomes in patients with RIAs.

Long-Term Medical Resource Consumption between Surgical Clipping and Endovascular Coiling for Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Propensity Score-Matched, Nationwide, Population-Based Cohort Study

Purpose: To estimate long-term medical resource consumption in patients with subarachnoid aneurysmal hemorrhage (SAH) receiving surgical clipping or endovascular coiling. Patients and methods: From Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database, we enrolled patients with aneurysmal SAH who received clipping or coiling. After propensity score matching and adjustment for confounders, a generalized linear mixed model was used to determine significant differences in the accumulative hospital stay (days), intensive care unit (ICU) stay, and total medical cost for aneurysmal SAH, as well as possible subsequent surgical complications and recurrence. Results: The matching process yielded a final cohort of 8102 patients (4051 and 4051 in endovascular coil embolization and surgical clipping, respectively) who were eligible for further analysis. The mean accumulative hospital stay significantly differed between coiling (31.2 days) and clipping (46.8 days; p < 0.0001). After the generalized linear model adjustment of gamma distribution with a log link, compared with the surgical clipping procedure, the adjusted odds ratios (aOR; 95% confidence interval [CI]) of the medical cost of accumulative hospital stay for the endovascular coil embolization procedure was 0.63 (0.60, 0.66; p < 0·0001). The mean accumulative ICU stay significantly differed between the coiling and clipping groups (9.4 vs. 14.9 days; p < 0.0001). The aORs (95% CI) of the medical cost of accumulative ICU stay in the endovascular coil embolization group was 0.61 (0.58, 0.64; p < 0.0001). The aOR (95% CI) of the total medical cost of index hospitalization in the endovascular coil embolization group was 0·85 (0.82, 0.87; p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Medical resource consumption in the coiling group was lower than that in the clipping group.