Toxicity of daily low dose cisplatin in radiochemotherapy for locally advanced head and neck cancer

Less is more: Exploring neoadjuvant immunotherapy as a de-escalation strategy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma treatment

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) constitutes a significant global cancer burden, given its high prevalence and associated mortality. Despite substantial progress in survival rates due to the enhanced multidisciplinary approach to treatment, these methods often lead to severe tissue damage, compromised function, and potential toxicity. Thus, there is an imperative need for novel, effective, and minimally damaging treatment modalities. Neoadjuvant treatment, an emerging therapeutic strategy, is designed to reduce tumor size and curtail distant metastasis prior to definitive intervention. Currently, neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) has optimized the treatment approach for a subset of HNSCC patients, yet it has not produced a noticeable enhancement in overall survival (OS). In the contemporary cancer therapeutics landscape, immunotherapy is gaining traction at an accelerated pace. Notably, neoadjuvant immunotherapy (NAIT) has shown promising radiological and pathological responses, coupled with encouraging efficacy in several clinical trials. This potentially paves the way for a myriad of possibilities in treatment de-escalation of HNSCC, which warrants further exploration. This paper reviews the existing strategies and efficacies of neoadjuvant immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), along with potential de-escalation strategies. Furthermore, the challenges encountered in the context of the de-escalation strategies of NAIT are explored. The aim is to inform future research directions that strive to improve the quality of life (QoL) for patients battling HNSCC.

Systematic review of head and neck lymphedema assessment

Head and neck lymphedema (HNL) is an increasingly recognized complication of head and neck cancer and its treatment. However, no consensus exists on the "gold-standard" assessment tool for the purposes of diagnosis, classification, or monitoring of HNL. We conducted a systematic review of the literature regarding HNL assessment to determine the optimal method/s of assessment for patients with HNL. A review of publications between January 2000 and September 2021 was undertaken on four electronic databases. Studies were excluded if no clear assessment method of HNL was documented. Sixty-seven articles were included in the study. A wide range of assessment methods for HNL have been reported in the literature. For the purposes of diagnosis and classification of physical findings, computed tomography (CT) appears the most promising tool available for both external and internal HNL. In terms of monitoring, ultrasound appears optimal for external HNL, while a clinician-reported rating scale on laryngoscopy is the gold standard for internal HNL. Patient-reported assessment must be considered alongside objective methods to classify symptom burden and monitor improvement with treatment.

Postoperative Radiochemotherapy Using Modern Radiotherapy Techniques in Elderly Patients with Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: The Challenge of Weighing Up Benefits and Harms of Treatment Modalities in Clinical Practice

Simple Summary

Locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) are often managed with surgery and postoperative radiochemotherapy (RCT). Until now, a deeper understanding of specific management strategies for elderly patients was lacking. In the present study, we compared patients ≥70 years of age and younger patients treated with postoperative RCT for HNSCC. All patients were treated with modern radiotherapy techniques (IMRT/VMAT). Elderly patients had more comorbidities. In addition, they less frequently received concomitant systemic treatment. The rates of mucositis and dermatitis were lower in patients ≥70 years. Elderly patients had significantly worse overall survival and progression-free survival. Locoregional and distant control were comparable in elderly and younger patients. In conclusion, postoperative radiochemotherapy is a safe and effective treatment option in patients ≥70 years. In light of comorbidities and poor survival rates, potential benefits and harms of radiotherapy and concomitant systemic treatment should be weighed carefully for this age group.

Abstract

Locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) are often managed with surgery followed by postoperative radiochemotherapy (RCT). With the general increase in life expectancy, the proportion of elderly patients with HNSCC is expected to grow rapidly. Until now, a deeper understanding of specific management strategies for these patients in clinical routine was lacking. In the present study, we compared elderly patients (≥70 years, n = 52) and younger patients (n = 245) treated with postoperative RCT for HNSCC at our tertiary cancer center. All patients were irradiated with modern radiotherapy techniques (IMRT/VMAT). Patients ≥70 years of age had more comorbidities. Additionally, elderly patients less frequently received concomitant systemic treatment. The rates of mucositis and dermatitis were lower in patients ≥70 years. Elderly patients had significantly worse overall and progression-free survival. Locoregional and distant control were comparable in elderly and younger patients. In conclusion, postoperative RCT is a safe and effective treatment option in patients ≥70 years. In light of comorbidities and poor overall survival rates, benefits and harms of radiotherapy and concomitant systemic treatment should be weighed carefully. When exclusively applying up-to-date radiotherapy techniques with, at the same time, careful use of concomitant systemic therapy, favorable acute toxicity profiles are achieved.

Outcomes of Post-Operative Treatment with Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in High-Risk Resected Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OCSCC): A Multi-Institutional Collaboration

Adjuvant chemoradiation (CRT), with high-dose cisplatin remains standard treatment for oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) with high-risk pathologic features. We evaluated outcomes associated with different cisplatin dosing and schedules, concurrent with radiation (RT), and the effect of cumulative dosing of cisplatin. An IRB-approved collaborative database of patients (pts) with primary OCSCC (Stage I–IVB AJCC 7th edition) treated with primary surgical resection between January 2005 and January 2015, with or without adjuvant therapy, was established from six academic institutions. Patients were categorized by cisplatin dose and schedule, and resultant groups compared for demographic data, pathologic features, and outcomes by statistical analysis to determine disease free survival (DFS) and freedom from metastatic disease (DM). From a total sample size of 1282 pts, 196 pts were identified with high-risk features who were treated with adjuvant CRT. Administration schedule of cisplatin was not significantly associated with DFS. On multivariate (MVA), DFS was significantly better in patients without perineural invasion (PNI) and in those receiving ≥200 mg/m² cisplatin dose (p < 0.001 and 0.007). Median DFS, by cisplatin dose, was 10.5 (<200 mg/m²) vs. 20.8 months (≥200 mg/m²). Our analysis demonstrated cumulative cisplatin dose ≥200 mg/m² was associated with improved DFS in high-risk resected OCSCC pts.

Comparing the prevalence, location, and severity of head and neck lymphedema after postoperative radiotherapy for oral cavity cancers and definitive chemoradiotherapy for oropharyngeal, laryngeal, and hypopharyngeal cancers

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to examine the prevalence, location, and severity of chronic internal, external, and combined head and neck lymphedema (HNL) in patients with head and neck (HNC) who were treated with definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT) or postoperative radiotherapy (PORT).

METHODS

Sixty-two participants between 1 and 3 years post-treatment were recruited. Internal HNL was rated with Patterson's Scale. External HNL was graded with the MD Anderson Cancer Center Lymphedema Rating Scale.

RESULTS

Ninety-eight percent of participants presented with some form of chronic HNL. Sixty-one percent had internal HNL only, 35% had combined HNL, and 2% had external HNL only. Participants treated with PORT were more likely to experience combined HNL (69% vs 24%, P = .001), whereas those treated with CRT were more likely to have internal HNL only (74% vs 25%, P = .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic HNL is highly prevalent following multimodal treatment, and differences in HNL presentations exist between treatment modalities.

Prognostic factors for lymphedema in patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer after combined radio(chemo)therapy- results of a longitudinal study

AIM

Treatment-associated lymphedema is a common side effect after multimodal therapy for locally advanced head and neck cancer (LAHNC). This study aims to evaluate potential prognostic factors for head and neck lymphedema (HNL) and its potential impact on clinical outcome.

METHODS

This is a prospective data registry analysis on 280 patients treated for locally advanced head and neck cancer (LAHNC). All patients received surgery and risk-adapted platinum-based adjuvant intensity modulated radio(chemo)therapy (R(C)T, IMRT). Treatment- related toxicity was prospectively registered in a data base in regular intervals (baseline 3 months after R(C)T, every 3 months for 3 years, and every 6 months thereafter) and documented according to RTOG/EORTC toxicity criteria.

RESULTS

Predictive for any grade HNL 3 months after R(C)T were age, BMI, number of removed nodes and RT modality. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that in the acute toxicity phase (3 months after R(C)T) higher body mass index (BMI), extracapsular spread (ECE), linac-based IMRT, bilateral treatment to the neck (surgery and RT), and the addition of chemotherapy increase the risk for grade 2 HNL. For chronic HNL, higher BMI, linac-based IMRT and ECE were predictive for grade 2 HNL. Higher BMI is associated with better local control rates. Advanced age and ECE had a negative impact on OS.

CONCLUSION

HNL is a common acute and late side effect after multimodal therapy for LAHNC. Knowing risk factors for HNL prior to therapy enables caregivers and patients to take measures prior to treatment to prevent or limit the effects of HNL.

Gene-expression signature predicts survival benefit from postoperative chemoradiotherapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Postoperative radiotherapy or concurrent chemoradiotherapy are routine clinical options for the treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, the benefit of adding chemotherapy to radiotherapy is contested. The present study aimed to develop a gene signature to predict the clinical benefit of postoperative chemoradiotherapy using public data from The Cancer Genome Atlas. A 22-gene signature was established, which demonstrated the best predictive value. Patients were separated into low-score and high-score subgroups based on the expression score of the 22-gene signature. In the high-score subgroup, patients who received chemoradiotherapy demonstrated improved overall survival, relapse-free survival and local regional control compared with those who received radiotherapy alone. However, in the low-score subgroup adding chemotherapy to radiotherapy was associated with worse patient outcomes. The predictive value of the 22-gene signature was independent of the conventional clinical variables. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed that the expression signatures of hypoxia phenotype and stem-like traits were significantly enriched in the low-score subgroup. In addition, the low-score subgroup was associated with the gene sets involved in resistance to anticancer drugs. In conclusion, hypoxia- or stem-like gene expression properties are associated with chemotherapy-resistance in HNSCC. The 22-gene signature may be useful as a predictive marker to help distinguish patients who will benefit from postoperative concurrent chemoradiotherapy.

Submental liposuction for the management of lymphedema following head and neck cancer treatment: a randomized controlled trial

Background

Patients who have undergone treatment for head and neck cancer are at risk for neck lymphedema, which can severely affect quality of life. Liposuction has been used successfully in cancer patients who suffer from post-treatment limb lymphedema. The purpose of our study was to review the outcomes of head and neck cancer patients at our center who have undergone submental liposuction for post-treatment lymphedema and compare their subsequent results with a control group.

Methods

All head and neck cancer patients at an oncology center in tertiary hospital setting who complained to their attending surgeon or radiation oncologist regarding cervical lymphedema secondary to head and neck cancer treatment, and had been disease-free for a minimum of one year, with no previous facial plastic surgical procedures were eligible for inclusion into the study. Study design was a non-blinded randomized controlled trial. Twenty patients were randomized into a treatment arm (underwent submental liposuction n = 10) and control arm (n = 10). Both groups of patients completed two surveys (Modified Blepharoplasty Outcome Evaluation and the validated Derriford Appearance Scale) on initial office visit after consenting for the trial. The treatment group then completed the surveys 6 months post-operatively while the control group filled the surveys 6 months after the initial assessment but had no intervention. Mann-Whitney U tests were performed to compare the responses of those that did and did not receive liposuction.

Results

Our study demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in patients’ self-perception of appearance and statistically significant subjective scoring of appearance following submental liposuction.

Conclusions

Submental liposuction is an effective and safe procedure to improves the quality of life for head and neck cancer patients suffering from post-treatment lymphedema.

T cell abundance in blood predicts acute organ toxicity in chemoradiotherapy for head and neck cancer

Treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) by chemoradiotherapy (CRT) often results in high-grade acute organ toxicity (HGAOT). As these adverse effects impair the patients' quality of life and the feasibility of the planned therapy, we sought to analyze immunological parameters in tumor material and blood samples obtained from 48 HNSCC patients in order to assess the potential to predict the individual acute organ toxicity. T cells in the tumor stroma were enriched in patients developing HGAOT whereas levels of soluble factors in the plasma and gene expression in whole blood did not coincide with the occurrence of acute organ toxicity. In contrast, the frequency and absolute numbers of selected leukocyte subpopulations measured in samples of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) directly before the beginning of CRT were significantly different in patients with HGAOT as compared to those without. When we validated several potential markers including the abundance of T cells in a small prospective study with 16 HNSCC patients, we were able to correctly predict acute organ toxicity in up to 81% of the patients. We conclude that analysis of PBMCs by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) might be a convenient strategy to identify patients at risk of developing HGAOT caused by CRT, which might allow to adapt the treatment regimen and possibly improve disease outcome.

Phase I study of vandetanib with radiation therapy with or without cisplatin in locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Vandetanib, added to cisplatin and radiation therapy (RT) overcomes chemoradiation therapy (CRT) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor resistance in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) lines and models.

METHODS

Patients with previously untreated HNSCC received vandetanib daily for 14 days (starting dose 100 mg) and then vandetanib + RT (2.2 Gy/day, 5 days/week) for 6 weeks (regimen 1) or vandetanib + RT (2 Gy/day, 5 days/week) + cisplatin (30 mg/m(2) weekly) for 7 weeks (regimen 2). The primary objective was the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of vandetanib with RT +/- cisplatin.

RESULTS

Of 33 treated patients, 30 completed therapy (regimen 1, n = 12; regimen 2, n = 18). MTD in regimen 2 was 100 mg (3 dose limiting toxicities [DLTs] at 200 mg), whereas regimen 1 was stopped because of poor recruitment (1 DLT at 200 mg). Most common grade ≥3 adverse events (AEs) were dysphagia (30%), stomatitis (33%), and mucosal inflammation (27%). Five patients discontinued vandetanib because of AEs.

CONCLUSION

Vandetanib with CRT was feasible.

Lymphedema management in head and neck cancer

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Head and neck lymphedema (HNL) is a common and often debilitating cancer treatment effect that is under-researched and ill defined. We examined current literature and reviewed historical treatment approaches. We propose a model for evaluation and treatment of HNL used at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC) for patients with head and neck cancer (HNC).

RECENT FINDINGS

Despite the morbidity associated with HNL in patients with HNC, to our knowledge, no article has been published within the past 18 months whose primary focus is HNL. Eight publications included HNL but only as a secondary focus related to treatment effect, risk of dysphagia, prognostic indicator of underlying disease, and quality of life. A potential benefit of selenium treatment to reduce HNL was reported.

SUMMARY

This article highlights the recent literature regarding HNL in patients treated for HNC. Although HNL is reported as a potential complication of HNC treatment, no clear definition of the disease or its management are published. Our early experience using an objective evaluation and treatment protocol holds promise for a better understanding of HNL in patients treated for head and neck malignancy.

Recent progress in the treatment and prevention of cancer-related lymphedema

This article provides an overview of the recent developments in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer-related lymphedema. Lymphedema incidence by tumor site is evaluated. Measurement techniques and trends in patient education and treatment are also summarized to include current trends in therapeutic and surgical treatment options as well as longer-term management. Finally, an overview of the policies related to insurance coverage and reimbursement will give the clinician an overview of important trends in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of cancer-related lymphedema.

Preoperative simultaneous fractionated cisplatin and radiation therapy in the treatment of advanced operable stage III and IV squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

BACKGROUND

In Stage III/IV head and neck squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, multidisciplinary treatment is not standardized. This study evaluated preoperative simultaneous radiation therapy and Cisplatin 20 mg/M(2)/4 days during weeks 1, 4, and 7 of irradiation (CTRT).

METHODS

Records of 143 CTRT and 48 patients treated with other surgery/radiation/chemotherapy regimens (CONTROL) were reviewed. Chi-square, analysis of variance, and Kaplan-Meier statistical analysis were performed.

RESULTS

CTRT improved outcomes in Grade 2 to 5 toxicity (76% CONTROL vs 45% CTRT, P < .0001), complete clinical response (68% CTRT vs 36% CONTROL, P < .003), histologic complete response (67% in CTRT vs 28% in CONTROL, P = .0002), recurrence (33% in CTRT vs 66% in CONTROL, P = .0007), and distant metastases (2% CTRT vs 37% CONTROL, P = .0003); Kaplan-Meier disease-free survival was 65% CTRT versus 34% CONTROL.

CONCLUSIONS

CTRT increases complete clinical response, histologic complete response, organ preservation, and survival, with lower recurrence and reduced toxicity and rare recurrence. CTRT may be the first treatment for Stage III/IV head and neck squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

Adjuvant chemoradiation therapy with high-dose versus weekly cisplatin for resected, locally-advanced HPV/p16-positive and negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

Standard treatment for patients with poor-risk, resected head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is adjuvant radiation therapy combined with high-dose cisplatin. Many patients are treated with weekly cisplatin; it is not known whether weekly and high-dose cisplatin are equivalent. This study compares the outcomes of patients with locally-advanced HPV-negative HNSCC and HPV/p16-positive oropharynx HNSCC treated with adjuvant chemoradiation therapy with either high-dose or weekly cisplatin.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective review of patients with Stage III/IV HNSCC who had surgery followed by adjuvant chemoradiation therapy at Mayo Clinic, Rochester. HPV and/or p16 status was available for all oropharynx patients.

RESULTS

104 Patients (51 high-dose, 53 weekly) were analyzed. The 3-year overall survival was 84% and 75% for patients who received high dose and weekly cisplatin, respectively (p=0.30). The 3-year recurrence free survival was 71% and 74% in the high dose and weekly cisplatin group, respectively (p=0.95). Patients with HPV/p16-positive oropharynx cancer who received adjuvant chemoradiation therapy with high-dose and weekly cisplatin had three-year overall survival rates of 91% and 86% (p=0.56), and 3-year recurrence free survival of 84% and 82% (p=0.93). Extracapsular extension did not affect prognosis in either group.

CONCLUSIONS

No significant survival difference was seen between patients with locally advanced HNSCC treated with adjuvant chemoradiation therapy with high-dose or weekly cisplatin, although there was a trend for improved survival with high-dose cisplatin. Weekly cisplatin in the adjuvant setting may be a better treatment for patients with HPV-positive oropharynx cancer to preserve survival and minimize toxicity.

Second primary malignancies in head and neck cancer patients: high prevalence of curable-stage disease

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Patients treated for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC) carry a high risk of second primary malignancies (SPM). Recently, computed tomography (CT) of the chest was shown to significantly decrease the risk of death due to bronchial carcinoma (BC) in a cohort of smokers whose risk of BC is increased but might be lower than that of patients previously treated for HNSCC. Thus, the present study evaluated the potential benefit of CT and other examinations in the detection of SPM in HNSCC patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between July 2008 and November 2011, 118 participants underwent a prospective, systematic examination for SPM (13 women, 105 men, median age 62 years). All patients had been previously treated for HNSCC and showed no recurrence or distant metastases at the time of the study start. CT scans, ear-nose-throat endoscopy, and endoscopy of the esophagus and stomach were performed.

RESULTS

Overall, 33 suspicious findings were clarified by additional investigations. In all, 26 SPM were confirmed in 21 of 118 patients (18%; 10 lung, 7 HNSCC, 3 gastrointestinal, 1 renal). Eighteen of these 21 patients (86%) underwent therapy with curative intent.

CONCLUSION

The examinations revealed a high prevalence of curable stage SPM in HNSCC patients. Adapting a surveillance scheme including a chest CT is recommended.

Toxicity of concurrent radiochemotherapy for locally advanced non--small-cell lung cancer: a systematic review of the literature

Concurrent radiochemotherapy (RCT) is the treatment of choice for patients with locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Two meta-analyses were inconclusive in an attempt to define the optimal concurrent RCT scheme. Besides efficacy, treatment toxicity will influence the appointed treatment of choice. A systematic review of the literature was performed to record the early and late toxicities, as well as overall survival, of concurrent RCT regimens in patients with NSCLC. The databases of PubMed, Ovid, Medline, and the Cochrane Library were searched for articles on concurrent RCT published between January 1992 and December 2009. Publications of phase II and phase III trials with ≥ 50 patients per treatment arm were selected. Patient characteristics, chemotherapy regimen (mono- or polychemotherapy, high or low dose) and radiotherapy scheme, acute and late toxicity, and overall survival data were compared. Seventeen articles were selected: 12 studies with cisplatin-containing regimens and 5 studies using carboplatin. A total of 13 series with mono- or polychemotherapy schedules--as single dose or double or triple high-dose or daily cisplatin-containing (≤ 30 mg/m(2)/wk) chemotherapy were found. Acute esophagitis ≥ grade 3 was observed in up to 18% of the patients. High-dose cisplatin regimens resulted in more frequent and severe hematologic toxicity, nausea, and vomiting than did other schemes. The toxicity profile was more favorable in low-dose chemotherapy schedules. From phase II and III trials published between 1992 and 2010, it can be concluded that concurrent RCT with monochemotherapy consisting of daily cisplatin results in favorable acute and late toxicity compared with concurrent RCT with single high-dose chemotherapy, doublets, or triplets.

Impact of secondary lymphedema after head and neck cancer treatment on symptoms, functional status, and quality of life

BACKGROUND

Lymphedema may disrupt local function and affect quality of life (QOL) in patients with head and neck cancer. The purpose of this study was to examine the associations among severity of internal and external lymphedema, symptoms, functional status, and QOL in patients with head and neck cancer.

METHODS

The sample included 103 patients who were ≥ 3 months after head and neck cancer treatment. Variables assessed included severity of internal and external lymphedema, physical/psychological symptoms, functional status, and QOL.

RESULTS

Severity of internal and external lymphedema was associated with physical symptoms and psychological symptoms. Patients with more severe external lymphedema were more likely to have a decrease in neck left/right rotation. The combined effects of external and internal lymphedema severity were associated with hearing impairment and decreased QOL.

CONCLUSIONS

Lymphedema severity correlates with symptom burden, functional status, and QOL in patients after head and neck cancer treatment.

Prevalence of secondary lymphedema in patients with head and neck cancer

CONTEXT

Because surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy disrupt lymphatic structures, damage soft tissue leading to scar tissue formation and fibrosis, and further affect lymphatic function, patients with head and neck cancer may be at high risk for developing secondary lymphedema. Yet, no published data are available regarding the prevalence of secondary lymphedema after head and neck cancer treatment.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to examine prevalence of secondary lymphedema in patients with head and neck cancer.

METHODS

The study included 81 patients with head and neck cancer who were three months or more post-treatment. External lymphedema was staged using Foldi's lymphedema scale. Internal lymphedema was identified through a flexible fiber-optic endoscopic or mirror examination. Patterson's scale was used to grade degrees of internal lymphedema.

RESULTS

Of the 81 patients, 75.3% (61 of 81) had some form of late-effect lymphedema. Of those, 9.8% (6 of 61) only had external, 39.4% (24 of 61) only had internal, and 50.8% (31 of 61) had both types.

CONCLUSION

Lymphedema is a common late effect in patients with head and neck cancer, and it develops in multiple external and internal anatomical locations. During physical examination and endoscopic procedures, clinicians should assess patients with head and neck cancer for late-effect lymphedema. Referral for treatment should be considered when lymphedema is noted. Research is needed to examine risk factors of lymphedema in patients with head and neck cancer and its effects on patients' symptoms, function, and quality of life.

Lymphedema beyond breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cancer-related secondary lymphedema

BACKGROUND

Secondary lymphedema is a debilitating, chronic, progressive condition that commonly occurs after the treatment of breast cancer. The purpose of the current study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the oncology-related literature excluding breast cancer to derive estimates of lymphedema incidence and to identify potential risk factors among various malignancies.

METHODS

The authors systematically reviewed 3 major medical indices (MEDLINE, Cochrane Library databases, and Scopus) to identify studies (1972-2008) that included a prospective assessment of lymphedema after cancer treatment. Studies were categorized according to malignancy, and data included treatment, complications, lymphedema measurement criteria, lymphedema incidence, and follow-up interval. A quality assessment of individual studies was performed using established criteria for systematic reviews. Bayesian meta-analytic techniques were applied to derive summary estimates when sufficient data were available.

RESULTS

A total of 47 studies (7779 cancer survivors) met inclusion criteria: melanoma (n = 15), gynecologic malignancies (n = 22), genitourinary cancers (n = 8), head/neck cancers (n = 1), and sarcomas (n = 1). The overall incidence of lymphedema was 15.5% and varied by malignancy (P < .001): melanoma, 16% (upper extremity, 5%; lower extremity, 28%); gynecologic, 20%; genitourinary, 10%; head/neck, 4%; and sarcoma, 30%. Increased lymphedema risk was also noted for patients undergoing pelvic dissections (22%) and radiation therapy (31%). Objective measurement methods and longer follow-up were both associated with increased lymphedema incidence.

CONCLUSIONS

Lymphedema is a common condition affecting cancer survivors with various malignancies. The incidence of lymphedema is related to the type and extent of treatment, anatomic location, heterogeneity of assessment methods, and length of follow-up.