Adding value to tumor staging in head and neck cancer: The role of metabolic parameters as prognostic factors

Background Validated biomarkers in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are scarce. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 62 patients with HNSCC treated radiotherapy +/− concurrent chemotherapy. Pretreatment metabolic tumor volume (MTV) total lesion glycolysis (TLG) were measured a 18F-FDG positron emission tomography using liver dependent standardized uptake value threshold. Cox regression analyses performed to find associations disease-free survival (DFS) overall (OS). Results High values of MTV (>37 ml) independently associated worse DFS (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.45; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.52–7.84) OS (HR 3.27; CI, 1.41–7.57). Similar results found for high TLG (>247 g) 3.32; 1.44–7.65) 3.42; 1.45–8.07). Conclusions can be considered as independent prognostic factors HNSCC. Considering how easily obtainable they are, may useful predicting clinical outcomes these patients.