In:
BMJ Open, BMJ, Vol. 9, No. 2 ( 2019-02), p. e025359-
Abstract:
To provide data on specific growth rates (SGRs) of primary tumours (PT-SGR) and largest pathological cervical lymph nodes (LN-SGR) for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). To explore PT-SGR’s and LN-SGR’s correlation with selected biomarkers epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), Ki67 and CD44. Design and setting Retrospective study performed at a tertiary oncological referral centre in Innsbruck, Austria. Participants Adult patients with incident HNSCC treated with primary radiotherapy (RT) or radiochemotherapy (RCT). Outcome measures Volumes of the primary tumour (PT-volume) and largest pathological cervical lymph node (LN-volume) were measured in CT scans obtained at time of diagnosis and subsequent planning CTs immediately prior to RT or RCT. SGRs were calculated assuming an exponential growth function. PT-SGR’s and LN-SGR’s correlation with EGFR, Ki67 and CD44 were explored. Results In 123 patients, mean interval between diagnostic and planning CT was 29±21 days. PT-SGR was 1.8±1.8% (mean±SD) per day and was positively correlated with EGFR, Ki67 and CD44 expression (p=0.02; p=0.02; p=0.03). LN-SGR was 1.7±2.0% per day and increased with larger initial LN-volume, was lower in laryngeal cancer (p=0.003) and slowed down with time. LN-SGR was not correlated with EGFR, Ki67 or CD44 expression in primary tumours (p 〉 0.12). New cartilage or bone infiltration occurred in 10 patients and new central lymph node necrosis in 8 patients. Conclusions HNSCCs are fast-growing tumours for which treatment must not be delayed. Clinical tumour growth rates are influences by EGFR, KI67 and CD44 expression.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
2044-6055
,
2044-6055
DOI:
10.1136/bmjopen-2018-025359
Language:
English
Publisher:
BMJ
Publication Date:
2019
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2599832-8
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