Original Article
Tumor volumes predict prognosis in head and neck cancer: a meta-analysis
Abstract
Background: Head and neck cancers (HNCs) are the 6th most common cancer worldwide and account for 4% of malignancies. Recent studies implied that tumor volumes play a useful prognostic role in HNC. This meta-analysis based on published studies was performed with the aim of obtaining an accurate evaluation of the relationship between tumor volume and prognosis of HNC.
Methods: A comprehensive search strategy was used to search relevant literature in PubMed, EBSCO and ISI Web of Science. The correlation between tumor volume and HNC prognosis was analyzed. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement and using STATA Version 12.0.
Results: Finally, fifteen eligible studies consisting of 2,447 participants were included. We found that HNC with a primary gross tumor volume (GTVp) larger than the cut-off value were associated with an increased risk of local control failure (pooled HR =1.34; 95% CI =1.22–1.47). For the longtime survival, a larger GTVp was significantly associated with disease free survival (DFS) (pooled HR =1.34; 95% CI =1.23–1.46) and overall survival (OS) (pooled HR =1.27; 95% CI =1.17–1.37). On PET-CT, the primary tumor metabolic tumor volume (MTVp) was associated with local control (pooled HR =3.51; 95% CI =1.87–6.59), DFS (pooled HR =5.70; 95% CI =4.30–7.5) and OS (pooled HR =4.13; 95% CI =2.63–6.47).
Conclusions: The GTVp and MTVp were highly significant in evaluating local control, OS and DFS of patients with HNC and might be a useful adjuvant and complementary index for a new T staging system in HNC.
Methods: A comprehensive search strategy was used to search relevant literature in PubMed, EBSCO and ISI Web of Science. The correlation between tumor volume and HNC prognosis was analyzed. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement and using STATA Version 12.0.
Results: Finally, fifteen eligible studies consisting of 2,447 participants were included. We found that HNC with a primary gross tumor volume (GTVp) larger than the cut-off value were associated with an increased risk of local control failure (pooled HR =1.34; 95% CI =1.22–1.47). For the longtime survival, a larger GTVp was significantly associated with disease free survival (DFS) (pooled HR =1.34; 95% CI =1.23–1.46) and overall survival (OS) (pooled HR =1.27; 95% CI =1.17–1.37). On PET-CT, the primary tumor metabolic tumor volume (MTVp) was associated with local control (pooled HR =3.51; 95% CI =1.87–6.59), DFS (pooled HR =5.70; 95% CI =4.30–7.5) and OS (pooled HR =4.13; 95% CI =2.63–6.47).
Conclusions: The GTVp and MTVp were highly significant in evaluating local control, OS and DFS of patients with HNC and might be a useful adjuvant and complementary index for a new T staging system in HNC.
