Analysis of ECOG performance status in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients: association with sociodemographical and clinical factors, and overall survival.
OBJECTIVE
In the present study, we analyzed sociodemographical and clinical factors, and the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG-PS) scale in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients. We evaluated the impact of a range of variables on overall survival.


METHODS
We investigated a sample of HNSCC patients (n = 671), using sociodemographical and clinical information, and survival data collected from a review of epidemiological, clinical, and treatment reports. Statistical associations were analyzed by bivariate and multivariate statistical tests. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.


RESULTS
Of patients 85.4% recorded good ECOG-PS scores. Poor ECOG-PS scores were associated with the covariates indicative of dysphagia [odd ratios (OR) = 2.660, CI 95% = 1.661–4.260, p = 0.000] and large-size malignant disease (T3–T4; OR = 5.337, CI 95% = 2.251–12.652, p = 0.000). Overall survival analysis revealed that ECOG-PS scores (OR = 1.879, CI 95% = 1.162–3.038, p = 0.010), tumor size (OR = 1.665, CI 95% = 1.035–2.680, p = 0.036), and the presence of cervical metastasis (OR = 3.145, CI 95% = 2.008–4.926, p = 0.000) were independent predictors.


CONCLUSIONS
Evaluation of physical consumption in head and neck cancer patients at diagnosis may indicate a more aggressive type of malignant disease. Thus, the ECOG-PS scale may help to identify HNSCC patients in need of rapid referral, who may benefit from specific therapeutic and rehabilitative interventions.
Health Science Programme. Health Research Laboratory. Department of Dentistry and Medicine, Universidade Estadual de Montes Claros, 39401-001 Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Gefter Thiago Batista
GT
Corrêa
Gabriela Alencar
GA
Bandeira
Bruna Gonçalves
BG
Cavalcanti
Francis Balduíno Guimarães
FB
Santos
João Felício Rodrigues
JF
Rodrigues Neto
André Luiz Sena
AL
Guimarães
Desirée Sant'Ana
DS
Haikal
Alfredo Maurício Batista
AM
De Paula
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000473:pathology*; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016019:Survival Analysis; D055815:Young Adult