Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of tumor volume in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma treated with chemoradiation.
Methods: Forty-six patients were treated with radiotherapy and cisplatin (6 mg/m(2) IV x 20, daily). Baseline primary tumor volume was recorded from MRI scans. The prognostic impact of tumor volume and other factors for locoregional control, disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS) was tested.
Results: Mean tumor volume was 28 cm(3) (median 23 cm(3); range, 3-112). The locoregional control rate at 3 years was 81% for patients with tumor volumes <median compared to 48% for tumor volumes > or = median (p = .036). At multivariate analysis, it appeared that tumor volume remained an independent determinant of locoregional control and survival when adjusted for other factors.
Conclusions: In advanced-stage head and neck squamous cell carcinoma treated with concurrent chemoradiation, primary tumor volume is associated with locoregional control and survival. Larger studies are needed to confirm whether incorporation of tumor volume in the staging system improves prediction of treatment outcome and can serve as a tool to guide treatment options.