Evaluation of A Post-Treatment Follow-Up Program in Patients with Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Authors

Andre Peisker, Jena University Hospital
Gregor F. Raschke, Jena University Hospital
Arndt Guentsch, Marquette UniversityFollow
Paul Luepke, Marquette UniversityFollow
Korosh Roshanghias, Jena University Hospital
Stefan Schultze-Mosgau, Jena University Hospital

Document Type

Article

Language

English

Publication Date

1-2017

Publisher

Elsevier

Source Publication

Clinical Oral Investigations

Source ISSN

1432-6981

Original Item ID

DOI: 10.1007/s00784-016-1764-9

Abstract

Objectives

The duration and the frequency of follow-up after treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma are not standardized in the current literature. The purpose of this study was to evaluate our local standard post-treatment and follow-up protocol.

Materials and methods

Overall, 228 patients treated curatively from 01/2006 to 07/2013 were reviewed. To evaluate the follow-up program, data on the secondary event were used. To determine risk groups, all patients with tumor recurrence were specifically analyzed. Relapse-free rate were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier product limit method. The chi-square test was used to identify independent risk factors for tumor relapse.

Results

In total, 29.8 % patients had a secondary event. The majority of the relapse cases (88.2 %) were detected within 2 years postoperatively, 61.8 % of them within the first year. Most events were local recurrences (34.7 %). UICC-stage IV was significantly associated with tumor recurrence (p = 0.001). Gender (p = 0.188), age (p = 0.195), localization (p = 0.739), T-stage (p = 0.35), N-stage (p = 0.55), histologic grade (p = 0.162), and tobacco and alcohol use (p = 0.248) were not significantly associated with tumor recurrence. Patients with positive neck nodes relapsed earlier (p = 0.011). The majority of relapses (86.3 %) were found in asymptomatic patients at routine follow-up.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest an intensified follow-up within the first 2 years after surgery.

Clinical relevance

Given the higher relapse rate of patients exhibiting an UICC-stage IV and/or positive neck nodes, it seems to be from special interest to perform in this group a risk-adapted follow-up with monthly examinations also in the second year.

Comments

Accepted version. Clinical Oral Investigations, Vol. 21, No.1 (January 2017): 135-141. DOI. © 2017 Elsevier. Used with permission.

Recommended Citation

Peisker, Andre; Raschke, Gregor F.; Guentsch, Arndt; Luepke, Paul; Roshanghias, Korosh; and Schultze-Mosgau, Stefan, "Evaluation of A Post-Treatment Follow-Up Program in Patients with Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma" (2017). School of Dentistry Faculty Research and Publications. 216.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/dentistry_fac/216