Predictive factors for the histologic response to preoperative radiotherapy in advanced oral cancer.

Purpose: Preoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy are important in treating advanced oral cancer. We attempted to elucidate predictive factors for the histologic response to preoperative radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy.

Patients And Methods: Forty-three patients with locally advanced cancer of the oral cavity and oropharynx were treated preoperatively with radiotherapy (50 Gy); surgery included modification of the resected area to preserve organ function.

Results: Hemoglobin level and histologic differentiation were independent factors significantly associated with the histologic response by multivariate analysis. Locoregional failure occurred only in patients with poor histologic response, and there was a significant difference in the 5-year survival rate between patients with good and poor responses (84% vs 32%). Multivariate analysis indicated that the histologic response at the primary site and the number of metastatic lymph nodes were prognostic factors.

Conclusion: We identified predictive factors for a good response to preoperative therapy and found a high survival rate in patients with a good response.