Impact of recurrence interval on survival of oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma patients after local relapse

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate whether the recurrence interval influenced the survival of oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma patients after relapse.

Study design and setting: Retrospective charts were reviewed at a medical center.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 1687 chart records of oral cancer patients. Statistical methods included descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses, Kaplan-Meier survival analyses, and Cox proportional hazard models for investigating the relationship between the recurrence interval and survival of oral cancer patients after relapse.

Results: Local recurrence rate was 31.3 percent. Kaplan-Meier survival analyses showed the 5-year overall survival after recurrence was 31.56 percent. Cox proportional hazard model revealed that those with recurrence interval less than 18 months tended to have a higher probability of death than those with recurrence interval greater than or equal to 18 months (relative risk, 1.743; 95% confidence interval, 1.298-2.358).

Conclusion: The interval from initial treatment to recurrence is an independent prognostic factor for oral squamous cell carcinoma patients. Those with a shorter disease-free interval tend to have a less favorable outcome.