RESUMO
Background/Aim: This study investigated the survival outcomes of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) undergoing palliative radiotherapy, particularly focusing on challenges and factors associated with older age, providing insights into appropriate palliative radiotherapy use in this demographic. Patients and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted using electronic medical records of 73 patients with HNSCC who were deemed unsuitable for curative therapy. Palliative radiotherapy involved a uniform dose of 30 Gy in 10 fractions. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier method, and multivariate analysis identified significant prognostic factors. Results: The median overall survival was 7.5 months, with no significant difference between age groups. Karnofsky performance status (KPS) >70 correlated with favorable survival. Multivariate analysis confirmed KPS as an independent prognostic factor (hazard ratio=1.949, p=0.031). Conclusion: The results of this study align with those of previous studies, emphasizing the importance of palliative radiotherapy for HNSCC treatment. Optimal dose fractionation regimens remain undetermined, and tailored approaches that consider factors, such as age and performance status are crucial. Individualized, comprehensive assessments and supportive care measures enhance patient well-being, reflecting palliative care principles.
RESUMO
Background/Aim: Palliative radiotherapy is a critical component of cancer care aimed at symptom management and enhancing the quality of life of patients with advanced cancer. Balancing symptom relief and potential risks is pivotal in clinical decision-making. This study explored the 30-day mortality (30-DM) rate after palliative radiotherapy in a single-center setting to shed light on potential prognostic factors and safety considerations. Patients and Methods: This retrospective cohort study included patients who underwent palliative radiotherapy for various indications between March 2020 and February 2023. Data were retrieved from electronic medical records and analyzed according to ethical guidelines. The primary outcome measure was 30-DM rate, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the independent predictors of 30-DM. Results: A total of 931 palliative radiotherapy sessions were administered to 601 patients, with a median of one session per patient. The cohort had a median age of 70 years, predominantly men (58%), and featured diverse primary cancer types, with lung cancer being the most prevalent (15.8%). The 30-DM rate was 12.9%. Multivariate analysis identified Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) as the sole independent prognostic factor significantly associated with 30-DM. Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights into 30-DM rates following palliative radiotherapy. Future research should focus on prospective multicenter investigations with larger cohorts and comprehensive data collection, ultimately leading to improved risk prediction models for personalized treatment decisions in palliative radiotherapy.