[Prognostic factors in oropharyngeal cancer]

Oropharyngeal carcinoma (OFC) is rare in Mexico, it only represents 0.6% of all carcinomas. Treatment alternatives are radiotherapy (RT) or radiotherapy-surgery association and prognosis depends on stage and tumor location.

Our objective was to know prognostic factors in patients with OFC treated with RT.

We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients with OFC. Analyzed variables were tumor location, RT technique (with or without field reduction; TRC and TSRC), tumor stage, histologic grade, and macroscopic tumor type. Survival was estimated with Kaplan-Meier method.

A total of 70 patients, median age of 62 years, 19 women and 51 men. Locations included 24 tonsil, 35 tongue base, eight soft palate, and three posterior lateral wall. A total of 32 tumors were excrescent and 38, ulcer infiltrating, 81% T3-T4 and 18% T1-T2. RT median dose was 5,625 rads; 51 were treated with TSRC and 19 with TRC. Local-regional control was achieved in 35 patients (50%), mortality secondary to treatment was 12.9% whit there were 5-year overall survival. Loco-regional recurrence was 44%. Most frequent morbility for treatment was dysphagia (66%). Variables with statistical survival significance were TRC (18% vs. 53% p = 0.0012), stage (T1-2 vs. T3-4; 58% vs. 21% p = 0.0025, and tonsil location (43% vs. 24% p < 0.005). OFC diagnosis is usually made in advanced stages. Survival prognostic factors are tumor location, tumor stage, and RT technique.