Prognostic factors in squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva: a multivariate analysis

Based on 124 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva treated at the 1. Frauenklinik der Universität München from 1971 to 1980, the influence of pretreatment characteristics on survival was assessed. The patients underwent a simple vulvectomy with local and inguinal irradiation. All histologic specimens were worked up in the same manner, and all available specimens were reverified. Follow-up lasted from at least 2 up to 12 years post-treatment, with no dropouts. Using the Cox model of multivariate analysis, five pretreatment characteristics were found to most strongly influence survival: age, dissociated tumor growth, lymphatic spread, tumor thickness, and ulceration. These pretreatment characteristics were implemented in an algorithm for survival-oriented prognostic forecasting. Survival data as predicted from this algorithm correlated well with observed survival data. The validity of these prognostic factors needs to be examined in further studies using comparable patient populations and study designs.