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A Model for Perineural Invasion in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Published on: January 5, 2017
The risk of second primary tumors in head and neck cancer: A systematic review
Andrés Coca-Pelaz1,2, Juan P Rodrigo1,2, Carlos Suárez2
1Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias-University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain.
Background:
Second primary tumors (SPTs) are a common cause of reduced life expectancy in patients treated for head and neck cancer (HNC). This phenomenon forms an area to be addressed during posttreatment follow-up.
Methods:
We conducted a systematic review of literature following PRISMA guidelines, from 1979 to 2019, to investigate incidence of SPTs, synchronous, and metachronous, in HNC population.
Results:
Our review includes data of 456 130 patients from 61 articles. With a minimum follow-up of 22 months, mean incidence of SPTs was 13.2% (95% CI: 11.56-14.84): 5.3% (95% CI: 4.24-6.36) for synchronous SPTs and 9.4% (95% CI: 7.9-10.9) for metachronous SPTs. The most frequent site for SPTs was head and neck area, followed by the lungs and esophagus.
Conclusion:
Although with wide variations between studies, the rate of SPTs in HNC patients is high. Given the impact in the prognosis, we must develop strategies for the early diagnosis of SPTs.
Insights
Second primary tumors (SPTs) are common in head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors, impacting life expectancy. Early diagnosis strategies are crucial for improving patient prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cancer Research
- Public Health
Background:
- Second primary tumors (SPTs) significantly reduce survival rates in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients.
- Managing SPTs is critical during post-treatment follow-up for HNC survivors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the incidence of synchronous and metachronous SPTs in HNC patients.
- To analyze the frequency and common sites of SPTs in this population.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature review adhering to PRISMA guidelines was conducted.
- Data from 61 articles, encompassing 456,130 HNC patients, were analyzed (1979-2019).
Main Results:
- The overall mean incidence of SPTs was 13.2%, with synchronous SPTs at 5.3% and metachronous SPTs at 9.4%.
- The most common sites for SPTs were the head and neck region, followed by the lungs and esophagus.
- A minimum follow-up of 22 months was considered in the reviewed studies.
Conclusions:
- The incidence of SPTs in HNC patients is notably high, despite variations across studies.
- Developing effective strategies for the early detection of SPTs is essential due to their significant impact on prognosis.

