Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 7, 2025

Therapy Testing in a Spheroid-based 3D Cell Culture Model for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Published on: April 20, 2018
Poor treatment tolerance in head and neck cancer patients with low muscle mass
Marco A Mascarella1,2,3, Terral Patel1, Varun Vendra1
1Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
Background:
We ascertain the role of a low cervical paraspinal skeletal muscle index (CPSMI) as a biomarker for poor treatment tolerance in patients with operable mucosal head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).
Methods:
A prospective cohort of patients with operable HNSCC requiring microvascular reconstruction was evaluated. Low CPSMI was calculated using preoperative CT neck imaging. Poor treatment tolerance, a composite measure of incomplete therapy or severe morbidity/mortality during treatment, was the primary outcome.
Results:
One hundred and twenty-seven patients underwent extirpative surgery with a mean age was 60.5. Poor treatment tolerance occurred in 71 (56%) patients with 21 not completing recommended adjuvant therapy and 66 having severe treatment-related morbidity. A low CPSMI was independently associated with poor treatment tolerance (OR 2.49, 95%CI 1.10-5.93) and delay to adjuvant therapy (OR 4.48, 95%CI 1.07-27.6) after adjusting for multiple confounders.
Conclusion:
Low CPSMI was independently associated with poor treatment tolerance in patients with operable HNSCC.
Related Concept Videos
Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment
These antibodies interfere with the function of the nicotinic receptors in three ways: by binding to the receptor and disrupting acetylcholine binding; by causing cross-linking of receptors which...
Disorders of the Skeletal Muscle
Musculoskeletal disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders involve injuries and conditions affecting the skeletal muscles and associated connective tissues. These disorders can arise from acute biomechanical stresses or chronic overuse and can occur across different age groups. Common injuries include sprains, fractures, and muscular strains, often resulting from...
Treatment Resistant Cancers
Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Adverse Effects
Unlike...
Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Therapeutic Uses
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: 5-HT3 Receptor Antagonists

