Prognostic factors in patients with soft palate squamous cell carcinoma

Background To define the prognostic factors associated with outcome in patients with soft palate squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Methods Previously untreated patients with soft palate and uvula SCC treated in our institution between 1997 and 2012 were collected. The prognostic value of clinical, hematological, and treatment characteristics was examined. Results We identified 156 patients, median age 58 years, with 71% drinkers, 91% smokers; 19% had synchronous cancer. Front-line treatment was chemoradiotherapy in 58 (37%), radiotherapy alone in 60 (39%), surgery in 17 (11%), and induction chemotherapy in 21 patients (14%). The 5-year actuarial overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were 41% and 37%, respectively. In univariate analysis, T3-T4 vs T1-T2 stage, N2-N3 vs N0-N1 stage, and neutrophil count >7 g/L were associated with worse OS and PFS (P < .05). Conclusion In patients with soft palate SCC, inflammation biomarkers were associated with OS.