Impact of comorbidity scores and lifestyle factors in curative radiotherapy in laryngeal cancer

PURPOSE: The principal goal of treatment of laryngeal cancer is to eliminate a tumour while preserving laryngeal function with radio(chemo)therapy being the mainstay of treatment. The aim of this report is to present the influence of comorbidities and lifestyle factors on treatment outcomes in our cohort of patients. METHODS: During the period 2009–2018, curative radio(chemo)therapy for laryngeal cancer was performed on 189 patients. RESULTS: The median OS was 50.8 months, with a mean PFS of 96.5 months, mean LC of 101.4 months and a median follow-up of 38.1 months. Acute and late treatment toxicity grade 3–4 was observed in 39.2% patients and 10.1% patients, respectively. A significant effect on overall survival was confirmed for the baseline PS (performance status), severity of weight loss, baseline haemoglobin values, history of alcohol abuse, marital status and comorbidities according to the Charlson Comorbidity Index, as well as the ACE-27 and ASA scores. CONCLUSIONS: In our cohort of patients treated with radio(chemo)therapy for laryngeal cancer, we found good therapeutic results and an acceptable side-effect profile. Statistically significant predictors of overall survival were the baseline PS, weight loss, anaemia, associated comorbidities, history of alcohol abuse and marital status.