Prognostic imaging variables for recurrent laryngeal and hypopharyngeal carcinoma treated with primary chemoradiotherapy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

BACKGROUND: In this systematic review, we aim to identify prognostic imaging variables of recurrent laryngeal or hypopharyngeal carcinoma after chemoradiotherapy. METHODS: A systematic search was performed in PubMed and EMBASE (1990–2020). The crude data and effect estimates were extracted for each imaging variable. The level of evidence of each variable was assessed and pooled risk ratios (RRs) were calculated. RESULTS: Twenty‐two articles were included in this review, 17 on computed tomography (CT) and 5 on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) variables. We found strong evidence for the prognostic value of tumor volume at various cut‐off points (pooled RRs ranging from 2.09 to 3.03). Anterior commissure involvement (pooled RR 2.19), posterior commissure involvement (pooled RR 2.44), subglottic extension (pooled RR 2.25), and arytenoid cartilage extension (pooled RR 2.10) were also strong prognostic factors. CONCLUSION: Pretreatment tumor volume and involvement of several subsites are prognostic factors for recurrent laryngeal or hypopharyngeal carcinoma after chemoradiotherapy.