Impact of Targeted Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Adjuvant Therapy on Recurrence-Free Survival and Functional Recovery in Stage III Tongue Cancer Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND

Stage III tongue cancer has a poor prognosis despite conventional adjuvant therapies. Immune checkpoint inhibitors show promise in oncology, but their impact on survival and functional outcomes in tongue cancer remains underexplored.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included 67 stage III tongue cancer patients, defined into a convention group (n=36) and a targeted immune checkpoint inhibitor (TICI) group (n=31). All received postoperative radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy; the TICI group also received camrelizumab. Recurrence-free survival (RFS), swallowing function (EAT-10), speech function (RDA), and quality of life (UW-QOL) were assessed before treatment and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post-treatment.

RESULTS

The TICI group showed significantly prolonged RFS (P<0.001). Swallowing and speech function improved more rapidly and substantially in the TICI group at all post-treatment intervals (all P<0.05). Quality of life was also significantly higher in the TICI group throughout follow-up (all P<0.05). Multivariate analysis confirmed TICI as a protective factor for RFS (HR=0.689) and swallowing recovery (OR=0.612), while advanced T stage (T3) and N stage (N1) were identified as independent risk factors.

CONCLUSION

TICI adjuvant therapy may improve recurrence-free survival, functional recovery, and quality of life in stage III tongue cancer patients.