Impact of recurrence interval on survival of oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma patients after local relapse.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the recurrence interval influenced the survival of oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma patients after relapse.

STUDY DESIGN AND

SETTING

Retrospective charts were reviewed at a medical center.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 1687 chart records of oral cancer patients. Statistical methods included descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses, Kaplan-Meier survival analyses, and Cox proportional hazard models for investigating the relationship between the recurrence interval and survival of oral cancer patients after relapse.

RESULTS

Local recurrence rate was 31.3 percent. Kaplan-Meier survival analyses showed the 5-year overall survival after recurrence was 31.56 percent. Cox proportional hazard model revealed that those with recurrence interval less than 18 months tended to have a higher probability of death than those with recurrence interval greater than or equal to 18 months (relative risk, 1.743; 95% confidence interval, 1.298-2.358).

CONCLUSION

The interval from initial treatment to recurrence is an independent prognostic factor for oral squamous cell carcinoma patients. Those with a shorter disease-free interval tend to have a less favorable outcome.