Chemoradiation in head and neck tumours in patients receiving treatment tertiary hospital in Nigeria: A ten-year review

Abstract

Background: Head and neck tumors are diverse, heterogeneous, and are relatively difficult to diagnose/stage. The use of chemoradiation for these cancers has been associated with better outcomes but has not been fully studied in this environment. Thus, this study aims at describing the pattern of presentation and mode of management of patients with head and neck cancers while exploring the impact of chemoradiation on treatment outcomes and survival in these patients. Methods: Using a retrospective study design, clinical data was obtained for 406 patients who were treated for head and neck cancers between January 2001 and December 2011. Results: The mean age was 49±17.1 years with a 2:1 male to female ratio. More tumors were located in the nasopharynx (18.0%) than anywhere else, and the bulk of patients presented with stage 4 diseases (48.5%). Most patients (37.5%) presented with a neck mass, then nasal blockage (23.4%). Squamous cell carcinoma was more prevalent (57.4%) and 73.6% had biopsy before and during surgery, while 26.4% had definitive surgical procedures done. Radiotherapy was the sole treatment in 41.4% and 29.1% had chemoradiation. Post-treatment, 63.1% experienced complete response; 28.3% partial response, and 14% recurrence. Most patients (39.8%) survived for six months post-treatment, 30.7% for 7-12 months, and 17.5% for 13-24 months and patients who received chemoradiation had longer survival. Conclusion: Early presentation for diagnosis and treatment will definitely improve treatment outcome and survival duration. In addition, concurrent use of chemoradiation improves the treatment outcomes.