Bioelectrical phase angle at diagnosis as a prognostic factor for survival in advanced head and neck cancer.

• Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is used to measure the patient's body composition, fat-free mass, phase angle (PA), and standardized phase angle (SPA), which are affected by malnutrition. Low values of PA and SPA have been found to be negative prognostic factors for survival in different types of cancer and other severe diseases. The aim of the current study was to investigate whether PA and SPA can be used to predict survival in head and neck (HN) cancer.One hundred twenty-eight patients with advanced HN cancer treated in Western Sweden 2002-2006 were examined with BIA at diagnosis, and PA and SPA were calculated. Patients' age, gender, tumor site, TNM stage, and performance status were obtained, and weight, height, and BIA were measured. Survival up to 12years was ascertained.The mean PA was 5.85° and the median was 5.91°. Lower PA and SPA values were significantly associated with shorter overall survival in univariate analyses, together with higher age, oral cancer, higher T class, worse performance status, more weight loss before diagnosis, lower: weight, height, BMI, and reactance. Age, performance status, T class, and PA were significant factors for the overall survival in the multivariable analysis. A PA cutoff value at 5.95° provided the best prediction of 5-year survival.PA and SPA at diagnosis are significant factors for survival in patients with advanced HN cancer. They are promising prognostic tools to use in treatment planning; further studies are needed.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Oto-rhino-laryngologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Otorhinolaryngology (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Adult

Aged

Aged

80 and over

Body Composition

Body Weight

Electric Impedance

Female

Head and Neck Neoplasms

diagnosis

mortality

physiopathology

Humans

Male

Middle Aged

Nutritional Status

Prognosis

Sensitivity and Specificity

Survival Rate

Sweden

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)