New cancer prediction
January 17, 2012
A NEW indicator has been
identified by researchers at the
University of Michigan Health
System which may predict which
patients with a common type of
throat cancer are most likely have
the cancer spread to other parts of
their bodies.
The study, published in Head &
Neck, found that patients with
oropharyngeal squamous cell
carcinoma who had “matted”
lymph nodes (nodes that are
connected together) had a 69%
survival rate over three years,
compared to 94% for patients
without matted nodes.
“The spread of cancer throughout
the body accounts for about 45
percent of the deaths from
oropharyngeal carcinoma,” said
senior author, Dr Douglas Chepeha.
“Our findings may help doctors
identify patients who are at higher
risk for having their cancer
metastasize and who would benefit
from additional systemic therapy.
“Conversely some patients
without matted nodes may benefit
from a reduction of the current
standard treatment, which would cut
down on side effects,” he added.
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