Factors associated with the development of second primary tumours in head and neck cancer patients

Abstract

Introduction:The development of second primary tumours (SPTs) is one of the main causes of low survival in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). The aim of this study was to review the evidence about factors associated with developing SPTs in patients with HNC.Methods: An updated systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines, and the search was performed in Pubmed and Scopus. Only original articles with a cohort or casecontrol design were included. Article quality was assessed with the Newcastle-Ottawa scale.Results: Thirty-six and two case-control studies were included, with quality medium (n = 5) to high (n = 33). Tobacco showed a significant association with SPT development, with risks ranging from 1.41 (95%CI: 1.04-1.91) to 5.52 (95%CI: 2.91-10.49).Regarding alcohol, risks ranged from 1.46 (95%CI: 1.12-1.91) to 21.3 (95%CI: 2.9-156). Location of the index tumour in the hypopharynx/oropharynx, absence of human papillomavirus and presence of a premalignant lesion also increased the risk of SPTs. More controversy was found for sex, age and other clinical factors of the tumour. Conclusion:Toxic lifestyle habits and clinical factors were associated with the risk of SPTs in HNC patients. These findings may improve individualised prevention strategies in its follow-up.head and neck cancer, second primary tumours | INTRODUCTIONHead and neck cancer (HNC) has a significant burden worldwide. This heterogeneous group of tumours (including lip, oral cavity, larynx and pharynx) occupies the eighth position in incidence worldwide, with 858,348 new cases in 2020, that is up to 4.6% of all cancers (Sung et al., 2021). Last trends indicate an expected incidence increase in most of the HNC tumours (Aupérin, 2020;Simard et al., 2014).

Current status of sinonasal cancer survivorship care

“…Patients with head and neck malignancies have a greater than average risk of developing SPCs. In the upper aerodigestive tract, habitual use of tobacco remains an important carcinogenic agent 39 . Sinonasal tumors have wide ranging causative associations, from tobacco to occupational exposure to HPV.…”

“…In the upper aerodigestive tract, habitual use of tobacco remains an important carcinogenic agent. 39 Sinonasal tumors have wide ranging causative associations, from tobacco to occupational exposure to HPV. Thus, it cannot be assumed that patients with sinonasal tumors have the same risk or profile of secondary tumors, although there may be some overlap with head and neck cancer survivors.…”

Endoscopic screening of the upper gastrointestinal tract for second primary tumors in patients with head and neck cancer in a Western country

“…[3,[15][16][17] Risk factors for the development of SPTs in patients with HNSCC include human papillomavirus (HPV)-negative tumors located at the oropharynx or hypopharynx and patients with excessive alcohol consumption and tobacco use. [2,18] 4 This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.…”

Salivary Biomarkers in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Proteomic Overview

“…The most important etiological factors of oral cancer are alcohol, tobacco, and herpes papilloma virus infections [ 2 , 3 ]. Some premalignant lesions are associated with OSCC, and the most common is leukoplakia [ 4 ]. In the evaluation of oral injuries, the main diagnostic gold standard is biopsy, in addition to endoscopy.…”