Low postoperative lymphocyte count increases risk of progression in human papillomavirus associated oropharyngeal cancer. Issue 12 (21st September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yin, Linda X.; Routman, David M.; Day, Courtney N.; Harmsen, William S.; Haller, Travis; Bartemes, Kathleen; Price, Daniel L.; Moore, Eric J.; Foote, Robert L.; Neben‐Wittich, Michelle; Chintakuntlawar, Ashish V.; Ma, Daniel J.; Price, Katharine A.; Van Abel, Kathryn M.
• Is Part Of: Head & neck. Volume 44:Issue 12(2022)
• Page Start: 2760
• Page End: 2768
• Publication Date: 2022-09-21
• Subjects: HPV -- human papillomavirus -- lymphocytes -- lymphopenia -- squamous cell; Head -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Neck -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Head -- Periodicals; Neck -- Periodicals; Face -- Periodicals; 617.51059
• DOI: 10.1002/hed.27198
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1043-3074

Abstract

Abstract: Background: We aim to explore the prognostic role of absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) before, during, and after treatment on oncologic outcomes in human papillomavirus associated oropharyngeal cancer (HPV(+)OPSCC). Methods: Retrospective cohort at a tertiary center, 2006–2018. Multivariable Cox regressions were used to determine the effect of ALC on risk of progression. Univariate linear regression was performed to determine clinical factors associated with lower ALC. Results: All 197 patients underwent primary surgery. Mean (SD) ALC nadirs (×10 9 cells/L) were: baseline ( N = 149): 1.69 (0.56); postoperative ( N = 126): 1.58 (0.59); post‐RT ( N = 141): 0.68 (0.35) and long‐term ( N = 105): 0.88 (0.37). Lower baseline ALC nadir was associated with worse overall survival (HR 3.85, 95%CI: 1.03–14.29, p = 0.04). Lower postoperative ALC nadir was associated with higher risk of progression (HR 2.63, 95%CI: 1.04–6.67, p = 0.04). Conclusions: Lower baseline ALC is associated with worse survival, whereas lower postoperative ALC is associated with increased risk of progression in surgically treated HPV(+)OPSCC. Level of Evidence: 3