Medizinische Universität Graz - Research portal
Selected Publication:
Knoflach, A.
Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: Evaluation of pre-therapeutic Plasma Fibrinogen and C-reactive Protein as prognostic factors
Humanmedizin; [ Diplomarbeit ] Graz Medical University; 2018. pp. 74
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- Authors Med Uni Graz:
- Advisor:
- Pondorfer-Schäfer Prisca
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- Abstract:
- It has been known for a long time that inflammation plays a key role in the genesis of cancer. Different biomarkers representing inflammation are being acknowledged and used as prognostic tools in various cancer types. Yet, there are only few studies published regarding biomarkers, such as CRP (C reactive protein), and oropharyngeal cancer. Thus, the aim of this work is to evaluate the potential of C-reactive protein and pretreatment plasma fibrinogen as prognostic factors in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. In this retrospective study charts of 161 patients at the department of Otorhinolaryngology of the University Hospital of Graz were reviewed and data was collected to investigate routine laboratory parameters (Fibrinogen and CRP) as prognostic factors. Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression were applied for statistical analyses. Primary endpoints were overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) during a mean follow-up of 31 ± 23.2 months. T-classification, AJCC-stage, ECOG-stage and CRP showed a significant impact for the survival in general. Elevated levels of CRP were significantly associated with worse OS in the total cohort (p=0,003), the oropharynx group (p=0,023) and in the root-of-the-tongue group (p=0,029), as well as lower DFS in the total cohort (p<0,001), the oropharynx group (p=0,003), the tonsil group (p=0,011) and the root-of-the-tongue group (p =0,039). Levels of fibrinogen did not show any imact on OS or DFS. In this study we could confirm the role of CRP as an independent prognostic marker in patients with oropharyngeal carcinoma. Presented biomarker CRP may serve as a liquid biopsy for prediction of OSCC especially for larger tumor sizes (T-classification), overall survival and disease free survial and improves decisions making for clinical approach.