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Standardized Uptake Value and Resection Margin Involvement Predict Outcomes in pN0 Head and Neck Cancer

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic factors of patients with pathologically negative lymph node (pN0) head and neck cancer. Study Design Case series with chart review. Setting College medical center. Subjects and Methods The medical records of 120 patients were reviewed. Primary tumor sites included 46 larynx, 45 oral cavity, 17 oropharynx, and 12 hypopharynx. Results The recurrence rate was 14% (17/120) over a mean observation period of 33 months. Median 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)–positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) maximal standardized uptake value (SUVmax; using 8.5 as a cutoff; P = .001), positive surgical margins (P = .005), and pathologic T stage (P = .012) were found to be associated with recurrence. The 5-year disease-specific survival rate (DSSR) in our cohort was 86%. Patients with an SUVmax value higher than 8.5 and positive surgical margins had significantly decreased 5-year DSSR based on Kaplan-Meier survival curves. Multivariate Cox regression analysis confirmed the significant association between median SUVmax (using 8.5 as a cutoff; hazard ratio [HR], 6.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.79-20.93; P = .004) and margin involvement (HR, 4.98; 95% CI, 1.42-17.47; P = .012). Conclusion A median 18F-FDG PET/CT SUVmax cutoff values of 8.5 or greater and positive surgical margins were associated with adverse outcomes in patients with pN0 head and neck cancer.