TITLE:
Development of a Nomogram Based on Clinicopathological and Biological Features to Predict Neck Lymph Node Metastasis in Hypopharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
AUTHORS:
Chunhui Hu, Yuqian Wu, Jiaojiao Tong, Ying Zhang, Dianshui Sun
KEYWORDS:
Hypopharyngeal Squamous Carcinoma, Lymph Node Metastasis, Risk Factors, Nomogram
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Cancer Therapy,
Vol.12 No.12,
December
13,
2021
ABSTRACT: Background: Clinicopathological and biological features are associated with neck
lymph node metastasis (LNM) of hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HSCC).
However, there is no complete nomogram combining multiple factors that can be
used to accurately predict the neck LNM status for HSCC patients. Purpose: To guide the selection of surgical methods and radiotherapy areas for
hypopharyngeal cancer. In this study, a nomogram was developed to combine these
risk factors to predict neck LNM and guide the treatment of HSCC. Material
and Methods: This retrospective study included 117 patients (training
cohort, 64 patients; trial cohort, 53 patients). Biological characteristics of
HSCC patients were assessed using immunohistochemical staining, and data of
patient age, gender, and preoperative computed tomography (CT) scan reports
were collected. Significant risk factors in univariate analysis were further
identified to be independent variables in multivariate logistic regression
analysis, which were then incorporated in and presented with a nomogram by
using the rms package in R software. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC)
curves and calibration curves were used to validate the discrimination and
accuracy in the training and validation cohorts, respectively, and clinical
usefulness was verified in decision curve analysis curves. Results: All
variables with P-values - 1.000) in internal
validation and the external validation. Conclusions: Both the internal
validation in the training cohort and the external validation in the validation
cohort showed that the nomogram had good discrimination, accuracy, and excellent clinical
usefulness. The nomogram based on clinicopathological and biological features
developed in this study has strong predictive power and could be used to
predict neck LNM of HSCC in clinical practice.