The Charlson comorbidity index is a prognostic factor in sinonasal tract squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract

Objective: High Charlson comorbidity index values have been reported to be associated with shorter overall survival in various types of cancer. We investigated whether Charlson comorbidity index values were correlated with overall survival in patients with resectable sinonasal tract squamous cell carcinoma. Methods: Seventy-nine patients with resectable sinonasal tract squamous cell carcinoma were treated with curative intent. The Charlson comorbidity index values were calculated by the summation of the weight scores of 19 medical conditions (other than sinonasal tract squamous cell carcinoma) before treatment. The survival rate was analyzed according to the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate and multivariate survival analyses were performed using the Wilcoxon test and the Cox proportional hazards model, respectively. Results: According to a univariate analysis, a Charlson comorbidity index value ≥ 6 was found to be significantly correlated with shorter overall survival (P < 0.02). In the multivariate survival analysis with adjustment for the clinical T and N classification, age, sex, anatomical location, treatment group (radiotherapy/surgery) and chemotherapy (presence/absence), a Charlson comorbidity index value ≥ 6 was found to be associated with the significantly shorter overall survival. Conclusions: These results suggest that the Charlson comorbidity index functions as a prognostic factor in cases of resectable sinonasal tract squamous cell carcinoma.