Prognostic factors in head and neck oncology: A critical appraisal for usein clinical practice

Background: An ideal prognostic factor would provide information about the biological behaviour of a tumour, permitting the prediction of the outcome and response to therapy. Nowadays there is a considerable confusion concern ing the value, significance and use of the know prognostic factors in head and neck cancer. Material and Methods: A meta-analysis of works published i n literature between 1993 and August 1997 an prognostic factors in head and neck oncology was carried out. Results: Prognostic factors were analysed a nd classifield according to Wennenberg in the following groups: patient-rel ated factors, tumour-related factors and factors predicting response to the rapy. Conclusions: We propose a classification of prognostic factors in hea d and neck cancer according to their significance and reliability: factors of proven significance and experimental factors. This classification might be useful to select guidelines to use in clinical practice.