Karnofsky Performance Score – An Independent Prognostic Factor of Survival After Palliative Irradiation for Sino-nasal Cancer

Abstract

Background/Aim: Sino-nasal cancer is rare and often diagnosed at advanced stages. Some patients cannot receive curative treatment and are treated with palliative irradiation. We aimed to identify prognostic factors for survival to facilitate treatment personalization for this group. Patients and Methods: Twelve patients treated with palliative radiotherapy for locally advanced sino-nasal cancer were retrospectively analyzed for survival. Ten characteristics were evaluated including age, gender, Karnofsky performance score (KPS), pre-radiotherapy hemoglobin, tumor site, lymph node involvement, histology, equivalent dose in 2 Gy-fractions, completion of radiotherapy and concurrent chemotherapy. Results: On univariate analysis, KPS ≥70 (p<0.001) and completion of radiotherapy (p<0.001) were significantly associated with better survival. Chemotherapy showed a trend (p=0.097). In the multivariate analysis, KPS ≥70 was significant (p=0.025), and completion of radiotherapy showed a trend (p=0.080). Conclusion: KPS is an independent predictor of survival for palliative irradiation of sino-nasal cancer. Patients require close monitoring and care for side effects, since completion of radiotherapy is important for survival.