Prognostic Impact of Age and Treatment Strategies in Elderly Patients With Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: An 11-Year Retrospective Analysis.

Abstract

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is becoming increasingly common in elderly populations, particularly in aging societies such as Japan. This study retrospectively evaluated 312 OSCC patients treated at Akita University Hospital between 2011 and 2021, focusing on prognostic differences between elderly (≥ 75 years) and non-elderly (< 75 years) patients. Among the elderly patients, curative intent was associated with significantly better disease-specific survival (DSS) and overall survival (OS) in comparison to palliative intent. The DSS for the elderly group was 83.2%; notably, it was 90.5% in patients who received curative intent and 42.9% in patients who did not receive curative intent. This study emphasizes the importance of personalized treatment for elderly patients, suggesting that, even in advanced stages, curative intent can yield favorable outcomes in patients with acceptable general health. However, for those with severe comorbidities, palliative intent should be considered, focusing on quality of life.