Woldemariam Beka, Yonas Dandana, Birhanu Tesfaye Liyew, Sonia Worku Semayneh, Eyasu Shelemo, Tadios Teka
Most patients present with advanced-stage disease. Survival was poor, and univariable analyses showed that advanced stage and lack of curative treatment were associated with worse overall survival. These findings highlight the need for earlier diagnosis and improved access to curative treatment.
BACKGROUND: Oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with a disproportionately high burden and late presentation in low- and middle-income countries. However, published data on the treatment patterns and survival outcomes in Ethiopia are limited. The aim of this study was to describe the treatment patterns and survival outcomes of patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma diagnosed at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital (TASH).
METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study on all adult patients diagnosed with primary OSCC between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2024, at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital. Data were extracted, and descriptive statistics followed by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were used to evaluate survival outcomes.
RESULTS: A total of 91 patients were included in the study, with a late presentation rate of 86.1% (clinical stage III and IV). The study population had a median age of 50 years (IQR: 42-58). Although 86.8% were initially planned for curative-intent treatment, only 52.7% ultimately received curative therapy, while 34.1% received palliative care and 13.3% received no treatment. Of the 48 patients who received curative-intent treatment, 64.6% underwent multimodality therapy, while 35.4% received single-modality therapy. Treatment patterns differed across clinical T stages. Most patients with T4b (80.0%) and T4a (63.9%) disease received non-curative treatment, whereas most patients with T3 (72.0%) and early-stage (T1-T2) disease received curative-intent therapy. The median overall survival was 15.5 months, with 1-year and 3-year overall survival rates of 57.8% and 32.4%, respectively. Advanced stage and lack of curative treatment were associated with poorer survival.
CONCLUSION: Most patients present with advanced-stage disease. Survival was poor, and univariable analyses showed that advanced stage and lack of curative treatment were associated with worse overall survival. These findings highlight the need for earlier diagnosis and improved access to curative treatment.