Risk factors for late head and neck cancer

DETROIT, Nov. 5 (UPI) -- U.S. researchers have identified five risk factors, including the location of tumors, for late-stage head and neck cancer.

Researchers at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit say two genes, tumor grade, vascular invasion and location of the tumor were key indicators of disease progression.

"We were able to look at the many intertwined variables influencing health and disease to understand the contribution of tumor genetic alterations, pathologic, and patient factors in head and neck cancer diagnosis and outcomes," lead author Maria Worsham said in a statement.

Worsham and colleagues used data from 689 head and neck cancer patients for statistical models that included 23 non-genetic factors as well as tumor biology information from examining tumor DNA for 113 genes. Forty-two percent of the study group was African-America -- of these 88 percent had health insurance.

The study, contrary to other research, found race was not an independent predictor for late-stage disease.

"A large proportion of our study group, both African-American and Caucasian, had insurance," Worsham noted. "This finding really shows the impact of insurance and access to care on overall patient care. Removing barriers does make a difference."

The findings were presented at the American Head and Neck Society Research Workshop in Arlington, Va.