Impact of Comorbidities on Survival Rate of Oral Cancer Patients on Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy

Comorbidities play a crucial factor in predicting the diagnosis, management and overall survival in oral cancer patients. Long term exposure to adverse habits can predispose the individuals to develop comorbidities and various cancers, especially oral cancer. The aim of this study to investigate the prevalence and role of comorbidities on survival in oral cancer patients undergoing radiation and chemotherapy. Cross sectional retrospective was done. Medical records data of 161 oral cancer patients were reviewed after recording the details regarding the comorbidity present. Each comorbidity was given a score according to Charlsons comorbidity index(CCI). Majority of the patients were males in the age range of 51–60 years and the primary sites affected were buccal mucosa and tongue. Females with adverse habits had higher odds of death. Diabetes mellitus and hypertension were the most common comorbidity seen in oral cancer patients. The mean survival rate was 3 years in patients with no comorbidity while the survival rate decreased as CCI score increased. The survival rate was least in patients with thrombocytopenic leukemia followed by chronic kidney disease. The survival rate was more in patients undergoing combined therapy. Thus, cognizance of the associated comorbidities, helps rendering appropriate treatment and manage mortality and morbidity of oral cancer patients.