Event-free survival and recurrence patterns after curative resection for locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: single-institution real-world outcomes prior to the introduction of perioperative immunotherapy

Background Perioperative immune checkpoint inhibitors have improved outcomes for resectable locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, real-world surgical outcome data based on contemporary endpoints remain limited.
Methods We retrospectively analyzed 233 patients who underwent curative-intent surgery for locally advanced HNSCC. Event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated. Unresectable recurrence-free survival (URFS) was explored as an additional endpoint to capture post-recurrence treatment feasibility. Prognostic factors were assessed using Cox proportional hazards models.
Results The median follow-up duration was 18.2 months. The 1-year EFS and OS rates were 67.1% and 89.4%, respectively. pN2 or higher disease, venous invasion, and perineural invasion were identified as independent adverse prognostic factors. Recurrence occurred in 34.8% of patients; among these, disease control at the last follow-up was achieved in 61.7% following curative-intent salvage treatment. Salvage surgery was associated with significantly improved post-recurrence survival (p < 0.001).
Conclusions This study provides real-world surgical outcome data for resectable locally advanced HNSCC prior to the introduction of perioperative immunotherapy. Recurrence remains a major clinical challenge, with heterogeneous post-recurrence outcomes influenced by treatment feasibility. These findings may help inform interpretation of treatment outcomes and clinical decision-making in the evolving era of perioperative immunotherapy.