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TALK score: Development and validation of a prognostic model for predicting larynx preservation outcome
Author(s) -
Sherman Eric J.,
Fisher Susan G.,
Kraus Dennis H.,
Zelefsky Michael J.,
Seshan Venkatraman E.,
Singh Bhuvanesh,
Shaha Ashok R.,
Shah Jatin P.,
Wolf Gregory T.,
Pfister David G.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1002/lary.23220
Subject(s) - larynx , medicine , laryngectomy , cancer , prognostic model , pharynx , proportional hazards model , radiation therapy , outcome (game theory) , surgery , overall survival , mathematics , mathematical economics
Objectives/Hypothesis: To develop and validate a simple prognostic tool that would help predict larynx preservation outcome. Study Design: A retrospective review of 3 prospective studies. Methods: We reviewed consecutive chemotherapy/radiation protocols for patients (n = 170) with advanced, resectable, squamous cell, larynx, or pharynx cancer treated at Memorial Sloan‐Kettering Cancer Center from 1988 to 1995 with larynx preservation intent. The outcome was successful larynx preservation. Model validation used data from U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs larynx preservation study. Results: The developed model added one point for each poor prognostic covariate present (show in parentheses) and was given the acronym TALK: T stage (T4), albumin (<4 g/dL), maximum alcohol/liquor use (≥6 drinks/day or heavy drinking), and Karnofsky performance status (<80%). The 3‐year larynx preservation rates by TALK score were 65% (0), 41% (1–2), and 6% (3–4), P < .0001; on validation, the TALK 3–4 group was particularly well demarcated. Conclusions: The TALK score is an easily applied and valid tool that should assist treatment selection.