A novel prognostic score (HAMP) for head and neck cancer patients with single and multiple SBRT-treated lung metastases derived from retrospective analyses of survival outcome.

Background: We report on the characterization and introduction of a novel prognostic score for patients undergoing stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for the treatment of single and multiple pulmonary metastases (PMs) derived from head and neck cancer (HNC).

Methods: In this retrospective study, we examined selected factors associated with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) among 59 patients with HNC treated with SBRT for a total of 118 PMs, between 2009 and 2023. Factors related to survival were included in the prognostic scoring system.

Results: Prognostic factors including histology, age, number of metastases, and performance status at first SBRT were weighted differently depending on the strength of correlation to PFS and OS. Total prognostic scores (HAMP) ranged from 13 to 24 points, with a cut-off total score of ≤18 scoring points for patients in a high-risk (HR) subcohort, and of ≥19 scoring points for patients in a low-risk group (LR). Median PFS (23.8 vs. 5.5 months, p < 0.001) and OS (61.3 vs. 16.4 months, p < 0.001) were significantly longer in the low-risk group compared to the high-risk group.

Conclusion: The HAMP score might be a convenient tool to facilitate individualized treatment decisions and appropriate follow-up. The accuracy and reliability of the score requires further evaluation in prospective studies.