Integrating fluorescence visualization with clinical markers to predict oral cancer recurrences

One reason for the poor survival rate of oral cancer is the high rate of recurrence (REC). The objective of this study is to investigate how fluorescence visualization (FV) may play in the prediction of oral cancer REC at a site previously treated for oral cancer. We will confirm previously identified clinical factors for REC such as lesion presence and TB status, and analyze if any combinations of these three factors at varying follow-up time intervals can suggest a higher risk for REC. Information for this study will come from patients enrolled in the BC Oral Cancer Prediction Longitudinal study. Patients are eligible if: 1) they had a primary tumour diagnosis of SCC or CIS; 2) were treated with curative intent; and 3) had at least one recall visit within one year after completion of initial treatment. Data analyzed: 1) demographic and lifestyle habit information; 2) primary tumour information; 3) oral clinicopathological features during follow-up at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. For this thesis, 232 patients have been identified that fit the inclusion criteria. Of those, 34 patients developed recurrence, and 198 patients remained tumour free throughout their follow-up period. Demographic, smoking, alcohol and FV status were not found to be associated with a recurrence. Of significance, OPL status at all follow-up intervals (P<0.01), TB at 6, 12, 24 months (P<0.05), and TBFV at 6 and 12 months (P