Pre-treatment risk factors to predict early cisplatin-related nephrotoxicity in locally advanced head and neck cancer patients treated with chemoradiation: A single Institution experience

Objectives: Cisplatin is essential in the curative treatment of locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (LA-HNSCC) patients. The assessment of risk factors to predict an early cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity could help in better managing one of the most relevant cisplatin-related dose-limiting factors. Material and methods: We retrospectively collected data of LA-HNSCC patients treated at our Institution from 2008 to 2019. Patients received cisplatin in a curative setting concurrently with radiation. Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) was assessed as a dichotomous variable (CreaIncr) based on pre-treatment values, and values recorded at days 6–20 post-first cycle of cisplatin. Univariable logistic regression models were performed to investigate associations between CreaIncr and clinical characteristics. A multivariable logistic model on a priori selected putative covariates was performed. Results: Of the 350 LA-HNSCC treated patients, 204 were analyzed. Ninety (44 %) suffered from any grade AKI (grade I 51.1 %): out of them, 84.4 % received high-dose cisplatin (100 mg/m2 q21). On the univariable logistic regression model, male sex, age, serum uric acid, creatinine, concomitant drugs, and cisplatin schedule were significantly associated with a higher rate of AKI. At multivariable model, age (p = 0.034), baseline creatinine (p = 0.027), concomitant drugs (p = 0.043), and cisplatin schedule (one-day bolus or fractionated high-dose vs. weekly; p = 0.001) maintained their significant association. Conclusions: Identifying pre-treatment risk factors in LA-HNSCC patients may improve decision-making in a setting where cisplatin has a curative significance. A strict monitoring of AKI could avoid cisplatin dose adjustments, interruptions, and treatment delays, thus limiting a negative impact on outcomes.