TALK score: Development and validation of a prognostic model for predicting larynx preservation outcome Journal Article


Authors: Sherman, E. J.; Fisher, S. G.; Kraus, D. H.; Zelefsky, M. J.; Seshan, V. E.; Singh, B.; Shaha, A. R.; Shah, J. P.; Wolf, G. T.; Pfister, D. G.
Article Title: TALK score: Development and validation of a prognostic model for predicting larynx preservation outcome
Abstract: 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. Copyright © 2012 The American Laryngological, Rhinological, and Otological Society, Inc.
Keywords: laryngeal neoplasms; combined modality therapy; decision making; speech
Journal Title: Laryngoscope
Volume: 122
Issue: 5
ISSN: 0023-852X
Publisher: Wiley Blackwell  
Date Published: 2012-05-01
Start Page: 1043
End Page: 1050
Language: English
DOI: 10.1002/lary.23220
PROVIDER: scopus
PUBMED: 22374653
DOI/URL:
Notes: --- - "Export Date: 1 May 2012" - "CODEN: LARYA" - "Source: Scopus"
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MSK Authors
  1. Venkatraman Ennapadam Seshan
    382 Seshan
  2. Michael J Zelefsky
    754 Zelefsky
  3. Dennis Kraus
    268 Kraus
  4. Ashok R Shaha
    697 Shaha
  5. Bhuvanesh Singh
    242 Singh
  6. Eric J Sherman
    339 Sherman
  7. David G Pfister
    389 Pfister
  8. Jatin P Shah
    721 Shah