Tumor Growth Rate in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Scoping Review

ABSTRACT Objective This scoping review evaluates the current literature on tumor growth rate in head and neck cancer patients and its potential prognostic value on survival, loco‐regional control and recurrence (PROSPERO registration CRD42022370828). Review Methods PubMed, Embase, and Scopus were searched for publications between 1990 and November 5th 2025. Studies providing measures of treatment‐naïve HNSCC tumor growth, estimated from tumor volume derived from two pre‐therapeutic scans and/or related outcome evaluations, were included. The risk of bias was assessed using the QUIPS tool. Data analysis was summarized in tables and reported following the PRISMA‐ScR recommendations. Results Thirteen papers met the inclusion criteria. Among them, eight provided an actual growth rate, and nine conducted a statistical analysis of survival outcomes. There was significant heterogeneity in study design, imaging technique, volume measurement, growth rate calculation, confounding factors, and prognostic impact. Overall, despite some studies suggesting a correlation between tumor kinetics and survival and loco‐regional control, there is insufficient data to conduct a proper meta‐analysis or to confirm tumor growth rate as a valid predictor. Conclusion Tumor kinetics could influence treatment planning and therapy for HNSCC patients in a more personalized way. However, even though some authors have shown a significant impact of Tumor‐specific growth rate (TSGR) on survival and loco‐regional control, important heterogeneity across articles on this topic fails to yield consistent results, making it difficult to achieve good risk stratification. Recommendations for future research were summarized. Level of Evidence NA.