High p16 expression predicts a positive response to chemoradiotherapy in stage IVa/b head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

  • Yi Ju Chen
  • , Kun Ming Rau
  • , Chih Yen Chien
  • , Fu Min Fang
  • , Tai Lin Huang
  • , Tai Jan Chiu*
  • *Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal Article peer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of p16 expression on response to chemoradiation in stage IVa/b head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients. Methods: We retrospectively identified 64 patients with stage IVa/b HNSCC who received chemoradiation. Eligibility criteria included presence of biopsy-proven stage IVa/b HNSCC without a prior history of chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Immunohistochemistry was used to assess p16 protein expression in pretreatment biopsy specimens. Results: Of the 64 patients, 38 showed high p16 expression, and 50 patients responded to chemoradiotherapy, 32 exhibiting a complete and 18 a partial response. Response was significantly associated with p16 expression (P<0.001) and multivariate analysis indicated that that p16 expression (HR: 2.62, 95%C.I.: 1.14-6.06; P=0.024) was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival. Conclusions: High p16 expression predicts a better response to chemoradiation in patients with stage IVa/b HNSCC.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)649-655
Number of pages7
JournalAsian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
Volume12
Issue number3
StatePublished - 2011
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Chemoradiotherapy response
  • Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
  • p16

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