Prognostic significance of p16 in locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck treated with concurrent cisplatin and radiotherapy

Head Neck. 2011 Feb;33(2):251-6. doi: 10.1002/hed.21439.

Abstract

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV)-related squamous cell cancer of the head and neck (SCCHN) has emerged as a distinct clinical entity. The expression of p16 protein can be used as a surrogate for HPV status.

Methods: p16 immunohistochemistry (IHC) was assessed in archival paraffin-embedded material for 55 patients with locally advanced SCCHN treated with a uniform regimen of cisplatin and radiation. HPV status was assessed by colorimetric in situ hybridization (CISH) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results: Compared with p16- and HPV-negative patients, the p16- and HPV-positive patients had improved overall survival, disease-free survival, and locoregional recurrence rates.

Conclusions: p16 IHC may serve as a useful surrogate and prognostic marker for patients with HPV-related SCCHN treated with cisplatin and radiation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alphapapillomavirus / isolation & purification
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / analysis*
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / genetics
  • Carcinoma / chemistry
  • Carcinoma / drug therapy
  • Carcinoma / pathology
  • Carcinoma / radiotherapy
  • Carcinoma / virology
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell
  • Chemotherapy, Adjuvant
  • Cisplatin / therapeutic use*
  • Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p16 / analysis*
  • Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p16 / genetics
  • Female
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / chemistry
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / pathology
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / virology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Neoplasms, Squamous Cell / chemistry
  • Neoplasms, Squamous Cell / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms, Squamous Cell / pathology
  • Neoplasms, Squamous Cell / radiotherapy
  • Neoplasms, Squamous Cell / virology
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Prognosis
  • Radiotherapy, Adjuvant
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck
  • Survival Analysis

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p16
  • Cisplatin