Immunohistochemical detection of c-myc protein in head and neck tumors.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the correlation between the levels of immunohistochemically detectable c-myc protein in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck and clinicopathologic prognostic variables utilized in clinical practice.


METHODS
Cohort study.


METHODS
University and Veterans Administration medical centers, Cincinnati, Ohio.


METHODS
Consecutive samples.


METHODS
Surgery for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.


METHODS
Correlation between c-myc expression and tumor size, nodal involvement, clinical disease stage, and degree of differentiation. Hypothesis formulated after data collection.


RESULTS
Significant negative correlation between the c-myc levels and the number of metastatic nodes (P = .0001) and clinical stage of disease (P = .05). No correlation with tumor size or degree of differentiation.


CONCLUSIONS
Reduction or loss of c-myc oncoprotein might be associated with metastatic lymph node involvement and advanced stages of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Further studies are needed to substantiate preliminary findings.
Gapany
M
M
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Ohio.
Pavelic
Z P
ZP
Kelley
D J
DJ
Pavelic
L
L
Gapany
S R
SR
Craven
J M
JM
Stambrook
P J
PJ
Gluckman
J L
JL
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000473:pathology*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D016271:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc / Q000032:analysis*
D016271:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc