title: Argyrophilic nucleolar organizer region counts in squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck after irradiation and chemotherapy.
abstract: After irradiation or chemotherapy of tumors of the head and neck, histological alterations might be difficult to assess. In 30 cases of squamous cell carcinomas of the pharynx, changes in argyrophilic nucleolar organizer region (AgNOR) counts were investigated after therapy. After treatment a significant decrease of AgNOR counts was detected (P < 0.001). No significant differences could be found between groups treated with radiotherapy, chemotherapy or a combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. These findings suggest that AgNOR counts might be useful to assess cytotoxic effects on a subcellular level.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Pathology, University of Bonn, Germany.
authors.forename: D S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Hammer
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Herberhold
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Pfeifer
mesh_terms: D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D006801:Humans; D009697:Nucleolus Organizer Region / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000528:radiation effects* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D010039:Otorhinolaryngologic Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D016896:Treatment Outcome