Overexpression of GLUT-1 is associated with resistance to radiotherapy and adverse prognosis in squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity.
This study tested the hypothesis that GLUT-1 is a marker of radioresistance in oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC). A GLUT-1 labeling index (LI) was determined by immunohistochemistry in 40 pretreatment OSCC biopsies. Radiation responses were categorized by histopathology of the resection specimens. Associations between the LI and radiation response, Kaplan-Meier survival estimates and Cox regression analysis for the variables GLUT-1, T-stage, N-stage and chemotherapy were examined. The median LI was 64.2% (range 14-100%). Tumors with >65% of GLUT-1+cells were more resistant to radiation (p=0.023). Overall survival was higher (p=0.044) for subjects with low LI (<median value) than those with high LI (>median value). The Cox regression analysis confirmed the prognostic significance of GLUT-1. Our results indicate that pre-treatment GLUT-1 expression in the tumor is a marker of radioresistance in OSCC, with high expression being associated with poor radiation response and shorter survival.
Kunkel
Martin
M
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Mainz, Medical Center, Augustusplatz 2, 55131 Mainz, Germany.
Moergel
Maximilian
M
Stockinger
Marcus
M
Jeong
Jong-Hyeon
JH
Fritz
Gerhardt
G
Lehr
Hans-Anton
HA
Whiteside
Theresa L
TL
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000378:metabolism*; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000532:radiotherapy; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D051272:Glucose Transporter Type 1 / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000532:radiotherapy; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D011379:Prognosis; D011836:Radiation Tolerance; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016019:Survival Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D051272:Glucose Transporter Type 1; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins