Prognostic value of cell-cycle regulators and cellular biomarkers in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.
OBJECTIVE
Combining information derived from cellular biomarkers as telomerase and genes encoding cyclin dependent kinase inhibitors (p16(INK4a) and p15(INK4b)) is needed to facilitate the stratification of individual patients within the conventional clinicopathologic parameters.


METHODS
One hundred forty laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) tissue specimens were investigated for telomerase activity and the deletions of p16(INK4a) and p15(INK4b) genes.


RESULTS
Of the 140 tissues assayed, 71% demonstrated high telomerase activity, 68.6% and 80% showed deletions in p16(INK4a) and p15(INK4b) genes, respectively. Significant difference was observed between telomerase activity, p16(INK4a) and p15(INK4b) deletions among each other and with advanced stage, poorly differentiated grades, high proliferation and DNA aneuploidy. The markers and the aforementioned clinicopathological factors were correlated with progression in univariate analysis; and associated with survival in multivariate analysis.


CONCLUSIONS
Progression of LSCC is accompanied by a parallel increase in telomerase activity and deletions in cell-cycle regulators (p16(INK4a), p15(INK4b)) which may assist in prognostication and better classification of patients for treatment.
Swellam
Menha
M
Department of Biochemistry, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Division, National Research Center, Tahrir Street, Dokki, Giza 12311, Egypt. menha_m_swellam@yahoo.com
El-Arab
Lobna R Ezz
LR
Adly
Ahmed
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis*; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D050762:Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p15 / Q000235:genetics*; D019941:Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p16 / Q000235:genetics*; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D017353:Gene Deletion; D006801:Humans; D007822:Laryngeal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012307:Risk Factors; D016019:Survival Analysis; D019098:Telomerase / Q000378:metabolism*
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D050762:Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p15; D019941:Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p16; D019098:Telomerase