Insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) in primary and metastatic undifferentiated carcinoma of the head and neck: a possible target of immunotherapy.
BACKGROUND
Insulin-like growth-factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R) plays a key role in the development of cancer and is important for the regulation of tissue growth, predominantly via the growth hormone (GH). Targeting IGF-1R is a current topic of cancer research. The aim of this study was to identify IGF-1R in undifferentiated carcinomas of the head and neck.


METHODS
Twenty-one formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded specimens from 20 patients with undifferentiated carcinomas were investigated. IGF-1R was detected immunohistochemically. In some cases, the infection status for Einstein Barr virus (EBV, DNA) or HPV (RNA) was known.


RESULTS
IGF-1R was detected in all tumours, regardless of differentiation or proof of EBV or HPV integration into the genome.


CONCLUSIONS
This study revealed a broad expression of IGF-1R in undifferentiated carcinomas of the oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal region, both in primaries and regional lymph nodes. These results suggest that IGF-1R expression in these tumours is capable of transmitting mitogenic signals to the neoplastic cells. The presence of IGF-1R in undifferentiated carcinomas suggests that these tumours can respond to IGF. Targeting this receptor may be a promising tool for the treatment of advanced stage NPC.
Friedrich
Reinhard E
RE
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Eppendorf University Hospital, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany. rfriedrich@uke.uni-hamburg.de
Hagel
Christian
C
Bartel-Friedrich
Sylva
S
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D005260:Female; D013006:Growth Hormone / Q000378:metabolism; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009303:Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D009959:Oropharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000378:metabolism; D017526:Receptor, IGF Type 1 / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000502:physiology*
D012367:RNA, Viral; D013006:Growth Hormone; D017526:Receptor, IGF Type 1