Prognostic significance of p16 in locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck treated with concurrent cisplatin and radiotherapy.
BACKGROUND
Human papillomavirus (HPV)-related squamous cell cancer of the head and neck (SCCHN) has emerged as a distinct clinical entity. The expression of p16 protein can be used as a surrogate for HPV status.


METHODS
p16 immunohistochemistry (IHC) was assessed in archival paraffin-embedded material for 55 patients with locally advanced SCCHN treated with a uniform regimen of cisplatin and radiation. HPV status was assessed by colorimetric in situ hybridization (CISH) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR).


RESULTS
Compared with p16- and HPV-negative patients, the p16- and HPV-positive patients had improved overall survival, disease-free survival, and locoregional recurrence rates.


CONCLUSIONS
p16 IHC may serve as a useful surrogate and prognostic marker for patients with HPV-related SCCHN treated with cisplatin and radiation.
Lau
Harold Y
HY
Department of Radiation Oncology, Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. hlau@ucalgary.ca
Brar
Sony
S
Klimowicz
Alexander C
AC
Petrillo
Stephanie K
SK
Hao
Desirée
D
Brockton
Nigel T
NT
Kong
Christina S
CS
Lees-Miller
Susan P
SP
Magliocco
Anthony M
AM
D052685:Alphapapillomavirus / Q000302:isolation & purification; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis* / Q000235:genetics; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000737:chemistry / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000821:virology; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D002945:Cisplatin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019941:Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p16 / Q000032:analysis* / Q000235:genetics; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000737:chemistry / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D018307:Neoplasms, Squamous Cell / Q000737:chemistry / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000821:virology; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011379:Prognosis; D018714:Radiotherapy, Adjuvant; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D000077195:Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck; D016019:Survival Analysis
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D019941:Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p16; D002945:Cisplatin