Mitochondrial DNA copy number is associated with diagnosis and prognosis of head and neck cancer.
BACKGROUND
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number correlates with tumor pathology in some cancers.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate mtDNA copy number in head and neck cancer (HNC).


METHODS
mtDNA copy number was determined and compared between HNC patients and malignancy-free controls.


RESULTS
The mtDNA copy number was significantly higher in HNC patients, increased with cancer progression and correlated negatively with patient survival.


CONCLUSIONS
mtDNA copy number appears to be associated with HNC stage and survival, but confirmation requires similar studies in larger cohorts.


CONCLUSIONS
Studies to establish the nature of the relationship between mtDNA copy number and HNC are warranted.
Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University , Taichung , Taiwan .
Frank
F
Cheau-Feng Lin
Ya-Chung
YC
Jeng
Tzu-Yun
TY
Huang
Ching-Shiang
CS
Chi
Ming-Chih
MC
Chou
Stella
S
Chin-Shaw Tsai
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001483:Base Sequence; D056915:DNA Copy Number Variations; D017931:DNA Primers; D004272:DNA, Mitochondrial / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D060888:Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; D015996:Survival Rate
D017931:DNA Primers; D004272:DNA, Mitochondrial
Cancer biomarker; oral cavity cancers; patient survival