Correlation of biomarkers in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2010 Dec;143(6):795-800. doi: 10.1016/j.otohns.2010.08.028.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the relationship of functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters, including choline/creatine ratio (Cho/Cr) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) with protein expression of 10 common tumor and prognostic markers in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Study design: Cross-sectional study.

Setting: University hospital.

Subjects and methods: The Cho/Cr and ADC obtained from 74 patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma were correlated with the expression level of the 10 protein markers as determined by immunohistochemistry.

Results: Cho/Cr showed significant positive correlations with cyclooxygenase 2 in primary tumors (r = 0.714), and epidermal growth factor receptor in metastatic cervical lymph nodes (r = 0.522). ADC showed significant (r = -0.591) negative correlation with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 in metastatic cervical lymph nodes.

Conclusion: There are relationships between protein and functional MRI markers. Future research in this direction may improve our understanding of the cancer micro-environment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor / biosynthesis*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / diagnosis*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / metabolism*
  • Choline / analysis
  • Creatine / analysis
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Cyclooxygenase 2 / biosynthesis
  • Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • ErbB Receptors / biosynthesis
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Lymph Nodes / chemistry
  • Lymph Nodes / physiopathology
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Neck
  • Prognosis

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Cyclooxygenase 2
  • ErbB Receptors
  • Creatine
  • Choline