Overexpression of the nuclear factor-kappa B (p65) in association with local failure in patients with head and neck carcinoma undergong radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy

Head Neck. 2013 Mar;35(3):370-5. doi: 10.1002/hed.22979. Epub 2012 Mar 16.

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) expression as a biologic marker to predict local control in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) treated with radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy.

Methods: The mRNA expression levels of the NF-κB family genes were determined with real-time-polymerase chain reaction in 77 patients with HNSCC treated with radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy.

Results: The mRNA NF-κB (p65) expression in pretreatment tumors was significantly related to local control (p = .03). The 5-year local recurrence-free survival rate in patients with low-level NF-κB (p65) expression (n = 42) was 79.9%, and in patients with a high level of expression it was 42.1% (p = .001). In a multivariate analysis, the mRNA NF-κB (p65) expression level was the only variable related to local control of the tumor.

Conclusion: Expression of the NF-κB (p65) gene may be a radiosensitivity marker for patients with a HNSCC.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / metabolism*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / radiotherapy
  • Chemoradiotherapy
  • Female
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • NF-kappa B / metabolism*
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / metabolism*
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / mortality
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / radiotherapy
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism*
  • Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck
  • Survival Rate

Substances

  • NF-kappa B
  • RNA, Messenger