p27 and BCL2 expression predicts response to chemotherapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas

Abstract

Objectives: Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are characterized by marked heterogeneity in their biological behavior and response to treatment. Our goal was the identification of biomarkers that can be used to predict response to chemotherapy in these patients.

Materials and methods: The expression of EGFR, p53, Cyclin D1, p16, p21, p27, p-AKT, HIF-1α, Caspase 3 and BCL2 was analyzed by immunohistochemistry in 41 primary laryngeal/hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas of patients that received induction chemotherapy (cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil) as part of their treatment.

Results: Positive expression of p27 and BCL2 had a significant predictive value for chemotherapy response in univariate analysis. The combination of both proteins was not superior in predicting the response to chemotherapy. Furthermore, p27 expression was the only significant predictor of chemotherapy response in multivariate analysis (P=0.015).

Conclusion: p27 Expression may serve as predictive biomarker of response to induction chemotherapy in HNSCC patients.

Keywords: 5-Fluorouracil; Biomarkers; Chemotherapy response; Cisplatin; Head and neck cancer; Immunohistochemistry; Outcome; Squamous cell carcinoma.