The search for molecular markers to improve diagnosis, individualize treatment and predict behavior of tumors has been the focus of several studies. This study aimed to analyze homeobox gene expression profile in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) as well as to investigate whether some of these genes are relevant molecular markers of prognosis and/or tumor aggressiveness. Homeobox gene expression levels were assessed by microarrays and qRT-PCR in OSCC tissues and adjacent non-cancerous matched tissues (margin), as well as in OSCC cell lines. Analysis of microarray data revealed the expression of 147 homeobox genes, including one set of six at least 2-fold up-regulated, and another set of 34 at least 2-fold down-regulated homeobox genes in OSCC. After qRT-PCR assays, the three most up-regulated homeobox genes (HOXA5, HOXD10 and HOXD11) revealed higher and statistically significant expression levels in OSCC samples when compared to margins. Patients presenting lower expression of HOXA5 had poorer prognosis compared to those with higher expression (P=0.03). Additionally, the status of HOXA5, HOXD10 and HOXD11 expression levels in OSCC cell lines also showed a significant up-regulation when compared to normal oral keratinocytes. Results confirm the presence of three significantly upregulated (>4-fold) homeobox genes (HOXA5, HOXD10 and HOXD11) in OSCC that may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of these tumors. Moreover, since lower levels of HOXA5 predict poor prognosis, this gene may be a novel candidate for development of therapeutic strategies in OSCC.

Objective. To evaluate site of regional recurrence in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of upper aerodigestive tract after neck dissection and the results of salvage treatment. Methods. 95 patients with regional recurrence as the first manifestation of relapse were selected between 943 patients who underwent neck dissection. We evaluated level and side of recurrence, as well disease control after salvage treatment. Results. Level II was the most frequent site of recurrence. Salvage treatment was performed in 51% of ipsilateral and in 75% of contralateral (nondissected neck) recurrences. Control of the disease 12 months after salvage surgery was 25% in the ipsilateral and 37% in contralateral recurrences. Conclusions. Cervical recurrences occur predominantly in level II. Relapse in level I is frequent only in oral cavity tumors and relapse in level V is rare. The neck recurrence carries a poor prognosis even among patients who underwent retreatment with curative intent.

OBJETIVO: Relatar as características clínicas, tratamento e complicações.dos tumores de Warthin. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo com 70 pacientes submetidos à ressecção de cistoadenoma papilífero linfomatoso,. Variáveis analisadas: idade, sexo, etnia, presença ou não de tabagismo, sítio primário do tumor, tamanho do tumor em centímetros, presença de bilateralidade, tipo de operação, multicentricidade, complicações do tratamento, presença de recidiva no seguimento e tempo de seguimento.. RESULTADOS: Quarenta e quatro pacientes (62,8%) eram do sexo masculino e 26 (37,2%), do sexo feminino, com média etária de 56,7 anos, O tabagismo estava presente em 55 (78,6%) pacientes, (94,3%) dos tumores eram unilaterais e quatro (5,7%) bilaterais, com tamanho médio de 4,1cm ao exame físico. As complicações foram 14 (19%) casos de paresia e/ou paralisia facial, seroma em 10 (13,8%), síndrome de Frey em três (4%), hematoma em dois (2,7%) e infecção de ferida operatória em um (1,5%) caso. CONCLUSÃO: O tumor de Warthin tem maior incidência no sexo masculino, em tabagistas e localização unilateral predominante na glândula parótida. A parotidectomia superficial com preservação do nervo facial mostrou-se eficaz em 100% casos. As complicações encontradas foram paresias ou paralisias transitórias, seroma, síndrome de Frey, hematoma e infecção de ferida operatória.