Expression of proliferation markers in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma: an association with clinico-pathological factors and treatment outcomes

Abstract

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> The study was done with the objective to study the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), cyclin D1 and Ki-67 in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma and to assess the correlation of all three proliferation markers with various clinic-pathological parameters, the treatment outcomes as well as survival.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> We prospectively evaluated the surgical specimens of 72 laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) patients, treated with primary surgery and post-operative adjuvant therapy. Tumor tissue samples were analysed for the expression of EGFR, cyclin D1 and Ki-67 markers and analysis were done by immune-histochemistry and western blot test. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> EGFR showed significant expression in 67.6% and was insignificant in 31.9% patients in our analysis of 72 tumor samples. Cyclin D1 showed intense expression in 43%, and was insignificant in 57% patients. Ki-67 was intensely expressed in 43% patients. There was no correlation between expression of these markers with age, T-stage and N-stage. However, all the three markers showed significantly intense expression in tumours with extra capsular disease as well as perineural invasion (PNI) both of which are features of invasiveness of the tumor.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Estimation of biomarkers such as EGFR, cyclin Dl, and Ki-67 could be beneficial in predicting tumor aggressiveness, prognosis and survival in LSCC patients. Thus, all the three proliferation markers can be categorized as markers of invasiveness. Combination of proliferation markers-EGFR, cyclin D1 and Ki-67 is useful pre-operatively in planning surgical strategies so as to decide a more radical approach for the resection of the primary as well as neck dissection.</p>