[Molecular biology and immunohistochemical prognostic markers in head and neck squamous epithelial carcinomas]
1Klinik und Poliklinik für Hals-, Nasen- und Ohrenkranke der Universität Würzburg. marianne.schmidt@mail.uni-wuerzburg.de
Background:
Scientific research work of the last decade has been performed in order to investigate biological parameters of prognostic significance for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. In contrast to other cancer types, like colon carcinoma, where tumour progression is accompanied by an almost defined sequel of gene activations and inactivations, cells of squamous cell carcinoma behave more heterogenously.
Methods:
Publications concerning the most important immunohistochemical, molecular biological and cytogenetic prognostic markers in head and neck cancer have been analyzed.
Results:
The prognostic markers discussed in this publication have been classified into the following areas: Apoptosis, cell cycle regulation, viral infections, cytokines and growth factors/growth factor receptors, angiogenesis and hypoxia, proteinases, cell-cell contacts and cell-matrix contacts, cytokeratin fragments, chromosomal rearrangements and genetically inherited susceptibility to toxic reagents.
Conclusions:
Significant prognostic markers are important for the clinical follow-up of patients and the choice of therapeutical approach. However, none of the factors analyzed can be used as an individual and universal prognostic marker at present.
