MIB-1 and p53 expression in radiotherapy-resistant T1aN0M0 glottic squamous cell carcinoma

Radiotherapy of T1aN0M0 glottic carcinoma results in a local control rate of 80-94%. This homogenous group, which is the earliest recognisable invasive malignancy in the head and neck region, provides a 'unique model' for studying possible biological markers of radiosensitivity. p53 and MIB-1 were investigated as possible markers of radiosensitivity in such a group. In all, 107 patients with T1aN0M0 glottic squamous cell carcinoma treated with radiotherapy were identified. Cases not responsive to radiotherapy were compared with matched radiosensitive controls by immunohistochemistry using monoclonal primary antibodies to MIB-1 (n = 18; controls = 10) and p53 (n = 6; controls = 11). No significant difference in p53 expression was noted between the two groups (P = 0.73). A greater MIB-1 expression was found in the radiosensitive group but only a trend towards significance was observed (P = 0.06). MIB-1 is a potential marker of radiosensitivity. A larger multicentre study is required for a more definitive answer.