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Fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 amplification is a common event in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

Friederike Göke1, Maike Bode, Alina Franzen

  • 11] Institute of Pathology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany [2] Department of Prostate Cancer Research, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.

Modern Pathology : an Official Journal of the United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology, Inc
|April 27, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) amplification occurs in 15% of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. This genetic event, linked to worse outcomes, may indicate a target for new therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Genetics
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) amplification is a targetable event in lung squamous cell carcinoma.
  • Patients with FGFR1 amplification are eligible for clinical trials with small-molecule inhibitors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the frequency of FGFR1 amplification in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).
  • To correlate FGFR1 amplification with clinicopathological features and human papilloma virus (HPV) status in HNSCC.

Main Methods:

  • Assessed FGFR1 copy number status in 555 HNSCC patients (primary, metastatic, recurrent) using fluorescence in situ hybridization.
  • Determined HPV status via p16 immunohistochemistry and PCR-ELISA.
  • Correlated molecular parameters with clinicopathological data.

Main Results:

  • FGFR1 amplification was found in 15% of primary HNSCC.
  • Amplification status remained consistent between primary, metastatic, and recurrent tumors.
  • FGFR1 amplification was associated with nicotine/alcohol consumption, worse outcomes, and was mutually exclusive with HPV infection.

Conclusions:

  • FGFR1 amplification is a frequent event in HNSCC, serving as a potential biomarker for aggressive disease.
  • FGFR1-amplified HNSCC may represent a subset responsive to targeted small-molecule inhibitors.

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