HIF-1a expression and differential effects on survival in patients with oral cavity, larynx, and oropharynx squamous
Justin E Swartz1, Inge Wegner1,2, Rob Noorlag3
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands.
Background:
Hypoxia is a negative prognostic factor in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. Under hypoxia, the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1a transcription factor is overexpressed. We investigated whether there were site differences in HIF-1a expression and its effect on patient outcomes per subsite.
Design/Method:
A total of 941 patients with HNSCC in the squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx (OPSCC, n = 302), oral cavity (OSCC, n = 391), or larynx (LSCC, n = 248) were included. Expression of HIF-1a in tissue samples was investigated using immunohistochemistry. Overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and locoregional control (LRC) were analyzed.
Results:
HIF-1a expression was higher in OSCC than in LSCC and OPSCC. High HIF-1a expression led to worse prognosis in OPSCC (OS P = .029, DFS P = .085) and LSCC (OS P = .041, DFS P = .011) and better in OSCC (OS P = .055, DFS P = .012). There was no association between HIF-1a and LRC.
Conclusions:
High HIF-1a expression is related to poor outcome in OPSCC and LSCC and better outcome in OSCC.
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