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Updated: Aug 10, 2026
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Isolation and Characterization of a Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Subpopulation Having Stem Cell Characteristics
Published on: May 11, 2016
Identifying genetic changes associated with tumor progression in squamous cell carcinoma
T E Carey1, C J Frank, J R Raval
1Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109, USA.
Acta Oto-Laryngologica. Supplementum
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Loss of chromosome 18 is common in squamous cell carcinoma and linked to tumor progression and reduced survival. This suggests tumor suppressor genes on chromosome 18 are critical for controlling cancer growth.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cancer Genetics
- Cytogenetics
Background:
- Tumorigenesis involves genetic alterations affecting gene expression.
- Chromosome 18 loss is a frequent observation in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).
- This loss suggests the presence of tumor suppressor genes on chromosome 18.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between chromosome 18 loss and tumor progression in SCC.
- To determine if chromosome 18 loss correlates with reduced patient survival.
- To identify potential tumor suppressor genes on chromosome 18, such as DCC.
Main Methods:
- Karyotyping of in vitro cultured tumors (short-term and permanent).
- Analysis of heterozygosity at the DCC locus.
- Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) analysis using microsatellite repeat polymorphisms (MSRP).
Main Results:
- Chromosome 18 loss was observed in approximately 63% of cultured tumors.
- LOH for DCC was found in about half of informative SCC cases.
- Microsatellite analysis indicated loss of 18q in 55% of fresh tumors.
- Patients with chromosome 18 loss showed a significantly higher mortality rate (20/25) compared to those without (5/15).
Conclusions:
- Loss of chromosome 18 is a significant marker for tumor progression in SCC.
- The identified genetic alterations on chromosome 18 likely impact tumor growth and metastasis.
- Chromosome 18 alterations are associated with poorer patient survival outcomes in SCC.
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