Cortactin Levels and Prognosis in Head and Neck Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Hofman P, Butori C, Havet K, Hofman V, Selva E, Guevara N, Santini J, Van Obberghen-Schilling E
Primary Institution: Pasteur Hospital, Nice, France
Hypothesis
Is cortactin protein expression a significant prognostic factor in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC)?
Conclusion
High levels of cortactin protein expression in HNSCC are associated with poor prognosis.
Supporting Evidence
- Cortactin overexpression was found in 44% of tumors and was linked to advanced disease.
- Patients with cortactin overexpression had a local recurrence rate of 49%, compared to 28% for non-overexpressors.
- 5-year disease-free survival was 17% for cortactin overexpressors versus 61% for non-overexpressors.
- Overall survival was 21% for cortactin overexpressors compared to 58% for non-overexpressors.
Takeaway
Cortactin is a protein that helps cancer cells move and grow. In this study, we found that patients with high levels of cortactin in their tumors had a much lower chance of surviving.
Methodology
Cortactin and EGFR expression were evaluated by immunohistochemistry in a tissue microarray of 176 HNSCCs with a mean follow-up of 5 years.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in patient selection and retrospective analysis.
Limitations
The study only included patients with surgically removed tumors and may not represent all HNSCC cases.
Participant Demographics
Mean age was 63 years, with 138 males and 38 females; tumors were from oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.014 for local recurrence, 0.007 for disease-free survival, 0.024 for overall survival
Confidence Interval
95% confidence intervals reported for hazard ratios
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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