Nuclear Survivin Expression and HPV in Oropharyngeal Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Preuss S F, Weinell A, Molitor M, Stenner M, Semrau R, Drebber U, Weissenborn S J, Speel E J M, Wittekindt C, Guntinas-Lichius O, Hoffmann T K, Eslick G D, Klussmann J P
Primary Institution: University Hospital of Cologne
Hypothesis
The study aims to determine the survival impact of cytoplasmic and nuclear survivin expression in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and its correlation with HPV status.
Conclusion
Nuclear expression of survivin is associated with HPV-independent carcinogenesis and predicts poor survival in patients with oropharyngeal cancer.
Supporting Evidence
- Nuclear expression of survivin was significantly correlated with HPV-negative tumours (P=0.023).
- Patients with nuclear expression of survivin had a 3-year disease-free survival probability of 35% compared to 78% for non-nuclear expression.
- Multivariate analysis showed that nuclear expression of survivin was an independent prognostic factor for disease-free survival (P=0.004).
Takeaway
This study found that a protein called survivin in the cell nucleus can mean a person with throat cancer might not do as well, especially if their cancer isn't linked to a virus called HPV.
Methodology
A multicentre retrospective study analyzing tissue samples from 106 patients with oropharyngeal cancer, assessing survivin and p16 expression through immunohistochemistry and HPV status via nested PCR.
Limitations
The study had a relatively short follow-up time and a small number of patients with nuclear survivin expression.
Participant Demographics
Patients aged 34 to 82 years, with 73% male and 27% female.
Statistical Information
P-Value
P<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI=2.510–27.210
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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