Twist and snai1 expression in pharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma stroma is related to cancer progression
2011

TWIST and SNAI1 in Pharyngeal Cancer

Sample size: 109 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Anna Jouppila-Mättö, Mervi Närkiö-Mäkelä, Ylermi Soini, Matti Pukkila, Reijo Sironen, Hanna Tuhkanen, Arto Mannermaa, Veli-Matti Kosma

Primary Institution: Kuopio University Hospital and University of Eastern Finland

Hypothesis

TWIST and SNAI1 could affect survival in pharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (PSCC).

Conclusion

TWIST and SNAI1 expression in stromal cells is associated with clinical and histopathological characteristics that indicate progressive disease.

Supporting Evidence

  • Tumors with intense stromal staining of TWIST relapsed more frequently.
  • Negative expression of TWIST and SNAI1 predicts better 5-year survival.
  • Patients with negative SNAI1 and TWIST immunostaining had better overall survival.

Takeaway

This study found that certain proteins in cancer cells can show how aggressive the cancer is, and if they are not present, patients tend to do better.

Methodology

Immunohistochemistry was used to study the expression of TWIST and SNAI1 in 109 pharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas.

Limitations

The study is limited to a specific cohort from eastern Finland and may not be generalizable.

Participant Demographics

Mean age was 65 years, with a male predominance (75%).

Statistical Information

P-Value

p = 0.04

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2407-11-350

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