P53 Expression and Heavy Smoking in Head and Neck Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): J.K. Field, D.A. Spandidos, A. Malliri, J.R. Gosney, M. Yiagnisis, P.M. Stell
Primary Institution: University of Liverpool
Hypothesis
Is there a correlation between elevated p53 expression and a history of heavy smoking in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck?
Conclusion
The study found that elevated p53 expression correlates with a history of heavy smoking in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
Supporting Evidence
- 67% of the 73 patients showed elevated p53 expression.
- Six out of seven non-smokers did not express p53.
- 29 of 37 heavy smokers had elevated p53 expression.
- Nine of ten patients who had stopped smoking for more than 5 years had elevated p53 expression.
Takeaway
This study shows that people who smoke a lot are more likely to have a certain protein in their throat cancer cells, which might be linked to how smoking causes cancer.
Methodology
The study examined p53 expression in 73 tumor specimens from patients with squamous cell carcinoma using immunocytochemistry.
Participant Demographics
Patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, including both untreated and previously treated individuals.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.005
Statistical Significance
p<0.005
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