Overexpression of β2-microglobulin is associated with poor survival in patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma and contributes to oral cancer cell migration and invasion
2008

β2-microglobulin and Oral Cancer Survival

Sample size: 256 publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Chen C-H, Su C-Y, Chien C-Y, Huang C-C, Chuang H-C, Fang F-M, Huang H-Y, Chen C-M, Chiou S-J

Primary Institution: Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Kaohsiung Medical Center

Hypothesis

Is there a correlation between β2-microglobulin expression and survival in patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma?

Conclusion

Elevated β2-microglobulin expression is associated with poor survival in patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma.

Supporting Evidence

  • Strong β2M expression was significantly correlated with advanced tumour stage.
  • Patients with weak β2M expression had a 5-year survival rate of 92.4%, compared to 51.4% for those with strong expression.
  • β2M expression was positively correlated with cell migration and invasion in oral cancer cell lines.

Takeaway

This study found that higher levels of a protein called β2-microglobulin in oral cancer patients mean they might not live as long.

Methodology

The study evaluated 256 samples from patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma using immunohistochemical staining to assess β2-microglobulin expression.

Limitations

The study may not account for all variables affecting survival, and the sample may not represent all demographics.

Participant Demographics

The study included 239 men and 17 women with an average age of 50.9 years.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Confidence Interval

95% CI: 1.877–5.778

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1038/sj.bjc.6604698

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