Immunohistochemical biomarkers and volumetric parameters for predicting radiotherapy-based outcomes in patients with p16-negative pharyngeal cancer.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

This study determined the prognostic effects of immunohistochemical biomarkers and volumetric parameters predicting radiotherapy-based treatment in patients with p16-negative squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx or hypopharynx.

RESULTS:

VEGF immunoreactivity > 2 and GLUT1 overexpression were prognostic factors for lower cause-specific survival. Moreover, both factors were associated with lower disease-free survival. The predictors of lower primary relapse-free survival were VEGF immunoreactivity > 2 and CT-based gross tumor volume > 16 mL.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Immunohistochemical biomarkers in pretreatment biopsy specimens from 60 patients with p16-negative cancer were analyzed using tissue microarrays. Computed tomography (CT)-based and biological tumor volumes were retrieved through fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-CT. Correlations of cause-specific, disease-free, and primary relapse-free survival with volumetric parameters and the immunohistochemical biomarker score were investigated.

CONCLUSIONS:

For patients with p16-negative pharyngeal cancer receiving radiotherapy, treatment outcomes can be stratified by VEGF and GLUT1 expression and CT-based gross tumor volume.

• Authors: Rui-Yun Chen, Ying-Chun Lin, Shang-Wen Chen, Tze-Yi Lin, Te-Chun Hsieh, Kuo-Yang Yen, Ji-An Liang, Shih-Neng Yang, Yao-Ching Wang, Ya-Huey Chen, Shu-Fen Chiang, Chia-Hung Kao
• Journal: Oncotarget (Oncotarget) Vol. 8 Issue 42 Pg. 72342-72351 (Sep 22 2017) ISSN: 1949-2553 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 29069791 (Publication Type: Journal Article)