Chromosomal abnormalities involving 11q13 are associated with poor prognosis in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

Abstract

Background. In individual patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN), established prognostic factors do not satisfactorily predict clinical outcome. Although the karyotype is an independent prognostic factor in certain hematologic malignancies and solid tumors, no data have been reported concerning the possible relationship between chromosomal abnormalities and clinical outcome in patients with SCCHN. Methods. In 116 cases of primary SCCHN, short term cultures were analyzed cytogenetically during 1987 through 1991, the karyotypes were divided into four groups: k1, normal (n = 35); k2, numeric changes only (n = 31); k3, simple structural abnormalities (n = 27); and k4, complex karyotypes (n = 23). The patients were followed for at least 18 months after diagnosis or until death. Results. The 2‐year survival rate was lower in the k4 subgroup (35%) than in the k1, k2, and k3 subgroups taken together (61%), both in the series as a whole (P = 0.02), and in the largest tumor site subgroup, laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (n = 32), (P = 0.04). The most prevalent breakpoint was in chromosome band 11q13, occurring in 11 tumors, 10 of which belonged to the k4‐subgroup. The 2‐year survival rate was lower for patients with 11q13 rearrangements (20%) than for those without (60%), both in the series as a whole (P = 0.001), and in the k4‐subgroup (P = 0.02). Conclusions. The results suggest that in SCCHN the presence of a complex karyotype is associated with poor prognosis, particularly when 11q13 rearrangements are pres.

Prognostic value of genomic alterations in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma detected by comparative genomic hybridisation

“…Unlike Bockmühl et al (2000), no association between gain of 11q13 and reduced survival was identified; however, when tumours demonstrating amplification of this region were analysed separately a strong association with reduced disease-free survival was revealed. This association with 11q13 amplification and poor prognosis is consistent with previous classical karyotypic data (Akervall et al, 1995;Meredith et al, 1995).…”

“…The most widely reported aberration demonstrating a correlation with clinical outcome is amplification of chromosome 11q13. Both the amplification of this band and overexpression of the cyclin D1 oncogene have been repeatedly associated with poor prognosis (Akervall et al, 1995;Meredith et al, 1995). Many of the limitations of conventional cytogenetic analysis have been overcome with the development of molecular techniques including FISH and comparative genomic hybridisation (CGH).…”

Genetic Imbalances with Impact on Survival in Head and Neck Cancer Patients

“…Chromosome 11q13 gains have repeatedly been reported to be associated with bad prognosis in HNSCC. 18,19 The main candidate gene is the cycD1 proto-oncogene which drives the cell from the G1 into the S phase of the cell cycle. However, overexpression of this gene seems to be an independent prognostic factor because it is not strictly related to gene amplification.…”

The function of ORAOV1/LTO1, a gene that is overexpressed frequently in cancer: essential roles in the function and biogenesis of the ribosome

“…[1][2][3] Moreover, 11q13 amplification occurs in upto 20% of other carcinomas including those of the breast, bladder and pancreas, 4 and is associated with poor prognosis. 5 It is clear that the long arm of chromosme 11 harbours a cluster of oncogenes. The genes within 11q13 could serve as prognostic markers as well as therapeutic targets, so there will be a benefit derived from understanding the biology associated with the amplified genes.…”