Larynx cancer: search for molecular markers

Abstract

Introduction: Despite the advances in the understanding and treatment of the Larynx squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC), the survival has not changed in the last 30 years. Objective: In this study, we search for a better understanding of the pattern of genic expression of LSCC. Methods: Thirty-two tumor samples were collected from patients submitted to LSCC resection. The samples were submitted to cDNA microarray analysis to identify LSCC target. Results: The comparison of gene expression between early and advanced stages revealed 30 genes with significant differential expression. RT-qPCR validation experiments confirmed significant expression of only two genes (TMEM56 and SEC14L2) from eight selected. Comparing adjacent normal and tumor tissues, 69 genes showed statistically significant expression (mean ratio of 5.5), and 30 of them were up-regulated in tumor tissues. Gene expression validation by RT-qPCR showed SPRR2G and S100A7A as the most expressed in tumor tissue. Conclusion: The results demonstrate different pattern of expression, specially among tumor and non neoplastic tissue. The limitations to improve survival in larynx cancer justify studies focusing on search for molecular markers of prognosis and possible targeted therapy on LSCC.