Recurrent copy number gains of ACVR1 and corresponding transcript overexpression are associated with survival in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas

Abstract

These findings suggest that copy number alterations at 2q24 can be involved in ACVR1 overexpression, which is associated with longer overall survival in laryngeal carcinomas. To our knowledge, this is the first report indicating the relevance of ACVR1 expression in head and neck cancers.

Copy number increase of oncoprotein CIP2A is associated with poor patient survival in human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

“…In HNSCC diagnostics, no genomic test has been adopted widely, although HPV infection can be diagnosed using in situ hybridisation methods in addition to p16 staining . Further, copy number increases of ACVR1, EGFR, YWHAZ and GST‐pi have been reported to associate with survival, chemoresistance and malignancy .…”

“…Fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) technique is used routinely to identify the genomic events in the diagnostics of several cancers including chronic myeloid leukaemia, breast cancer and lung adenocarcinoma . In HNSCC diagnostics, however, no routine genomic test is currently in standard use, even though copy number increase of several genes has been reported to associate with survival, chemoresistance and malignancy .…”

ACVR1 (activin A receptor, type I)

“…Significant gains at 2q24 were detected in most cases at frequencies varying from 3 to 35% (Ambrosio et al, 2011).…”

“…Ambrosio et al (2011) reported that copy number alterations of 2q24.1 were associated with ACVR1 overexpression and with longer overall survival in laryngeal carcinomas. Prognosis In the study of Ambrosio et al (2011), it was described at first that oral cavity, laryngeal and pharyngeal carcinomas presented ACVR1 overexpression in agreement with 2q24 gains and amplifications detected by FISH analysis.…”

“…Ambrosio et al (2011) reported that copy number alterations of 2q24.1 were associated with ACVR1 overexpression and with longer overall survival in laryngeal carcinomas. Prognosis In the study of Ambrosio et al (2011), it was described at first that oral cavity, laryngeal and pharyngeal carcinomas presented ACVR1 overexpression in agreement with 2q24 gains and amplifications detected by FISH analysis. No statistical association was observed between its expression and clinicopathological parameters; however, when laryngeal carcinomas were considered separately, multivariate analysis revealed that ACVR1 overexpression was associated with longer overall survival, suggesting that this gene is a putative prognostic marker in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.…”