Expression of c-erbB-2, p53, p16 in squamous cell carcinoma of anterior tongue in China population

Abstract

Objective: Aberrant expression of c-erbB-2, p53, p16 has been found in oral squamous cell carcinoma. We therefore examined
expression of these proteins in squamous cell carcinoma of the anterior tongue and compared their relationship with clinical
stages and prognosis. Methods: Seventy-six patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the anterior tongue never treated before
were obtained from Cancer Hospital, CAMS. Archive tissues of carcinoma and paracarcinoma were examined for c-erbB-2, p53 and
p16 expression by immunohistochemistry. Results: The rates of immunopositive staining of c-erbB-2, p53 and p16 were 64.5%,
61.8% and 23.7% respectively; the positive rates in paracarcinoma mucosa were 19.7%, 22.6% and 55.3% respectively. Overexpression
of c-erbB-2 was significantly correlated with short overall survival, metastasis and staging. Overexpression of paracarcinoma
p53 was significantly correlated with local recurrence. Conclusion. c-erbB-2 may be used as a prognosis marker for the patients
with squamous cell carcinoma of the anterior tongue and p53 as a recurrence marker.