EGFR as a biomarker of smoking status and survival in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

ABSTRACT:

Background

This study aims to investigate EGFR as a prognostic biomarker in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC).

Methods

OPSCC patients from retrospective (1998-2009) and prospective cohorts (2014-2017) were included. Retrospectively collected tumors were used to construct tissue microarrays (TMAs), which were stained with EGFR, p16, DAPI and Pan-cytokeratin, and digitally quantified. EGFR, CDKN2A and HPV E6/7 levels from prospectively collected OPSCC was measured by droplet digital PCR (ddPCR). Biomarkers were compared to patient covariates, factors and survival outcomes.

Results

A total of 249 patients were included retrospectively and 64 patients were enrolled prospectively. p16 status (p < 0.001), smoking above 10 pack years (p = 0.04), smoking above 20

SUBMITTER: Sivarajah S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6327450 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature