Analysis of gene amplification in head-and-neck squamous-cell carcinoma

Int J Cancer. 1991 Jun 19;48(4):511-5. doi: 10.1002/ijc.2910480406.

Abstract

The presence of gene amplification was determined in 66 fresh head-and-neck SCC specimens using a battery of 9 different probes. Amplification of at least one gene was found in 12 samples (18%), of which 7 were amplified at multiple loci (58%). We observed amplifications for EGFR (10% of samples) and c-myc (9%), as well as co-amplification of bcl-1/int-2 (7%). No amplifications were demonstrated for c-Ha-ras-1, TGF alpha, c-mos, c-erbB-2, or c-erbA-2. The incidence of proto-oncogene amplification in head-and-neck SCC patients is comparable to that reported for other solid tumours. There was no statistically significant difference in survival between patients with or without gene amplification. However, the presence of multiple amplifications in several patients with advanced primary tumours suggests that the accumulation of genetic changes may correlate more closely with tumour size than with inherent biologic aggression.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / genetics*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / pathology
  • DNA Probes
  • DNA, Neoplasm / genetics*
  • DNA, Neoplasm / isolation & purification
  • ErbB Receptors / genetics
  • Female
  • Gene Amplification*
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / pathology
  • Humans
  • Laryngeal Neoplasms / genetics
  • Laryngeal Neoplasms / pathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Pharyngeal Neoplasms / genetics
  • Pharyngeal Neoplasms / pathology
  • Proto-Oncogene Mas
  • Proto-Oncogenes*
  • Tongue Neoplasms / genetics
  • Tongue Neoplasms / pathology

Substances

  • DNA Probes
  • DNA, Neoplasm
  • MAS1 protein, human
  • Proto-Oncogene Mas
  • ErbB Receptors