Loss of heterozygosity at chromosome 14q is associated with poor prognosis in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas

J Cancer Res Clin Oncol. 2008 Dec;134(12):1267-76. doi: 10.1007/s00432-008-0423-1. Epub 2008 Jun 3.

Abstract

Purpose and methods: Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in a chromosomal location indicates the presence of an inactivated tumor suppressor gene (TSG). Inactivation of TSG has a functional role in the tumorigenesis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Based on the recent evidences of a putative TSG on chromosome 14, we examined LOH on chromosome 14q using eight polymorphic microsatellite markers in 50 cases of HNSCCs.

Results: Three regions were detected to have a high LOH rate which included 14q21.2-22.3 (42.5%), 14q31 (55%), and 14q32.1 (37%). The correlation between LOH and clinicopathological findings was investigated through statistical analyses. A strong correlation was observed between the highest LOH marker and the overall and disease-free survival.

Conclusions: The results suggest that the distal part of chromosome 14 may host a TSG that may lead to the development and/or progression of HNSCCs. Several genes such as CHES1, BMP4, SAV, and PNN have arisen as candidate tumor suppressors in the region.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / genetics*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / pathology
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Chromosome Deletion
  • Chromosome Mapping
  • Chromosomes, Human, Pair 14 / genetics*
  • Female
  • Genes, Tumor Suppressor
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / pathology
  • Humans
  • Loss of Heterozygosity*
  • Male
  • Microsatellite Repeats
  • Middle Aged
  • Prognosis
  • Survival Rate