The Effect of EGFR, P16 and Ki67 Expression on Prognosis in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

Objective: HPV and EGFR expression status may be utilized as an independent prognostic factor owing to the different clinical and demographic characteristics head and neck cancers. In the study, it was aimed to investigate the association between EGFR, p16 and ki67 expression and survival in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).Materials and Methods: A total of 43 patients with SCC of the head and neck region were included in the study. EGFR, p16 and Ki67 were examined by means of immunohistochemistry. The association between these markers and survival was investigated.Results: EGFR expression was detected in 14 cases (32.5%), Staining with p16 was positive in 20 cases (46.5%). Mean duration of follow up was 32 months. There was a statistically significant difference between ki67 proliferation indices of patients who survived and those who died (p=0.037). Survival was significantly shorter in EGFR positive patients compared to those negative for EGFR expressions (p=0.037). Mean survival was 30 months in the 20 p16 positive patients and 33.5 months in p16 negative patients (p=0.847).Conclusion: This study supports that EGFR and Ki67 may be important markers to predict prognosis and survival in patients with head and neck SCC.