Genetic Biomarkers in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Objectives:Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is known as one of the 6 most common human cancers mainly caused by consumption of tobacco and alcohol. There is also a genetic factor; however, the genetic markers are not yet established. Our objectives were to (1) validate the genetic signature of molecular targets expressed by tumors in HNSCC and (2) determine potential biomarkers for earlier detection, potential therapies, and prediction of patients’ survival.Methods:The HNSCC patients were recruited to the study in the Greater Poland Cancer Centre in 2010. Oral cancer and normal epithelium tissue taken at a minimum of 2 cm distal from the tumors’ margins from 41 patients were used for analysis by Cancer Pathway Finder array and followed with real-time polymerase chain reaction.Results:Analysis indicated up-regulation of 11 genes including KRT14, ACLY, MCM2, SKP2, STMN1, CDC20, SNAI2, MKI67, SLC2A1, BCL2L11, and IGFBP3 (P < .05), suggesting altered regulation of cell cycle, cell senescence, met...