Global Genetic Differences in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck

• Published in: The Laryngoscope 2002-06, Vol.112 (6), p.1094-1099
• Main Authors: Ell, Stephen R., Ashman, James E., Stafford, Nicholas D., Greenman, John
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aged; Biological and medical sciences; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell - epidemiology; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell - genetics; Chromosome Aberrations - statistics & numerical data; Comparative genomic hybridization; cytogenetics; Female; Head and Neck Neoplasms - epidemiology; Head and Neck Neoplasms - genetics; Humans; Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Nucleic Acid Hybridization; Otorhinolaryngology (head neck, general aspects and miscellaneous); Otorhinolaryngology. Stomatology; Prevalence; Prospective Studies; squamous cell carcinoma; Tumors; United Kingdom - epidemiology
• ISSN: 0023-852X; 1531-4995
• DOI: 10.1097/00005537-200206000-00029

Objectives/Hypothesis The objectives are to determine the frequency of chromosomal aberrations in 22 patients in the United Kingdom with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and to compare our results with studies reported from western Europe and North America and highlight changes common to all groups, thus enabling focused study of important gene loci. Study Design Prospective experimental, then comparative observational study. Methods Comparative genomic hybridization was used to detect regions of chromosomal gain or loss across the entire genome. The aberration frequency was contrasted with other published series, and similarities and differences were highlighted. Results The most common chromosomal gain in all studies was 3q (50% to 87%). Other common chromosomal gains varied considerably between centers. The most common loss was 3p in three of the studies; one group in the United States reported 19p loss most frequently. The frequency of other losses varied considerably. Conclusions Comparative genomic hybridization has highlighted a number of common genetic events in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The prevalence of individual aberrations differed between centers. Further cooperative multicenter studies of this technique are warranted.