No evidence for desmocollin 3 to serve as a prognostic marker in primary radiotherapy of head and neck cancer.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To investigate the role of desmocollin 3 expression in radiation sensitivity and survival in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. METHODS: Tissue samples of 40 patients undergoing primary radiotherapy were stained for desmocollin 3, a transmembrane desmosomal protein. The protein expression was determined by immunohistochemistry. A retrospective chart review was performed to assess overall survival, radiation sensitivity, and disease-free interval. RESULTS: 18 of 40 patients showed desmocollin 3 immunoreactivity. 78 % (14/18) showed radiation sensitivity in the desmocollin 3 positive group, whereas 59 % (13/22) underwent remission in the desmocollin 3 negative group (p = 0.2). The median overall and disease-free survival time was 21 and 26 months, respectively. Univariate and multivariable Cox regression models revealed no statistically significant hazard ratios. CONCLUSION: In this cohort of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, we found no evidence for a predictive potential of desmocollin 3.