RETINOBLASTOMA PROTEIN EXPRESSION AND PROGNOSIS IN LARYNGEAL-CANCER

Expression of retinoblastoma (Rb) protein was immunohistochemically ex amined in laryngeal squamous cell neoplasias from 72 patients. Stainin g patterns were considered with reference to such prognostic factors a s patient's age, histologic grade, tumour size and lymph node status, and 5-year survival rate. Rb protein negativity, either partial or com plete, was noted in 28.8% of cases and was associated with a significa ntly lower 5-year survival rate, as well as with a higher likelihood o f lymph node metastasis. This suggests that Rb alteration may be a pro gnostic indicator in patients with laryngeal carcinoma.