Cyclin D1 overexpression correlates with poor prognosis in patients with tongue squamous cell carcinoma

Tongue squamous cell carcinoma makes up a large percentage of head and neck cancers, and the incidence among young patients is increasing. The aim of this study was to reveal the correlation between cyclin D1 (CCND 1) express ion and clinical and histologic features. We performed an immunohistochemic al study on the level of CCND1 expression in tumor specimens obtained from 94 patients with tongue squamous cell carcinoma. The relationship between t he expression and the following features such as age, sex, smoking and alco hol intake history, T, N, histologic grade, and multiple primary cancer nia s analyzed. Eighteen patients (19%) showed CCND 1 overexpression (tumor cel l nuclei positivity greater than or equal to 50%). The 5-year survival rate of high CCND1 expressors was 39%, which was significantly poor (p = 0.04). N classification correlated with CCND1 expression. CCND 1 overexpression i s associated with poor survival associated with progression of lymph node s pread in patients with tongue squamous cell carcinomas. CCND1 expression ma y be a useful biologic marker for prognosis. (C) 2000 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.