M. Schmidt et F. Hoppe, Prognostic significance of biological parameters in head and neck tumors -Review of the literature., LARY RH OTO, 79(12), 2000, pp. 719-729
Background: Scientific research work of the last decade has been performed
in order to investigate biological parameters of prognostic significance fo
r head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. In contrast to other cancer types,
like colon carcinoma, where tumour progression is accompanied by an almost
defined sequel of gene activations and inactivations, cells of squamous ce
ll carcinoma behave more heterogenously. Methods: Publications concerning t
he most important immunohistochemical, molecular biological and cytogenetic
prognostic markers in head and neck cancer have been analyzed. Results: Th
e prognostic markers discussed in this publication have been classified int
o the following areas: Apoptosis, cell cycle regulation, viral infections,
cytokines and growth factors/growth factor receptors, angiogenesis and hypo
xia, proteinases, cell-cell contacts and cell-matrix contacts, cytokeratin
fragments, chromosomal rearrangements and genetically inherited susceptibil
ity to toxic reagents. Conclusions: Significant prognostic markers are impo
rtant for the clinical follow-up of patients and the choice of therapeutica
l approach. However, none of the factors analyzed can be used as an individ
ual and universal prognostic marker at present.