[Expression of p16 gene and protein in the evaluation of dynamics of laryngeal cancer growth].

The p16INK4a gene, localized within chromosome 9p21, has been identified as a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor and may negatively regulate the cell cycle acting as a tumour suppressor. Genetic alterations involving the 9p21 region are common in human cancers. Our purpose was to investigate 9p21 LOH and expression of p16 protein and their possible prognostic value in laryngeal cancer. PCR-based techniques were used for investigating 9p21 LOH and immunohistochemical methods for p16 protein expression. 9p21 LOH was detected in 10/41 (24.4%) informative tumours and p16 protein in 11/41 (26.8%). By univariate analysis 9p21 LOH proved to be significantly related to overall survival whereas expression of p16 protein was related with quicker relapse. Analysis of 9p21 LOH enables the assessment of biology of laryngeal cancer and it is a prognostic factor of overall survival. A p16 protein has a prognostic value in assessment of disease free survival in those patients. Although clinical impact of gene and protein p16 in laryngeal cancer is still unclear.