DNA copy number variation and loss of heterozygosity in relation to recurrence of and survival from head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a review.

Genetic aberrations, such as DNA copy number variation (CNV) and loss of heterozygosity (LOH), have been implicated in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) initiation and progression. This review examines CNV and LOH as predictors of HNSCC recurrence and mortality. We searched PubMed for relevant publications and compared and discussed results from the articles. Certain CNV and LOH events have consistently been associated with HNSCC recurrence and survival. The recent high-resolution single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays have the potential to identify many more genetic changes and concurrent genome-wide CNV, copy-neutral and/or allelic imbalance LOH in HNSCC that may bear on prognosis. Our review confirms that outcome in HNSCC can be predicted to a considerable extent by the presence of tumor cell genetic aberrations. It points out the limitations of some methodologies that were used in the past and discusses the advantages and challenges of using genome-wide SNP arrays. Copyright (c) 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 2008.