p53 Expression in Locally Advanced Pharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

HEAD AND neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is first diagnosed in most patients when it is at an advanced stage. Prognosis for patients with locally advanced tumors remains poor, despite advances in surgery and radiation therapy techniques, and combined modality therapy is usually recommended. The role of chemotherapy in HNSCC is being intensively reevaluated. Although randomized studies have failed to demonstrate a clear survival rate advantage with the addition of chemotherapy, patients who respond well seem to have a highly favorable prognosis.¹ Identifying the factors associated with tumor response to chemotherapy and better survival rates would allow for selecting which patients with locally advanced HNSCC should receive this treatment.