Relationship between epidermal growth factor receptor status, p16 INK4A, and outcome in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract

Background: Human papilloma virus (HPV) infection is a powerful prognostic biomarker in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Increased epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene copy number and protein expression have been reported to be negative predictors of outcome. This study examined the relationship between HPV status, EGFR gene copy number, EGFR protein expression, and clinical outcome in HNSCC patients treated with chemoradiation. Methods: HPV status was determined using p16INK4A immunohistochemistry (IHC), EGFR gene copy number was evaluated with FISH, and EGFR protein expression by IHC in 212 subjects. Results: EGFR FISH was positive in 41 of 204 (20%) patients and was ..