HER2 expression predicts improved survival in patients with cervical node-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Abstract

To investigate the prognostic value of HER2 and p63 expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). A case review of 186 HNSCCs from the oral tongue, palate, maxillary sinus, floor of mouth, oropharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx. All primary tumor specimens were evaluated by immunohistochemistry for HER2 and p63 expressions, which were correlated with clinical parameters including age, sex, grade, lymph node metastases, stage, and survival. One hundred forty-one patients had stage III-IV disease and 109 had lymph node metastases. For all cases, T and N stages were significant prognostic predictors for both overall and disease-free survivals. In the node-positive subgroup, T stage and HER2 expression were significant prognostic predictors for both overall and disease-free survivals. HER2 may be associated with longer survival in node-positive patients with HNSCC.