Midkine neurite growth-promoting factor 2 expression as a potential prognostic marker of adjuvant therapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract

Objective: The prognostic function of neurite growth-promoting factor 2 (Midkine (MK)) in adjuvant treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is unclear. This study examined whether MK expression may predict treatment response and survival in resectable HNSCC patients.Methods: In this retrospective study, MK expression in 144 HNSCC patients was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. A subset of patients (n = 10) had MK expression levels analyzed by western blot and semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Data were analyzed using the Log-rank test and α = 0.05.Results: Expression of MK was associated with poorer five-year progression-free and overall survival rates in HNSCC patients (p = 0.002).Conclusion: MK might play an important role in the progression of HNSCC and may be a useful prognostic factor.