Prognostic Relevance of Thyroid-Hormone-Associated Proteins in Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Head and Neck.

Julia Schnoell,Elisabeth Gurnhofer,Gregor Heiduschka,Stefan Stoiber,Michaela Schlederer,Bernhard J Jank,Lukas Kenner,Lorenz Kadletz-Wanke,Ulana Kotowski

doi:10.3390/jpm11121352

Abstract

The proteins sodium iodide symporter (NIS), μ-crystallin (CRYM), and thyroid hormone receptor beta (THRB) have been associated with prognosis in various cancer entities. While NIS and THRB may serve as possible therapeutic targets, the role of CRYM in cancer is still unclear. Protein levels of 44 patients with adenoid cystic carcinoma of the head and neck were analyzed using immunohistochemistry and correlated with clinicopathological data and outcome. NIS was positive in 72%, CRYM was positive in 55%, and THRB was positive in 39% of the patients. CRYM-positive adenoid cystic carcinomas were associated with a better cause-specific survival. Thus, our data indicate that CRYM might be a suitable positive prognostic marker in adenoid cystic carcinoma of the head and neck. Furthermore, expression of NIS was present in most patients and therefore evaluation of the use of radioiodine treatment is recommended.

Highlights

IntroductionAdenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the head and neck is one of the most common salivary gland carcinomas, with an incidence of between 1.2 and 4.5 cases/million per year
44 patients with Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the head and neck were included in this study
The cohort consisted of 41% (n = 18) men and 59% (n = 26) women

Summary

Introduction

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the head and neck is one of the most common salivary gland carcinomas, with an incidence of between 1.2 and 4.5 cases/million per year. ACC is characterized by perineural invasion, distant metastasis (into lung, bone, or liver), and late recurrences. The mainstay of treatment is complete surgical resection and postoperative radiotherapy in the case of advanced disease. Systemic therapy is reserved for progressive disease and palliation, due to its low response rates [1,2]. Poor prognostic factors are advanced tumor stage, perineural invasion, and solid histologic patterns [1,2,3]. Thyroid hormones and associated proteins are associated with tumor promotion or suppression but have so far not been investigated in the context of ACC [4]

Methods

Discussion

Conclusion