Abstract
BackgroundRegenerating gene (REG) family is composed of antiapoptotic factors and growth factors that affect epithelial cells within the digestive system. Regenerating gene-I has been studied in different cancers. However, it has never been studied in head and neck cancer. We investigated the expression of REG-I in head and neck SCC and its relevance to patient survival rates.MethodsUntreated biopsy specimens of 60 patients with stage IV head and neck SCC were collected, and the expression of REG-I was evaluated using immunohistochemistry. The association between REG-I expression and clinico-pathological features or survival status of the patients was assessed by Chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test and Kaplan-Meier method. Cox proportional hazard model was used to identify the independent prognostic factors.ResultsIncidence of lymphatic permeation, vascular invasion and pathological lymph nodes was significantly higher in REG-I negative group (p = 0.008, 0.030 and 0.015, respectively). Overall and cancer-free survival rates were significantly higher in REG-I positive group (p = 0.000434 and 1.0847E-8, respectively). Univariate analysis showed that REG-I was an independent prognostic factor for predicting long-term overall survival (p = 0.002), and multivariate analysis showed that REG-I and lymphatic permeation were independent prognostic factors for predicting long-term disease-free survival (p = 0.001 and 0.022, respectively).ConclusionOur results showed for the first time that, REG-I is expressed in head and neck SCC. REG-I expression is associated with a longer survival status. We conclude that, REG-I might be a prognostic marker in head and neck SSC and should be further investigated.
Highlights
Regenerating gene (REG) family is composed of antiapoptotic factors and growth factors that affect epithelial cells within the digestive system
REG-I expression was found to be either positive or negative according to REG-I index We found that REG-I staining of all specimens fell into one of three groups; weak, moderate or strong staining, which we scored as 1–3, respectively
After analysis of all specimens and calculation of the REG-I index, we found that the patients could be grouped into two main categories; those with a REG-I index ≥6, which showed either strong staining with ≥50 % stained area or moderate staining with >90 % stained area, where most of specimens got REG-I index 6, and the remaining specimens got REG-I index 9, and considered as REG-I positive
Summary
Regenerating gene (REG) family is composed of antiapoptotic factors and growth factors that affect epithelial cells within the digestive system. Head and neck cancers include malignant neoplasms that arise from many sites within the upper aerodigestive tract, with the most common sites being the oropharynx, hypopharynx, larynx, and oral cavity [1]. Most of these epithelial malignancies are squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN), for which the most important risk factors are tobacco and alcohol consumption [2]. We investigated REG-I expression and its correlation with the clinico-pathological features and survival status in stage IV head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
