Background: To determine predictive and prognostic value of p53, Ki-67 and EGFR in patients with advanced oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer treated with induction chemotherapy.
Materials and methods: The data form 40 patients with advanced oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer treated between January 1988 and December 1997 were analyzed retrospectively. All patients received 1 to 3 cycles of induction chemotherapy (ICHT) consisting of cisplatin and fluoruracil. Twenty two patiemts (68%) underwent subsequent radical radiotherapy. Histologic and immunohistochemical analyzes of p53, Ki-67 and EGFR were performed in all patients.
Results: Response to induction chemotherapy was obtained in 18 patients (45%). None of the analyzed factors significantly influenced the chance to obtain the response to chemotherapy. The 3-year loco-regional control and overall survival rates in the group of 22 patients treated radically were 20% and 23%, respectively.
Conclusions: Lack of EGFR expression is favorable prognostic factor for overall survival in patients with advanced oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer treated with induction chemotherapy.