Expression of C-Myc mRNA in squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical significance of C-myc mRNA in patients with tongue cancer.

METHODS:

C-myc mRNA expression was studied by RT-PCR in peripheral blood of 25 tongue cancer patients and 24 controls. C-myc protein expression was studied by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS:

In tongue cancer patients, pretherapeutic C-myc mRNA expression was significantly higher as compared to controls. In tumor tissues, a trend of low expression of C-myc mRNA was noted as compared to pretherapeutic blood. The mean pretherapeutic C-myc mRNA level was lower in tobacco-users, in older patients, in keratinizing tumors, in tumors showed lymphocytic infiltration as well as in non-responders as compared to their respective counterparts. C-myc mRNA expression was lower in tumors showed lymphatic permeation and in patients with a habit of tobacco use. Further, low C-myc mRNA expression associated with poor prognosis. C-myc protein expression was noted in 72% of the tumors and an inverse correlation was noted between C-myc protein expression and disease stage. In early stage disease, an inverse correlation was noted while in advanced stage disease, a positive correlation was noted.

CONCLUSION:

In tongue cancer, downregulation of C-myc mRNA associated with advancement of the disease and worse prognosis.

• Authors: Hemangini H Vora, Neelam G Shah, Trupti I Trivedi, Jignesh V Goswami, Shilin N Shukla, Pankaj M Shah
• Journal: Journal of surgical oncology (J Surg Oncol) Vol. 95 Issue 1 Pg. 70-8 (Jan 01 2007) ISSN: 0022-4790 [Print] United States
• PMID: 17192869 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc
• RNA, Messenger

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Apoptosis
• Carcinoma, Squamous Cell (genetics, metabolism, secondary)
• Down-Regulation
• Female
• Humans
• Immunohistochemistry
• Lymph Nodes (pathology)
• Lymphatic Metastasis
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc (biosynthesis, genetics)
• RNA, Messenger (biosynthesis)
• Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
• Survival Analysis
• Tongue Neoplasms (genetics, metabolism, pathology)