BACKGROUND/AIMS
This study was performed to understand the prognostic role of alpha-crystalline B (αBC) in locally advanced laryngeal cancer.
MATERIAL and METHODS
Forty-five patients were enrolled; they were treated with induction chemotherapy followed by definitive radiotherapy. Alpha-crystalline B (αBC) was evaluated using quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction.
RESULTS
Complete response to induction chemotherapy was observed in 16 patients, and partial response was achieved in 27 patients. After radiation therapy, 32 patients showed complete response. The αBC level was significantly higher in the tumor tissues than in the normal adjacent tissues. This level was significantly correlated with the patient’s age, clinical stage, and treatment response. High αBC levels were significantly associated with short overall and disease-free survival.
CONCLUSION
Induction chemotherapy can efficiently preserve the larynx in a high proportion of patients. αBC can be used as a molecular marker for predicting the treatment response and survival in patients undergoing induction chemotherapy.
Keywords: Locally advanced cancer larynx, induction chemotherapy, αB-crystalline, qRT-PCR, prognostic factors