JESSICA LIM, MD; MICHAEL FRIEDMAN, MD; DAVID D. CALDARELLI, MD
JOHN S. COON IV, MD, PHD; HASAN TANYERI, MD; ADAM SCHAFFNER

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

We have previously demonstrated the significance of Bcl-2 overexpression as a negative prognostic indicator in early (T stage 1 and 2) squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. The overexpression of Bcl-2 in early lesions was associated with a cure rate of 50% as opposed to 95% in lesions that did not overexpress the gene marker. A follow-up study was conducted to determine whether Bcl-2 overexpression in advanced (T stage 3 and 4) laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma might also serve as a marker for tumors unlikely to respond to standard treatment (surgery and/or radiation). A retrospective review of the medical records of 100 consecutive patients treated for advanced laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma was conducted. Response to therapy and patient outcome were noted. Laryngeal tissue samples from the patients studied were stained for Bcl-2 and examined for degree of expression. The relationship between overexpression of Bcl-2 in tumor cells and patient outcome was analyzed for prognostic significance. Since future therapy could be altered to provide more aggressive measures when the predicted prognosis is poor, the identification of a reliable prognostic gene marker for laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma should lead to improved patient outcome.