Topoisomerase IIa Protein Expression Patterns in Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

Background/Aim: Topoisomerase II alpha (TopoIIa) is a critical gene associated with response to chemo-therapeutic agents, such as anthracyclines, especially in breast adenocarcinoma. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of aberrant TopoIIa protein expression in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). Materials and Methods: Fifty (n=50) LSCC cases were enrolled in the study. Immunohistochemistry and a digital image analysis assay were implemented. Results: TopoIIa protein overexpression was observed in 32/50 (64%) cases, whereas low expression rates were detected in 18/50 (36%). TopoIIa overall expression presented strong association with the grade of the examined malignant tissues and borderline association with stage. TopoIIa overexpression correlated also with Human papillomavirus (HPV) positivity. Conclusion: TopoIIa overexpression was observed in significant subsets of LSCCs, and correlated predominantly with the grade of differentiation. HPV persistent infection seems to be associated with increased TopoIIa protein expression. TopoIIa expression analysis appears to be critical in identifying sub-groups of patients eligible for specific chemotherapy.