RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 p53 Codon 72 Polymorphism in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck Region JF Anticancer Research JO Anticancer Res FD International Institute of Anticancer Research SP 3301 OP 3305 VO 27 IS 5A A1 BRANT, OMMO A1 HOFFMANN, MARKUS A1 KANAPPILLY, ANTHONY A1 GÖRÖGH, TIBOR A1 GOTTSCHLICH, STEFAN YR 2007 UL http://ar.iiarjournals.org/content/27/5A/3301.abstract AB Background: The impact of codon 72 polymorphism of the human tumour suppressor gene p53 on the risk of developing squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck (HNSCC) remains unclear because of contradictory results found by several studies. Patients and Methods: We genotyped a group of 77 patients with advanced HNSCC by using a direct sequencing method. Results: There were no significant differences in the age of the patients at the time of the first diagnosis nor in the 5-year survival rates. There was no additive effect between different risk factors (alcohol, nicotine) and codon 72 polymorphism. Compared to the frequency of homozygosity encoding for Arg/Arg in the Eurasian population given in literature, the present study has shown a significantly higher frequency of homozygosity for Arg/Arg at codon 72 than commonly detected. Conclusion: These findings may indicate codon 72 polymorphism as a risk factor for HNSCC or point to a high variability of codon 72 polymorphism among ethnic groups. Copyright© 2007 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved